Now it’s my turn to smile and look amused. I got under Dimitri’s skin. God, that’s such a great feeling. I want to do it more often, and I promise myself that I will. Two can play this game.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Savina
THE NEXT DAY at school,Darby and I walk towards the cafeteria. It’s louder than usual, and a bunch of students are gathered outside in the hall. As we approach, I notice that all eyes are on me.
“What’s going on?” Darby wonders out loud.
“N-n-no idea,” I tell her.
The crowd parts, allowing us to go through, and that’s when I see him.
Corbin is in the center of the room holding up a big sign.
Confused, I step forward, looking at all the red Solo cups, which are literally filling the room. This must have taken him hours to do. I can’t believe the staff let this happen, but let’s face it — this is Corbin McCall we’re talking about. He looks and acts like he owns the place for a reason. He’s quarterback of the football team and honor roll student with perfect attendance. Besides, his grandparents practicallypaid to have this school built. I mean, the library is named after them, for goodness’ sake.
Walking forward while carefully avoiding several red cups, I read his sign.
Don’t let me go solo to homecoming or through life. Please be my date and my girlfriend?
Oh my god.My cheeks heat with embarrassment. He’s asking me out in front of the entire school. This is more than just a simplepromposal. This is life-changing for me. Considering the lengths Dimitri has gone to ruin my reputation, and now one of the most popular boys in school is asking me to be his dateandhis girlfriend. This means so much more than just a stupid sign. This means everything to me.
I stare at Corbin, blinking, as I stand before him. He looks so hopeful, but I can’t help but wonder if he’s serious or not. Maybe this is all some elaborate prank, like an April Fool’s joke…even though it’s not April.
“Savina Cipriano,” he says, his voice echoing through the cafeteria. “Will you please be my date to homecoming and be my girlfriend?”
My pulse is loud in my ears. “Are you…are you s-s-serious?” I whisper, hoping only he will hear my question.
He grins, the smile touching his brown eyes. “Yes, I’m serious,” he whispers conspiratorially with a wink. “Please don’t leave me hanging. Everyone is watching,” he admits lowly with a wince.
I glance around at all the faces zoned in on me with anticipation, awaiting my answer. I want to tell Corbin no. I know I’m not allowed to date before I get married. In fact, I’m legally bound to it. But then I realize that didn’t stop Dimitri. In fact, he’s been doing everything he can to date whoever he wants all whilst trying to ruin my reputation and my life.
“Uhm,” I hesitate.
Corbin’s face begins to fall, and it all feels like everything is happening in slow motion. I open my mouth to tell him no, but thenmy eyes meet a set of icy blue ones across the cafeteria. Someone tucked in the corner by himself.
Dimitri sits at an empty table, his blazer unbuttoned and tie undone as he glares at me. He’s been watching this whole time. I think about the locker room incident and everything that has led up to this moment. I’m getting sick of hearing him plowing his way through the female population of this school with his dick.
If I’m going to have a boyfriend, shouldn’t it be the most popular guy in school? Maybe it’s my turn to start living my life instead of being afraid of that silly contract that’s been looming over my head for years.
Smirking at Dimitri, I turn my attention back to Corbin and say, “Yes!”
The cafeteria explodes into cheers with chants erupting throughout the crowd. Darby walks up to me and claps her hands in excitement. But when I look back in Dimitri’s direction, I see that he’s gone.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dimitri
I SITIN the back of the cafeteria, brooding. Every few seconds my eyes venture over to the table across the room where Savina sits with her new boyfriend.
Corbin fucking McCall.
I hate him.
And every time I see his hand creep up under the hem of Savina’s shirt, I want to break it the fuck off of his wrist. She playfully slaps his hand away, but I can see the look of desire in his eyes. He wants her. He wants what’s mine. And she ismine. She will always be mine.
And it’s not just because of that stupid, archaic contract — the perfect alliance between two families that love tradition more than they’ll ever love their children. No. The moment I heard her singing in her bedroom and I decided to spare her life, I knew she’d be mine, no matterwhat.
