to drive me home when I found Ever’s Range Rover missing from the parking lot after school. I guess I should have expected that. By the last bell, the rumor that spread like wildfire was completely extinguished. That didn’t mean it was over for me, though. Ever would come for his pound of flesh, and I’d be waiting.
I think it was safe to say we were no longer dancing around each other. Ever and I had locked horns.
“Do you think you’ll be okay?” Tyra said as she parked next to Ever’s Range Rover in the driveway.
I nodded, but she was too busy ogling McNamara manor to notice.
“I’ll be fine. What’s he going to do, kill me?” I’d meant to lighten the mood and ease her worry, but Tyra’s frown only deepened.
“Just be careful, okay?”
I assured her I would because she seemed to need it. I damn sure wasn’t afraid of that pompous prick. We had exchanged numbers hours before, so I promised to call her later before I headed inside.
“Oh, there you are,” Rosalyn greeted. “Ever said you made a friend and caught a ride with her instead.” I was getting sick of that cunning bastard’s web of lies. “I’m so happy for you.” Most mothers would hug their daughter at hearing the news, but Rosalyn and I weren’t most mothers and daughters. Rather than a warm hug she offered a wavering smile. “I suppose I don’t need to ask how your first day went.”
“Uneventful,” I lied. “Headmaster Burns said I have to wear the tie.”
“Honey, I have to be honest. I was shocked that you even wore the skirt.”
“Yeah, well, it was the lesser of two evils.” There was no way in hell I’d wear the dress. The dorky pants were even worse. I used the excuse of homework to escape upstairs before she could ask more questions. Homework assigned on the first day was a tradition I was unfamiliar with, but I wasn’t surprised. Brynwood’s sole mission was to prepare their pupils for the finest universities.
And with Ever declaring war, I welcomed the distraction.
My room would be my safe haven until I figured out how to deal with him.
A couple of hours later, I closed my textbook. The work had been challenging but not too grueling. I stood, stretched, and considered a shower before dinner. Thomas had come up an hour ago and announced that we’d all be having dinner together.
I could hardly wait.
After my shower, I threw on a pair of cotton shorts and a tank and then followed the flavorful smells into the dining room. Thomas and Rosalyn were already seated, as was Ever, who slouched in his seat, his attention completely fixed on his phone.
“There you are,” Rosalyn greeted, drawing Ever’s gaze. “I was just about to send someone up for you.”
I found it hard for some reason to focus on anything but Ever. He looked rather smug about it as he slid his phone into his pocket and sat up. He’d taken off the sweater but kept on the rest of his uniform.
Thomas sat at the head of the table with his hands steepled, and Rosalyn sat at the other end clutching her glass of water. My place was set in the middle…directly across from Ever. Moments after I took my seat, someone appeared with my plate and a glass of water. I was eagerly slicing my steak when Thomas turned to me.
“So how was your first day at Brynwood?”
I paused and thought my answer over. “It was…interesting.”
“Interesting? How so?”
“The atmosphere was different.” Brynwood had privilege written all over it, making my old high school seem like a jungle in comparison. The teachers were far more innovative, and even the student’s engagement exceeded the norm. Thomas was waiting for me to explain, but I didn’t want to admit that it had been intimidating, especially with his son as a witness, so I said, “It was nice not having to share a textbook.”
“Everything you’ll need was taken care of in your tuition. I saw your transcripts. You’re a smart girl. Money shouldn’t impede your education.”
I wasn’t moved by his attempt to win my affection with fine things, but I was also playing a game with his son that I had every intention of winning, so I flashed a darling smile and thanked Thomas for his generosity. Rosalyn beamed proudly from her end of the table while Ever watched me through narrowed eyes.
“I also learned something interesting about Ever.”
“Oh?” Thomas’ gaze flitted to his son, but