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THEKINGS
ADARKCOLLEGEREVERSEHAREM
ROMANCE
KINGSOFCASTLE
BOOK1
EVENEWTON
Copyright©2024byEveNewton Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview
PREFACE
ThisisacontemporaryReverseHaremDarkCollegeAgeRomance.Allmaincharactersare21.
TheKingsofCastleareessentiallyvillains Ifyouarelookingforasoftandcuddlyread,youwillnotfinditinthesepages
TheKingscontainsadultandgraphiccontent,andreaderdiscretionisadvised.
AfulllistofTWsforthisbook/seriescanbefoundexclusivelyatmywebsite:https://evenewton.com/the-kings-of-castle
Joinmyfacebookgroupforrealtimeupdatesonfuturereads:https://facebook.com/groups/evenewton
ELIZA
PANTING.
Sweating
Lipscollideasmybackhitsthemirroredwardrobedoorbehindme.
Myhead’sspinningabittoomuchfromthechampagne
Thehotstrangerwithinkedskinandascarthat’sjustbeggingforquestionsIdon’thavetimetoask,runshishandsupmy outerthighsandundermyshortskirt.
“Fuck,”Igasp
His hands are roughas theyhike up myskirt, withno pretence of gentleness, just raw need, as he wastes no time and shovesmypantiesaside It’sallkindsofwrong,thisguyIdon’tknow,inmydad’sbedroom,butfuckme,he’shot Darkhair, clearblueeyes,musclesfordays.Itfeelstotallyrightwhenheunzipshisblackcombatpantsanddragshiscockout,liftingme upsoIcansinkdownonhiscockwithoutasecondthought
It’sallthepermissionIneedtowrapmylegstightaroundhimandmeeteachofhisthrustswithmyown.
Therhythmwefallintoisprimal,unmistakable.
He fucks me hard against the wardrobe; each slamof our bodies sends ripples through my blood that spikes quickly, quickerthananyfuckhasgivenmesinceIlostmyV-cardtwoyearsago.
Icanfeel everyinchofhis cock, fillingme up, stretchingme wide, and God, the heat We’re creatingour owninferno, burningawayanysemblanceoftheconfident,borderingonarrogant,mafiaprincess I’msupposedtobe.Rightnow,I’mjust Elizabeth“Eliza”Hughes,andhe’sjusttheguymakingmyheadspinfasterthananyalcoholevercould.
“More,”Iurge,nailsdiggingintohisshoulders.
Bythewayhegroans,slammingintomewithapacethat’s bothpunishingandperfect,he’s righttherewithme,readyto burnitalltotheground
He’sdarkanddangerous,muchliketheinkthatswirlsoverhisarms,underhistightblacktee,designsthatdancewitheach forcefulmovement Ancientsymbolsofpowerandseduction,etchedintohisskinasthoughclaiminghimfortheirown
I’mlosttothisfeeling,losttohim,myinhibitionsdissolvingfasterthansugarinhottea.There’safreedominthismoment, inallowingmyselfthis wildabandon,andIclingtoitwitheverythingI’vegotas Iclampmythighs tighter aroundhis rockhardbody.
Ihavenoideawhoheis,butjudgingbyhiscasualoutfit,he’soneofmydad’slackeys.There’senoughofthem,andthey comeandgofrequently
As he takes me to poundtownthatrocks myordered world, there’s no roomfor anymore thoughts, onlysensation, as he fucksmeharderanddeeperasmypussycoatshislengthwithjuice
Imeeteachofhisthrustspowerfully.Ourbodiesarecompletelytheopposite,mesmallandslender,himbigandmuscular, butwefittogetherasifweweremadeforeachother.Theelectricchemistrybetweenuscrackles,ignitingsparksthatlickat myinsides,promisinganexplosionofecstasy
“Harder,” I demand, and there’s a smirk on his lips as he complies, pounding into me with a ferocity that leaves me breathless,teeteringontheedgeofoblivion,onlyspurredonbythefactthatsinceImethimonthestairsanddraggedhimin heretofuckme,hehasn’tutteredasingleword.
Thepleasurebuilds,coilingtight,andIcanfeeleveryfibreofmybeingstrainingforrelease Itcomessuddenly,crashingovermelikeatidalwave,obliteratingeverythinginitspath.Icryout,mysharp,pointedblack nailsdiggingintohisback,markinghimforwhoevergetshimnext.I’mundernodelusionsthatheismine.Idon’twanthimto
be Heisfortonight,alasthurrahbeforeIstartmyfinalyearatabrandnewuniversitywhereIwillbetherankoutsideruntilI canprovemyself.
Feelingmycuntclencharoundhisenormousdick,hismovementsbecomeerratic,desperate Hismouthdevoursmineashe pumpshiscumintome,ahotrushwithagruntingsoundtrackthatmakesmynipplesache.
Fuck Iwanttotakehimtobedandridehimallnight,butDadiswaitingforme,andnoonekeepsDamonHugheswaiting Notevenme.
He pulls out slowly, eyes narrowed as he groans softly, leavingme emptyand cravingmore of his cock Witha slow, sinister smile, he steps backand puts his cum-covered cockbackinhis pants and zips up, watchingme pantand struggle to catchmybreath.
Then,he’sgone Stridingoutofthebedroomlikehehasn’tgotacareintheworld
Moaningsoftly,IflingmyheadbackmomentarilybeforeIturn,foreheadpressedtothecoolmirror.Adjustingmyclothes,I fixmypanties,feelinghiscumdampenthem,andsmoothdownmyskirtwithshakyhands Wipingmylipswithaslowsmile,I gazeatmyreflectioninthemirror.Mygreeneyesarebright,alivewithafirethathadn’tbeentherebefore.Mychestnuthairis awildcascade,framingmyflushedcheeks Ilookpowerfulandincontrol
JustthewayIshould.
Steppingoutoftheroom,thebuzzfromthegrandpartydownstairspullsatmysenseslikegravity.Irunmyhandsthrough myhair and descend the staircase, myheels clickingonthe marble stairs as Itake themslowly, myhand trailingdownthe walnutrail.
Thesightthatgreetsmeisoneofdecadencehereinmydad’smansion Mymumdiedfifteenyearsago,soit’sbeenmeand Dad for as longas Icanremember, rattlingaround this huge mansionlike the ghosts ofChristmas Past. MyDad has never movedonfrommum’sdeath.Alwaysalone.Although,I’msureheisn’t‘alwaysalone’ifyougetmydrift,butnowomanhas evermadeittobreakfastwithmeontheothersideofthetablethefollowingmorning.
Thispartyislikeawho’swhointheEnglishMafia,asmyeyesscantheguests,drinkingexpensivechampagneandtalking ingroups MeninsharptuxedosandwomendrapedinjewelsandsilkglideacrossthemarbleflooroftheEntranceHallfrom oneroomtoanotherastheymingle,theirlaughterjoiningwiththeclinkofcrystalglasses.Thechandeliersabovecastagolden glowoveritall,makingthediamondsatthethroatsoftheguestsglintastheyindulgeintheluxury
So notmystyle.
Givemeawickedhuntingknifeoveradiamondnecklaceanyday,andI’llshowyouwhattodowithit.
Buttonight,myfamily’spowerisonfulldisplay.It’sinthewaytheguestsspeakinhushedtonesaboutdealsandturf,inthe slightnodsthatareexchangedmoreoftenthanpleasantries.There’sanundercurrentofdangerbeneaththeelegance acoiled snakereadytostrike
I’malmosttothe bottomofthe stairs whenthe buzzofmyphone,stuffedintomybra for mysexyencounter withthe hot stranger,ripsthroughmyhigh Ipullitoutandglanceatthescreen
Ananonymousmessageflashesacrossit:“Trustnoone.Betrayalcomeswearingfamiliarfaces.”
It’snotthefirstthreateningtextI’veeverreceived,anditwon’tbethelast.Fuckknows,I’vehadworstsaidtomyface.So, Iignoreitandshovemyphonebackinmybra Theysaytokeepyourfriendscloseandyourenemiescloser,butinthisnestof vipers,it’shardtotellthedifference.ButtheHughesfamilyisoneofthestrongestinthecountry,andweplayforkeeps. Ruthless,relentless,andalwaysontop
Hittingthebottomofthestairs,Icrossovertomydad’sofficenearthefrontdoor.
Ipushopenthe heavyoakdoor withoutknocking a move thatcould getanyone else killed ona good day ButI’mnot anyoneelse,andthebloodinmyveinscommandsasmuchrespectasthemanstandinginthemiddleoftheoffice,histailored black suit impeccable even under the current circumstances. My father, with his cold blue eyes and iron grip on the underworld,doesn’tevenlookupasIenter
“Elizabeth,”heacknowledges,hisvoicevoidofsurprise.HeknewIwascoming.Heaskedmetobehere.
“Dad,”Ireply,standingjustinsidetheroom Myeyesfixateonthemankneelinginfrontofhim
Sweatglistensonhisforehead,hissuitdishevelled,eyeswildwithfear.Hepleadsformercy,butIknowthere’snonetobe had
“Please...Ihaveafamily,”hegasps.
Rollingmyeyes,Istifletheurgetomakeanoiseofdisgust.Pathetic.Theyalways saythat,buttheydidn’tthinkoftheir familywhentheybackstabbedmydad,so Ishrug
“Andyetyouchosebetrayal,”mydadanswerscoolly.
There’snomorebeggingasmyfatherraisesasilencedgun,steadyashesignsanotherdeathwarrantandpullsthetrigger Asoftthump,aflashofmovement,andthemancollapses,bloodbloomingunderneathhisheadlikeacrimsonrosetounfurlall overtheexpensiveAubussonrug.
Tiltingmyhead,IstepcloserasIstudythebody.Noguiltstirsinmyblacksoul,onlyfascinationandanappreciationfor theorderofourworld ourrules.
“Cleanthisup,”myfatherinstructssomeoneintheshadows,notlookingatthedeadmanagain.Powerclingstohim,andI feelitignitesomethingdarkandeagerwithinme.
Iwanttobejustlikehim It’swhatheisgroomingmetobe,afterall “Willtherebeanythingelse?”Iask.
“Always be careful,Elizabeth Trustis a luxurywe can’tafford,” he says withoutemotion,onlyanother piece ofadvice fromthekingtohisheir.
“Always am,” I throw backover myshoulder as Iturnto leave, feelingthe weight of his gaze onme as I exit into the corridor.
Ashudder slowlycreeps over the backofmyneck. Does he know whatIwas doingbefore Icame here? Itgives me a massive ick, butitalso wouldn’tsurprise me Dad knows everything Butthat’s the game Usinghis roomto wrap mylegs around a total stranger while he railed me so hard, mybodyexploded inanorgasmaround his cock, creaminghimuntil he couldn’tholdonanylonger
Ibitemylipandfeel myclittwitch.Butthere’snotimefordistractions.I’vegotalegacytoclaim,anempiretoprotect, and,iftonight’sanyindication,enemiestocrush
RAPHAEL
LEANING AGAINST A SHADOWED COLUMN,mygazelingers ontheofficedoor whereshedisappearedamomentago.There’s a fuckingheatinmyveinsthat’sallabouther
I’mitchingtoknow whotextedherbeforewhileshecamedownthestairs.Itcaughtherattentionbeforeshedismissedit completely
Anotherguy?
Orrather, a guy?
Thememoryofherwrithingbetweenmeandthemirroredglassisasvividasthecrystalchandelierhangingoverhead The feelofhertightcuntaroundme,thewaysheclawedatmyback fuck,I’mhardagainjustthinkingaboutit.
