Page 102 of Twilight of Embers
My lab partner from bio was in this class, too, and she sent the girl a glare, moving closer to me. Her dark hair swung in front of her face like a shield, but I could still make out the scar marring her cheek. “Are you okay?” she whispered.
I saw the tremble in her hands and knew it had taken everything in her to just ask the simple question.
I did my best to give her a genuine smile but knew it fell short. “I’m okay. People are idiots.”
She glanced at the mean girl two rows back. “People are the worst.”
I slung my backpack over my shoulder. “Some of the ones here definitely are.”
Wren shoved her hands into her pockets. “I hope they leave you alone soon.”
Before I could say another word, Wren hurried toward the classroom door. I frowned at her. She was possibly the first genuine person I’d met at Evergreen, other than my guys.
“Have fun sucking dick for room and board,” a guy spat as he walked by me.
I let out a sigh. And Wren might be the last genuine person I met here, too.
The moment I stepped out of the classroom, I was flanked by two enforcers. One wore a scowl, but the other gave me a kind smile. “Ready to head home, Hayden?”
I nodded. “What’s your name?”
“Pete,” he answered with a grin. “And this is Terry.”
“Nice to meet you both. Thanks for taking me…back.” It felt wrong to say home when I knew Easton and Maddox didn’t want me there.
“Of course. We’ll get you home safely,” Pete assured me.
We got a few sidelong glances and whispers as the two of them escorted me out of the building. I could only imagine what the rumors would be tomorrow. And all thanks to Delaney. I wouldn’t wish her harm, per se. But I would wish her a lifetime of stepping on Legos in bare feet.
When we made it to the parking lot, two more guards joined our group. And while Easton’s G-Wagon was gone, the two blacked-out SUVs were still present.
Terry moved to the back door of one and held it open for me. I scooted into the center seat while he and another enforcer flanked me. Pete and a fourth guard got into the front.
The ride home was silent, and I was thankful that no one tried to make conversation. I was exhausted. All I wanted was a long shower and to climb into a bed, alone.
Pete pulled to a stop in front of the gorgeous home, one I never thought I’d call my own, even in my wildest dreams. But I also never would’ve had a clue how many strings came with it.
The enforcers piled out of the vehicle, and I followed.
Pete inclined his head toward the house. “Go on in. We’ll be patrolling the premises.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
When I stepped inside, the silence swirled around me, and I realized I didn’t have the first idea of where to go. The feeling of being out of place surged, and pressure built behind my eyes.
I stood in the entryway for a long moment, just staring at nothing, before a voice broke into my thoughts.
“Hayden,” Knox called.
I looked up to find him, and he grinned down at me.
“Come upstairs. I have something to show you.”
Fatigue swept through me, but I had no reason not to go with him. I trudged up the stairs until I reached the third floor.
Worry spread over Knox’s expression. “Rough day?”
“Not all sunshine and rainbows,” I admitted.
