Page 6 of I Don't Need Your Protection
I guess I can’t complain. He did make sure to send me a final message before I’m gone. Who knows when we’ll see each other again?
Once I’m done eating, Louis leads me to a car, where the staff has loaded all my suitcases.
Colin opens the passenger door for me. I thank him and get in. Before we drive off, Louis bends his head in and says, “I wish you a lot of luck, Miss Addie.”
“Thanks.”
***
Lately, it seems like all I do is stare at extravagant buildings.
My face is pressed to the car window as I absorb what will be my new home for the rest of the school year.
Colin and I just drove through a tall, massive gate that seems like it holds treasure instead of students. The words “Harrington Bay Academy” are written on top in fancy lettering that appears like it’s from another century.
Past the gate are a few buildings that make up the campus. I’m assuming some of those buildings are dormitories while the others are for classes or recreational activities.
The entire area is surrounded by greenery, just like at my grandfather’s house. This place looks like it belongs in a Regency movie, but at the same time, it’s modern as well. And right behind the school is a forest.
Each building has stone pillars on either side of the doors, and a few have balconies. I’m assuming those are the dorms.
Clutching my backpack tightly, I think of Mom and Dad and how wonderful our life was. How much I enjoyed my plain school without these fancy pillars or balconies or flowers. What would Dad say if he could see me now? How would he feel about my attending a fancy boarding school like he must have?
I bite my lip as I squeeze my eyes shut, holding back my tears.
“We have arrived at Harrington Bay Academy, miss,” Colin says as he opens the car door for me.
I blink and glance up at him. I’m not sure I have it in me to get out of the car and face this place. My new future. A futurein hiding.
“Miss Addie?”
Nodding, I take a deep breath, release it, and place my hand in his. The minute I’m out of the car, I can’t stop staring at the building before me. It’s even prettier up close, with fancy designs, beautiful architecture, and the doors are golden.Golden.Totally not from this century.
There isn’t a soul around, except for security guards. I guess everyone is in class or in the dorms. The school year has already started, after all.
“Your bodyguard is waiting for you inside,” Colin lets me know as he tilts his head toward the school building. “Your bags will be taken to your room.” He faces me. “Well, I suppose that is all. Have a good school year, miss.” He tips his hat.
I don’t say anything as I watch him return to the car. Before he gets in, he turns to me, nods again, and folds himself inside.
“Thanks,” I whisper as the car drives away. Even though I was only at my grandfather’s mansion for a day, it feels like I’m being abandoned here. Alone. With no one to talk to, or help me.
Taking another deep breath, I tighten my hold on my backpack and slowly make my way up the stairs. There are quite a few of them and I can’t help marveling at how beautiful they are. Marble and smooth. I feel like my new shoes will soil them.
The golden doors appear massive as they stand before me. Well, here goes. The start of my new life.
The guard at the doors opens them for me, slightly bowinghis head. I thank him, walk in, and I’m immediately blown away by the foyer. There’s a large space with many chairs and sofas around. An area for students to hang out and relax. On either side of the foyer are two staircases that must lead to the classrooms and perhaps the offices.
“You’re late,” a voice says from my left.
Turning in that direction, I find a tall guy with dark hair staring into my eyes with his so blue my breath hitches in my throat. I’ve never seen such beautiful eyes in my life. They’re like the color of the ocean. Something so soft and serene that you can get lost in every second of every day.
He takes hold of my arm. “We need to get moving.”
I pull free. “Excuse me?”
“Your safety is Mr. Bradshaw’s number one concern. Don’t make my job more difficult than it already is.”
I just stare at him, my eyebrows furrowing as I take him in. He looks around my age with a heavily-muscled chest and arms. They strain against his black T-shirt. And he’s wearing a scowl which somehow makes him look like a Greek god. But I also note something else on his face—in his eyes—something I can’t describe. But it’s so profound I feel it deep in my heart.
