Page 52 of Hide and Keep

“I can’t. I’m accompanying you to class.”

“Why?”

“Mr. Munreaux wishes to ensure your studies remain a priority.”

“I’m here, aren’t I?”

I remain silent. Arguing is pointless. She doesn’t have to wear my coat, but I’m walking her to class.

“Ugh.” She resumes her strut. “Also, you sound like Edwin and you look lost.”

I feel lost. The last time I was on a campus was the summer before senior year when my parents and I started touring some of the colleges that were trying to recruit me.

We cross the quad, Ever’s heels clacking against the concrete, drawing every eye in the vicinity our way. Is this how it always is for her? Everyone constantly watching her?

Or is it me?

Instantly, I tuck my chin.

The stares don’t stop.

I hang back several feet as a test, but my proximity doesn’t seem to affect anything. It’s not my presence that has people fascinated. It’s hers.

Not that she notices.

I fall into step with her, causing her to groan as she increases speed.

I duck my head even lower, tugging on the bill of my hat. I know why she’s embarrassed to be seen with me. I don’t want to be seen either, especially not here. This is the upper echelon of Sea Haven.

Right in the center of the lush landscape is a cluster of contemporary art sculptures shaped like…snakes? They’re long and rope-like. While a couple of them appear to be coming outof the ground, others are mid-slither. Lounging against one of them are some people dressed similarly to Ever.

Not similarly. Identically.

Both girls look like her carbon copies and all three guys are in dark suits, stark white button-ups, and ties.

I take in the rest of the student body. Jeans, leggings, hoodies, puffer coats—all clothing you’d expect to see on any campus in America. I can tell by the stiff fabrics and bright colors, the brands are more expensive than what I’m used to, otherwise, everybody looks…normal.

That’s why Ever had everyone’s interest as soon as she stepped foot on campus. She’s one of the elites. These six are probably the wealthiest and most influential students here.

One of the girls gets to her feet the second she spots Ever and points in our direction, demanding, “What is that?”

Immediately, I check over my shoulder for the threat. Seeing none, I return my attention to Ever. She’s doing the same thing I just did, but jerks back when our gazes collide like I’m the last person she was expecting to find. Like she forgot I was here.

Again?

Unless she has amnesia, there’s no way she could’ve forgotten that quickly. Shejusttried outrunning my ass.

Her sky-high heels are the only reason she couldn’t.

“Goddess, why are you so close?” she asks me loudly, obnoxiously. “Can you back up? You’re ruining my aesthetic.”

Her aesthetic? She didn’t… She didn’t just fucking say that shit.

Scowling, I lace my hands together in front of me, not backing up so much as an inch. Fuck her aesthetic.

She huffs before turning to her friends.

“Father has a stalker, and out of an abundance of caution, he’s burdened me with a bodyguard until authoritiescan apprehend the madman,” Ever says, lying through her impeccably straight teeth.

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