Page 44 of Satan's Spawn
Archer’s grandfather?No way.
The vibe I got from the old man on orientation, before Archer took over for the tour, is that money will speak louder than any complaint.
All he could talk about is how important donations are to the school, and how so many of the students' parents here have been so generous already.
I’m sure theShawfamily is one of them.
“No.” My tone is absolute. “Now please, promise me. I don’t want her to worry. Plus, being the new girl who tattled to her mommy about the big bad bullies will only make things worse, and you know it.”
The small wrinkle of her nose tells me I made my point. “Fine. I promise I won’t unless it’s absolutely necessary. And if you let me slap the privilege off Annalie’s face.”
“Yes to the absolutely necessary, no to the slapping.”
Hendrix groans, but doesn’t persist, probably because Archer is strolling over to us next to some really tall dude with cornrows lining his scalp.
“Miladies, this is Sampson, my boy I was telling you about.”
Hendrix shields her eyes from the sun as she looks up at the new guy. “You an asshole?”
Sampson laughs. “Depends who’s asking.”
“I’m asking,” she deadpans. “We had enough of the assholes today.”
Sampson waves her off as I stand, dusting off my back side.
“Nah, gorgeous.” He winks. “I’m Switzerland, ya feel me? I make it a point to stay out of Riverside politics.” He offers a lazy grin. “I just throw sick parties.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Sampson.” I hold out my hand for him to shake, but he brings me in for a tight squeeze.
“I’m a hugger, baby, it’s more personal.”
“See? Told you girls he was cool,” Archer says as we break apart.
Hendrix looks as though she’s not convinced, but stands anyway when Sampson holds his arms open for her.
“Let’s not make this a habit,” she grumbles while offering him the most awkward ass-out hug known to mankind.
She’s at my side as Sampson rubs his hands together. “Now, tell me you fine specimens will be coming to my pool party this weekend. It’s gonna be litttt.”
Not this again.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I shake my head, feeling even more convinced that’s the case after what went down today.
“Oh, no,” Archer cuts in. “I won’t allow you to let that psychopath or psychobitch ruin your time at Riverside. Sampson is known for his parties. You both have to come.” He throws an arm over his friend’s shoulder. “You’ll be our guests and nobody can question a thing because this guy will throw their sorry asses out without question.”
Something tells me it will take more than words to remove a guy like Crayton from any place.
Unless…
“Do you know if Crayton will be there?” I ask in a manner that screams ‘I hope you say no’.
“The Royals come every year”—Sampson shrugs—“but they’ve never pulled any shit at my parties.”
The Royals?
“You mean the football team?” I quirk a brow. “I’m talking about the jerk off with a goat painted on his neck.”
Sampson scoffs. “Nah, baby. I’m talking about theactualRoyals of Riverside Prep. Crayton, Saint, Riggs, and Leviathan. You must’ve only had the pleasure of meeting their ring leader.”
