Then I’ll be free.
My gaze drifted across the sky, tracking a slow-moving cloud, soft and weightless.
“And remember, even on vacation, you are Drake ambassadors. Your behavior must reflect that,” the principal declared, surveying the room with military precision.
Dyson groaned quietly beside me.
“Be prepared for another year of success upon your return. You may now rise quietly. Enjoy your vacation.” With a crisp nod, she stepped away.
The room erupted into chatter as students excitedly shared their vacation plans, a buzz of energy crackling through the vast hall.
Dyson and I stepped outside, fist-bumping as we made our way back toward the dorm.
I flopped down onto my bed, waiting for my driver to arrive. Dyson was leaving the following afternoon, after his parents returned to the family estate in Ascot from their business trip.
My gaze landed on my packed suitcases before shifting to Dyson’s clothes sprawled from one side of the room to the other. “You’d better tidy up your junk.”
I grabbed one of his crumpled shirts, took aim, and fired it to where he lay sprawled across the bed. “If the supervisor sees this mess, you’ll be getting detention on your first day back. Again.”
“It’s a work in progress,” he said, tossing a rolled-up shirt into his half-empty case before launching another one straight at my head.
With a smirk, I stretched out on my bed, watching him pack. I checked the time again. The Cartier watch was a birthday gift from my father—the latest model, but otherwise the same gift he gave me every year.
A sharp knock sounded at the door, I jumped up as Dyson scrambled to his feet, shoving the last of the clothes into his suitcase. The door swung open, and we both straightened as the boarding house supervisor strode in. “Karson, may I speak with you?” he asked, as if it were a request.
“Yes, sir.” I stepped forward, pulling my shoulders back.
“Your father has informed me there has been a change to your vacation arrangements.”
My heart sank to my stomach as he clasped his hands behind his back and pointed his sharp chin at me.
“He has unexpected business to attend to, so you won’t be joining them for your vacation.” His voice scraped like sandpaper over an old tabletop.
My eyes dropped to the floor.
“Instead, you will join Dyson and his family. Your flight from JFK to Heathrow has been finalized. Questions?” His watery eyes showed nothing.
“No, sir.” The words tasted bitter as they caught in my throat.
I’d vacationed with the Khans countless times before, but my heart had already left for home… I could almost picture myself there, laughing with Gus—my father’s chauffeur—who’d always felt more like a father to me than my own.
“Let me remind you that you are a Drake Academy student. Lift your chin, boy.”
I drew in a slow breath, forcing my head up.
“Dinner is at six sharp.” He turned toward the door. “Do not be late and be prepared for your departure tomorrow.” A moment later, the door clicked shut behind him.
Sighing, I lay face down on the bed. Deep down, I’d known they’d cancel. Why would they change their plans for me?
“Now I won’t get to see Gus,” I said quietly, swallowing the lump in my throat. I stared out the window at the stream of cars leaving through the school gates. “And I’ll miss the kickboxing tournament in Sydney… I really thought I could win this year.”
“Gus’ll still be there next time, and we’ll find you a tournament in London. Besides, now you get to spend the vacation with me. Honestly, what could be better than that, right?” He flashed a grin.
I let out a quiet laugh.
“I hear Dad’s added a Lotus to the collection too. We can take it for a little joyride. And we can even go riding again. Who knows? You might even stay on this time.”
I smirked, remembering the disaster that unfolded the last time I’d visited his estate. I’d fallen off the horse before we’d even made it out of the stables.
