Page 5 of Reign of the Queen
"What was that about?" Raegan links her arm with mine, glancing at Melinda through her lashes.
"Nothing, Melinda was just checking up on how my classes are going and if I am making friends." I roll my eyes and Raegan snorts.
"Is she now? How generous of her. Wouldn't have anything to do with you having classes with all four kings so far?"
"How did you know that?" I ask, quirking an eyebrow.
"Word travels fast around here. New hot blonde in classes with the kings and not falling all over herself for them? Yeah, traveling fast." Raegan purses her lips and smiles at me. "You sure you know what you're doing?" she whispers.
"No doubts at all. It's going to be a bloodbath by the time it's all said and done. Let’s go get something to eat; all this plotting is making me hungry."
On our way to the cafeteria, I spot the girl that was my original lab partner. She’s weighed down by books and struggling to open her locker. I rush over and take the books from her so she has a free hand. “Hey, your name is Elizabeth, right?”
“Um, yeah, thanks.” Elizabeth opens her locker, reaching for the books I have cradled in my arms.
“I’m really sorry for what went down in the lab with that dick, Carter. Just know I would a hundred percent rather have you for a partner.” I smile at her trying to put her at ease. “We haven’t been properly introduced; I’m Mia Stratford.”
She shyly smiles back at me, stuffing her books in her locker and closing the door. “I’m Elizabeth Dover, it’s nice to meet you, Mia. Hey Raegan.”
“Listen we’re going to grab lunch but if you feel like having lunch with us, come over to our table.”
Elizabeth lets out a small laugh. ”Yeah, thank you for the invite. I have to finish something up, but maybe another day?”
“Absolutely, see ya Elizabeth.”
As we enter the cafeteria and join the food line, the volume of conversation dies down immediately.Gee, I wonder if I’m the topic of conversation on everyone's lips.I shrug to myself; so be it.
I scan the available food, wrinkling my nose in disgust. It’s mostly carbs, fat and calories galore. It's nothing as extravagant as what they serve at Malvern Prep back in New York, but I guess it will have to do. Grabbing a salad and water, I turn to survey the groups sitting around.Mia, remember not to be a stuck-up bitch here; it won't help you with our plans,I remind myself.
As Raegan and I move to grab a table off to the side near a large window facing the picturesque hills, Jessie appears out of nowhere with a few of his teammates and holds the chair for me to sit down. I tilt my lips up into a small smile and motion for Raegan to sit down. She opens and closes her mouth, probably to stir up some shit about us not inviting them to sit with us, but I shake my head to shut her up.
"Hi Raegan, haven't seen you in forever." Jessie nods to Raegan.
"Jessie." She inclines her head and turns her attention to her food.
Jessie's teammate is checking out Raegan, and his gaze is intense on her lips as she eats. Oh boy, hope she doesn't stab his eye out with that fork she's using; I wouldn't put it past her.
He's leaner than Jessie, dark brown hair cropped close, deep chocolate brown eye. Slight scruff of facial hair and a strong jaw finishes off his attractive face. I grin to myself, Raegan could do worse, the guy is hot and seems into her.
"So, Manhattan, huh? Guess you came from a bigger school than Casbury Prep?" Jessie asks as he eats his pasta. He has more on one tray than Raegan and I have on both of ours combined. Guess football players have to eat their body weight in carbs. I let out a little shudder at the thought.
"Yup, but not by much; it was ultra-exclusive on the upper east side." I take a drink from my water bottle. I have to be careful here and not say too much. I know whatever I say will get right back to the kings and Melinda. I need to slowly play my hand.
"How come you moved to North Carolina?" Jessie's teammate shouts from farther down the table.
Raegan's head snaps up, her eyes narrowing on him. She has her most southern belle,my manners have been offended,look on her face. I chuckle at her murderous expression.
"Sorry, what's your name, hun?" I ask with a slight grin at the nosey but cute fuck.
"Evan. Evan Waiteleer." He gives me a goofy wave.
"Well, Evan, my mother is originally from North Carolina, she wanted to move back to be closer to her friends and family."
"Your dad move down too?" Jessie asks as he shoves more food inside his pouty mouth.
Raegan gives me a pointed look. We had this discussion before when we were laying out our plans. There is no way I can tell them who my biological dad is, not that the scum would matter to a bunch of rich prep school kids. I don't want anyone to start to piece everything together right away. So, I do the next best thing. I only acknowledge my beloved stepfather. Really, he's the only real father I've ever had.
"Umm, no, he died eight months ago from cancer." I close my eyes tightly, inhaling deeply. It's not getting any easier saying that out loud. I see Raegan's hand coming toward me across the table in comfort, and I nod. She retracts her hand and continues eating. We can't afford to look weak at any point in front of anyone at this school, but I know she cares about me.
