Darcy moves to the side, and I see him sat in the far corner of their table, hoody pulled on like the first time we met, eyes covered but I know they’re on me. I can feel them. I sit tall as I meet him head on, I refuse to cower like I know he expects.
Darcy is talking to one of the girls, overly gesturing with her hands, giving me the ick, I hate when girls do that. Making sure everybody’s focus is on them, and they are the centre of attention.
Everyone’s attention is on her. Especially the boys. All except one.
Darcy says something I can’t hear but it looks like it is aimed at Asher, he doesn’t respond.
As everyone on their table turns to him, they must see his focus elsewhere because every face turns towards me. I still don’t give in.
Darcy and the others glance between us like they are at a tennis match, and I smirk at the anger brewing beneath the blonde’s surface from where I can see her in my peripheral.
Our hold is broken however when Darcy reaches out to pull Asher’s jaw towards her and places a kiss, with a little too much tongue if you ask me, over his mouth.
He looks away and I grin with the fact I won our staring match.
Ruella 1 Asher 0
“What was that?” Corden says peering between the two tables amused.
“What?” I reply then shovel a mouthful of salad into my mouth.
A shout from over the other side has us snapping our head over to Asher again. Darcy is stood shouting at his retreating form, but he ignores her and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The rest of the room is silent as she picks up her bag and chases after him, red faced and tears fighting to stay between her lids.
“That!” Corden continues pointing to the exit. “What was that between the three of you?” I shrug. “Wait, did you get with Asher or something?”
“How do you know him? I thought you just transferred?” I ask trying to change the subject.
“I did. But everyone knows who Asher Vander is! His family practically owns every business in the UK in some way,” He looks at me like I’m mad.
“He’s a Vander?” I ask. I truly had no clue. It’s not like my father gave me time to research people before dropping me off in the middle of nowhere.
“Err, yeah,” Corden scoffs. “So, spill,” He demands.
I sigh. “Honestly there is nothing to spill. He cornered me this morning trying to intimidate me, and his girlfriend got the wrong impression. Now I’m a boyfriend stealing slut,” I smirk. “Now, Deena,” I say casually, “do you mind if I ask where I could find student records?”
Her brows pull together, suspicion clouding her face. “Why?”
“Mr. Chapman mentioned something odd about my file. I just want to check it,” I lie without flinching.
“So… are you planning toaskfor it?” she presses. “Ortakeit?”
I hesitate. She seems like the kind of girl who might run straight to a faculty member, but there’s something about her, something quiet and sharp, that makes me pause. She might be more than she lets on.
Corden, meanwhile, is grinning like this is all a game. His eyes dance with mischief, definitely not someone who has a problem bending a few rules.
“Take it,” I admit finally, lowering my voice. “only a quick peek at my own. There’s some information I’d rather not have floating around the staff,”
Deena studies me for a long moment, clearly weighing the risk. I can practically see her running through the consequences in her head. My stomach knots. Maybe I’ve misjudged her. Maybe this was a mistake.
“One condition,” she says at last, surprising me. “I want to come with you. I want to check my own file,”
Shit. How am I supposed to hunt down Marlowe’s records with her breathing over my shoulder?
“Me too,” Corden pipes up. “There’s nothing in my file I wouldn’t want out there, but I’m curious. Plus, no way am I getting left out of this,” He flashes a grin like he’s already halfway down the hallway.
I groan.For fuck’s sake.Who knew making friends would be this bloody tedious?
Still, I weigh my options. A partner is one thing. Two is a liability. But... two might also get me access I wouldn’t otherwise have.
