The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (19)

“Uneventful,” I lied. “Headmaster Burns said I have to wear the tie.”

“Honey, I have to be honest. I was shocked that you even wore the skirt.”

“Yeah, well, it was the lesser of two evils.” There was no way in hell I’d wear the dress. The dorky pants were even worse. I used the excuse of homework to escape upstairs before she could ask more questions. Homework assigned on the first day was a tradition I was unfamiliar with, but I wasn’t surprised. Brynwood’s sole mission was to prepare their pupils for the finest universities.

And with Ever declaring war, I welcomed the distraction.

My room would be my safe haven until I figured out how to deal with him.

A couple of hours later, I closed my textbook. The work had been challenging but not too grueling. I stood, stretched, and considered a shower before dinner. Thomas had come up an hour ago and announced that we’d all be having dinner together.

I could hardly wait.

After my shower, I threw on a pair of cotton shorts and a tank and then followed the flavorful smells into the dining room. Thomas and Rosalyn were already seated, as was Ever, who slouched in his seat, his attention completely fixed on his phone.

“There you are,” Rosalyn greeted, drawing Ever’s gaze. “I was just about to send someone up for you.”

I found it hard for some reason to focus on anything but Ever. He looked rather smug about it as he slid his phone into his pocket and sat up. He’d taken off the sweater but kept on the rest of his uniform.

Thomas sat at the head of the table with his hands steepled, and Rosalyn sat at the other end clutching her glass of water. My place was set in the middle…directly across from Ever. Moments after I took my seat, someone appeared with my plate and a glass of water. I was eagerly slicing my steak when Thomas turned to me.

“So how was your first day at Brynwood?”

I paused and thought my answer over. “It was…interesting.”

“Interesting? How so?”

“The atmosphere was different.” Brynwood had privilege written all over it, making my old high school seem like a jungle in comparison. The teachers were far more innovative, and even the student’s engagement exceeded the norm. Thomas was waiting for me to explain, but I didn’t want to admit that it had been intimidating, especially with his son as a witness, so I said, “It was nice not having to share a textbook.”

“Everything you’ll need was taken care of in your tuition. I saw your transcripts. You’re a smart girl. Money shouldn’t impede your education.”

I wasn’t moved by his attempt to win my affection with fine things, but I was also playing a game with his son that I had every intention of winning, so I flashed a darling smile and thanked Thomas for his generosity. Rosalyn beamed proudly from her end of the table while Ever watched me through narrowed eyes.

“I also learned something interesting about Ever.”

“Oh?” Thomas’ gaze flitted to his son, but Ever’s mask had already slipped into place.

“Yes.” I took a sip of my water for suspense. “He has quite a few admirers. Everyone seems to look to him at Brynwood. They care about what he thinks and does.”

“Ah.” Thomas’s nervous chuckle made me wonder if he knew all along that his son was an asshole. “Well, he did make the winning touchdown at the junior varsity championship last year and Ever has always had a leading personality. It doesn’t surprise me that the other kids look up to him.”

Thomas was beaming with pride for his son, and if I wanted, I could disgrace his little prince. Maybe he’d back off if I showed him I could fight just as dirty. I’d never survive here if I didn’t. Even now, I was the one playing defense.

“Ever, I can’t imagine what it’s like to be you.” I bat my eyes for good measure, but to his credit, he didn’t react. What a robot. “I just hope you don’t abuse it. A lesser person in your position could make it easy for someone to feel isolated and…undesirable.”

Ever played his part with a charming smile, but the storm in his eyes warned me to turn back now. “If you ever feel unwanted, I’m sure there are ways I can fix that.”

I didn’t miss the veiled threat even though it went completely over our parents’ head. “I’m a big girl. I’ll manage.”

Thick lips twitched with humor.

“We’ll see.”





EVER’S PARTY WAS THE HOT topic at Brynwood the next day, and everyone seemed to have forgotten about the rumor I’d started. Since I lived with the host, I couldn’t exactly be uninvited, but when I learned that Thomas and Rosalyn would be spending the night on his boat, I called Tyra.

“Sorry, Four. I can’t hang out tonight. One of the girls called in sick, so it looks like I’m stuck here until midnight.”

After hanging up with Tyra, I growled and ran my fingers through my hair. Ever had brought home the entire football team, and they were currently downstairs pregaming and setting up. If I couldn’t get out of the house, I would be stuck hiding in my room all night.

Wincing, I began to consider attending his stupid party. Hiding like a social pariah was exactly what Ever would want. But what if I showed that rich prick that he wasn’t getting to me?

Feeling wicked, I threw on the oil-stained overalls I wore when working at Gruff’s shop and my most threadbare pair of Converse.