I’m shocked by the concern in his voice. It’s very un-Baxter-like. I frown. What’s got him all wound up and twitchy?
“I’m fine, Batman. Just hungry, and Elsie has explained that a few students seem to still be holding a grudge over my exit strategy.”
“Haha. Okay, I’ll be there in five.” He hangs up. It’s not like him tonotwant something in return – that’s how Baxter works – so I’m annoyed. I’m guessing one of the guys has bribed him to help me.
Elsie grabs a change of clothes, and we both head back to my room so I can change. School rules, we have to be put together at all times, and I’m grateful Laura had winter clothes sent over. Even though I hate having to take anything from that woman, it beats freezing my tits off. I have never been so cold in my life.
Elsie watches me pull out my clothes to get dressed in: two pairs of leggings; a pair of jeans; three pairs of socks; those gorgeous boots that were a gift from the guys; layers of shirts and long-sleeved shirts; a jumper and my coat; along with my beanie. Yes, it's that damn cold here. My bones feel like they are constantly going to break from all my shivering and shaking.
“You know it’snotthat cold here, right?”
“Speak for yourself, you’re acclimatised.”
“You’re going to be a hot sweaty mess if you wear all of that to dinner. You can’t exactly start a strip show in the dining hall! Besides, we’ll be outside for all of five minutes.”
Hmm, she may have a point. I’m stubbornly considering pulling it all on anyway now that I’ve hunted it all out though.
I watch as Elsie crosses over to my boxes of clothes and gently rummages through until she pulls out whatever the hell it is that she’s looking for. A single pair of black leggings, one pair of socks and a long-sleeved shirt that’s so thin it’s almost see through. I look at her like she’s crazy.
“These socks and leggings are thermal. They have a furry lining. And the shirt is silk, it’s a base layer you can wear underoneother shirt. I promise that’s all you’ll need. Trust me.”
I give her the stink-eye, but take the clothes from her and quickly dress. I keep the boots, coat and beanie though. Elsie answers the door while I search the boxes for gloves. Baxter doesn't wait to be invited in, I hear him move across the room.
I find what I’m looking for and look up at Baxter. My knees go a little weak; I’m not immune to his devilish good looks.
“Well, don’t you look sinfully delicious?” He smiles and shakes his head at me. “So what do I owe you for being our chaperone?”
“Nothing this time, you’re actually doing me a favour. My grandfather was trying to force me to go to one of those rich asshole events, and you just gave me an out.”
I raise my eyebrow and smirk at him. “Soooo, you owe me then?” His laugh is pure evil, and I know that I should be scared of him, but I’m just...not. Elsie, however, shudders at the sound. Maybe she has a better survival instinct than I do.
“I wouldn’t go that far, but I’m happy to repay you in sexual favours.”
“Eww, I’m in the room!” Elsie says, making gagging sounds.
“You can record it,” Baxter says to Elsie and winks at her. She huffs and leaves the room, Baxter and I follow. We all head down to the dining hall, and I try hard not to duck behind them andhide. I need to show my face so everyone that’s here will get used to seeing me again.
As we line up to get food, a guy I’ve never seen before shoulder barges me, pushing his way in line. It smarts a little, but I’ve had worse. Doesn’t stop me from throwing a dirty look his way.
“Asshole,” I mutter under my breath.
“Oh look, it’s the bitch who outed us all.” As far as opening lines go, his game is weak. Before I can respond though, Baxter steps in front of me in what can only be described as a protective manner.
“Step down, Masters, no one cares you ruined a damn yacht,” Baxter scoffs. “Poor little rich boy gets sent from the Elite to the criminal. What a painful demotion that must have been.”
“She’s a stupid bitch. I hear her protection has run out. I guess being a whore got her ass dumped.”
Baxter steps up to this Masters kid, chest to chest, and the fear in Masters’ eyes is immediately evident.
I saw enough here last term: Baxter is silent and hides in the shadows, everyone knows he’s someone you shouldn’t cross but some – stupid – kids think that it’s all hearsay.
“Watch your mouth before I cut out your tongue.”
“Really? I heard all about big bad Baxter...but it’s convenient your files were never posted.”
Baxter pulls a knife out of thin air and in the blink of an eye has it pressed against Masters’ throat, whose eyes are like saucers.
“See...the problem with you rich kids is that you’re here because Daddy didn’t want to pay the money to bail your ass out. Too busy saving the pennies for his new yacht. My crimes are real and I could kill you right here and it would be cleaned up, hushed up, and forgotten about before morning. Because I have more money than God.”
