King of Corium (Corium University Trilogy 1)

“What do you want?” I grit through my teeth.

“I just came to check on the daughter of an old friend,” he explains casually, his eyes darting around the room inspecting the contents. “Are you settling into the university nicely?”

“Yes, this place is lovely,” I reply sarcastically, “and everyone is so welcoming. It’s very nice. Five stars, I would recommend it.”

“I’m glad to hear you love it here. Lucas assured me that your accommodations here were adequate. I can see he was right. This place suits you.”

Instead of giving him a witty remark, I grind my teeth together and dig my nails into my palm. Provoking him is only going to get me hurt.

“I heard you weren’t coming to the ball tonight.”

“I didn’t think anyone would want me to attend,” I say. “I wouldn’t want to show up somewhere I’m not welcome.”

“Of course, you are welcome there. I encourage all the students to come. And as luck would have it, I already have a date for you. He’ll be here at seven to pick you up.”

Dumbfounded, I stare at him, wondering where the hell this is going to go. Nothing Xander does is without a plan, and his plan, whatever it is, isn’t going to be in my favor. Like I said, no matter what, I’m on the losing side, always.

“I can’t,” I object. “I don’t have a dress.” It’s a lame excuse, but I hope it will be enough.

“I figured you wouldn’t, which is why I already ordered you one. It should be here in time. So be ready at seven. I’ll see you at dinner.”

He stops at the door, looking at me over his shoulder. “Do not disappoint me, Aspen. You don’t want to see me disappointed.” He lets the threat hang in the air for a few seconds before adding, “I expect you to be there.”

With that, Xander leaves my room, closing the door behind him without another word. I stand there for another moment with my mouth hanging open, trying to make sense of the whole situation. One thing is clear, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree at all. Quinton definitely learned how to threaten people from his father.

The real question is, why the hell would he want me to go? And who is he sending as my date? Does Q know about this?

Ugh, I hate everything about this.

I know this is a trap. I just don’t know how to get out of it.

While I still plot how not to make an appearance tonight, I look through my closet to see what I could wear. Xander said he’ll send me a dress, but that is definitely not something I’m going to count on. I didn’t even bring high heels. The fanciest shoes I own are black flats with a tiny bow on top. I guess that will have to do. The only dress I could possibly wear is an emerald-green sweater dress. Either way, I will stick out like a sore thumb at this party. Not that I need anything else to add to the giant bull’s-eye on my back.

As I wait for the day to pass, my mind is too busy to get back into a book, no matter how much I wish I could escape reality. I spend the time on YouTube watching tutorials on how to curl up hair without a curling iron.

I end up using napkins and roll up my damp hair that way. Then I gather all the makeup I have, which is not a lot, and start applying it to my face until I look somewhat presentable.

Checking the time, I realize it’s already six o’clock. I only have one hour left and still have no plan in place to get out of this. Another knock on the door almost has me falling out of my chair. Last time I opened the door, it turned out terrible, but Xander did say he was going to send a dress, so maybe that’s who that is.

Hesitantly, I get up and walk to the door, opening it slowly. One of the maids is standing on the other side, holding a big box out in front of her.

“I’m supposed to drop this off here.” She gives me a nervous smile, shoving the box closer to me. I open the door all the way and hold out my hands. The maid briefly glances at my napkin-rolled-up hair but doesn’t comment. I’m sure I look quite ridiculous with this hairdo.

“Oh. Okay, thank you.” As soon as the box is in my hands, the maid spins around and walks away from me like she can’t get away fast enough.

I close the door and carry the box to my bed, where I open the lid slowly to peek inside. I’m still not fully convinced that this isn’t a joke, and something won’t be jumping out at me any moment. At first glimpse, all I see is a silky red fabric.