The Order: Hit and Run by Emma Cole Page 0,16
still be open, or at least a vending machine. However, stealth doesn’t matter when Jaeger is lying in wait for me.
“You’re still wearing his rings,” he says.
“What does it matter what I wear? And why is that your business?” I go to walk past him out the door when he snags my wrist.
“It is my business when what you do reflects on me, as the Headmaster reminded me while you took your nap. You’ll abide by the rules, or you’ll be kicked out, just like you were out of our parents’ house.” He’s stone cold serious, and I'm not sure if he realizes it, but his grip is getting tight enough to sting.
“Jaeger, I think you have a problem, and it’s not mine. Mom may kowtow to your dad, but the only man that I’d even consider obeying was yanked away from me on our wedding day. Don’t fucking try me, bro.” That manages to get under his skin. For whatever reason, he’s never liked the distinction.
“You know damn well I’m not your brother. We only met three years ago, so knock that shit off. Maybe it would be better if you left now since things are only going to get worse for you if you stay.” He abruptly releases my wrist— as if he's only just noticed he was holding it, and I pull it up to rub at the red mark his grip left. He’s never touched me in an ill manner before, even when his sidekick stalked my every move, and it's unsettling to say the least.
“Fine, you’re not my brother, but you can keep your hands to yourself all the same. And you can’t make me quit. I’ll get my grades, get my degree, and get the payout that’s the least Damien’s dickhead of a father could have allowed already.” I barely get the words out before Jaeger is advancing on me, menace in every step. My back hits the wall, and his palm settles over my racing heart, pinning me in place.
“Never, and I mean not ever, talk about Damien or his family in that manner again. Do you understand?” I nod, only wanting to escape.
I don’t understand what’s happened since I took a nap, but Jaeger has gone nuts. This is deja vu to the night I went to the lake house with Ash and his friends. It was like a switch had flipped in Damien, and now Jaeger is acting odder than usual. I edge away and slip out the door, heading for my car. I need a break already, and it’s only barely begun.
On my way down I plan how to make the situation palatable enough to get through it. Switching rooming assignments is a no go, but I can work with that. I’ll just have to learn their schedules and try to avoid them as much as possible. Which reminds me I haven't even seen the others yet. A sigh escapes me as I get in my car and start it up to move it to the student parking before hunting down the cafeteria.
They’re closing down for the night, but one of the workers takes pity on me and loads me up with an actually appetizing lasagna and a bag full of goodies she was going to have to throw out anyway. Making my way back to the dorm with my dinner, I take the opportunity to mark where some of the halls are by their names illuminated in the spotlights on the exterior. Most of my classes should be close together from what I could tell on the map, instead of across campus. This time around, I pass a few other students but avoid drawing attention to myself. Plenty of time later if I want to make friends.
The living room is empty, and based on the noises coming from the bedroom directly across from mine, I’d say someone has company. Ugh, boys. I nearly tiptoe to my room, trying to stay undetected, and manage to get into my room and close the door without encountering anyone. After stuffing my face with the surprisingly good cafeteria food, I stow the leftovers on the dresser, not interested in braving the living area, and half-assed brush my teeth with mouthwash from my purse and my finger.
Chapter Six
The straight-backed desk chair I’d shoved under the doorknob wakes me as the sliding feet make rubbing noises against the hardwood floor. I bolt upright and dash for the door, slamming it shut and twisting the lock