Here Lies a Saint: A Dark Bully Academy Romance Page 19

  Why did I expect to be left alone? This is the Vestige, after all.

  "How did you know my brother?"

  We enter my room, and he comes inside, shutting the door behind him. His face changes, a subtle look of pain masking his normal, blasé facial expressions, throwing me off.

  "I loved him," Parris responds. "What happened?"

  The way he doesn't seem as confident or sure of himself isn't expected, but it makes me wonder if he's right, if he's being truthful. Earlier, I kind of thought so.

  Cassidy never told me he was gay. He never even made it seem that way either. He dated a couple of girls, or so I was told. My brother was so private in every endeavor. When he succeeded beyond my understanding, it surprised me to no end because he never boasted.

  There were times I felt the need to eat some humble pie while around him, he never outshined anyone, even when he acted jealous over my friendships with his friends.

  But as time passes and I think of those moments, it doesn't feel like jealousy. It feels like an overprotective brother wanting the best for me, unwilling to bend to the will of what society said about brothers being overbearing.

  He wasn't.

  I just didn't see it before.

  He kept me away from them because they were Emeralds.

  He wanted me away from Student Gov because he knew it was best for me.

  Not once did he ever force me, but he asked, and I refused.

  Look at us now.

  He’s buried six-feet under, and I’m stuck in this big ass estate, with zero control, not knowing what life will be like tonight, let alone when I finally escape this place.

  “What was he like when he didn’t have to be himself?” The question tumbles out without a second thought. I wish I knew that side of Cass, the one where love conquered all, and while it was secret, he could escape the boundaries of this bloodline and go forth with loving someone besides me.

  Parris walks over to the closet, opening the door. I follow him, and he sits on the lounger in the center and points at the dresses hanging up in clothing bags.

  “They’ll be here to see which one suits you best, but I’m sure we have five or so minutes before then.”

  I try not to grumble, knowing these dresses aren’t my norm. None of this bullshit attire, and black hair is my normal. It’s a facade, a mask they force upon me.

  We all wear masks.

  I wave at him and then turn to the garment bags. Unzipping the first one, I hiss as if it’s burned me. It’s pink, not a hot pink that I could force myself to wear, but a pale one. It has a princess neckline and flowers binding the fabric. It’s what someone would wear to a fashion show where anyone with taste would gag over.

  “We met playing video games,” Parris starts as I go for the next dress. “He and I got put in the same group for the championships at one of the competitions, and we got along really well.”

  I smile, thinking of Cass with his mic stand, headphones, and angry words at the screen. “Imposter?” I muse aloud, thinking of all the times I watched him play.

  Turning to him, I see a faraway look in his eyes and can’t help but smile from it. I go back to my dress unveiling, and he must take that as a cue to continue.

  “We had a lot of fun, talked daily, and then I finally got restless.”

  “What do you mean?” I question, unzipping the next bag finally. My hands touch the golden fabric with awe.

  “I wanted to meet, he didn’t.” Parris doesn’t laugh, and neither do I, knowing why he wouldn’t. “Eventually, at our away game in Vegas...”

  “L-Las Vegas?” I whimper, leaving the dress to face him fully. My eyes well, feeling that pinprick of fear for him, for the situation, knowing that Cass never truly had a chance at love.

  If they only met in Vegas, that means they only experienced each other for a few weeks at best.

  “Yeah,” he confirms, clearing his throat. “We admitted our feelings for each other and spent the weekend after the game together.”

  The tears overwhelm me, and fall down my cheeks, unbearable ache that has festered coming forward. They don’t stop, even though they’re silent. It isn’t until Parris taps my shoulder that I realize I’d been quiet for too long.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Other than the obvious?” I cry, and he nods with a grimace. “He died weeks after you met. They killed him.”

  I whimper and feel his arms wrap around me like a safety net. He protects me in his embrace somehow, cocooning me in love and care. It’s much like how Cass felt, strong, sure, and real.

  “It’s okay, Colt.”

