The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (13)
Today was now the morning of my fifth day in Blackwood Keep and my first day at Brynwood Academy. A couple of days ago, I was given the same red and navy uniforms I’d found in Ever’s closet along with a credit card for my ‘needs.’ Thomas then forced me to sit through a lecture on financial responsibility before informing me that Ever would be driving me to and from school until other arrangements could be made. He didn’t explain what he’d meant, but I wondered if the man had actually been implying he’d buy me a car.
Eyes at half-mast as my toes sunk into the plush carpet, I stretched and listened for signs of bathroom occupancy. Hearing nothing but the birds chirping, I quickly grabbed the caddy I picked up when Rosalyn had driven us to town in the Navigator for supplies. Along with everything else, she’d ditched the Taurus before leaving Cherry. Rosalyn had questioned why I needed a caddy, but I’d refrained from telling her that I didn’t trust Ever not to dip my toothbrush in toilet water. Not that I had considered it or anything…
I made sure to lock both doors before eagerly stepping into the shower. I’d spent thirty minutes under the spray the first time. The water jetting from all sides had felt like a full body massage, one that I desperately needed this morning but didn’t have the time to spare. After blow-drying, my hair fell in shiny waves around my shoulders before I threw it into a ponytail. Rosalyn loathed them. She thought it was ‘shameful to hide such beautiful hair.’ I thought it was a goddamn nuisance, which was why I’d had Patty free me of the long tresses. Rosalyn had mourned for months.
Once I collected everything, I unlocked his door. I’d only taken a few steps when a wicked smile spread across my lips, and I hurried back to his door. I was reaching for the knob when the door was pushed open. I just barely saved my face from being clobbered.
“What are you doing in here?” I hissed as I clutched my towel to me. Black boxers were all Ever wore.
“Door wasn’t locked.” His head cocked slightly. “What were you doing if the door was already unlocked?”
“I—I didn’t know I’d forgotten to lock it,” I lied.
He grunted and moved around me. I couldn’t help stealing another peek at his body even though he hadn’t bothered looking anywhere beyond my face. One day, I’d question why I found that insulting. I watched as his gaze landed on my yellow caddy. Without permission, he reached out, lifted my bar of soap, and brought it up to his nose.
Fuck.
A lump lodged in my throat as he wordlessly returned the bar and handed over the caddy.
“Get out.”
I grabbed the caddy and fled.
Downstairs, after donning the navy blazer, white blouse, and khaki skirt, and opting for scuffed Vans instead of the shiny black oxfords, I found Rosalyn in the breakfast room, robed in turquoise silk, sipping her coffee as she stared out the window. The terrace doors were thrown open, inviting the morning breeze inside.
“Morning.” She faced me with a smile that became genuine when she took in my uniform.
“You look lovely.”
I smiled as I slid onto the bench across from her. “Thanks. Is this for me?” My mouth watered as I stared down at the scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and fresh fruit.
“Yes. Ever had some orange drink, and Thomas already left for the office.”
I nodded as I chewed on a piece of bacon. It was the right ratio of crispy and chewy just as I liked it. “Did you make this?” I already knew the answer. Why else would Ever pass up a hot meal for Gatorade? Eating something else would have been too obvious, and his father didn’t seem like he messed around.
She beamed as I devoured another strip of bacon. “I wanted to make sure you had a good breakfast.” She resumed staring out the window when I didn’t respond. I was too busy hoping that I hadn’t completely lost her to the McNamaras.
I finished eating and kissed Rosalyn’s warm cheek before running upstairs to grab my backpack. I didn’t know the protocol for being forced to accept a ride from a person who hated you, so after checking the time, I decided to just wait outside. I’d seen Ever come and go in a blacked-out Range Rover, so when I emerged and saw his ride waiting in the driveway, I awkwardly stood by it. Ten minutes passed before Ever emerged in a long-sleeve navy sweater, with the collar of his white dress shirt popping from the neckline, and black pants. He’d dutifully worn the red tie and shiny black oxfords that I had wrinkled my nose at before stuffing mine in the darkest corner of my closet. He had his two-toned hair brushed back and controlled with gel that made his thick hair shine.
If there ever were a preppy God, Ever would have been him.
“If I’d known you were such a diva, I would have slept an extra five minutes,” I quipped as he approached.
He took his time looking me over before speaking. “The option to walk is always available to you.” His tone remained perfectly flat, and I began to wonder if he even had a personality. He was always so refined and in control. Nothing seemed to ruffle his royal feathers.
I hopped in after he unlocked the Range Rover and waited while he tossed his backpack in the back. I didn’t realize I was tapping my foot until I caught him eyeing my bare legs. He seemed unimpressed, however, when he met my gaze again.
“Problem?” he questioned.
“We’re going to be late.”
He smirked as he turned the ignition and put the car in gear. “And?”