No time to panic.
I slam my locker shut, deciding I’ll figure it out later. A quick glance at my schedule has me retracing my steps back to one of the halls Axel showed me earlier. Thankfully, my memory holds up, and I find the right room on the first try.
Sliding into an empty desk, I type out a quick text to Ben about the whole stepcousin debacle, and with some obvious amusement, he tells me not to worry. We’ll roll with it.
I exhale, half-laugh, half-nervous groan, and slide the phone back into my bag, just as the teacher enters the room.
Day One: chaos evaded. For now.
Chapter 7
Halfway through the day, I’m officially ready to be homeschooled.
The cafeteria is a nightmare, loud, packed, and overwhelming. The moment I step in, the noise and bodies press in on me like a wall.
I grab a tray of decent-looking food, pay, and slip outside to the attached student courtyard. It’s still too warm to be comfortable, but that means it’s almost empty.
I find a shady table and sit, pulling out my earbuds. The music helps dull the racket in my head. Humming along, I scroll through my phone, grabbing a bite every few minutes.
So far today, both teachers made me introduce myself to the class. Public humiliation, twice before lunch?Stellar.
It’s worked wonders for my popularity. I’ve been catcalled, bullied, judged… all before noon. Jessie wasn’t kidding and Axel couldn’t have been more wrong. This school will eat me alive.
Someone drops into the chair beside me, disturbing my peace. Warily, I pull out an earbud and look over the newcomer. He’s goodlooking. Wears a letterman jacket. Oozes crazy confidence. He must be some type of jock.
“Hey, baby. Mind if I sit here?”
“Actually -”
“Thanks,” he cuts in, settling beside me like we’re old friends. “So, you’re the new girl huh?”
“Yep.”
“I’m Darren.” He flashes a salacious grin. “What’s your name, beautiful?”
“Lina.”
“Luscious Lina!” He winks.
Jesus Christ.No. Just, no.
He barrels ahead before I can correct him.
“So, Luscious Lina… let me take you out on Friday.”
Not a question. A demand.
“Oh, I already -”
“Great!” He slides closer, making me feel clammy.
“What do you do for fun, Luscious Lina?”
Before I can answer, his hand lands on my knee. I freeze.
“I bet you’re a real dirty girl, huh?” he murmurs, eyes raking over my body. Predatory. Wrong. “You look innocent, but I can tell. You have that fuckable look about you. Tell me… has someone already popped that cherry?”
His fingers move higher. I try to shove his hand off, but in response, he grips tighter. My surroundings dim. His voice becomes white noise—just vile, buzzing filth. My heart races. My throat locks up. Tears spill over, hot and silent.