Ididn’texpectit,butnowaywasItellinghernoonceshegrabbedmeandgaveme that look Heremeraldeyesheatedup asshetookinmybody,mytats,thescarundermyeye.Shewantedme,andI’vewantedherforalongtime.Shejustdoesn’t knowit Orme,forthatmatter
She’slitthefuckingfuse,andI’mthedynamitewaitingtoblow.
Minutes stretch like hours, but patience is a killer’s virtue. Eliza emerges a few moments later, her hot body lingering briefly in the doorway as she glances back The dead body in the middle of the floor, there for anyone to see, causes no hesitationinherstep,notremorinthosedelicatefingerswithsharpnailslikeclaws theHughesbloodlinedoesn’tflinchat death Elizaincluded
Thatsmile,though...slowandknowing.Thethrillhitsmelikeashotofthegoodstuffstraighttothevein.
Herlaughfloatsbackasshestridesintothecrowd,lostmomentarilyinaseaoftailoredsuitsandsilkdressesasshemakes herwaythroughthelivingroom.Pushingofffromthecolumntofollowherbeforeheroldmancatchesuptome,IpauseasI recogniseasecond-yearstudentfromCastleUniversity,whereI’mathirdyear.Heiswithhismate,anuglyfuckwithawicked streak,butthereagain,wickedisrelative Hehasn’tcomeupagainstmybladeyet Theystrutafter her like theyownthe damnplace the mafia’s nextgenoffinestpricks, sons ofnobodies tryingto play somebody
“Shitheads,”Imutter,watchingthemtrailafterElizalikehornyfuckingdogs. Noonetouchesher.
Theydon’tknowwhothey’refuckingwith,butthey’reabouttofindout.
Movingforwardagain,aghostslippingthroughthecrowd,mystepsaresureandsilent.Reachingback,myhandrestson thehandleoftheknifeIcarrywithmeeverywhere agiftfrommydadandonethathasseenmorebloodshedthanmost Elizastepsoutontothebalcony,herdarkhair catchingthemoonlight.Itisapictureofpoiseandpower,andtheseidiots areabouttolearnwhatitmeanstocovetwhattheycan’thave Myhandwrapsaroundtheknife’shilt.Shedoesn’tseeme,doesn’tevenknowI’mhere,butonedayshewill.She’llknow I’malwayshere,awhisperaway,readytobleedforher.
“Staythefuckawayfromher,”Igrowl,steppingupbehindtheleaderofthetwoassholesandpressingmybladeagainsthis throat. His eyes go wide, probablysearchingfor Daddy, but evenhis father wouldn’t fuckingdare. The laughter dies inan instant,theairthickwithfear Ibreatheitinwithaslowsmile.
“Touchher,andyoudie,”Imurmur,noneedtocauseanymoreofascene TheygetwhereI’mcomingfrom Mygripshiftsonthecurvedblade,hugginghisthroat.Everymuscleinmybodyistight,coiledlikeaspring.I’mafucking cobrawaitingforanyexcusetostrike,tosinkmyteethintotheirflesh.
“Nothingtosay?”
Theyblinkatme,lostforwords.
“Fair enough, butunderstand this: ifshe screams, youbleed” Mysenses are electric, and everymovementtheymake is amplified.Theseboysareoutoftheirleague,andiftheypushit,they’llfindoutjusthowoutmatchedtheyare.
Silence descends like a guillotine as Iwatchthem, their bravado crumblingunder the weightofmystare, the feel ofmy blade.The leader swallows nervously,andhis buddyshuffles uncomfortablyonhis feet.Once soobnoxious inthe nightair, their laughter is now a strangled memory Theyglance ateachother silentquestions passingbetweenthem, silentanswers urgingretreat.
“Fuckthis,”theleadermutters.“She’snotworthit.”
“Neitherareyou”
Heglaresatmewithfury,butwon’tcomeforme.Hedoesn’thavetheballs.
Idon’twatchthemleave,couldn’tcarelessaboutthosespinelessshitsastheydisappearintotheparty,probablyseeking shelterfromtheirparents.Instead,mygazeshiftsbacktoEliza,therealreasonI’mstandingoutherewithmurderinmyveins. She’soblivioustothescenethatjustwentdown Ihavenodoubtatallthatshewouldeatthosetwopricksaliveandthenburn thembeforedancingontheirashes,butaqueenshouldn’thaveto.
It’sjustnicetoknowshe could.Afuckingturnon.Arousingasallshit.Iwanttoseehermakeamanbleed,scream,begfor hislife
“Fuck.”Ishiftasmycockpressesagainstmycombatpants,hardasiron.
Elizaleansagainstthebalconyrailing,aserenestatuebathedinmoonlight Myeyesdrinkinthesightofher,lingeringon theswellofherhips,thedipofherwaist,theriseofherbreastswitheachbreathshetakes.Iwanttotasteherlipsagain,feel hercuntwrappedaroundmydick,panting,clawing,comingundone.
“Oneday,littlekiller,I’llhaveyouinmybed.”
Sheisatruequeenoftheunderworld beautiful,deadly,untouchable andshewillbeminetoshare.
I’llletherenjoyhermomentofpeacebecause,inafewdays,shewon’tknowwhathither
RAPHAEL
I’M aghostinthecornerofthesprawlinglivingroom,myeyesgluedtoEliza’severymove.Shestaresacrossthegroundsfrom thebalcony,leaningonit,deepinthought
I’mhereonbusiness,butwatchingEliza,it’sfuckinghardtorememberthat.
“Raphael”DamonHughes strides over,full ofarrogancedulydeserved Istraightenup,myinstincts onhighalertas the manwhocommandsanempirewithabrutalitythatIaspiretoapproachesme.Hisexpressioniscoldwithnobullshit.
“Youknowyourrole?”
Inod “KeephersafeatCastle”
“She’snotjustanygirl;she’sthequeen-in-waiting.”
“Understood We’vegotherback”
Damoneyesme,hisscrutinylikeaphysicalforcepressingdownonmyshoulders.
“It’s her baptismbyfire She’s beensheltered, keptapartfromthe game, for a reason Now, it’s time she plays for her crown.”
Mynodisbarelyperceptible,buthecatchesit,anacknowledgmentoftheunspokenchallenge.Elizadoesn’tknow ityet, butshe’sgoingtobeplungedintoapitofvipersdisguisedasclassmatesandfriends,andthisisher ultimatetesttoconquer themall.
“CastleUniversityisherkingdomtoclaim,”hecontinues,“butshemustseizeitwithherowncunningandstrength She’s enteringacliquealreadyformed,theirloyaltiestested,andalliancesforged.She’llhavetoriseabovethem,makethemfollow her,orfallbyherownnaivety.”
“Trustme,shewon’tfall.”Thewomanmightbearose,butshe’sgotthorns,andGodhelpanyonewhotriestopluckher withoutcaution.
“Seethatshedoesn’t,”Damonsays “Butknowyourrole Youprotecther;youdon’thelpher Thisisherfight,andyou’re justtheretomakesuresheisn’tkilled.Nothingmore.”
Hisfinal commandhangsintheair asheturns,leavingmetowatchover thefuturequeen aqueenwhohasnoideathe warshe’sabouttowage,andwhethershelikesitornot,I’mgoingtoberightthereinthetrencheswithher.
Protecting,nothelping,apparently.
Thisisn’texactlyadebtowed,butthefourmostprominentMafiafamiliesinthecountryhaveagrudgingrespectforeach other.Healthy,evenifthereissuchathing.Thatmeanswedon’tpickfightswitheachother.Damon’srequestfilteredthrough thefamilies,andweallagreedthatElizawouldbetestedonherownmerit,justlikeeveryoneelse Shedoesn’tgetapass If shefails,that’sonher.Nothinganyonecandoaboutitbuther.
“I’llkeepthewolvesatbay,butthegirlneedstofeelthebitetobecometheleadershe’sdestinedtobe”
Damon’seyes,twochipsofflintinthebrightlight,appraiseme,measuringmyboldness.Then,assuddenasagunshot,his handcomesdownhardonmyshoulder asealofapprovalfromthedonhimself.Histouchisheavy,ladenwiththeunspoken truthsofourworld:protect,butdonotcoddle;guide,butdonotcarry
“Good,”hegrunts,asinglewordthatcarriestheweightofathousandexpectations.Withalastpenetratinglook,heturnson hisheelanddisappearsintotheshadowsofthemansion,leavingmealonewiththeechoofpowerplaysyettocome Istrideoutofthelivingroom,mybootssilentonthemarblefloors.ThisplaceissimilartothehouseIgrewupin,sothe luxurydoesn’tfazeme Iexpectit Iwantit AtCastle,wearethenextgenofMafialeaders,butthatrespect,thatplacehasto beearned.Nothingishandedonasilverplatterbecauseifyoucan’thackitinthisbusiness,thenyouwilldie.It’sassimpleas that.
Somethingtellsmethelittlekillerintheshortskirtwithapussythatwillmakeamanbegforit,hasgotthestonesforthis.I can’tfuckingwaittoseehowshebringstheUniversitytoitsknees.
Thenightgreetsmewithachillthatcutsthroughmytee awelcomerelieffromthewarmthinside Movingwithpurposetowardsmycar amidnightbluePorsche911thatgleamsunderthemoon,it’smorethanjustacar; it’s a statement, a beastofprecisionand speed thatknows no bounds Justlike Eliza Islide into the driver’s seat, and the engineroarstolifewithapurrthatpromisesescapeandadrenaline.
There’sworktobedone,andIneedtogethome Asthemansionfadesintotherearviewmirror,thegamebegins,andI’m rightattheheartofit,readytoplay.
Thecitylightsstreakby,ahazyribbonofgoldandcrimsonagainstthenight.EmptystreetsbecomemyplaygroundasIpush thePorschetoitslimits,thepurroftheenginealowgrowlinthesilence Mymind’sracingfasterthanthecar,everythought drenchedinmemoriesofEliza herskin,herscent,thewayshecameallovermycockfromonlyafewthrusts.
She thinks she’s seenthe world, butshe’s barelyskimmed the surface Nextweek, whenshe steps into our domain, I’ll showherdepthssheneverknewexisted.It’sanaddictivesurgeofpower,knowingI’llbetheonetounravelherfirst.
“Fuck,”Imutter,shiftinggearsasIimaginethewaysI’lltormenther thechallengeinhereyeswhenIpushhertoofar,the defiancethat’llbreakintodesire.It’llbeasweetdisplayofdisciplineanddisorder.
Twohourspeelawayasthecityisleftbehind,andthequainttownofCastleGate,wheretheUniversityissituated,swims into view The three-storey townhouse where we live, looms ahead, a modern fortress at the edge of Castle University’s campus.Ikilltheengineandstepout.
They’rewaitingforme
Istrideintothelivingroom,wheretheyloungelikekingsintheir casual court eachwithadangerousglintintheir eye. Butthat’swhatweare.WeareTheKingsofCastle,andElizawillbeourQueen.
“Raph,”mytwinbrother,Tarquin,murmurs.“Weexpectedyoubackawhileago.”
“Gotcaughtup.Aww,youmissedme,youfuckingprick.”
“Fuckyou,asshole,”hegrumbles,makingme,OliverandJameslaugh
MyeyeslockwithTarquin’sacrosstheroom,andwithasubtletiltofmyhead,Isignal him.It’sthesilenttwinlanguage we’vehonedsincebirth nowordsneededwhenaglancesuffices Hisposturestraightens,theirritatedmaskfallingawayto somethingmoreakintothestone-coldlieutenantheisunderneath.
“Here’sthedeal,”Isay.“Elizaneedstoproveshecanrulethisplace,carveoutherownkingdomamongthecutthroatsand charmers.”
