Page 38 of Heartless Lord
“Yup.” She popped the P like she was blowing bubble gum. “That’s one of the reasons everyone takes this class. An educational reason to get mommy and daddy to fork out big bucks for a school trip.” She shot me a shit-eating grin. “I’m totally going to Indonesia.”
“Well, my broke ass can’t afford any of these places.” I slammed my textbook on the desk and scowled.
“I’m sorry, girl. You should talk to Mrs. Snyder in the financial aid department. Maybe your scholarship can fund it somehow?”
“Doubtful.”
The professor started listing names, and a seed of dread unfurled in my gut. What if I got partnered with one of those horrible girls I’d seen around the café? Like Lorelei or Ashleigh. All they’d done was throw hateful glares since my arrival.
“He wouldn’t flunk me if I can't afford to go on this stupid trip, right?” I whispered.
“No, I’m sure he can’t.”
“Cordelia Chesson and Sophie Madigan,” the professor called out.
Cordi rolled her eyes, dramatically, and grabbed her backpack. “Ugh, wish me luck. Sophie’s a total bitch.”
“Sorry.” I threw her a reassuring smile. “Maybe you can take separate planes.” I snorted on a laugh. Indonesia was a long ass flight from Copper Cove.
“Alexis Vega and...” The laughter died in my throat as I waited for the second name to be announced. “...Killian Davenport.”
No. No. No. My stomach plummeted. Sweat beaded across my brow. I sank my head onto the desk and let out a string of curses that probably had my mom turning in her grave.
Why the hell did I ever come to this university?
CHAPTER 13
I WILL RUIN YOU
Killian
Alexis Vega and Killian Davenport. Those names rang through the classroom like poisoned arrows fired at my chest. Out of all the students stuffed in this auditorium, Lexi and I got paired together? What sins had I committed to warrant such a horrendous punishment?
Maybe it was all the lying and pretending to be the perfect Davenport when I was really a scarred, screwed-up and angry monster inside. Or maybe it was retribution for that night—when I stood over my real father as he choked on his own vomit, waiting for him to die.
The professor’s clap snapped me from the whirlwind of memories threatening to suffocate me.
“Find your partners,” he called out. “You can download your study packets online.”
Lexi stared at me across the room, pale and ready to puke. At least she was as sickened by the thought of working together as I was.
Axel leaned toward me. “Lucky bastard. You get to go on a trip with that smokin’ hot new chick while I’m stuck with the soccer snob Chuck Townsend.”
As those words fell from my roommate’s mouth, flames burst to life in my chest, sending lava through my bloodstream. My fingers curled into fists on the desk, and the urge to slam them into his face and break a few bones dragged over my muscles.
This wasn’t the first time he’d referred to Lexi as hot. Did he make it a habit of staring at her? Did he dream about her?Fantasizeabout her? Fantasize about skimming his fingers over her smooth thighs, between her legs, and inside her warm?—
“You okay, Kill?” Axel asked as he stood, one eyebrow arched as he scrutinized me. “You’re looking a little murderous. And I kind of get the feeling it’s directed at me.”
“Yeah. Fine.” The words shot out between gritted teeth.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and hesitated. “Is it something I said? About the new girl?”
Yes!
“No.” I forced my hands to unfurl and flatten against the desk. “I’m just in a shitty mood.”
Axel’s mouth parted, but instead of speaking, he gave a quick nod and trudged down the aisle to find his partner.
