Page 1 of Submission

Chapter 1

I’ve Said Too Much

Megan

Ipride myself on getting out of bed every single day and doing the work of moving forward with my life. I go to school, I go to work, and I do my best to leave the past where it is… behind me. But the call from my sister has disrupted all of that positive momentum and put me in the worst of moods.

I’m tapping my fingers impatiently against the desk in my last class of the day, waiting for my professor to finish talking about the upcoming exhibition.

“This year’s exhibition should be incredible and I’ll expect to see many of you there, supporting your fellow students who were selected to exhibit their pieces.”

Ashley is sitting a few seats away from me, and I notice she’s wearing a foreboding expression on her face. The hint of glee I feel is immense and seems to calm my nerves.

Based on the rumors floating around, Ashley was close to suspension when the Dean found out that she bribed her way onto the winners' list. Of course, her parents conveniently made a sizable donation to the college a day or so later as their versionof an apology. Throwing money around to influence an outcome seems to be a family trait.

I see her stiffen and then immediately whirl her head around to catch me grinning. The malice in her eyes makes me wince. She’s an evil-hearted bitch.

I start shoving things in my bag so that I’m ready to make a break for it as soon as class is over. My head hasn’t been into it all day and frankly, I’m in no mood to deal with Ashley’s wrath if I can avoid it. But when I look up, I see another pair of eyes staring in my direction.

Ever since Hunter put Ricky in his place, I haven’t had any problems with him. He actively goes out of his way to avoid me, but lately, I’ve noticed him watching me with a pensive expression. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he hasn’t reported what happened with Hunter to the college. I have a feeling that he’s terrified.

Now that I think about it, nobody’s been bothering me. And while Ashley may give me a side eye now and then, she hasn’t been getting in my face, which is odd because she makes it a point to track me down and make my life miserable. It had gotten so bad; I was beginning to wonder if I wasn’t back in high school. I always thought college was for adults and that these sorts of antics wouldn’t take place. God, was I wrong.

My bag is already in my hands as I watch the clock. As soon as the professor dismisses us, I’m on my feet until the instructor calls my name.

“Miss Taylor, please stay back.”

My stomach knots.

Double fuck.

I trudge down the steps toward her, “Yes?”

From the corner of my eyes, I can see Ashley taking her sweet time, putting her things in her bag, and watching me as Ricky stands next to her.

“It’s about the exhibition,” the professor says, studying me. “Make sure that you’ve arranged for the proper formal attire. The guest of honor is Dante DiAngelo. He’s from a very prominent family in Southern California and is a well-known art collector. Aside from him, I’ll email you the guest list. You have to remember that you’re supposed to mingle and network with the people attending. A lot of these people have the ability to advance your career, so make sure you know their names, and you find some topics of conversation. This is an opportunity you need to make the most of.”

Excitement thrums in my blood, and I nod eagerly. “I understand. I’ll be ready.”

She smiles at me. “Good, I’ll email you the list this evening. If you don’t have a dress, I can share some stores that allow rentals.”

This college caters to art students from wealthy families, kids who are just passing the time until their trust funds kick in, not students with my sort of background. So, while the professor’s tone is kind, and I know she means well, I also understand why she’s offering.

“I already have a dress.” I beam at her. “But thank you.”

“Good, then.” She starts rearranging her papers. “That’s all I had to say.”

I scurry off, and just as I exit the room, Ashley steps in front of me, her eyes enraged but her tone sugary sweet.

“What was that all about?”

I adjust my hold on my bag.

“Nothing you need to worry about. Now, if you’ll excuse me-“

I can see Ricky standing a few feet away, watching us intently but remaining a purposeful distance from us.

“It seems your boyfriend really pulled some strings for you,” Ashley comments maliciously. “Not surprised. I heard you got yourself a sugar daddy.”

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