TheyallknowwhatCastleUniversitymeans ourturf,ourrules,andthrowingElizaintothemix?That’slightingamatch neargunpowder
“Wewatchherback,butwedon’thelpher.Shestumbles,shepicksherselfup.Shemakesenemies,shefightsthemalone. Weareheretomakesureshedoesn’tdie,orDamonwillhaveournutstowearasahat Gotit?Sheisgoingtoripthatcrown offitspedestal andwear itwiththebloodofher enemiesdrippingdownit.”Mygazedrillsintoeachoftheirs,ensuringthe messagehitshomehardandclear.“Letherriseorfallonherown,butshestaysalive.”
“Thenletthegamesbegin,”Tarquindeclareswithawickedsmirk
Iturnawayfromthesemen,mybrotherandfriends,hidingthetruthofthefuckingIgaveElizaonlyacoupleofhoursago. Noonewill know aboutthis Notyet notevenTarquin,whoshares myface,myblood Thesecretis aweapon;inthis world,andthiscanbeusedtotormentandtestEliza.
Enteringmybedroomonthetopfloor,Istripofftothewaist,andmyreflectionstaresbackatmeinthemirror hardedges andinkedskin,aroadmapofthelifeI’veled.
Ihitthefloor,palmsflat,bodytaut,andstartknockingoutpress-upswiththeprecisionofamachine.Witheachraiseand fall,a silentcountechoes inmyhead This bodyis myfortress,mytemple,myweapon sharpenedandreadyfor whatever shitstormiscomingourway.Witheveryflexandclenchofmuscle,theimageofElizaflashesbeforemyeyes hersharpwit, thosepiercinggreeneyesthatsawtoomuch,andthatdamntonguethatcouldcutyoutoribbonsorbringyoutoyourknees She’s under myskin, a constantitchIcan’tscratchaway. Butinthe game ofthrones we play, love isn’ta luxury it’s a liability
Onehundredturnstotwohundred,theburnareminderthatpainisasmallpricetopayforpower.It’swhatkeepsmerazorsharp,alwaysonestepahead.
“ElizaHughes,youdon’tknowwhat’scoming,”Iwhisperintothequietofmyroom
ELIZA
TWO DAYS aftertheone-nighterthathasleftmepantingatthethoughtofthatguy,myblackMercedesSLKpurrslikeapanther as I glide past the imposing iron gates of Castle University The prestige of the place screams elite Oxford was just the overture;nowcomesthecrescendo.
“Welcome toyour new huntingground,” Imurmur,pullingupcurbside togive ita rakingonce-over “You’re pretty,I’ll giveyouthat,butIwonderhowmuchmorebeautifulwecanmakeyoubathedinblood,hmm?”
Mygazelingersonthecontoursofancientstoneandivythatclingtotheuniversitybuildings.Eachonewhisperstalesof power,secrets,andthekindofcutthroatambitionthatwouldmakeMachiavellisitupinhisgraveandtakenotes
Castle will forge you, Eliza. It’s time you stood among peers who understand the weight of empires on their shoulders. Well,Daddydearest,challengeaccepted
This is all partofthegame,andI’mfullyawarethatI’mgoingtohavetoearnmyplacehere.Well,takeitbyforceifit comesdowntothat WhichIassumeitwill Dadhaskeptallthisunderwraps,sendingmeinsteadtoOxfordformyfirsttwo yearsandthenthrowinginthedeependwiththegreatwhites.
Fun?Ohyes.
Dangerous?Fuckyes
ButneverletitbesaidtheHughesheiresswasn’tupforit.
Killorbekilled,dogeatdog,they’reallclichesthatapplyhere
Setting off again, I round the corner as the GPS instructs, and the townhouse where I’ve been boarded looms ahead, grandioseandunapologeticinitsluxury,justasI’musedto.ThisiswhereI’lllaymyheadandplotmymoves,surroundedby thosewhothinktheycandancewithdangeraswellasIdo.
Pulling up on the massive driveway, already filled with expensive machines, the Mercedes purrs to a stop. I lift my sunglasses ontothe topofmyheadandstare upatthe three-storybuilding Climbingout,Iyankmybags fromthe bootwith moreforcethannecessaryandstrideuptothetownhouse.
Withonesharpraponthedoor,itswingsopenbeforeIcanevenconsiderasecondknock,revealingthemanwhomightas wellbetheembodimentofeverydarkfantasy.
Well, hello there, gorgeous
“ElizaHughes?”Hisvoiceisalowrumble,astormcloudonthehorizonpromisinghavoc.
“Noneother.”Itiltmyhead,eyesdraggingoverhimappreciatively broodingstance,chiselledjaw,andeyesadelicious hazelthatIalreadyknowwillchangecolourwithhismoods
“WelcometoCastleManor.”Hestepsasidewithagesturethat’spartinvitation,partchallenge.Istepintotheentrancehall, mysensesonhighalertasItakeineveryinchofit
“Thisway.”
Narrowingmyeyesatthehotguywhohasn’tevengivenmehisnameyet,Ishrugandfollowhimintoalivingroomwith casualfurniture,whichthrowstheexpensivedecorintodisarray
As Ipause inthe doorway, Iget the distinct impressionthat I’ve just walked into a denofwolves, eachloungingwith deceptivecasualness They’redangerous;it’sintheirblood Icantell thatjustbybreathingthesameairasthem Butit’sthe guynursingadaytimescotchthatgrabsmyattentionashereclinesinanoverstuffedarmchair. He’sacanvasofinkandthatdistinguishingscar,awalkingstoryofviolenceandvice,andIknowhim intimately Interesting. So not a lackey after all.
Iarchaneyebrow insilentrecognition.Helooksbackatme,thescarunderhiseyepullingtaut,andmypulsekicksupa
notchattheblankstarehethrowsmyway
Ifthat’sthewayhewantstoplayit,fine.Iwon’tbetheonedroolingalloverhimifhecan’tevengivemethecourtesyof rememberingherammedhisimpressivecockinmypussytheothernight
Mygazeslidespasthim,settlingontheguynexttohiminamatchingchair.Fuckme. Mytonguedartsout,wettingmylipswithsurpriseandmorethanaflickerofheat DidIjusthitthejackpot?
Twins.
“ElizaHughes,”Isay “Andyouare?”
“RaphaelCarver,”myone-nighterstates,hisvoiceasdarkasthoseswirlingpatternsonhisarms.
“TarquinCarver,”histwinintroduceshimselfwithhisfullnameasifthatwasn’tobvious.
“Carver,”Irepeat,lettingtheirnamesrolloffmytonguelikeI’mtastingafinewine
Carver. Fuck me again. Now it all makes sense why I’m here in this house. Ishould’veknown.TheCarversareoneofthe mostfearedfamiliesinourtwistedsociety,secondonlytomyown
Oh, Daddy, what have you done?
Droppingmybags,Icrossovertothesofaandsit,leaningbackandcrossingmyblackleather-cladlegswhilekeepingmy expressionschooledinimpassivity.They’rebothwatchingmenow,probablytryingtofigureoutthegameI’mplaying.Little dotheyknow,I’vebeenbredforthis,shapedintoaweapondisguisedasawoman.
Raphael gives me a cool stare, still devoid of any recognition It stings, an itch under my skin that says I should be remembered. Afew moments intime as hot as ours isn’t somethingthat usuallyslips a man’s mind. Unless you’re playing games
ButthenIletmygazedrift,landingontheguyloungingacrossfrommewithslategreyeyesandbrownhair.He’salooker andheknowsit.He’sbeenquiet tooquiet andit’saboutdamntimeIfindoutwhy.“Yougoingtomakemeguess?”Iask, allowingcuriositytotingemytoneasItakeinhisruggedfeaturesandthosepiercingblues.
“OliverSterling,”hesays,extendingahandIdon’ttake.Notyet.“I’veheardquiteabitaboutyou.”
“Hopeitwasall bad,”Iretort,lettingmysmileplayattheedgesofmylips Oliver’schucklerumblesthroughthespace betweenus.
“Wouldn’texpectanythingless,”hesays,holdingmygazewithanintensitythatpromisessecretsandsins
“Good,”Ireply,leaningforwardtogriphiscoolfingerstightlyinasilentdare.“BecauseIplantoliveuptoeveryword.”
MyeyesflitfromOliver’samusedexpressionasIletgoofhishandtotheguywhoopenedthedoor.I’dbetmylastpound he’stheBlackthorneheir.TheSterlingsaresecondtotheCarvers,withtheBlackthornesclosebehind.
He hovers like a shadow at the peripheryof the room. He’s a stormcloud inhumanform dark, brooding, and utterly majestic
“JamesBlackthorne,”hereplies,voicelowandcontrolled.“Thepleasure’sallmine.” Bingo!
Ourgazeslock,hisdarkeyesafortressofsecrets.Thesilencestretchesbetweenus,atightropeI’malltoowillingtowalk. ThechallengeinhisstareisapuzzletosolveanddamnitallifIdon’tloveagoodmystery.
Breakingeyecontactfirst,Iinwardlysmirk
Oh, this is going to be fun.
Turningaway,Ifeeltheweightofthesituationsettleonmyshoulders thesignificanceofsharingthisspacewiththeheirs toempiresbuiltonsinsandblood.Thisisn’tjustatownhouse;it’salion’sdenwhereI’mbothhunterandhunted.
A thrill shoots through me at the thought of being surrounded by this darkness The dangerous dance of power and seduction.
“Lookslikewe’llbespendingquiteabitoftimewitheachother,”Imusealoud,thewordslacedwithdoublemeaning. “Seemsso,”Raphaelmurmurs
“Shouldbeinteresting,”Tarquinadds,histonelighterbuthiseyesjustassharp,makingmewonderwhichoneisolder.I’m bettingit’sRaphael
“Interestingisonewordforit,”Oliversays,shiftingonthesofa.
Jamesremainssilent
“Well,gentlemen,let’skeepthisentertaining.”
As theyoffer nods andmurmurs ofagreement,Iknow thegamehas alreadybegun.It’s adeadlyboardwe’replayingon, and I intend to checkmate themall Rising, I stalk over to pick up my bags, their gazes following my every move, some calculating,someintrigued.
Istridethroughthevasthallway,thehighheelsofmyblackbootsclickingonthemarblefloor,myheadheldhigh Tarquin fallsintoplacebesideme,alazygrinspreadingacrosshisfaceasheguidesmetomyroom.
“Quitetheentrancebackthere,”hesays,voicelowandsmoothlikeagedwhiskey.
“Firstimpressionsmatter,”Ishootback,mylipstwitchingintoasmirk.Icantellhe’stryingtogetareadonme,butI’mnot someopenbookforhimtothumbthrough.He’sgoingtohavetoworkafuckloadharderthanthat.I’mguessinghe’susedtothe
easyroad,sotherudeawakeningisgoingtomakethisevenmorefun.
Heleadsmetothesecondflooranddownthecorridorpastthreedoorsbeforehestopsoutsideaclosedoneandpushesit open Steppinginsidewithhimwatchingme,Itakeitin It’sspacious,withaking-sizedbedandwindowsthatofferaviewof the manicured campus. Tarquin leans against the doorframe, arms folded over his chest, those shrewd eyes tracing my movements
“Comfortable?”heasks,thecornerofhismouthquirkingup.
“Lookslikeit’lldo,”Ireply,droppingmybagsonthebedwithasoftthud “Thanksfortheescort” “Anytime.”Hisvoicecarriesahintofsomethingdarker,apromiseorathreat Ican’tquitedecide. “I’llleaveyoutoit.”
Iwavehimoff,alreadyturningawayfromhim Asthedoor clicksshutbehindhim,myminddanceswiththoughtsofthe menoutsidethesewalls.
