The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (30)

The bell rang so I stood, refusing to beg. If Jamie wouldn’t spill, I’d just have to get the beans elsewhere. I started to walk away when he swiftly grabbed my arm.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Four.” For the first time since meeting him, the playful twinkle in his eyes was gone. “Cross him an inch, and he’ll go a mile to ruin you.”

“No need to worry,” I lied. “I’m just making small talk.” I pulled my arm from his grip and dumped my tray. I only made it a few feet before I heard the classic tune and then the first verse of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ playing through the school’s speakers. Since I seemed to be the only one eager to get to class, I was the only one standing when a couple of guys burst through the doors and began to do-si-do around me. They weren’t even in rhythm, but the cafeteria erupted into laughter anyway.

My fists balled.

I wanted to pummel the guys until they were bloody pulps.

But I couldn’t get revenge behind a cell.

Ever was slouched with his arm thrown over the back of his chair. There was no trace of humor or satisfaction or even the regret I witnessed when he humiliated me the last time. He simply watched his lackeys perform, and only when they slapped hands and took off did I have his undivided attention. Was he expecting me to run away in tears like last time?

Not gonna happen.

“That was pathetic!” I shouted.

His subjects fell silent, waiting to see what their king would do. I didn’t stick around to find out. I was breathing fire by the time I was far enough for the laughter to fade.

Ever had made it clear he didn’t want peace.

Good.

Neither do I.

I hadn’t realized I was being followed until a hand on my shoulder stopped my charge. Thinking it was another prank, I turned with my balled fist raised.

“Whoa!” The fight left my body when I realized it was just Tyra. “You do realize if you had hit me, I would have to hit you back?” she sassed with her hand on her hip.

I muttered an apology before starting down the hall again with her at my side.

“So…what did you do?”

“What do you mean?” We reached my locker, and I quickly grabbed the materials for my next class.

“How did you get under his skin? Ever McNamara has never stooped that low before.”

I sighed, getting sick of everyone believing Ever was some god to be revered. “I didn’t do anything. He hates me because I don’t belong here, and he’s right.”

“Have you seen the way he looks at you? I totally believe he can’t stand you, but I think he—” She suddenly looked unsure.

“What?”

“I think he wants you just as much.”

The bell saved me from responding, and we parted ways, but a minute later, I received a text from Tyra.

TYRA: Think about it.

I wanted to tell her that all I did was think about it, but never in a million years would I admit to desiring a boy who treated me so horribly. I stepped over the threshold of my English class and found that very boy sitting in the back.

Vaughn was seated on his right with some blushing bombshell parked in front of him. He had a hand planted on the back of her chair, and the other twirled the end of a long brown lock between his fingers as he whispered in her ear. Like a magnet, my gaze returned to Ever who was sketching something inside a small notebook. He didn’t even notice the avid admirer sitting next to him.

“Ms. Archer, glad to have you back,” the rotund teacher greeted with a clipped tone. Ever’s head jerked up as if he’d just had a bucket of cold water thrown on him. “Please…have a seat.”

I headed for the only empty seat available at the front of the class, but Mr. Driscoll had other plans.

“Actually, I’d like you to switch seats with Ms. Brooks. I’d rather she be able to concentrate on the lecture.”

When I realized he meant the brunette whose drool probably puddled the floor and maybe her seat too, I grew annoyed. Vaughn was just whispering sweet nothings to the girl in front of him but that he noticed?

The pretty brunette stood in a huff and bumped my shoulder when she passed. I wanted to rip her eyes out. Maybe then I wouldn’t have to sit next to him.

Mr. Driscoll, noticing that I still stood, glowered over the rim of his glasses. “Ms. Archer, I’d like to begin.”

Ever’s lips twitched as he sat back slowly, never taking his eyes from me as I moved down the aisle and slid into the desk. The teacher immediately began going over the syllabus. Vaughn, with his hand now groping his conquest’s ass, leaned forward to wink at me.

They were two peas in a pod, and I hated them both.

I tried to follow along with the teacher’s ramblings, but I couldn’t stop watching Ever from the corner of my eye. He twirled a pencil between long, tanned fingers, drawing my attention to his bruised knuckles. They hadn’t been that way during lunch.

I hadn’t realized I was openly staring until the pencil suddenly stopped twirling.

“See something you like?”

The space between my thighs warmed when I envisioned him touching me with those fingers. Oh, no. Don’t go there. “Fighting?” I nodded toward his knuckles. “Are you sure the peerage would approve?”

“The what?” His confused frown was almost adorable.