to simply leave me in New York. Nina certainly wouldn’t have objected.
“That reminds me. Maverik,” Richard called to his son. “I need you to take Katya to Bedford Academy tomorrow for her evaluation. Introduce her to some of the teachers and show her around.”
Maverik turned his heated stare towards me, and a chill ran down my spine. I didn’t want my future at this new school to be in jeopardy because Maverik was pissed he was forced to babysit me. This was his opportunity to get back at me for the pranks.
“I’m sure I would be fine on my own,” I assured Richard.
I could still feel Maverik’s eyes on me, but I kept my head held high and ignored him. I wasn’t going to let a spoiled rich boy intimidate me.
“Nonsense,” Richard told me. “I’m sure Mav would be happy to do it. Right?” he said forcefully to Maverik.
Why was Richard so determined to force the boys to interact with me? He couldn’t be oblivious to the fact that they hated me.
“Of course, Dad,” Maverik growled. “I’ll take very good care of sweet little Katya.” He bared his teeth at me, and I was immediately worried.
He was going to spend all night planning something horrible to do to me - I knew it. But instead of shrinking back, I leaned forward and narrowed my eyes at him. If he wanted to do battle, bring it. I sent him a very clear fuck you with my eyes, and he smiled with a challenge glimmering in his.
“It’s a shame you’ll be busy tomorrow,” Nina told me with a saccharine smile. “I was hoping that we could get our nails done together.”
I turned and gave her a smile that was just as fake. “Thanks, Mother. But I’m sure we’ll have so many more mother/daughter bonding opportunities before school starts. We’ve gotten to know each other so well over the last week.”
Nina didn’t even blink at the blatant lie; she just smiled back at me. “You’re right, darling. I just have so much time to make up for.”
“I hope we always get to spend this much time together,” I told her with a warm smile. And by ‘this much,’ I meant zero.
Something dark glittered in the depths of her eyes, and I wondered if I had gone too far. Richard didn’t notice the tension between us, or maybe he chose to ignore it. Either way, he acted like he was pleased we were getting along so well.
I glanced over at Maverik to see him watching me thoughtfully. I knew that nothing about that conversation had gotten past him. I just wished I knew what he was thinking.
I sighed in defeat. “What time is my appointment at the school tomorrow?”
Richard beamed at me. “They’re expecting you at ten in the morning, but I’m sure Mav will want to get you there early so that he has time to give you a full tour.”
“What about me?” Kingston interrupted. “I give excellent tours.”
Richard gave him a warm smile. “I’m glad you want to be a part of taking care of your new sister.”
“Who’s codependent now?” I muttered under my breath. Richard might criticize me for spending too much time with Ryan, but I’d never seen Maverik or Kingston do anything apart either.
Granted, I’d only known them for a short time, so maybe they were only like this in the summer, but I doubted it. By the glare that Maverik directed in my direction, I was pretty sure that he had heard what I said. I tossed my hair back and gave him a sweet smile that was sure to irritate him.
After the dinner that I barely touched, I escaped back to my room. I paced back and forth a few times, then took off the stupid dress and threw it across the room. I was restless and antsy, and I needed to dance. I knew I shouldn’t, I knew I should take the night off and rest, but I needed it. I quickly dressed in my leotard and tights and then grabbed the bag with my ballet shoes.
I listened carefully at the door, but I couldn’t hear any signs of the two guys. I didn’t want to deal with anymore verbal sparring tonight, I just wanted to be alone. I took the south stairs in an attempt to avoid everyone and felt ridiculous even saying that. When you had to name all the different staircases in your home, it should be a warning sign that it’s too