  I shake in his hold. “It’s not,” I cry, feeling my body tremble with memories.

  My brother.

  My friend.

  My protector.

  I see his eyes, his hair, the way he smiled, how much he loved me, his care for rugby, his wants for the future, his desire to move away.

  “Why did they take him away?”

  It’s rhetorical. I don’t expect Parris to answer, but he does.

  “They killed him because he was unraveling the entire fucking organization.”

  “Organization?”

  “The Vestige, Colt. Cassidy, from what I’ve been able to find out in the four months I’ve been here, he was trying to unravel the whole organization—the drug money, laundering, kills, stolen elections... all of it.”

  I stare at this guy I’ve only just met, hoping he isn’t another goon of theirs.

  No, you can’t fake the loss he has shown.

  “Why are you working for them then?”

  He doesn’t smile at my question. Instead, he stares at me with a nervous glint.

  “At first, I wanted to see why Cass didn’t come to the convention in June. That was our next meet. Hell, I wanted to see why he’d ghosted me and got a new number, so I started asking questions.”

  Shaking my head with tears still in my eyes, I want to sob. “He was killed in April. He never would’ve changed his number. He thought it was superstitious since his number—”

  “Had his birthday in it,” Parris finishes for me. “I know.”

  I do cry then, more, feeling the redness of my skin like the pinpricks they are. Cassidy being dead is the worst thing to ever happen to me, but it seems it’s the worst thing that Parris experienced too.

  “He wanted so much in life,” I whimper. “He didn’t want to be a statistic, and they lied and said he killed himself.” It’s the first time I’ve ever openly talked about this other than with Yang, who until recently, didn’t believe me. Yeah, Mel knows the gist, but she didn’t know Cassidy, which means she didn’t know the reasons why nothing added up.

  Parris squeezes me once more before standing. “I know this conversation isn’t over, Colton, but they’ll be here any moment. I’d definitely suggest you jumping into a shower.”

  I laugh derisively over the disappointment that is my life and accept his truth. “Please stay safe.” It comes out so soft and sorrowful that I know he understands why I said that.

  “No cameras or mics in here,” he whispers before retreating.

  The information is good to know, but it also doesn’t help that I’m so stuck and scared.

  Heading to the shower, I disrobe and make it meltingly hot. The black of my hair drips down the drain. Knowing the color continues to stain the tub’s basin keeps me sane. I stare at the tiled walls, wondering why I’m even here and haven’t tried running.

  What could they do?

  Kill you.

  The voice in my head appears to be smart. My chest seems to slow as the steam rises, and I think of Bridger and how every time I see him in passing, he’s next to Elijah. Then Ten, I’ve seen him once, and as soon as he said a single thing to me, he was whisked away. My mind travels to Ross and the black circles under his eyes. He’s seen me, too, but there weren’t words shared, let alone more than a glance in either direction.

  Lux, god, seeing him, dancing with him, touching him...
the contact made me jelly. Human connection isn’t something I enjoy, but somehow, I think it’s my love language. Parris hugging me reminded me of all the times I felt weak, and Cass once again made me strong.

  After scrubbing myself and hair, I towel off and see the whole team of stylists waiting for me. They don’t tsk at me as I’d seen in movies or even experienced by my mother’s runway cronies, but I do see them shift uncomfortably at all the tattoos across my skin.

  Imagine if I’d been normal Colt. Think they could handle all of that?

  Walking toward the closet, I dress in a matching lingerie set, knowing I’d need it. One of the dressers introduces themselves before grabbing a corset and binding it onto my body. They speak quietly to one another but never to me. It’s odd being left alone as some pariah.

  This is not how I expected my first Gala to go.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Jordan

  “Don’t disappoint me tonight,” Father states as he straightens my tie.

  “I won’t.”

  He doesn’t say anything more before tapping my knot and heading toward the ballroom.

  Tonight, I’ll be dancing with Melissa. Being around her makes me anxious and uncomfortable, and the way she bats her eyes at me like she once did to Bridger makes me even less excited for tonight.

