I think back to his condescending words from dinner. Maybe he really does underestimate me that much.
Anyway, after working things out with Blake, this morning I woke up feeling more positive than I have lately. I’m done letting other people dictate my life to me. I’ll find a way out of this. I keep forgetting what I’m capable of, but I always find a way.
Old Daisy never got what she wanted. Daisy the Destroyer can’t take anymore bullshit.
So, even though I have second and third thoughts, I go to campus without the guys. They don’t like it but it’s not like I’m really alone. Two of Sauvage’s men seem to betrailing me whenever I leave the hotel now. Going to my classes actually in person without Shade by my side today, I’m sort of glad they’re around.
I quickly realize as I walk through the halls that I haven't missed this part of college life at all. Traversing the corridors, bumping shoulders with everyone. The crowds of loud students are a barrage on my senses, and I really notice it after the weeks of not being here.
After McKinsey’s class, I see Applegate in the hallway. He still has a bandage around his hand from where he was injured in the lab fire. When he notices me, he calls me over, and the student he was talking to melts into the sea of people around us.
'Miss Evans,' he says carefully. ‘Sure you’re up to being here?'
'Yeah,' I reply. 'I need to be. Besides, I’m fully recovered. Still some headaches, but nothing major.’ I gesture to his bandaged hand. ‘How about you?'
He looks down at it. 'Still healing, but it shouldn’t be too much longer, I’m told.'
I glance around to make sure that no one's actually paying any attention to us. I see Bennett and Casey walking past. Bennett doesn’t look at me. He likes to pretend I don’t exist at all, but always gives me a very wide berth.
'I wanted to ask you about Mav's grant,' I begin, but Applegate just shakes his head, looking around as if he's almost afraid someone will hear as well.
'I can't talk about this with you,' he says quietly. 'I'm sorry, I have no other information, anyway. The grant is gone. There's a team of post grads already in place in the lab. I don't even know what they're researching in there. I've been locked out.'
'Can't you just use your keycard?' I ask, puzzled.
His lip turns upward very slightly. 'I mean metaphorically speaking. They're firing me. They're pretending it's a sabbatical, but I doubt I’ll be allowed back.'
'Why?' I ask. 'Is this because of Andy, too? What does Andy have against you?'
'I have no idea. But I've been told in no uncertain terms that I need to go quietly or I won't get my pension. And to be frank, I'm too old to lose it, Marguerite. I'm sorry. I wish I could have been like your dad. He would have been raising hell over this, but I don't have it in me anymore. Maybe I never did. Maybe it was all him.'
He turns and he's gone before I can even reply.
I go to my next class troubled and deep in thought about what Applegate has said and how the lives of everyone I know are being systematically ruined. Is Andrew doing it on purpose, or is he just a rich asshole who doesn't give a shit, who doesn’t even notice? Maybe I could talk to him alone, make him understand. I don’t particularly want to, but if there’s a chance…
I barely hear the lecture and I’m surprised when everyone starts getting their stuff and filing out of the door. I stand up, slipping my laptop into my bag. When I come out of my class, Sauvage’s guys are waiting. They’re only a few steps back, but there are so many people that when I look back a minute later, I can’t see them anymore.
My arm is yanked hard and I’m pulled into an empty classroom. I’m flung against the wall and an involuntary whimper makes its way past my lips as my head cracks against the concrete. I groan, a little dizzy, and open my eyes to see Marcus.
'Hey, soon-to-be wifey.'
I push myself off the wall with an angry snarl, but he forces my body back again, caging me in with his arms.
'How the fuck did you do it?' he growls. 'How did you kill my brother?'
'I don't know what you're talking about,' I say, glad that my voice comes out strong.
‘Bullshit,’ he laughs, moving back a little. ‘But I guess I should thank you.’
‘Why?’
‘You took out Joe and then with my father's little helicopter accident, I'm head of the family now. Not bad for the fuck-up spare Dad didn't give a shit about.'
He grins and surges closer, pressing me against the wall with his body. I struggle, but he's too strong.
'Get the fuck off me,' I grind out, and he laughs again.
'I'm not like my brother.'
