Page 46 of The Prom

Fuck, yes, because if she considers I’d be content with screwing the old hag from the English department, she’s got another thing coming. Come to think of it, there is no member of the teaching staff I want to get up close and personal with, but Ryder’s instructions ring in my ears when he told me to find out if there are any other teachers involved. If they are, I’m guessing this club is the perfect place for them to practice their dark art and, for the first time since coming here, I regard the principal in a new light and something detonates in my mind.

Hidden in plain sight.

A prickle of apprehension passes through me as a million dots connect in my mind and when she whispers, “Are you interested?” I have no other choice but to bite the bullet.

“I’m interested.”

She withdraws her hand from my knee and nods as if our meeting is concluded.

“We meet at nine, but as you have a prior engagement, you will be excused this time. So–” She stands and smiles suggestively. “Next Friday, my apartment at nine pm. We will be expecting you and Drake–” Her eyes flash in the darkness. “Be prepared for your initiation. It’s rather fun actually and a pleasurable experience for all involved.”

As she heads down the steps, she flings over her shoulder, “Send my regards to Sonia. I’d like to meet her one day.”

As she wanders back into the shadows, my heart pounds as I consider what I just learned. Could this be the breakthrough weneed, or is it merely a group of debauched teachers attempting to claw some excitement back into their lives while they wait out the end of the semester? I wish otherwise, but that club is one I must check out, no matter how much the idea appalls the hell out of me.

TWENTY-TWO

IMOGEN

Frankie leads us back down the darkened tunnel and I’m glad it was him who came to find us. I’m strangely nervous about tonight, and it’s due to the fact I’m hating the idea of fending Jesse off.

If I’m honest, I wish I’d never agreed to help him. I never realized I’d be sacrificing part of my soul in the process, and meeting Drake demonstrated what happens when you meet a man you connect with on another level.

All we’ve done is kiss, shared a few conversations and many longing looks, but it’s as if I have known him all my life and I’m guessing it’s because he is one of us. A Twisted Reaper, and that settles my mind more than anything.

“Hey.” Cassie is the first person we see as we make it out of the tunnel where the iron door leads into the tunnel chamber.

“How did it go?” Summer asks and Cassie grins.

“Five challengers claimed with no drama. Perfect really, because it means we get to party without having to deal with the shit that drama leaves.

“Were they happy with their pairings?”

I’m anxious about that because being chained to one person who you can’t stand is a lot to deal with. I won’t say I can’t stand Jesse, but I’m increasingly ambivalent toward him.

“I think so.” Cassie shrugs. “There was a lot of giggling and flirtatious banter, so I’m guessing they’re happy. I’m sorry you got the riverbank. Perhaps we should rotate next time.”

We make our way back to the main chamber, which is always an experience because we must crawl through another tunnel with our robes and masks and it doesn’t make it easy.

When we enter the main chamber, the others are disrobing and hanging up their masks, and Jesse heads straight for me.

“Hey baby, I missed you.”

“Same.” I force a smile on my face as he slings his arm around my shoulders.

“At least we have the party tonight and I’m going to devote all of my attention to my pretty lady tonight.”

Cassie chuckles beside us. “I’m sure that’s not all you’ll devote to her.”

I cringe as Jesse’s eyes flash. “You’d better believe it. Getting time alone with this babe is increasingly harder, so forgive us if we’re a little unsociable tonight.”

He winks, and I shrivel up inside.

Frankie joins Cassie and immediately takes her hand. I envy them as she gazes up into his eyes and a silent message passes between them. Despite my wish she was with Jack, I must admit they suit one another. The same for Siri and Jack, and yet I’m struggling with my own pairing.

We head off to The Elusive House that has become home in a short period and as we walk, Jesse whispers, “I meant what I said back there. I want some alone time with you tonight, babe. I mean, I’m guilty of neglecting you and that stops now.”

“Why now?”

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