I’malone now, butnotfor long These guys, they’re all pieces onthe board, and Ineed to know everymove theymight make.Dad’sright thisyear’sthecrucible.It’saboutmorethangradesanddiplomas;it’saboutpowerplaysandsurvival. Iunzipmybag,myfingers brushingagainstcoldmetal thereassuringfeel ofthecompactpistol nestledamongsilkand lace.Agirl’sgottohavehersecrets,afterall.
“QueenofCastle,”Iwhisper.Iwillreignsupreme,bycunningorbyforce.Whateverittakes,I’llbethelastonestanding, becauseinthisgame,youwin,oryoudie AndElizaHughesdoesn’tplanondying.
ELIZA
THE DAWN LIGHT creepsthroughtheopenwindowofmyroomasIflopbacktothesoftcarpet,pantingandsweatinglikeI’ve justhadthefuckingofalifetime Nosuchluck.
Myabs achefromthesit-ups,butthis is necessarytokeepmymindfocusedandmybodytoned Iwill notthrow myself intodangeroussituationsandrelyonweaponstogetmeoutofthem.Sure,they’rehandyandhavetheiruses,butsodoesmy fist,andIwon’tallowanyonetocatchmeoffguard.
Groaningfromtheworkout,determinedtofindthecampusgymassoonaspossible,Istrolloutofmyroom,stilldressedin myyogapantsandsportsbra.
Thescentofcoffeeluresmedownstairs,andIfollowthescenttothekitchen Tarquinisattheespressomachine,asmirk onhischiselledfaceasherakeshisgazeovermybody.“Morning,”hesays,handingmeasteamingcup,whichIthinkhemade forhimselfbutisofferingmeinsomesortofold-timey,chivalrousway Icanmakemyowncoffee,butI’lltakeitthistime
“Thanks,”Imurmur,feelingthewarmthseepintomyhands.Theguysarescatteredaroundthekitchen Raphael flipping throughanewspaperwithunreadableeyes,Jamestappingawayathisphone,andOlivereyesmeuplikeI’mhisnextmeal.
“Bigdaytoday,Eliza,”heteases,hisvoicesmoothassilk “Readytoknock‘emdead?”
“Always,”Ireply,sippingthebitterliquid.“I’llseeyouaround.”
Notwantingtolingerandmakesmalltalk,Iheadbackupstairs Theshower’sembraceisasscaldingasthecoffee,steam swirlingaroundthebathroomasIscrubawaythesweatfrommyworkout.
WrappingmyselfinafluffytowelafterI’mfinished,IsortthroughtheclothesI’dmeticulouslyunpackedlastnight.
Blackjeans,atightblacktopwithalowcutbacktoshowofftheskullandroseinkedonmyskin,andcombatbootsaremy choicefordayoneofthisshitshow.
Goinlikeyoumeanit Hardcore,badassandwhateverelsetheycallme
Slingingmybagovermyshoulder,Iheadoutanddescendthestairsagain,eachstepmeasuredanddeliberate.Slippingout thedoor beforeanyonenotices meleave,Icross over theroadandstepontothecampus Theuniversitylooms beforeme,a fortress ofknowledge andsecrets.The oldbuildings standproud,their spires piercingthe sky a playgroundfor those who daretorule.Whispersclinglikeivytothewalls,andIcanonlywonderwhatthey’resaying.
MovingacrossthequadtofindmywaytotheStudentOfficeformytimetable,studentspartliketheRedSea,eyeswide, mouths agape. They’ve heard the stories, the legends of my family, of my dad, and now they see the embodiment of their wildestspeculations
“ElizaHughes,”someonebreathes,sendingatingledownmyspine. Mystridedoesn’tfalter;it’sasifI’mwalkingonair,claimingeveryinchofgroundIstepon
Thegrandeur oftheuniversitycan’tovershadow me I’mtheonethey’ll remember.Notjustanother student,butaforce untomyself,wrappedinallureandtheunspokenpromiseofdanger.
“ElizaHughes,”avoicecallsout,confident,almostchallenging,makingmetakenoticethistime AsneercurlsonmylipsasIturntofacethem,agroupofthird-yearswithposturesthatscreamentitlement.There’snofear intheireyes,justcuriosityandasilentchallenge
Atall guywitha jawline sharp enoughto cutglass steps forward. “We know your legacy,” he says, his tone even, “but Castleisn’tconqueredbynamealone You’vegottoearnyourplacehere” “Isthatso?”Itiltmyhead,feigningthoughtfulness.
“We’ll seeifyouliveuptotheHughesname.”Afierceglintinthiswoman’seyestellsmeall
Ruthlessandbloodthirsty Mykindofgirl
I nod, accepting the unspoken challenge. Class timetables can wait. This is what I’m here for, not lectures on Shakespeareanplaysfromyore Besides,it’snotlikeIhaveachoice thegameisalreadyinmotion,andIeitherplayorget played.ButIdidn’tcomeheretobeapawn;Icametorule.
You’re a Hughes, Eliza Always be two steps ahead I close my eyes for a second, hearing my dad’s voice echo in my thoughts, letting the noise around me fade into the background Mybreathingsteadies,myheartrateslowingdowntoapredator’scalmrhythm EachskillI’vemastered,every scarI’veearned,hasledmetothismoment.Thefights,thestrategy,theartofdeception I’velearnedfromthebest. Andtheyfuckingknowit.
“Followme,”anotherguymurmursasIopenmyeyes,andasone,thegroupturnsandexpectsmetofollow Thistime.
Aftertoday,theywillbelappingatmyheels
Witha determined stride, Ifollow them, and itappears we are headingtowards the old librarybuilding, the site ofmy impendingtrialbyfire
Slipping through the ancient doors, the scent of mildew and dust assaults my nostrils, but I ignore it, stepping into the bowelsofCastleUniversity’soldlibrary.Itsemptinessisamawofdepressingsights,itsformergrandeurlosttotime.Butit’s theheartoftheundergroundchallenge ariteofpassagewhisperedaboutinhushedtonesamongthestudentmafia
“Welcome to the gauntlet, Eliza Hughes,” a voice echoes through the gloomy building. No face accompanies it, just a disembodiedtauntbouncingoffthestonewalls
“Thrilledtobehere,”Ishootback,mybootssilentonthecoldfloorasImoveforward.Thisiswherereputationsaremade orbroken.Whereyouproveyou’renotjustsomeposhtwatwithafancylastname,andI’mreadyforit.
“Descend.”
Theorderisaccompaniedbyaflashinglightofftotheside.Pushingopenthecreakydoor,ItakethedarkstepsasIwould if there was light Confident and arrogant If I fall on my ass, well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it These next-gen studentscansmellbloodinthewater,andIwon’tbetheprey.
Thebasementisalabyrinth,theairthickwithsecrecyandhistory Archesloomovertheunevenground It’slikestepping backintime ifthattimeweredesignedbysomeonewithapenchantforsadism.
Which,let’sfaceit,itprobablywas.
It’ssaidthatthefoundersofthistwistedgamewerefromtheoldestfamilies mafiaroyaltywhoneededtotesttheirheirs’ mettle.Now,it’smyturntofacetheirlegacy.ToshowthemthatElizabethGraceHughesisn’tjustwhispersandrumours.I’m fleshandblood,andIplantoleavemymark
“Let’sseewhatyou’vegotthen,”saysanothervoice.
Witha swiftnod, Iscanthe room, takinginthe windingpathways thatsplinter offineverydirection There’s no telling whatliesaroundeachcorner,butItrustinmytraining.Dadalwayssaidtoexpecttheunexpected.
“Timestartsnow!”
Theannouncementisabrupt,joltingmeintoactionforatestofwhichIhavezerocluewhatI’msupposedtobedoing But myinstinctdrivesmetodropmybagandmoveforward,andIsoonfallintoitasI’mledwheretheywanttogobyintermittent lightsflashingliketheydidabovethedoorthatleddownhere
Isprintintothemaze,mysensesheightened.Somewhereinthistangleofstoneandshadow,therearetrapswaiting,puzzles designedtobreakthe unprepared ButI’mnotone ofthem Iweave throughcorridors,eachstepcalculated,mymindracing ahead.
Here,beneaththeweightofcenturies-oldacademia,Iforgeapaththatisdefinitelynotgoingtobetheonetheywantmeto godown
“Notafuckingidiot,youassholes,”ImurmurasIlungeleftinsteadofrightandhearthetwangofacrossbowbehindme. Laughingmanically,Isnapmyfingersinaselfhighfive
“Ooh,thatwould’vehurt,youdicks.I’mimpressed.”
Alowchuckleechoesallaroundme,butit’snotmocking It’sappreciative
ThecoldairofthebasementbitesatmyskinasIdartaroundacornertofacethefirstobstacle.It’sawall amassiveone, slickwithmoisturethatseepsfromtheoldstones.Isizeitupinaheartbeat,notingtheoldropethatoffersatreacherousgrip and the uneven bricks that beg to be foot and handholds My muscles coil like springs, and I leap, catching the edge of a protrudingstonewiththetipsofmyfingers.
“Come on, Eliza,” Ihiss throughclenched teeth, hoistingmyselfup The slimyrope slips inmygrasp, butIdon’tfall I neverfall.DadwouldhavemyhidetowearasacloakifIdid.Up,up,mymusclesstrainingasIhaulassoverthetop.Iland ontheothersidewithcat-likegrace,barelyasoundasmybootshittheground,andIlandinacrouchassomethinggoesflying overmyheadwheremyfacewould’vebeenhadInotducked.
“Tooeasy,”Ipantwithagrin.
“Nice jump,” someone sneers frombehind me. Iglance backto see a lankybloke witheyes thatgleamtoo muchlike a snake’sformyliking.“Watchandlearn,sweetheart,”hesays,butI’malreadygone,leavinghimtoeatmydust.
Thenexttestiscunning awarrenofmirrorsdesignedtoconfuseanddisorient ButIknowathingortwoaboutdeception Dadtaughtmewell:nevertrustyoureyesalone.Imoveinstinctively,markingeachfalseturnwiththefaintestscratchfrommy diamondstudearring Hardandunforgiving
“Lost,princess?”Awoman’svoicedripswithdisdain.Irecogniseitfromthequad.
“Nope,”Imurmur,findingtheexitbeforeshecanblink
Thecorridoropensuptoanatriumfilledwithshiftingshadowsandthehushedwhispersofthosewhothinkthey’reunseen. ButIfeeltheireyesonme,tracingtheskullandrosetattoothatpeeksoutfrommytopasItwistandweavethroughthecloseknittripwires
Reachingtheendofthegauntlet,mychestheaveswithexertion,sweattrailingdownmyspine,asIlungeforwardthrougha black-painteddoorattheendofanarrowcorridor
“LookslikeHugheshassetthestandard,”someonecallsout,andamurmurripplesthroughthecrowdofwatchersasIburst into a brightly lit roomset up like a bar with TVs watching the moves of everyone going through the test Regaining my composurequicklyandsweepingmyhairovermyshoulder,Ipressmylipstogether.
Was that it? Guess so.
Aroundofapplausebreaksout,andIgrin,onlyslightlyoutofbreath
Theyknownow iftheydidn’tbefore thatI’mmorethananame.I’maforce,andthisisjustthebeginning.
“Betterlucknexttime,”Itossovermyshoulder,stridingpastmyrivalswithasmirkastheylaunchthroughthedoortothe bayingofthecrowd.Theirskillsmightbeformidable,butIamrelentless.ThisundergroundrealmbeneathCastle’shallowed hallswillremembermynameandfearit.
