Page 14 of Bite Me

“They’re great friends.”

I scoff.

“What is this about?”

“Nothing. I just feel like this place has history, and everyone knows everyone.”

“Most places in Vviveren do, honey. Dacre’s family is one of Doxlothia’s founding families and has been a major donor for centuries. And since Clyde’s marriage, he has been the chairman of the Donor Program.”

“So they’re extremely rich, then.”

“Precisely.”

That also means my dad and Dacre’s grandfather likely don’t get along. My dad has hated the Donor Program since my mom died. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. She loved volunteering as a donor, but after years in her career as a ballerina while donating, her heart gave out.

He’s not as vocal about it as he used to be, but I see the crinkle in his brow when he mentions it.

“You’re a grown woman. I know you all don’t need me here. I’m not sure your sisters enjoy me crowding into their lives, but it’s good to be back.”

“They’re happy you’re here. Especially me, a little extra. Now I don’t need to call you multiple times a day.”

“Thanks, kiddo.”

So maybe my only way to get into the culinary club is through Dacre, and he’s made it nearly impossible by making a demand he knows I’ll refuse.

I guess that leaves one other option.

Chapter Six

Emma

It’s late when I walk into Luxxia House. It’s the largest house on campus, with chandeliers and a huge corridor that echoes with the chatter and footsteps of my housemates. Tonight, the cornflower-blue walls are bathed in sparkling red lights that blend into a lavender haze.

We’re all required to take tests to get our house assignment in the first semester, and so far, I love mine. All the girls on my floor are so friendly.

Weekday nights sometimes mean performances in Luxxia. There are poetry nights, classical music performances, and karaoke. Right now, there’s a whole band onstage bouncing around and bobbing their heads. Our common room has space for the stage and room to spare for a crowd in front.

I stop, despite my aching feet and tired eyes telling me it’s time to hole myself up in my room.

Because why is Dacre Everhart dancing in the crowd . . . with no shirt on?

We unfortunately share the same house because house assignments aren’t about being placed with like-minded people. They’re meant to force collaboration, and I think we may be testing that to its limits. I’ve seen him many times wandering around, but never shirtless, showing off his tattoos that contrast his ivory skin . . . and his abs.

The longer I watch, the louder the room gets. This was a dare. That, or he’s extremely drunk.

I’m processing this in a completely new way now that I know Dacre might just be part of the richest family on campus. Everyone is rich here, but some take it to the next level. There’s a whole other world out there that I don’t understand. My family was well-off, but after my mom died and my dad quit teaching for years, we got by with less and less.

“Emma! Ah, thank the stars above you’re here. Can you believe it?” Kitty grabs my arm and hands me a cup of punch, motioning to Dacre.

“How did this happen?”

“Well, he was drunk when he came in, and then he took his shirt off like thirty minutes later.”

There’s a group of girls around him, tossing their hair and rubbing against him. I wasn’t sure he had any friends. Maybe they aren’t his friends, just others in Luxxia who want a piece of the spotlight that he so radiantly lives in. I asked around a few times today and heard he gave a student twenty thousand dollars once to stop playing his music so loud next to his room.

“Why does he look . . . good?”

He’s flinging sweat all over the place. It’s strangely hypnotizing. I should just go to my room, but . . . it won’t hurt for me to watch a little longer.