Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(16)

After Valmont ended the call, she said, “I guess you’ll follow me to class tomorrow?”

“According to your grandmother, I’m supposed to be your shadow. She didn’t give specific details.”

Her grandmother expected Valmont to drop everything to protect Bryn, and he’d agreed—no questions asked, and with no thoughts to his living arrangements. The suitcase he’d brought with him leaned against the far end of the couch.

“Since Rhianna moved out, why don’t you move into her room? You can unpack and make yourself comfortable.”

“Are you sure? If I’m on the couch, I’m between you and the front door.”

True. “Though someone could come in from the terrace entrance, too. If you’re in her room, with the door open, you’d be in the middle of the two entrances.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way.” He stood and grabbed his bag. “I guess I’ll unpack.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to offer to help him unpack, but he couldn’t have much in the one bag, and he might want some time to think. A few minutes later, she heard the sound of furniture moving.

What could he be doing? She poked her head in his new room where she witnessed him moving the four-poster bed toward the door.

He must have his reasons. She waited for him to finish.

“There.” He adjusted the bed so it was two feet inside the room. Now, I can jump out of bed and be out the door as soon as possible.”

“Good idea.” She yawned. “Speaking of bed, I think I’m going to turn in.”

“Okay.” He closed the distance between them and pulled her into a hug. His arms around her made her feel safe. It would be great to fall asleep with him on the couch. A nap was one thing, sleeping in his arms all night long might not be a good idea. Actually, it sounded like a fabulous idea, but her grandmother most certainly would not approve.

…

The next morning, Bryn checked the mirror and frowned. Pale skin and tired eyes stared back at her. Using Quintessence she darkened her lip color, gave her cheeks a healthy glow, and darkened her eyelashes. That was better. She might not be a morning person but that didn’t mean she had to look like she was still asleep.

Valmont walked her to breakfast. Clint and Ivy acted like it was normal for Valmont to join them. Everyone else, not so much.

“Should I stand up and introduce myself to everyone in the dining hall?” Valmont asked.

Clint shook his head. “Believe me, everyone knows who you are.”

Valmont gave a movie-star grin, and his single dimple appeared. “Looks like I’m famous. Do you think they’ll want me to sign autographs?”

Bryn chuckled. Good thing her knight didn’t mind scrutiny.

“Hey, look at that.” Ivy pointed toward a table where Rhianna and Jaxon sat with several others of their Clan. The girls were talking among themselves, and they were including Rhianna.

“Yeah, I guess moving out of my room bumped her back up the social ladder.”

“Hello?” Ivy waved her hands in front of Bryn’s face. “Did we forget to share with the class?”

“Sorry. Everyone staring at Valmont distracted me.” She told them about Jaxon insisting Rhianna move out.

“It sucks that he might’ve been right,” Ivy said.

“It sucks that my grandmother made me move to the Blue dorm in the first place.”

“I wonder how long it would take her to hear about it if we moved you back to our dorm?” Clint said.

“Unfortunately, that would constitute an act of war, as far as my grandfather is concerned.” Bryn stirred a packet of sugar into her coffee. “Though when I lived in your dorm, I felt like I belonged. The Blue dorm is not so friendly.”

“They’re a bunch of pompous asses.” Valmont spoke in a voice quiet enough for only their table to hear. “Too bad they control all the money and have all the power.”

“They don’t,” Clint said. “I mean, they have most of the money, but they wouldn’t survive a week without the rest of us. Who creates the art they love to buy? Who heals them when they’re sick? Who runs all the businesses they love to spend their money at?”

She’d never thought about it that way. “I guess all the Clans need each other to play their roles.”

“And the Blues are like the prima donnas of the company,” Clint said. “We put up with their snotty behavior, while we secretly fantasize about knee-capping them.”

…

In Elemental Science, Mr. Stanton approached Valmont and had a quick whispered conversation before class started.

“What was that about?” Bryn asked.

“You’ll see.” Valmont grinned like a kid who’d been offered a trip to Disneyland.

Mr. Stanton stood behind his desk and waited for everyone to settle down and face him. “As you can see we have a visitor today, and he has generously agreed to help with today’s lesson.”

This could be really great or really awful.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard that Valmont is Bryn’s knight. I’ve asked him to explain how this came to be.”

Oh crap. She grabbed Valmont’s hand as he stood. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Afraid I’ll name names?” he asked.