Saint (Angelview Academy #1) - E.M. Snow Page 0,64
to hurry from the dining hall and away from his toxic presence.
That night, I lay in bed, flipping through the pictures I took on my phone of the day. Carley’s already on her way back to Georgia, and I miss her so much, my heart aches. We spent the rest of the day with Loni and Mr. James, and it became more and more obvious that he and Carley were into each other. I wonder if he’ll call her, or if they’ll try to see each other again?
I hope so. She seemed to really like him.
Sighing, I let my phone drop to the bed and stare up at the ceiling. In the quiet, away from Carley and my friends, my mind can’t help but wander back to that strange encounter with Saint and his father. Mr. Angelle was an even bigger asshole than his son, but there was something about him that makes me uneasy, even now. Something dangerous. The way he was looking at me—as if he were dissecting me bit by bit—still makes me shudder, even though hours have passed.
I almost feel sorry for Saint. Of course, he grew up to be a pompous shithead. The asshole apple doesn’t fall far from the asshole tree.
Forcing the events of the day from my brain, I sit up and reach for the book resting on my nightstand, thinking I’ll read a little before I go to sleep. Before my fingers even brush the cover, though, there’s a heavy knock on my door.
I go completely still with surprise. It’s nearly midnight. Who could be bothering me this late at night?
A second knock sounds, more insistent than the first. Grumbling under my breath, I slide out of bed and pad my way to the door. Twisting the knob, I yank it open, readying to chew out whoever is on the other side, but my words die on my tongue as shock pulses through me.
Saint is standing at my threshold, staring down at me.
“What are you doing here, Saint?”
He points a finger at me and staggers toward me a couple steps. “I came to ask you something.”
His words are slurred and his breath smells like whiskey, even though he’s tried to mask it with his usual cinnamon gum. He’s obviously drunk, and even wobbles slightly as he stands before me. I close my eyes and pray for patience.
“It’s late and you’re wrecked. Go to your own room and go to bed.” I move to shut my door in his face, but he shoves his hand against it to keep it open.
“No.” He shakes his head. “I’m not going anywhere until I fucking ask you my question.”
I purse my lips, annoyed, but I know he’s stubborn and angry enough that he’ll never give me any peace until I let him ask his stupid question.
“Fine,” I sigh, reaching out to grab his arm. “But come inside before you wake up the whole floor.”
“Fuck your floor,” he snaps.
“Just shut up and come in,” I snap right back, yanking him into my room. He stumbles slightly but catches himself before he falls.
Standing up straight, he gazes around, taking in my personal space.
“Fuck, I forgot how shitty Teague Hall really is.”
My hands clench at my sides. Entitled, spoiled, ungrateful prick…
He slowly turns to face me. His expression is intent, his blue eyes darkened by alcohol and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. “Will you please leave?”
I blink at him, certain I’ve misheard. Did he just say please?
“This is my room, Saint, I—”
“No, idiot. Not this room. This school.”
Oh. I suppose that should’ve been obvious.
“I’ve told you before, I’m not going anywhere.” I fold my arms over my chest and boldly meet his gaze.
He stalks toward me. “Mallory … please. I’m asking you nicely.”
“And I’m telling you no nicely,” I say in the fakest, sweetest voice I’ve ever heard. “I don’t care if you slap a please before the order. I’m not leaving Angelview, end of story.”
He stares down at me for several moments, eyes gleaming with frustration, then his eyelids shut, and he releases a heavy sigh.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
It’s the most shocking thing he’s ever said to me.
“Wh-what does that even mean?” I breathe, and his eyes open. I shiver because I can’t help but feel like he’s peeling me down, layer by layer, until he can see into my very soul. “Saint…”
“If you don’t go,” he growls, “then I don’t think I can fucking stay away from you anymore.”