Page 11 of Saints & Sinners

Irritation flared up inside me, and I threw another two skittles into my mouth for good measure. “Well, a week is going to feel like alongtime because I plan on staying.” I chewed slowly as my brows rose. “In your dorm as well, or should I say ours?”

That ruined the disinterested look on his face as his expression hardened, and he took a step closer. “You—”

“Can’t stay there?” I finished off for him with a perky smile to mask how on edge I felt around him. If he looked close enough, he’d see how badly my legs were shaking. “Yeah, I didn’t want to, especially after the rude welcoming, but once I spoke with Nadael, I realized I shouldn’t be quick to judge, although I can’t help it since you seem like a real dick and if anything—” I chuckled softly. “—I’ve realized how badly you deserved that kick I gave you because I have no regrets—” I paused when I saw his lips twitch. “What?”

“Is this a usual habit of yours, rambling nonsense?”

My mouth dropped wide open.

How dare he be right.

Howdarehe look this amused right now.

Ramblingwasa usual habit of mine, and it tended to happen when I was flustered or overly excited. The latter clearly wasn’t why this time.

Not wanting to dignify him with a response, I brushed off some imaginary lint from my denim jacket and shoved the bag of skittles against his chest. I tried to push past him, but he grabbed my arm, spinning me around to face him. My breath caught ashis gaze swept over my face, intense and unyielding.

“I meant it,” he said quietly, voice low and serious. “This place isn’t for you.”

For some reason, I didn’t pull away. Instead, I met his stare with equal intensity, letting my anger simmer just beneath the surface. “Do youwantto be kicked again?” Maybe once just wasn’t enough.

His eyes flashed with a dangerous challenge. “You’ll regret it.”

“The kick or staying?”

“Both.”

With that, he released me as if my touch had burnt him, leaving a strange tension hanging in the air between us. He stepped back, and something in the way he was staring at me told me Iwouldregret it before he walked away.

Since the moment he had laid eyes on me, he hated me; the question was, why did my being here bother him so much?

Chapter Six

I was startled awake when Eden’s bedroom door flew wide open. She came in with a smile on her face and a steaming mug in her hands.

“Morning!” She sang, waltzing towards the blinds. I winced as she pulled them open, and the early morning sun shone through the window. After the eventful party yesterday, I spent the night tossing and turning in bed. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw grey. Gun metal grey that pissed me off.

“I’ve spoken with Nadael,” Eden said, her tone chipper as she straightened the crooked frames on her wall. “She’ll be speaking to your dormmates today, making sure they’re accommodating.”

I stifled a laugh.

Right—accommodating. That’s what they were like yesterday when one of them decided walking around naked was a normal way to greet someone.

“Marnie has also told me she will meet you by the entrance and is incredibly excited to show you around.” Eden walked toward me and sat at the edge of the bed. Handing me the mug, she smiled as I thanked her despite the nausea and nerves I felt. “How was the outing last night?”

I blew the steam off my tea, contemplating whether I shouldtell her about Hunter or not. She spoke so highly of him in Nadael’s office yesterday that she’d think I’m lying to cause a scene.Again.“It was good,” I lied. “Thank you for letting me stay in your room, by the way. You didn’t have to do that.”

She waved a hand and stood. “After the mix-up yesterday, I owed it to you.” She sighed as she glanced at her watch. “I should let you get ready. It’s a bit of a walk from the Celestial quarters to the main building.” As she went to turn and leave, she stopped. “Oh, and um, I’m sure Joe would have told you this, but it’s been requested that you not go out into town when weekends come. He thinks it will be safer if you stay here at all times.”

I nodded, gripping the handle of the mug a little too tight. Thiswasa prison but for me only.

Once Eden left, I stripped off the beige bed linen and hurried to get ready, not even bothering to tame my curls as I placed the tailored, deep midnight blue blazer over my white shirt. I stared at the gold and silver embroidery along the lapels and cuffs before running my hands over Celestia’s crest, a winged emblem embroidered in silver thread.

I sighed, shook my head, and turned to the pleated blue skirt laid out on the bed. An hour later, I was heading out of the Celestial quarters and sending Joe messages about my first night here.

Joe: I hope you’ve been eating - JoeMartin

I hadn’t.

---