Iglance over to the bar briefly, catchingsightofRaphael and James leaningforward, their expressions unreadable. Are theyimpressed?Intimidated?Ican’ttell,andfrankly,Idon’tgiveafuck.Letthembrood.I’mnotherefortheirapproval;I’m heretoconquer
As I weave through the tables, leaving whispers and awed looks in my wake, I know this isn’t the end, but only the beginning I’veearnedmyplacetofightforthethrone,notthethroneitself Bigdifference.
Butit’sastart.
BeforeIcantakeanotherstep,someonecomesupbehindme,thesubtlescentofexpensivecologneprecedinghim.
“ElizaHughes,”hesays,hisvoicealowhumthatvibratesacrossmyskin.
Turning,Igivehimanuninterestedonce-over “Yeah,whoareyou?” “DavidGrenville.You’veheardofme?”
Hisexpressionissmugandarrogant,anditirritatesme Ihaveheardofhim He’sathird-yearwithmoreconnectionsthan theLondonUndergroundifhisdadisanythingtogoby.
“Can’tsayIhave,”Imurmur,eyeslingeringonhisfulllipsasheletsoutahisswhenIbruisehisego.
He rallies quickly, as expected His eyes roamover mydirt-streaked face and sweat-dampened clothes “You’ve made quitetheimpressionthismorning.”
“Alwaysdo”
“Which is why you’ve been invited,” he continues, ignoring me, and hands me a black envelope with a gold seal. It’s unspoken,butwebothknowwhatitis aninvitetoanaffairwhereonlytheeliterubshoulders “Tonight,”headds “Don’tbe late.”
Takingit,Itucktheenvelopeintomybackpocket.“I’llbethere.”
“Good”
WhenIturnbackaroundtofindmywayoutofthis roomandbacktomybag,Icomeupshortas James is standingright behindme,havingsomehowsnuckuponmewhileIwastalkingtoDavid Goingtohavetowatchforthat “Youdidgood,”hemurmurs,holdingoutmybag.
Eyeingitup suspiciously, itappears as Ileftit, butifhe wentrootingthroughit, he would onlyhave found a few loose tampons,mypurseandbasichandbagjunkthateverywomantendstocarryaround.
“Thanks,”Isay,takingitandslingingitovermyshoulder.“Bettergogetthatclassschedule.”
Henodsandstepsasidetoletmego I’mafuckingmess,butDadwasquiteexplicit Gradesuporelse Personally,I’mnotafanofthe‘orelse’portionofthisthreat.
ELIZA
HOURS LATER,I’mbackoncampusafterscrubbingawaythegrimeanddressinginasharp,blackdressthathugseverycurve withmyhuntingknifestrappedtomyouter thigh Theuniversity’s grandoldbuildings arenow abackdropfor somethingfar moreclandestine themafia’splayground.
Striding across the campus in the dark, I shiver at the slight breeze that picks up, puckering my nipples and sending goosebumpsovermyskin.
“Eliza,”Oliver’svoicesoundsbehindme,andIsmile,turningtohim.
“Hello”
“Youweren’t goingto wait?” he asks, fallinginto step beside me, lookinghot as hell ina blackshirt withthe sleeves rolledupandblackpants
“Didn’tthinkIhadto.”
“Would’vebeennice”
Isnort.“Nice?Haveyoumetme?”
Helaughs;it’shumorousbutalsofullofdarkness.“You’readelight.”
“Thanks,”Imurmur,notquitesurewhattodowiththat I’vebeencalledmanythings,but‘delight’hasneverbeenoneof them.
“You’reintriguing Ican’twaittofindoutmore”
“Backatyou.”
HeleadsmetoasideentranceinthePEbuilding,I’mguessing,aswewalkintoagymwithalltheequipmentpushedback againstthewall.Themusicisthumping,andthedrinksareflowing.
Toomanyoftheseidiotsarealreadyplastered.Notagoodwaytokeepyourasssafe.Ilikeagooddrinkasmuchasthe nextgirl,butgettingdrunkisn’treallymystyle It’sallaboutcontrol.
Mygazedrifts,searchingthecrowduntilIfindwhoI’mlookingfor Raphael
He’sleaningagainstawall,abottleofbeerinhishand,lookingasgorgeousashedidonourveryfirstencounter.Iflash back momentarily, tipsy and horny. It’s a dangerous combination when hot guys are lurking around the upper floor of your home.GuessIknowwhathewasdoingtherenow.Hewaswaitingformydad.Oureyeslockforafractionofasecond,andI waitfor thatflicker ofrecognition, butthere’s nothing. He either has anepic poker face, or he is the biggestdouche onthe planet Eitherway,itdoesn’tstopmefromenjoyingtheview,butitirksmemorethanIwanttoadmit
“Congrats, Eliza,” Raphael finallysays, saunteringover and raisinghis bottle ina toast before turningawayto engage someoneelseinconversation
“Asshole,”Imutter.
“Tonight’syournight,Eliza.Don’tlethimgetunderyourskin.”
IlookuptoseeTarquinhoveringinview Iwouldlovenothingmorethantogethis cockbetweenmythighs toridehim untilhebroke.AndifRaphaelhappenedtowalkinonus,well,evenfuckingbetter.
“Right Mynight”Iacceptthebottlehehandsmeandtakeagulp,scanningtheareaanddecidingthissceneisnotforme Rowdy,drunkassholesandshriekinggirlsarecausingmynervestoflareup.It’stoocasual,toolax.Whereisthesecurity? Whereisthe control?
Givingthemall a lookofdistaste, Iturnonmyheel and head out, knowingI’ll be called a stuck-up bitchor something equallyashateful,butI’mnotafaker.Notwhenitdoesn’tsuitme,anyway,andthissituationdoesn’tcallforit.
ThecoolnightairisawelcomereliefasIslipbackoutsideandstrideoverthequad.
“Leavingsosoon?”avoicepurrs,andIturntoseeagroupofwell-dressedunderlingspartingtomakewayforDavid.
“Yeah,it’snotmyscene”
Hechuckles,lowanddark,ashestopsrightinfrontofmeandreachesouttotwirlalockofmyhairaroundhisfinger. MyeyebrowgoesupasIlethimthinkhehasmerightwherehewantsme He’sbeyondadouchewhothinkshecanhave everythinghewants,includingme.
Hiseyeshoodashetugsgently,aslow,sinistersmilecurvinguphistoo-fulllips He’snotgood-lookinginthesensethat he’s hot, but he’s got charisma comingout of his ass and that whole danger thinggoingon. Too bad, I like myguys rough, gorgeousandsavage.Davidstrikesmeasthetypewhowouldletothersdohisdirtywork.Notmykindofguyatall. WhenIfailtoreact,hetugsharder,hiseyesalmostgleamingashethinkshehassomecontroloverme Hardno.
Likelightning,myhandgripshisfinger,andIyankitoutofmyhairbeforeIbenditbackwards,snappingit Heyelpslikeastuckpig,andIgivehimthatsinistersmileback.
“Touchme againwithout myconsent, and Iwill gut you,” Isaypleasantly, ignoringthe stingonmyscalp Prettysure I managedtopulloutaclumpofmyownhairwhileIwasprovingapoint toughshit.
HiseyesflashdangerouslyasIbendhisfingerbackevenmoreasheslamshislipsshutandglowersatmewithaferocity thatwouldmakealesserwomanquakeinherdesignerheels
Notme,though,andnowheknowsit.
“You’vemadeafuckingenemy,”hesnarlswhenIlethimgo,andhetriesnottonursehispoor,littleboo-boo “Sohaveyou,asshole,andtobequitefrank,youshouldbewaymorescaredofmethanIamofyou.”
“Fuckyou,cunt,”hegrowlsasamanstepsupbesidemewithabrightsmilethatreadsanythingbuthappy-clappy. “Everythingokayhere?”Jamesasks.
“Wonderful.DavidandIwerejustgettingtoknoweachother’sstrengths,weren’twe?”
Inpurelow-classfashion,whichshowshimforwhoheis,hespitsatmyfeet He’sluckyitdidn’thitmyshoes He’seven luckier he didn’t aim for my face. My hand itches to reach for my knife, but it’s overkill. He’s strolling away with his followers,whohaveprobablylostmorethanabitofrespectforhimnow “Youdon’twastetimemakingfriends,doyou?”Jamesmurmurs,tiltinghisheadatmelikeaninquisitivepuppyashesizes meup.
“Friendsarehardtocomeby.Enemies,ontheotherhand,areadimeadozen.Bringit.” Hechucklesdarkly.“Couldn’tagreemore.So,whichIam,BloodCountess?”
Takenabackfor a microsecond at the nickname, I laugh, a thrill shootingover myskin “I’ll take that and wear it with honour.Butasforyourquestion,Iguesswe’llfindout.”
Heraisesaneyebrow,givingbroodingawholenewleveltoliveupto “Smart,”hemurmursandmovesinabitcloser,as closeashecanget,withouttouchingme.
I’mforcedtotiltmyheadbacktogazeintohisremarkableeyes,whichIknewwouldchangecolour.
Butwhatever hewasplanningondoingor sayingnextislosttothewindasthesidedoor opens,spillingoutacrowdof drunkstudents,someofthemalreadyhalf-nakedandstreakingacrossthequad.
ELIZA
STEPPING BACK fromJames as Raphael, Tarquinand Oliver joinus, the cool eveningair does nothingto chill the heatthat’s buildinginsideme
“Youreadytogoalready?”Oliverasksme.
“Yeah,I’mnotabigfanofstudentparties”
“Can’tsayIblameyou,”Tarquinmurmurs.“Theseguyscangetabittooasshole-ywhenpissedup.”
“Onlywhenpissedup?”Igiggle,gazingintohisclearblueeyes,andthenstopmyselfwithablink.
What am I doing?
NotthatTarquinseemstohaveaproblemwithmylittleflirt.HegivesmeasexyhalfsmilethatseemstointrigueRaphael asheglaresathistwinbeforeturningthatscowlonme
“Let’sgo,”hemuttersandstalksoffunderabitofacloud.
Fallinginto step withTarquinand James flankingme withOliver slightlyinfront, myfingers itchwiththe urge to trace thosetattoosonRaphael’sandTarquin’sarms.
We’realmosthome,justafewstepsaway,thankfully.Iwon’ttouchRaphael,especiallynotafterhe’seitherplayingdumb aboutournighttogetherorhavingjustforgottencompletely Iwon’tgivehimthesatisfaction
Tarquin,ontheotherhand,isfairgame,butmaybenotyet.I’dratherplaythelonggameandstretchitout.Tortureusboth beforewegiveintothelustsimmeringbetweenus
Westepintothetownhouseandheadstraightforthelivingroom,whereOliverpullsabottleofwhiskeyfromthecabinet with an ease that speaks of habit. At the same time, James gathers glasses, clinking themonto the coffee table as if he’s preparingforatoasttoourcollectivedamnation.
“Pourmeone,”Isay,sinkingintoanarmchair,tryingtoappearnonchalantdespitetheelectrictensionzippingthroughmy veins
“Didn’ttakeyouforthewhiskeytype,”Oliverreplies,pouringamberliquidintoaglassandhandingittome.
“Gotalotofsecrets,Ollie,”Ishootback,snatchingthedrinkfromhisgrasp Theburnofthewhiskeyasitslidesdownmy throatiswelcome.
HesnickersasIshortenhisnamebutdoesn’tcorrectme,sonowhe’sopenedthatfloodgate.
“Secretshaveawayofgettingonekilledinourbusiness,”Jamesmurmurs.
“GoodthingI’mnotscaredtodiethen,”Iretort,lockingeyeswithhim,lettingthechallengehangheavybetweenus.
