Page 62 of The Monster I Am
Before the Dean can speak, words failing to coherently form, the intercom dings. The familiar nasally voice filters through, laced with an edge of annoyance and panic.
“Sir—he’s here. He’s demanding to be let in.”
Wow. These men don’t play around.
Dean Lannister presses the button. “He can wait, Elizabeth. This only concerns me.”
The door swings open and we both turn to look. My eyebrows nearly disappear into my hairline at the figure in the doorway. Here I was expecting Rylan or Hunter to come charging in, but instead, there’s another familiar face—one I haven’t seen in quite awhile.
“Principal Samson,” I murmur, eyes dancing with amusement as I stand.
His gray eyes scan over the uniform with a look of perplexity. The usual dark blond strands are pulled back into a low ponytail,and when I spot movement behind him, it takes all my willpower to stay composed as Mr. Martin follows him inside.
“Actually, Marcus, thisdoes notsolely concern you,” Principal Samson says coolly. “Just because you currently have supervision of my students, it does not give you the right to exclude Cedar Heights’ involvement.”
I’m stuck in the middle of the two men as they shoot laser beams out of their heads at one another. Mr. Martin gives me a wink from over the shoulder of our Head Educator, and I bow a little curtsy, holding my—Liv’s—skirt out slightly like the lady I am.
“Ridiculous!” Dean Lannister scoffs, and I have the sneaky suspicion he’s referring to me. “What occurs at Willowbrook is under my jurisdiction. Your student is liable for the consequences.”
Oh. So I’m just some student now. Cool beans.
Mr. Martin steps forward to join me in the middle of the room, offering silent support. “Well, according to what was reported to us, Ms. Spencer and Mr. Roberts were attacked earlier today. I assume you’re dealing with that accordingly?”
I turn to look at Dean Lannister, portraying the perfect face of innocence. “Yeah, look,” I say, lifting the cheer top slightly to reveal a growing bruise on my ribcage. “I was injured while under your care. And by a rather large male footballer, I might add.”
Cold eyes narrow on my face, clearly dismissive of the evidence. Let’s be real—neither of us are overly fazed by the physical attack. Perkins could have a dick, a nice DD rack, or chicken wings and I’d feel the same. But… this man is all about appearances and reputation. He knows that we could twist this. I’ve never been one to play the victim, I’d rather be seen as strong, but I could totally be the damsel in distress.
And be rescued by his son’s large, beautiful cock. Okay. I’ll stop now.
“That is news to me,” he replies shortly. “I can only deal with matters that I am aware of.”
Principal Samson’s voice darkens. “Are you saying that two students were attacked while on academy property and you neglectfully failed to take notice?”
Ooh. Checkmate. I knew I missed this guy.
“You… didn’t know?” I mumble in an exaggerated tone of defeat. “Are we not safe here?”
Mr. Martin puts a hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze in a clear warning to shush. “I think what Bexley is saying is that you should perhaps take all matters into consideration before disciplining her. From what I can see, it appears there are multiple parties involved. If you deem punishments as suitable measures to deal with what has occurred, it would only be fair to ensure all students are held accountable.”
Lannister Senior’s face hardens, cheeks hollowing as he sucks on invisible sour candy. “Ms. Spencer,” he starts, turning slowly to face me. “You are excused for now. However, you are to promptly return the academy attire immediately.”
“This thing?” I question, fluffing out the skirt for dramatic flare. “Unfortunately, I don’t have any spare clothes sincemyuniform was covered in garbage.”
“Elizabeth!” Dean Lannister snaps, the woman darting in way too quickly. What a nosey mouse. “Find a spare uniform for Ms. Spencer and ensure she’s escorted to her next class.”
She nods, flushed. “Yes, sir.”
Mr. Martin removes his hand from my shoulder, offering me a fist bump which I take as I head toward the door. Stopping for a brief second when I reach Principal Samson, his face softens and he gives me a small nod.
“Off you go, Bexley. Stay out of trouble.”
“For you?” I grin. “Always.”
Bex:Tell me more about this idea. It better not be that you want to picture me as Liv.
Ry:Who? Never heard of that psycho before in my entire life. Speaking of psychos, Soph is here berating her brother in your honor. Where are you?
Bex:I’m just heading to the restroom to remove these gym shorts from my ass. I’m certain they purposefully gave me the wrong size as torture. I’ll come find you after.