  What is she playing at?

  What is her role?

  Why isn’t she rebelling?

  Out of the two of us, she has more power. Not because she’s a woman, but because she’s a Krane, and they’re freer than us Edgingtons. They have more money, more strength, and the ability to rule elsewhere. There’s something there I can’t quite put my hand on, and I’m not sure if it’s because Bridger said something or she’s a fucking psycho, but she is giving me googly eyes, and that’s just not for me.

  I’m here for Lux, and I’m here for Colt. Everything else is an obstacle. Getting out of this marriage doesn’t seem viable. Leaving this hell hole seems less likely, but convincing Melissa to change her mind and fight? I might be able to flirt my way into that.

  If you touch her, I’ll never touch your dick again. Lux’s words run rampant in my mind.

  Would he really punish me for simple flirting? Colt might, especially after what we shared in the hall a week ago, but Lux seems less likely because he’ll understand my motives... right?

  Everyone will be in attendance. The twins, Ross, Ten, Bridger, and fuck. Lux. Seeing him again will be the highlight of my night. His perfectly gelled hair, the hazel glint of his eyes, and fuck, his smile... I’ve missed that goddamn smile more than I care to admit.

  I head toward where I’m expected. While I’m not in any means a servant, I’m meant to greet families since it’s the right thing to do. I prowl down the hall, wanting nothing more than to see Colt and Lux, but my wish is denied by the sight of Justice fucking Krane.

  He smirks at me as if knowing my feathers are ruffled. “Edgington,” he hedges, oozing confidence.

  Fuck, I hate this guy. Not even because he fucked my girl but because he tried fucking my guy.

  “Justice,” I growl, hating how less cordial I sound, especially with witnesses.

  “What’s the matter, Jordan? Pissed I’m going to fuck your boyfriend?” he taunts, but it’s not loud enough for anyone to hear over the orchestra or idle chatter. Doesn’t matter. My aggression blows its angry head.

  “No, I’m satisfied knowing I fucked your girlfriend and made her cum around my cock as I spilled my seed inside her.”

  He straightens, his neck and cheeks reddening with his anger.

  “She begged for more too,” I continue. “Guess being locked inside a big ol’ mansion with me was enough to take her away from you.”

  “Fuck you,” he hisses but fixes his face when a shadow appears behind me. “Midas.” Justice offers his hand around me to Lux’s dad, his face stoic and professional.

  Behind that guise of regality, much like my own father, Midas has an aggressive and abusive streak. It’s not as prominent as my father’s. He’s learned to mask himself, but he’s far worse than my father.

  “Jordan,” Midas chirps in a faux pas soft tone. It’s regal, like the unworthy king before me.

  “Midas,” I offer politely, knowing I need to offer him something or he’ll tell my father what a little shit I’ve been.

  “Where’s your fiancée?” he questions me, all while Justice sneaks away and I’m stuck answering dumb questions.

  “She’s still getting ready, I suppose.”

  He raises an eyebrow and then walks away.

  What the hell did that mean?

  Once he’s gone, I peer for Lux, wondering why he wasn’t with his father. Then, I’m stuck wondering why he isn’t here. Did he get held behind? Did Midas hurt him? Is he okay?

  As my heart pounds, my stomach drops, and it continues to burn with unease until Ross comes in. Unlike Midas and most of the men here, he’s dressed far too gothic. He didn’t even take the time to hide his tattoos.

  Ross’s bright green eyes stare at me with a nostalgia that resonates inside. I missed him too. Even if that seems stupid, he and the others have become familiar and welcome.

  “Ross,” I mutter, my voice faltering a bit.

  “Jordan.”

  “When you say it like that, it makes me wonder if you’re not happy to see me.”

  For the first time in weeks, he smiles. Really smiles, not the fake one he puts on for the world to see.

  “I missed you, fucker, but mostly, I missed her.”

  Speaking of her, she walks in, and my breath catches. But, not just mine. Ross stares at her as if he’s lost his speech.