“Cheerstothat,”Tarquinsays,raisinghisglassinsalutebeforedowninghisdrinkinonego
Raphaelremainsquiet,hisgazelingeringonmeamomenttoolongbeforehetakesasip,andIfeelthatstarelikeatouch againstmyskin Ishiverfromrawdesire,cursingmyselfforbeingsoaffectedbyhim,byallofthem,itseems Ineedtogetoutofhere.Fast.“Ineedsomeair,”Imutter,pushingmyselfupfromtheplusharmchair.Theguysdon’tprotest asIslipaway.
Takingthestairstwostepsatatime,mychesttightenswitheverystepfromtherawcravingroilinginsideme
Once I reachthe sanctuaryof myroom, the clickof the lockbehind me is a definitive sound of seclusion. I leanback againstthedoor,suckinginadeepbreath Thesilenceisdeafening
Ahungergnawsatmycore.Istandthereforasecondlonger,theimageoftheguysetchedintomymind thosematching tattoosonRaphaelandTarquin,Oliver’ssmirkingconfidence,James’sbroodingintensity “Fuckit.”
ThesheetsarecoolasIslideontothebedandinhaledeeply.Myhandsroamovermyskin,tracingthepathIimaginetheirs wouldtake Shouldertohip,collarbonetothigh
Eyes closed, Iletmyselfdrowninthe fantasy. Mybreathhitches as Isavour the thoughtoftheir hands, their lips, their unspokenpledgesofpleasureanddevotion
Aslowburnsizzlesthrougheverynerveending.Myfingersedgelowerwhiletheguysdownstairsfillmythoughts. Onehandslipsovermypussy,myfingersfindingmyclit I’mwetasIarchmyback,pinchingandtwistingasIletoutasoft moan.
Mypussyclenches atthe thoughtofthe guys touchingme, and Irub myclitfaster, imaginingit’s notme touchingme but insteadOliver’s stronghands,James’s skilledmouth,andTarquin’s playful nips onmyneckas Raphael slides his enormous cockintome.
HeatpoolslowinmybellyasIpicturetheirbodiesentwinedwithmine Myotherhandskatestoabreast,squeezingand pinchingmynipplesastheimagesbecomehotterandmorevividinmymind’seye.Iedgemyself,drawingback,pantingasthe climaxrecedes,onlytobestokedagainasIthrustmyfingersinsidemypussy,coatingmyfingersinmyjuices
“Fuck!”IcryoutsoftlyasIedgemyselfagain,needingthissweettorture,cravingthedrawn-outorgasmthatIknow will scratchtheitchfornow.
TARQUIN
ELECTRICITY SIZZLES THROUGH MY VEINS,thekindthatonlycomesfromdoingsomethingyouknowyoushouldn’t.I’mleaning backagainstthehardwoodoftheheadboardonmybed,laptopopen,theglowfromEliza’sbedroomfillingthedarkenedspace aroundme.Myeyesarelockedonthescreenwhereshe’ssprawledacrosshersheets,avisionofforbiddendesire.
“Fuck,” Iwhisper to the silence, a voyeur to her self-pleasure The sightofher, all softskinand sharp moans, is more intoxicatingthanfeelingbloodcoatmyhandsafteranall-outbrawlwherevictoryismine.I’munabletolookaway,captivated byherrawsensuality.
MyhanddriftslowerasIwatchherslidetwofingersdeepinsideherself,hergreeneyesshuttightinbliss Sheisedging herself,andit’spossiblythehottestthingIhaveeverwitnessedinmylife.Mycockisraging,strainingagainsttheconfinesof mypants
She’s untouchable, meantto be keptatarm’s lengthfor the sake ofanalliance as fragile as glass. Butshe is unravelling everythreadofcontrolIpossesswitheverythrustofherdelicatefingersinsideherprettylittlecunt
“Yes,”Imurmur,myvoiceroughwithlustasifshecanhearme,asifshe’sdoingthisforme.Unzippingmypants,Ipullmy cockoutandtugitroughly,mymovementsfallingintosyncwithhers,andIchasetheedgerightalongsideher.Thisgamewe’re playingismorethanjustpower;it’spleasure,it’spossession,it’sadancewithdanger andI’mtoofargonetostepbacknow
Every gasp and moan filters through the speakers, wrapping around me like velvet chains, pulling me deeper into her world Thesightofherbackarching,herbodybowingtothepleasureshegivesherself,ismorethanIcanbear “Fuck,” I hiss. It’s an exposed, almost feral reaction to the primal display on my screen. Her rhythm is erratic and unpredictable,yetIfindmyselfmatchingitstrokeforstroke,lostinherself-satisfactionasIcreatemyown.
Sweatbeadsonmyforehead,theroomsuddenlyfeelingtoohot,toosmall.She’sfire,andI’mwillinglythrowingmyself intotheflames,lettingthemlickatmyskin,consumingmysenses.
Jerkingmycockwithanurgencythatbordersondesperationassheedgesagain,pantingandsweatingasshegivesherself thistorture.Sweattrailsdownmyspine,butIbarelynotice,tooconsumedbythesightofElizaspreadoutbeforeme.
She’severyinchtheQueenofourtwistedworld Herlegsarewide,herclitglisteningasherclimaxdrawscloser Ican almosttasteheronmytongue.Thepressurebuildsinsideme,mycockgrowsharder,mymusclestauter.Iwatch,fixated,asher bodytightensassheteetersontheedgeofherrelease.
Thenshelets herselfgo,shatteringintoaclimax,her muffledcrypiercingthroughthesilenceofmyroomlikeabullet.I feelitinmybones,theechoofherpleasure,andit’sthefinalpushIneed.
“Fuck,Eliza!”Myvoiceisagrowl,tornfromdeepinmychest Mystrokesbecomefrenzied,rougher,asIchasemyhigh Mybodytrembles,strungtightas awire,andthenitsnaps Icomeundone,pleasurerippingthroughmewiththeforceofa gunshot
I’mchaosandruin,breathragged,pulseracingasmycumshootsoutofmycock,allovermyhandandpants.It’sthebest masturbationI’veeverhadwithElizaHughesasmyliveporn.I’llneverbeabletogobacknow.
Hereyelidsflutter,herlipspartedintheaftermathofherclimax It’sasightthatsearsitselfintomymemory theuntamed beautyofElizalostinherpleasure.
Thepower ofwatchingher unseensendsasurgeofadrenalinethroughme elationclashingwithadarkpossessiveness Fuck,whenIfinallygetmyhandsonher,it’sgoingtobeexplosive.
Witheffort,Iregaincontrolofmybreathing,myhandlingeringonmycock Didshefeelmewatchingher?Diditheighten herpleasure,knowingIwasthereintheshadows?
“Shit,”Imutterundermybreath,thepossibilitytootantalisingtoignore.
Ireachover,fingersstilltremblingslightly,andkillthefeed.Thescreengoesblack,cuttingoffmyview.Theabruptlossis likeapunchtothechest,leavingmefeelingstrangelyhollow.Butthesilencealsobringsclarity.Ineedtotreadcarefully.
Tonight was a revelation a glimpse of something pure and wild In her element, Eliza is a force of nature, and I am irrevocablydrawnto her. Whatever this is betweenus, it’s uncharted territory. I’mbothhunter and prey, captivated bythe game,whichisfarfromover,andI’malreadyitchingformynextfixofEliza’sintoxicatingbrandofchaos
The door opens andIquicklythrow the sheets over mylapas Raphael leans onthe doorframe.“Youfuckedoffquickly. What’sup?”
“Nothing,”Ilie,andheknowsit.HeknowsmebetterthanIknowmyself.
“Becarefulwithher.”Histonescreamscaution,butIknowbetter.HeisasenrapturedwithherasIam.Weallare. “Withwho?”
Heshakeshisheadwithasnort.“Youcan’tkidakidder,ourkid.”
“Fuckoff Ihateitwhenyoucallmethat Youaretwominutesolderthanme Twofuckingminutes” “Andyetsometimesitfeelsmoreliketwoyears.Likerightnow.You’remooningafterHughes,andyouneedtopullitback beforesheburnsyousobadly,Momwon’tbeabletorecogniseyou”
“Likeyouaren’t?”Isnap,gettingpissedoff.“You’recompletelyavoidingher.Youmightknowmesowell,butyouforgetI knowyoutoo,asshole.You’reavoidingherbecauseyouwanther.”
“WhetherornotIdoisn’ttheissuehere Sheisoff-limitsrightnow” “Rightnow.”
“Yeah,Rightnow Unlessyouwantnotonlyourfathertokickyourassbuthers,too” “Whatever,”Igrumble,butIknowhe’sright.Thiscouldallblowupinourfacesifwedon’tgetourheadsoutofourasses. “Goodboy,”hesayswithalaugh.“Youknowitmakessense.”
“Oh,fuckoff,youcunt.”
“Byenow.”HeducksoutoftheroomasIgivehimthefinger,hislaughterechoingdownthecorridorashemakeshisway uptothemainbedroomonthetopfloor
Glaringatthelaptop,Ipickitupandflingitacrosstheroomlikeafrisbee.Ithitsthewallwithaloudthunkanddropsto theflooruselessly
“Hey!”aloudshoutcomesthroughthewall,andIsnort.
“Sorry!”IcallbacktoEliza,wonderingwhatshethinksthatwas. “Tarquin?”
“Yeah!”
“Yougotatemperonyou?”
“Youalwaysshoutatpeoplethroughwalls?”
IwaitandI’mnotdisappointed Seconds later,there is a sharpraponthe door Ileapoffthe bed,rippingmypants and shirtoff,answeringthedoorcompletelynaked.
Hereyesgowideassheblinksandtakesinmybodyslowlyfromthetopofmyheadallthewaydowntomycock,whereit lingersforjustlongenoughtomakeitstir
“Doyoualwaysloungearoundnaked?”sheasks,drawinghergazebackuptomyface. Irakemygazeoverher,dressedonlyinawhitesatindressinggownthatshowsoffthecurveofherluscioustits
“Mostly.Itismyroom,afterall.”
“Hmm,”shemurmurs “Whoisontheothersideofyou?” “James.”
“Nexttime,throwyourshitathisside.”
“Willdo”
Our gaze holds,andit’s like beingstruckbylightning.Untouchable or not,she is mine,andIwanttopinher tothe wall whileIfuckhersenseless,lettingherknowthatshecanneverescapeme Slowly,sheturnsaway,crushingmysoulwithheractions.“Night,Tarq.”
“Night,Eliza”
Ishutthedoorandleanagainstit,wonderingifsheisdoingthesameontheothersideofthewall.
ELIZA
HIDDEN BY A BUSH,asIdoabitofsnoopingthefollowingday,Iwatchandlearn.Despitemysuccessatthelame-asstrialand myfamilynamebearingdownonme,I’mstilltheoutsider Theunderdogwithzerofriends,onlyenemiesandtheguysIlive with,whosestatusesarestill undetermined.Acoupledriftsby,lookingdodgyandsecretive,soIleanincloser,ignoringthe scratchofathornagainstmycheek
“Themeetingissetformidnight;nooutsiders,”oneofthemmurmurs.“Thefamilieswillfinallyprovetheirworth.”
Intrigued,myeyesnarrow.Ican’tbelievethey’replanningthiswithoutme.Wherethefuckwasmyinvite?ButI’mnotjust goingtostandherefeelingsnubbed No,thisclandestinechatisabouttobecomemyticketintothebellyofthebeast Ormaybethat’sthetest.IfIdon’tshow,I’vefailed.
“Knew thattrial yesterdaycouldn’thavebeenthewholeshebang,”Imutter,butthensecond-guessmyselfinamomentof weakness.
