Broken Knights (Gifted Academy #4) - Michelle Hercules Page 0,62

Rosie, no more outbursts in front of strangers. That was irresponsible of you.”

She shrinks into herself as she dips her chin. “I’m sorry. I just panicked.”

The old me would offer her a comforting remark, but I can’t keep babying her. She could have landed us in big trouble earlier.

She glances at me, then at Toby, who also doesn’t say a word. No surprise there; she’s been acting like a total ass toward him because of the Renata deal. Her lower lip quivers, and I fear waterworks are not far behind. We’re saved from a scene when Harry and Artex stop by the entrance and stick their heads inside.

“Good morning, folks. Ophelia told me you’re having breakfast,” Harry says.

“Well, we didn’t even start yet,” I say.

“Oh, no worries. We just came by to see if you’re finding everything to your satisfaction. There was a bit of worry earlier when the young one thought you had disappeared.”

“Everything is fine. And no disappearances. We just got hungry early.” I force a fake smile.

“Ophelia gave us a tongue-lashing when she saw your accommodations,” Artex says. “You will have better mattresses and sheets tonight.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t trouble yourselves.” Hopefully we won’t have to spend another night.

“It’s no trouble at all,” Harry pipes up. “Oh, by the way, I’ve scheduled an assembly in an hour so you can meet everyone. They’re beyond excited to meet you, Daisy.”

“Great. I can’t wait,” I reply with false enthusiasm.

The brothers finally leave us alone, talking animatedly as they go. As for me, I have gremlins in my stomach, which make me lose my appetite.

“What’s wrong, babe? You look whiter than a ghost,” Phoenix asks.

“I hate being in the spotlight.”

The corners of his lips twitch upward, and his eyes dance with amusement. “Really? I’d never thought you were crowd shy.”

Oh God. He’s thinking about my brief foray as a stripper. I’d throttle him if we were alone. For now, I settle for a death glare.

Xavier squeezes my shoulder. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll be by your side.”

“That’s perfect, actually.” Rufio claps his hands, getting a crazy intense look in his eyes. “The mines will be empty during the assembly. Rosie, Felicity, and I can take that opportunity to scavenge some raw lightning-glass for our escape plan.”

No one objects to Rufio’s idea, but I can’t shake off the feeling that bad things are coming our way.

24

Daisy

I force breakfast down my throat, despite my stomach twisting in knots. I can’t afford to turn down food. With the way our situation keeps changing and with our imminent break away from camp, I have to keep up my strength.

Once everyone has their bellies full, Felicity begins to pack all nonperishable food items in bags.

“What are you doing?” Phoenix asks.

“If we’re planning on going on the run again, we have to be prepared. Don’t just stand there gawking. Help me pack. I’ll drop this off in our bungalow before we head to the mines.”

“Good call, Fefe,” I say.

Bryce places his hand on my lower back and asks, “Ready to meet your fans?” There’s a small smile plastered on his lips, but his eyes aren’t playful.

“Sure.”

Rufio bumps Phoenix to the side. “Go on. I’ll help here.”

“What about me?” Renata asks. She’s been so quiet during the entire time that I almost forgot she was here.

“You can’t come to the mines with us, so I suppose tag along with Daisy.” Rufio shrugs.

She glances at me, projecting an insecure aura that I hadn’t been able to pick up until now. Rosie’s animosity toward the girl hasn’t decreased much though. She’s filled with hate, just like I was before I joined Gifted Academy. But as much as it would be easier to cling to the dark feeling, I know deep in my heart that’s not the way. If I want the world to change, I have to start with me.

“You can come, Renata. We could use extra muscle,” I tell her.

She smiles from ear to ear, and the gesture illuminates her entire face. “Thank you.”

Rosie makes a disgruntled sound in the back of her throat, but I ignore her. Toby steps closer to her and tries to give her a kiss on the cheek, but she turns her face away. His expression becomes crestfallen, and redness spreads through his cheeks. Shaking my head, I let out a heavy sigh. If Rosie doesn’t change her attitude, she might end up losing her boyfriend.

Wanting to get this circus show over with, we head out. Xavier is a little ahead of us, and I’m