Page 6 of Ella's Masquerade
“Is there something the two of you would like to share with the class?” Professor Montgomery demanded.
“Nothing important, just asking her if she needed to borrow some soap,” Tray drawled. Which earned a snicker from Charlie and a glower from me. “You know, to help with the showering problem.”
Professor Montgomery turned an uncomplimentary shade of red. “I realize this is your first day, Mr. Nacht, but I will not tolerate bullying or disruptive behavior in this class. One more outburst or unruly comment will leave me no choice but to send you to the headmaster. Am I clear?”
“I thought I was being helpful,” he replied, lifting his hands in surrender. “Feedback duly noted.”
My head hit the desk.Imbecile.
And Professor Montgomery snarled. “Headmaster Jeffries’s office. Now.”
“I’ll need someone to give me directions,” he said, collecting his stuff into a bag and standing.
“Ms. Cinder,” the professor said through her teeth. “Please escort our new student to Headmaster Jeffries. Perhaps it will give you both time along the way to arrange your future interviews.”
Why the hell am I looped into this jackhole’s punishment?I wondered, flabbergasted. “Seriously?” I said out loud, lifting my head.
“Seriously,” she snapped.
I clenched my jaw and grabbed my stuff. As if I would ever leave it alone for Charlie or his minions to mess with.
“Fine.” I pulled the strap over my shoulder. “You.” I hit him with my best glare. “Follow.” I didn’t wait for his agreement, my tone already implying I wouldn’t accept anything less than obedience.
I stomped toward the door, ignoring the professor along the way. Because yeah, I’d definitely be reevaluating my “favorites” system after this.
Tray woofed at my back, pretending to be a dog and eliciting a round of laughs from the class.
I lifted my eyes to the ceiling in response.
This guy was just like the rest of them—an immature jackass with too much time and money on his hands.
Eight months, I told myself.Eight. More. Months.
Then I would be free of this hellhole and would never have to look back.
Chapter Two
Tray
Mmm,delectable,I thought as I followed Isabella Cinder down the empty corridor of Darlington Academy.
She’d grown up since our first meeting in that alley just under three years ago. As had I. If she recognized me now, she didn’t show it. She’d left me in such a hurry, her sodden slippers a pale blue lump in the dirty street snow.
I wouldn’t allow her to escape again.
No. I’d come here specifically for her. There were things she didn’t understand, and the Council had tasked me with explaining them to her. Well, more like I’d offered. It had been me who found her, after all.
They all agreed to wait until she turned eighteen before recruiting her into our world.
Well, the time had come.
The poor little darling had no idea who her parents really were or the destiny they’d dropped into her lap. She would soon. After we finished a few games first.
“Here,” she said, stopping abruptly at the administrative office. “Have fun.”
My palm hit the wall, blocking her exit. “You’re not going to escort me inside?”
Gorgeous blue eyes narrowed up at me, the color reminding me of the dress she wore the night we first met. “I’m pretty sure you’ll be fine on your own.”