I’llgetinthatmeetingandunmaskthehiddenalliancesandfeudsthatarefesteringbeneaththesurface
KnowingI have myworkcut out for me to uncover this secret meeting, I slinkthroughthe bustlingcorridors of Castle University,eachstepcalculated,blendingintothehumofstudentchatter.Theairisthickwithsecrets,ripefortheplucking I’montheprowl,readytosinkmyteethintoeverywhisperedwordthatfloatsmyway “Eliza,hey!”
Turning,IseeImogen thegirlfromthequadandyesterday’stest,lookingallcasualandalotmorefriendlythanshedid whensheheckledmeyesterday.Akeyplayer,ifmyinstinctsareworthadamn.
“Imogen,right?”Igreethersmoothly.“What’sup?”
Her eyes dartaround, ensuringour privacy, as she indicates Ifollow her backoutside. “Iwas impressed withyour shit yesterday.Ihadassumptions,wealldid,thatyou’dbesomeprettylittleflowerbankingonyournametogetahead.Sonotthe case Youkickedmajorbutt Noonehaseverrunthegauntletinthetimeyoudid” “FunnyhoweveryoneheardIwascominganddidn’tdoanyresearchonme,”Imutter.
Shesnortsintoherhand “Oh,wedid Weassumeditwasfabricated Ithappens” “LikeDavidGrenville?”
She presses her lips together inanattemptnotto laugh, butshe can’thold itinand erupts ina noise thatsounds like a donkeydying.
Ilikeher.
“ExactlylikeDavidGrenville I’mimpressedyougothismeasureandhearditwasyouwhobrokehisfinger He’stelling everyoneitwassomethugwhohebeatintotheground.”
Irollmyeyes “Crybaby”
“Totally.Hethinkshe’sabigshot,butweallknowhe’snomatchforTheKings.He’sawannabe,nothingmore.” The Kings I’mguessingthat’smyguys.OrtheguysIlivewith,rather. “Hmm”
“Butlisten,Ioverheardsomething youmightwanttoknowaboutit.”
“Whatisthis?Forgingalliances?”Iask,crossingmyarmsandgivingheraglare
“Yeah.You’regoingtobeQueenaroundhere,anditdoesn’ttakeafuckinggeniustofigureitout.You’restillbeingtested, sodoyouwannaknowwhatI’vegottosay,orarewegoingtofightaboutit,andthenI’llenduptellingyouanyway?”
“Whywouldyoudothat?”
“Toldyou,you’regoingtobeQueen.”
“Andyouwanttobemylady-in-waiting?”
“Somethinglikethat.ButIlikeyou.You’vegotgritandguts,andsomethingtellsmewewouldbeawesometogetherina fight”
Laughingatherenthusiasm,Inod.“Somethingtellsmethesame.Okay,Imogen,you’vegotmyattention.”
She inches closer, her following words low and urgent “There’s a power shift coming Some families are getting too comfortable,andothersareplanningmoves.”
“Moves?Whatkindofmoves?”Iprod,intrigued “Big ones. Alliances are shifting, and some reckon you and those hotties you’re shacking up with might be in for a surprise.”Hergazelocksontomine,seriousasaheartattack.“Midnight,theNorthCastle.”
“Is thatso?” Myvoice is steady, butmymind races This is more thanjustidle gossip it’s the currencyofour world “Thanksforthetip-off.”
“Carefulthough,”sheaddsquickly “Iftheysenseyou’reontothem “ “Theywon’t,andtheywon’thearitfromme,”Icutin.“Butcheersfortheconcern.”
“Anytime Youandme,wehaveeachother’sback,yeah?”
“Yeah,” Imurmur as she nods and hurries off. The cautious partofme screams atme thatthis is a set-up and thatshe’s baitingme,buttheotherpart,thepartthatisalwaysonestepahead,tellsmesheisinthiswithmetowin.She’snotdumb.She knowsI’vegotwhatittakestorulethisUniversity,andshewantsin However,Dadalwaysdrummeditintomethatthoseyou consider friends are ina prime positionto stab youinthe back, so I’ll head to the NorthCastle atmidnight, butIwon’tbe goingalone
Movingthroughcampuslikeawraith,Ikeepmyearsopen,gleaningsnippetsofconversation eachoneafragmentofthe larger puzzle thatis Castle University’s secretsociety. It’s a tangled web, and I’mthe spider expertlynavigatingits threads evenasIkeeponeearonmyclasses,oneislisteningtothechatterandhushedconversationsallaroundme.
“Eliza.”
Thenamerollsoffhistongue,andIturninmyseatinMedievalHistorytomeetthegazeofRyanHargreaves theyoungest sonoftheHargreavesclanandnotoriousforhissilvertongueandsteelfists.Arival,yes,butalsodevilishlycharming. “Ryan,”Iacknowledge,myvoiceneutral “Thisisn’tagame.”Heleanscloser,hisblueeyesintense.
“Isn’tit?”Icounter,keepingmycomposure.“AndhereIthoughtwewerealljustplayingourparts.”
“Watchyourback,”hewarnsbeforerisinganddisappearingoutofthelecturehall.
AsIturnbacktomytextbook,weirdlystaringdownatapictureofElizabethBathory,TheBloodCountess,aripplegoes overmyflesh,andIlookuptoseeJamesstrideinandtaketheseatnexttomewiththatslowsmileofhis “Countess,”hemurmurs.
Deciding to play with the fires he’s holding, I lean forward “You’d like to see me bathed in the blood of innocents, wouldn’tyou?”
Hiseyesheatup,sendingrocketsofluststraighttomyclit.“Whoknows,maybeI’llbetheonetobatheyou.”
“You’re a darkhorse,aren’tyou?” Istate ina normal tone witha smile thatdefinitelytells himIwouldn’tsaynotohis offer.
“Maybe”
OurconversationiscutoffastheProfessorstartsdroningon,butImakeamentalnotetoaskhimaboutthisNorthCastle meetingafterthelecture
Buthe’sgonebeforeI’veevenpackedupanhourlater,duckingoutanddisappearingintothecrowdofstudents.Itdoesn’t matter;I’llcatchupwithhimlater.Islipoutofthelecturehall,aghostamongshadows.Themurmurofconversationcutsoffas Iappearlikethey’retryingtokeepasecret Fuckingidiots.
“Connor,”Iacknowledgetheguywhostepsupinfrontofmewithaslysmile “How’syourdad?” “Better,thanksforasking.”
“Anytime
“Listen,Ican’tsaymuch,”headmits,castingawaryglancearound.“Butwe’veknowneachothersincewelearnedhowto walk.Bereadyforanything.Castle’sabouttogetawholelotmoreinteresting.” “Vaguemuch?”Imutter,rollingmyeyes
“Guessyou’llhavetofigureitout,won’tyou?”heteases,turningtoleave.“Butwatchyourback,Eliza.Noteveryone’sas charmedbyyouasIam”HesauntersawayasIfollowhimwithnarrowedeyes Itappearslittlealliancesareforming There arethosewhowanttobemyfriendandthosewhodefinitelydon’t.
Butthisisgood.It’sweedingoutthefuckerswhoIneedtotakedown. Idon’thavetimeforthiscat-and-mousebullshit.Ineedaction.
ELIZA
MIDNIGHT LOOMS,andI’mpacingmyroomlikeacagedanimal,thesecondhandontheclocktickingaway.
Tonight’smeetingcouldshifteverything power,control allpoisedonaknife’sedge
“Fuckit,”Imutter.Ican’tdothisalone.Nottonight.Idon’tknowtheseplayers,andeverythingmydadtaughtmetohoneis screamingatmethatthisisatrap Butwhetheritisatraportest,mybestmoveistotakebackuprightnow It’ssmart,andI’m notafraidtoaskforhelp.
Butwho?
NowayamIgoingtoRaphael Hecanswivelforbeingamajorpaininmyass OutofTarquin,JamesandOliver,Ifeelthe closesttoTarquinafterourlittlewhateverthefuckitwaslastnight.
Decided, Istalkdownthe hallway ReachingTarquin’s door, Idon’thesitate, rappingsharplyonthe wood He opens it immediately,asthoughhe’sbeenwaitingforme,hisbabyblueseyesassessingmeinquisitively.
“Eliza?SadtoseeI’mdressed?”HischeekysmiletellsmeI’vemadetherightchoiceinknockingonhisdoor Archinganeyebrowandrakingmygazeoverhispartiallydressedbodywithasmirk,Ipout.“Nakedsuitsyoubetter.” “Thatcanbearranged,”hemurmurs.
“Passrightnow Ineedyourhelp”
“Oh?”He’suprightandcomestoattentionimmediately.Nice.He’sgotthecontroltoseparatelustfrombusiness.Notmany mendo,inmyexperience
“There’sameetingatNorthCastleTower,”Isay,cuttingstraighttothechase.“Midnight.Ineedyouwithme.”
Tarquindoesn’tflinch;henods,afierceprotectiveglintinhisgazethatdoesthingstothewomaninsideme.“Ofcourse. ShouldIgettheothers?”
“No.”Ishakemyhead,resolute.“Justus.”
“Whateveryousay,”hereplieswithahintofasmile “I’vegotyourback,Eliza Always” “Good.” I’mreadyfor whatlies ahead. “Let’s gear up. We’ve gota trap to springor a testto pass. Youknow anything aboutit?”
Heshakeshisheadsolemnly,afiercefrownonhishandsomeface.
Thatdoesnotbodewell.
“Sodefinitelyatrap,then.”
“Whotoldyouaboutit?”
“Well, Ioverheard itbeingtalked about, and thenImogencame over and told me where itwas She said she wanted to forgeanalliance,butnowI’mnotsosure.”
“Imogenissolid Idon’tthinkshewouldleadyouintoatrap”Tarquin’sfrowndeepens
“Sorry,butI’mnottakingyourwordonthat.Shespecificallytoldmewherethemeetingwas.”
“Thatdoesn’tmeansheispartofit.Itcouldmeansheisbeingplayedaswellifwhoeverisbehindthisknewshe’dcome toyou”
“Youseemtobequicktodefendher,”Imurmur,feelingaflashofjealousy,whichhenoticesandsmirksat.
“She’sadistantcousin,soeww,butitmakesmeallwarmandfuzzyinsidethatyou’rejealous,petal”Herufflesmyhairas Islaphishandaway.
“Fuckyou Jealous,”Iscoffandturnawaytostalkbacktomyroomtogearup
Thesoundofhissnickeringbehindmeisannoyingasfuck.Hethinkshehasmepegged,buthecanswivelaswellnow. Unfortunately,allthatthoughtdoesismakemethinkaboutswivellingonhiscock,andIclearmythroatasIgrabmythigh
holsterandstrapittomyrightthighbeforeIshovethehuntingknifeintoit
“That’s wicked,” Tarquinsays, cominginto myroom, pullinga long-sleeved blacktee over his head to accompanythe blackcombatpantsthatareundoneatthefly Ishetryingtomakemelosemymind?
Callmecrazy,butthisteaseisevenhotterthanseeinghimstarkers.
“Mydadgaveittome IcallherFelicity,orFlickforshort” Hesmiles.“Iadorethatyougaveitanickname.”
“Her,”Isnap “Sheisashe,andsheenjoysthetasteofblood,sowatchyourmoutharoundher” Heholdshishandsup,tryingtoholdbackthesmile.“Noted.Sorry,Flick.I’lldobetternexttime.” “Ready?”Iaskashedoesuphispantsandthensits on my bed todoupthelacesonhisboots.
Rude, much?
Orpossiblyheknowsexactlywhathe’sdoingtomebecauseallIcanthinkaboutisslamminghimbacktothemattressand ridinghimuntildawn
Fucking prick.
