Page 29 of A Taste of Torment
“Ohhh! That’s who you are,” Bea adds, her bright red lips pouting slightly. “I can’t believe it took me that long to figure it out!”
I grimace.
“It’s been three years, Bea,” Trevor says, “She hasn’t changed that much.”
Bea shrugs. “I just forgot she existed.” Even back then, Trevor and Bea were joined at the hip. Childhood arranged marriage that’s turned out quite well.
I snort, and Jarron glares at her. “At least she’s honest,” I mutter.
Jarron leans in close. “She most definitely did not forget you existed,” he whispers, low enough for the others not to hear.
I frown. Does that mean he thinks she could be a suspect? My sister’s journal makes it clear it was a male she was dating, but what if she were seeing Trevor behind Bea’s back? That would explain why she was so secretive. Bea could have discovered them and killed her out of jealousy. It’s a pretty decent motive.
It also makes me turn my attention a little tighter to the girls in front of me. They’re still eyeing me like a piece of meat they intend to devour.
I know essentially nothing about these supernaturals. I’m going to have to dig to find out their stories. Each and every one. What do they want? What are their goals? Who are their allies? Their targets?
I mentally note that for my first project. I’ll ask Jarron, Janet, and Lola about these students. I’ll have to dig into the drama and rumors and history between all of them. That way, when I do get a break in my case, I’ll have the context I’ll need.
I like this plan because it means I can lay low for a bit while I uncover what I can.
My hammering heart tells me I’m a coward, but my mind tells me it’s logical and fits my story anyway. I’ll be the scared human crushing on the impressive demon prince.
I’ll have to deal with some alone time with Jarron still, of course, but that’s survivable.
I think.
* * *
It’sthe longest half hour of my life, sitting at this table surrounded by beings who could not only end my life with a flick of their wrist and half a thought but would enjoy doing it.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” Jarron finally asks, his voice smooth and casual.
I barely restrain an audible sigh of relief. I thought I was going to be stuck here for the rest of the lunch hour. My nod is slow.
The room seems to hush as Jarron rises and holds out his hand for me.
My stomach flips, the moment I slide my hand against his smooth skin. Hundreds of stares follow our stroll out of the room.
The moment we’re out of the cafeteria, Jarron drops my hand.
“Outside?” he asks.
I cross my arms and nod. It’s still pretty warm out, even here in Idaho, but it won’t stay that way long. Snow could be on the horizon at any moment.
The sky is a soft blue, and the green-covered mountains tower over the valley. We’re in the middle of nowhere out here.
We exit the school and pass under a covered walkway with glass shading the stones. Protection from the sun for any Under Worlders.
The breeze tosses my hair back. To our left is a large window leading right to the cafeteria. Meaning those hundreds of students are still watching, some of them pressed right up to the glass.
I groan, and Jarron chuckles.
“You’ll get used to it.”
“Kinda doubt that.”
His smile slips. “Do you hate it here that much?”
