Astrid gags. “I’d rather die alone than ever touch thatmanwhore. I wouldn’t touch him, even with a ten-foot pole.”
“That’s beside the fucking point,” I hiss, hands clutching into balls on my lap. “Are you insane? Sawyer? Out of everyone in this world?”
“He’s so good to me.”
“I don’t give a shit, Astrid,” I hiss. “Do you understand what this means? The moment Sophia finds out about this, she’ll fucking ruin you!”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not scared of Sophia, Soren.”
“Are you really that stupid? The girl smashed my knee with a sledgehammer, and leaked my sex tape because I messed with her grades! What do you think she’ll do to you when she finds out you’ve been seeing her brother?”
Astrid pauses. “She was the one who leaked it?”
“Not the point,” I groan. “What about Mom and Dad, Astrid? They’ll kill you if Sophia doesn’t get you first.”
She looks down at her lap. “I know it will disappoint them. I know, Soren. But…”
“No buts,” I cut her off, voice harsher than needed. Astrid flinches because I’ve never spoken to her in such a manner before. Guilt fills me, but this needs to be done, and I’ll do all the apologizing later on. “End it with Sawyer before anyone finds out. If you don’t, I’ll be the one telling Mom and Dad.”
Her eyes widen. “You wouldn’t.”
“I would, and I will. There’s too much at stake here, Astrid. Our families have been on terrible terms for generations, and no matter how much you’re living in a fairytale world right now, nothing good will come out of this. Think about this, and then end it.”
Astrid swallows down her tears and looks away from me. I focus on Nina for a while, still feeling the blood boil in my veins. I knowI’m being the biggest fucking hypocrite for telling her to end things with Sawyer, when I fucked Sophia not too long ago, but Sophia and I don’t have any emotional attachment.
And I’d rather fucking die than get attached to her.
TWENTY-TWO
“Thank you forthe flower, Damien,” I smile, taking a small sniff of the rose, then handing it to Grace. The three girls don’t seem shocked at all, though they turn their backs to us, sipping on the drinks, and trying to act as though they’re not trying to listen in.
“You’re welcome,” he takes my hand in his, pressing a soft kiss to the back of my palm. “Would you like to dance with me?”
“Sure.”
He holds my hand tightly, leading me through the crowded venue, until we reach the dance floor. The band’s playing a soft song, perfect for a slow dance. His left hand reaches behind, splaying on the small of my back, and pulling me closer to him, the other holding my hand, interlocking our fingers together.
My hand is on his shoulder, and although the proximity isn’t making me uncomfortable, it’s odd. The girls have successfully whispered in my ear, and now I’m second-guessing everything in regards to Damien and his feelings for me.
“You look beautiful, Soph,” he offers a smile. “You’re the mostbeautiful woman here tonight.”
“Ah, flattery?” I laugh as he spins us around. “Can’t say that I mind. Do inflate my ego more, please.”
He deadpans. “I don’t think that’s possible. Your ego’s the size of the academy.”
“Why, thank you.”
Damien chuckles. “How’s the break been treating you?”
“Well, I haven’t gotten any time to rest just yet. But I’ll take the days between Christmas and New Year's to sleep and rest plenty, before going back to the academy for the exams.”
“Mine start on the sixth, which gives you five days to tutor me.”
I wince. “I’m not sure that’s entirely possible, but I promise I’ll do my best.”
“And I promise, I’ll give you a thank-you gift.”
“The bag?”