Iturnawayashereplies,“Bornready”
Hesecureshisownblade,aseriouslyevillookingthingwithadoublecurvedblade,bothwithjaggededges. Nice. We don’t need anymore words as we move as one, slippingout of the townhouse into the inkydarkness. The campus sprawlsinfrontofus,acoursewenavigatewithease Myeyesscanthesurroundings,everyrustleofleaves,everyflickerof lightscrutinised.
Tarquinkeeps pace beside me, his presence a solid reassurance Our footfalls are soft onthe dewygrass, our passage throughthenightsoundless.
TheNorthCastle tower looms ahead,a monolithofdarkstoneagainstthe starrysky.The historyofthis place is thatthe mainbuildingwasafortress,aCastle,inthe13th century,meticulouslyupheldbybillionsofpoundsworthofdonationsover theyearsfromthelargestmafiafamiliesinthecountrysothenextgencouldbattleitoutinaplaygroundsafeforclandestine activity.Allfourtowersarestillstanding,givingitaneerieairinthedarkofmidnight.
Weapproachwithcaution,sensesonhighalert,readyforwhateverhellmightbewaitingtobreakloose.
Asweapproach,Ihalt,feelingthepricklingsensationatthebackofmyneck.Something’soff.Itakeabreathandpushthe heavydooropenwithmylefthand,myrightdroppingtothehiltofmyknife.
“Careful,”IbreatheouttoTarquinaswestepinside,eventhoughit’sapointlesscommand Heislikeapanthernexttome, stealthy,darkanddangerousasallfuck.Thedarknessisthickerhere,clingingtotheancientwallslikeawarning.
The air is still, too still Myskincrawls withthe anticipationof danger, everysense alert for the trap I know must be waiting.Weascendthespiralstaircase,ourbootedstepsmutedagainstthestone.
“Fuck,”Isayundermybreathaswereachthetop.It’squiet,butthesilencefeelslikeascream.
“Eliza,”Tarquinmurmurs,andinthatsecond,theworldexplodesintochaos
Figuresemergefromthehiddenrecessesoftheroom,surroundingus.DavidGrenvillestepsforwardfromtheshadows,his sneeraslashacrosshisface “Well,well,ElizaHughes,youwalkedrightintomylittleparlour”
“David,” Ispithis name outlike poison, myhand tighteningonthe knife as Idraw itreadyfor action. “Actually, Iwas expectingthis Youtakemeforafuckingidiot Butwhatever Ibroughtbackup” IseeTarquinshiftslightly,asilentpredatorreadytostrike.
David’seyesshifttotheCarvertwinandtighten.Hewasn’texpectingthat.HethoughtI’dbearrogantandstupidenoughto comeonmyown
“Didyoureallythinkyoucouldplayinthisgameandnotgetbitten?”Davidtaunts,regroupingquickly,hislackeysinching closerbuteyeingupTarquinwithsomethingakintofear Don’tblamethem Helooksreadytomurderthelotofthemwithhis gazealone.Definitelybroughttherightguytohavemyback.
“Playing’sonething,”Ishootback,“Winning’sanother” Thestandoffholdsforaheartbeat,thenallhellbreaksloose.
ELIZA
T
IME SLOWS,butmyinstinctsthathavebeendisciplinedsinceIwasoldenoughtowalkandtalkkickin.Ilaunchmyselfatthe nearestasshole Flick,anextensionofmyownlethalplan,flashesinthedimlightasshearcstowardmyattacker “Eliza!” Tarquin’s voice is a low growl,butI’mtoobusytolookhis way.His presence is a solidforce atmyback;his movementssynchronisedwithmineasifwe’retwopartsofthesamedeadlydance
It’sfuckingmagic,andIgrinasIduck,weave,andpivot,eachstrikecalculated,eachblockinstinctual.
The sounds ofcombatfill the air grunts ofexertion, gasps ofsurprise, the sharp ringofmetal onmetal echoingoffthe stonewalls
“Nicetry,”IsnarlasIsidestepasloppypunch,rewardingtheeffortwithmybladedraggingacrosstheassailant’sarm.He howls,clutchingthewound,bloodseepingbetweenhisfingers
“Keepup,boys,you’relagging,”Itaunt,evenasmymusclesscreamandmymindraces.Thisisnosparringmatch;thisis survival
Tarquinisbesidemenow,fightingwithaferocitythatthrillsme.Heisprovinghisloyaltytome,noproblem.Hemoves withagracethatcontradictshissize,everyactionpurposefulanddevastating.
“Eliza, left!” he barks, and Ispinjustintime to dodge a vicious strike Our enemies are relentless, buttheydon’tknow whothey’redealingwith.
Clearly
ButthenmyconfidencegetsthebetterofmeandasIseeanopeningtogettoDavid,standingonthesidelines,watchingthis withasmuggrin,Idiveforhim,notevenseeingtheguymovingasquicklyasme.Hesendshisfistflyingintomyface;Igrunt, staggeringback,lickingbloodfrommylip.
“Youcock.You’regonnapayforthat,”Igrowl,lungingtowardshim.Heishuge.BiggerthanTarquinandagiantcompared tome Heisn’tastudent Heisolder,wiser,morehardened aprofessional Grenvilleisn’tplayingfair,andthatjustshowshimforthecowardlyassholethatheis.
Thegianttakesanotherswingatme,thistimeknockingmeflyingintoTarquin,whograbsmeandsteadiesmewithonearm whiletheothersendsafistflyingtowardssomeone’sface.
“Whatnow?”heaskswithasexysmirkthatfiresupmyengines.He’stakenafewhits.Histeeistorn,andhislipissplit likemine.
“Inyourdreams,”Isnarl anddisentanglemyselfasIgripFlickandduckpastthegianttogettoDavid.Mylithenessisa weapon,andDavid’sfacegoespaleasheseesmecomingforhim
“Fuckyou,David.You’reacowardlypieceofshit;youknowthat?Comeatmeyourself.”
“Still gotthatmouth, Eliza,” he sneers, gettinghis shittogether and knowinghe has no choice butto face me He moves forwardasTarquincrossestohavemybackagainstthegiant.
DavidandIcollide,hisstrengthagainstmyspeed,andit’sadeadlockforamoment.ThepainexplodesinmysideasItake ahit,butitonlyangersmemore,likeawaspbeingpokedat Itwistaway,andwithaswift,precisemotion,Flickfindsher target notakillingblow,butonethatsendsaclearmessageassheslicesintoDavid’sflesh.
He stumbles back, his hand clamping over the wound, blood darkening his shirt His eyes lock onto mine, filled with hatred.
“Isthatallyou’vegot?”Myvoiceisalow,dangerousthing Theroomreeksofsweat,blood,andsteel,butIcan’taffordto letdisgustslowmedown.Notwhenvictoryiswithinreach,notwhensurvivalhangsontheedgeofmyblade.
“Timetogo,”IhisstoTarquin,whoiscurrentlyinaprecarioussituationwiththegiant,whohashiminachokehold.
“A…little…help…here…”hecroaks.
ChucklingasIgripFlickandturnmyhandtodrivethebladedirectlyintothegiant’sside,Ipull heroutashegruntsand loosenshisholdonTarquinenoughthathecangetfree
“Asshole,”hegruntsandtakesaswingwithhishardfist,smashingthegiant’snoseflatagainsthisface.“Noonetriesto killmeandgetsawaywithit”
“Comeon,”Iurge,tryingnottolaughatthegiant’sshockedface.
Duckingandslashing,wemakeourwaybacktothetowerdoorandtakethesteep,circularstepsasquicklyaswedarefor fearoffallingandbreakingournecks.
WeboltfromthechaosoftheNorthCastletower,thenightswallowinguswhenweburstthroughthedooratthebottom.
Mychestburns as we sprint,eachbreathsharpagainstmyribs Icanfeel thestickywarmthofbloodonmyside froma shallownick,butit’sabadgeofhonourandareminderoftheclosecall.
“Here,” Ipant, spottinganovergrowncourtyard tucked behind a row ofhedges perfectfor a quickbreather We don’t hesitate,duckingintotheseclusionitoffers.
Peeringoutthroughthebushes,wedon’tseeorhearanyonefollowingus,soweslumpdownontheground,fuckedbutnot out.
“Letme see,” Tarquinsays, his tone more command thanconcern. He’s atmyside inaninstant, his fingers deftas they assessthewoundonmyside
“Tisbutascratch,”Imurmur,butlethimlookbecausehishandsaresendingmybattlelustintoaheightenedarousal that makesmyclittwitch
“Seenworse,”hemurmurs.
“Exactly.”
As Tarquin and I regroup in the shadows, my pulse hammers with the aftermath of bloodshed. Our breathing is heavy, matchedonlybytherapidbeatofourhearts.Thefightstillechoesinmymuscles,andIstretch.
“Eliza,” Tarquin whispers, his voice like gravel, and there’s a wildness in his eyes that sends rockets of lust shooting throughme.
We’re close, so fuckingclose, the heat fromhis bodysearingthroughthe space betweenus The night clings to us, the darknessacloakoverouractions.
Hishandsroam,tearingatmyclotheswithdesperateurgency.There’snotenderness,onlyaragingfirethatdemandstobe quenched.Asmybackhitsthecoldstone,hedragsmypantsandknickersdowntomyanklesandloomsoverme.
“Fuck,Eliza,”hegroans,undoinghispantsquicklyandpullinghiscockout.“Ineedtofeelyou.”
“Ionlyridemystallionsbareback,sowhatthefuckareyouwaitingfor?”Igrowl,impatientlyliftingmyhips
Withadarkchuckle,hedriveshiscockintome,mylegsrestrainedbythepantsaroundmyankles.“Fuck,yourcuntisso tight,”hegrowls,thrustingdeeper
Igritmyteethanddigmynailsintohisbackashiscockfillsme,stretchingmeinthebestwaypossible.Hisbodyisahot, solidweightagainstmine.Hiscockissteelinsidemypussy,andeverythrustmakesmyworldcontractaroundhim.
“Youfeelsofuckinggood,”hegrunts
We fuck like animals in heat; the only noises are our laboured breaths and the rustle of leaves to cover our moans of pleasure It’smessyanddirtyandthebestfuckingthingI’veeverfeltinmylife
“Ohgod,Eliza,”hemoans,hishipspickingupspeedashethrustsharder,faster,theheadofhiscockhittingmyg-spotwith everythrust
“Harder,”Ipant,rockingmyhipsagainsthis.“Iwanttofeeleveryfuckinginchofyou.”
He obliges, slamminginto me like he’s markinghis territory, claimingme as his. Myorgasmbuilds, coilingtighter and tighteruntilI’mteeteringontheedge
“Tarquin!”
“I’msofuckingclose Comeforme,petal,”hegrowls
Mybodyjerks,respondingtohisroughdemand.Ishatter,mypussyclenchingaroundhimaswebothclimaxtogether,and it’scataclysmic,obliteratingthoughtandreason,andhepumpshiscumdeepinsideme “Fuck,”webothmoan,tryingtocatchourbreathsastheaftershocksfade.
Thepantingsubsides,aircoolingthesweatonmyskin.Tarquin’sgripisstillfirmonmyhips,hischestheaving.Isensehis reluctancetoletmego,butIdon’tdocuddles Theneedtomove,tobevigilant,pulsesstrongerthantheafterglow “Come on,” I murmur, pushing himoff me and struggling to get my knickers and pants back up. I’mall business now. “We’reoutintheopenhere NotthatIthinkDavidwillbefollowingusanytimesoon” “Youlaidhimout.Hehasbeenhumiliated,”Tarquinsays,doinghispantsup,hisvoicetight. “Thinkhe’lltryagain?”
“Nah,he’sapussy.”Hestandsupandoffersmehishand.
Itakeitandthenletitgoquickly,notwantinghimtogetanyideas.NotthatIwouldn’tdothisagain,all nightandinmy