  Colt strides in with confidence, the kind she had before Cassidy died instead of the fake kind she has when she’s pretending we don’t affect her.

  They dressed her in a black dress, matching her short black hair to a tee. I’m surprised they went so dark, knowing she’s all about the black.

  Her dress is tight against her chest, making her breasts perk up beautifully. The slit up the side is elegant and domineering at the same time, but what saddens me, truly makes me want to stab every fucking person in this room, is the fact that her ink is completely gone. They’ve covered it. They’ve also somehow hidden her chest scar.

  As if Ross finally understands, he looks at me with disappointment, but it doesn’t last long. Colt sees us and nearly trips over her feet. The glee in her expression isn’t expected, but it’s something I’ve missed almost as much as I’ve missed her and the rest of our huge ass group of misfits.

  “Rossy,” she nearly coos at him, her smile practically breaking her face. “You look so... you.”

  “Thanks?” His tone is amused and not offended, but he reaches out for her hand, bringing it to his lips. “You’re breathtaking, Colty.”

  My heart hammers as she blushes. Red is such a good color on her.

  Her eyes meet mine, and they tear up. “Looking dapper there, Jordy.”

  I chuckle at that. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”

  She smiles even bigger somehow and kisses my cheek. “I’ve missed you.”

  Ross comes between us. “Yeah, not in the open or out here, folks.”

  He’s right.

  Fuck. We were so careless.

  Before any of us can make another mention of it, in walks Tennison, looking ever the striking emo kid. He’s dressed in a black on black on black suit. His hair is no longer black and blood-red, but instead, it’s a blond, similar to Colt’s natural hair color. He sees me, and his mouth lifts, not by much, and it only confirms my fears. He’s struggling.

  Colt doesn’t seem to miss a thing because she actually pulls him into a hug, surprising us all. Out of the five of us, Ten and her have the rockiest relationship. Not only did he make her fall in love with him and take her virginity, but he abandoned her when Cass died. He wasn’t at his best friend’s funeral, and it tore her apart.

  But right now, as if she knows none of
that matters in the end, she holds him to her like he’s a fragile doll and not the bear branded for slaughtering a village.

  “I see I’m not missed,” someone jokes and I know it’s Lux without turning. His voice is detectable, a cadence I know very well.

  Fuck, I missed him. Not just how we are together but him as a person, the safety he brought me and the way he texted me and made me feel safe.

  Fuck, that was sappy.

  “Lux,” Colt whispers, and her emotions rise. “I know it’s only been hours but fuck.”

  He laughs, and she follows while we all stand here like the biggest dysfunctional family, wanting love and friendship.

  “If everyone could get to their assigned tables, I’d really like to get started,” Midas announces at the podium.

  We all glance at one another, knowing we’d all be seated somewhere close, since we’re all founders' kids. They like to bunch us up, like The Hunger Games but with less glamor.

  "Lux, would you join me on the podium?"

  Lux bites his lip but doesn't hesitate, strolling toward the front. His gait isn't his normal confident one, more of a controlled one, as if he expects a bad outcome.

  He stares at his dad, but Midas isn't looking at him. He has his eyes set on our girl. Colt. The smirk Midas offers has my skin crawling.

  Lux finally makes it to him. Midas moves to cuff his shoulder, appearing the ever-doting father. There are at least one hundred people here. The founding families may only have fifteen names, four of which that have been eradicated and four more that are hidden for reasons unbeknownst to me. They are married to the many different lines they keep involved in everything.

  "Many of you know Lennox, the student body president of Arcadia. He excels and is on track to become our next governor." The way Midas squeezes Lux like a prized animal rather than a child makes me nauseous.

  That's all we are to them.

  Animals for the picking.

  "I'm so proud of him for signing his future to great venues, and tonight, he'll further that."

  Lux sucks in a breath, his chest puffing out with the anxiety that flows freely through us both. I grab Colt's leg as she stares at him with worry.

  It's crazy how much she cares for us all.