Page 10 of The Bleak Beginning

Today was definitely not my day.

“Nice glasses. Are you trying to hide an entire city under those things?” I retort at the stranger sitting on top of the staircase’s pedestal, kicking his feet.

There were three guys in front of me. The first was an obnoxious guy with blond hair and sunglasses that made him look like a bug trying to hide from the sun. Then there was a guy with dark black hair, lounging carelessly on the thick top rail. And finally, there was the third guy, standing with an irritated expression as if he would rather trim grass with a pair of tweezers than be near me. Despite his annoyed expression, his features were undeniably attractive - strong jawline, sharpcheekbones, and piercing eyes. His brown hair was styled in a messy yet intentional way, adding to his attractive appearance.

I felt a sudden tingle of familiarity at the sight of the last one, but I was unable to dwell on it for long. The guy with glasses had already jumped down from his position and was right in front of me in the blink of an eye.

“We got a live one, fellas,” the blond guy sneered. “You might want to watch that mouth of yours around us.”

I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated. “Would it be helpful for you if I repeat it slower this time?” I ask innocently, blinking my lashes.

The man in the middle, resembling a cat basking in the sun, turned his head toward me at my comment. Oh good, it seems I was drawing a crowd.

“Careful there,” the lounging man drawled, his voice a low, amused rumble. “You’re playing with fire, and you might just get burned.”

I scrunched my nose in distaste. “I’ve already been through hell. You three are barely a spark in comparison.”

The third guy uncrossed his arms, his eyes watching me intently. Who is he? That nagging sense of familiarity intensifies, but I push it aside. I have bigger problems to deal with.

The blond man’s smirk falters for a moment, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. “Hell, you say? Do tell. We’re always up for a good story of suffering.”

I clench my jaw, regretting my loose tongue. These weren’t the kind of people I wanted knowing my business.

Sunglasses took a step closer, invading more of my personal space. I refused to cower, meeting his gaze defiantly.

“Back down, Sylvester,” the displeased guy with brown hair suddenly spoke, his voice low and commanding. “Prescott will learn her place soon enough.”

The blond man—Sylvester—turns to glare at him. “Come on, Bishop. I was just having a little fun.”

I felt my breath catch in my throat as the realization hit me.Bishop.The name echoes in my mind, bringing with it a flood of memories from the night before. The cigarette burn on my clothes, the cryptic warning as he reached for my hair, the intense gaze that had followed me through the darkness.

“You,” I breathe, my eyes locked on his face, hot and angry. “Should I send you the bill from my doctor for your secondhand smoke?”

Bishop’s expression remained impassive, but something flickered in his eyes. Recognition, perhaps? Or was it a warning?

Sylvester looked between us, his smirk widening. “Oh ho, what’s this? You two met each other already? Bishop, you sly dog. Holding out on us, were you?”

“Shut it, Sly,” Bishop growled, not taking his eyes off me. “This is not the time.”

The lounging man sat up, suddenly interested. “Now thisisgetting interesting. Care to share with the class?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but Bishop cut me off. “We’ve had the unfortunate pleasure,” he said, holding my gaze, unwavering. “Isn’t that right, Prescott?”

The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. I gripped the box of hair dye tighter, using it as an anchor to reality. “I wouldn’t call it pleasure,” I spat.

His expression darkens. “You should consider yourself lucky to even be allowed on campus, after the trouble your father caused during his time at Altair.”

I felt my blood run cold at the mention of my father. What had he done? And how did these assholes all know about it, and I didn’t?

“My father has nothing to do with this,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “And neither do I. So why don’t you three just move along and leave me alone?”

Sylvester laughs, a harsh sound. “Ah, babe. You really have no idea what you’ve stepped into, do you?”

My eyes scan the surrounding area, looking for hints as to what my dad may have done. I find none. I do, unfortunately find a set of angry and determined men eyeing me, their expressions making it clear they don’t appreciate me being here.

I continue to search between them, hoping to find any clues that may shed light on my dad’s actions. But there is nothing. Instead, I’m met with a group of hostile, yet undeniably attractive guys glaring at me, their faces showing their clear disapproval of my presence here at Altair.

I stood tall, refusing to let them see how unsettled I am. “Look, I don’t know what you think you know about my father, but I’m here on my own merit.” Kind of… Sort of… It was none of their business.

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