Page 37 of Deposed

London, SW10 0XG

Doors close at 9:30pm

Dress for sex

RSVP: [email protected]

A palpitation reverberated in my chest. The party was in less than a week! Now, I knew why Charlotte had suddenly become popular with all the boys. The likes of Coates would follow any girl hosting a sex party.

My tongue darted out to lick my lips. This kind of scandal would bury her so deep, she would never resurface. With hands that trembled, I picked the invitation up and stuffed it in my pocket. First period could go hang. I rushed back into my room, turned on the burner phone, and sent Jackie a copy of the invitation.

She texted back immediately, saying she could fit me up with hidden cameras and could put together a team in a van to monitor the party. My mouth dried. Even though I’d told Rudolph my spying days were over, I had to make an exception for Charlotte.

Chapter 12

For the next few days, excitement brimmed in my belly, especially when the temperature rose, and Charlotte appeared in the dining hall without the neck brace, head-bandage, and crutches. Only the thinnest of strips adorned her unblemished nose, making me wonder if that had been for show, too. My glee at exposing Charlotte must have shown on my features because one evening after dinner, the boys cornered me in Edward’s study.

“You’re up to something,” said Blake. “I’ve been watching you.”

I lowered myself onto the Chesterfield sofa and folded my hands on my lap. “Whatever do you mean?”

Henry stood in front of me with his arms folded over his broad chest. “Did Bachmann return to the UK?”

I shook my head and stared into his green eyes. “He was in Vienna the last time I checked. Why?”

Blake sat at my side and placed his hand on my bare leg. “Someone’s gotten you excited, and it isn’t any of us.”

“Is this an intervention?” I asked.

“If you like.” Edward lowered himself into the leather seat next to mine and grabbed my hand. “You’re planning something, and I’m concerned.”

I glanced from Edward, up to Henry, and to Blake. Worry etched each of the boys’ brows. If their first thought went to Sergei, then they were probably concerned that I no longer wanted to be with them. Or that I might be planning to run away again. Even though I occasionally bickered with Henry and Blake, I wouldn’t up and leave them, and I certainly wouldn’t do that to Edward. Telling them that would be of no use, because I’d already proven myself a liar. With a sigh, I pulled out the invitation to the sex party.

Edward read over my shoulder. “Why on earth would you need to go?”

“What is it?” asked Henry.

“A bloody sex party.” Edward leaned back in his seat.

Blake’s hand slid around to my inner thigh. “If it’s sex you want. We can provide that. You only have to ask, Emilia, and you’ll get more than you can handle.”

“No.” I squeezed my thighs together. If I let Blake distract me, I’d never get to explain. “There’s no way Charlotte’s going to find enough girls to attend a party where they’ll have sex with her male supporters. I want to find out if she’s doing something newsworthy.”

With a huffed breath of frustration, Henry threw his hands up in the air. “Didn’t you learn anything from last time?”

“Yes.” I folded my arms. “Not to call the police if you’re trying to frame me for your own crimes.” My insides cringed. We were more than even. Why did I keep bringing it up?

Edward’s lips thinned. “The academy has already suffered enough scandals for a century.”

“And what about the collateral damage?” said Blake. “Everyone misbehaving in that party might be exposed.”

“Like Paul,” muttered Henry.

I scowled and pushed myself off the sofa. “Mr. Frost was a criminal who got what he deserved.”

“Anyway…” Blake stood and placed his hands on my shoulders. “You are hereby summoned to Edward’s office on Saturday after classes.”

“What for?”