Broken Kingdom (Corium University Trilogy 3)

While wondering why they can’t simply see me for who I am. I’m no threat to them, or at least I wouldn’t be if they treated me as an equal. Only if they continue harassing and abusing me will their lives be affected.

And in extreme cases, ended.

I’ll never be sorry those monsters paid with their lives. After all, they took a life that night. My baby was innocent, fragile. Tears form at the back of my eyelids at the mere mention of our baby. I blink them away because crying isn’t going to change what’s already happened. I’m too wrapped up in my troubled thoughts to notice someone approaching. “What an unpleasant surprise it is to see you here.”

My head snaps up to find Nash smiling at me. No, that isn’t quite right. There’s nothing natural or friendly about his expression. He reminds me of a shark and how empty their eyes look while their teeth flash right before they eat you.

That’s exactly how he looks now. Like I’m his next meal.

And there I was, wishing people would stop avoiding me.

Sucking a breath into my lungs, I stand taller, making myself seem bigger. One thing I’m not going to do is cower. I’m no longer that girl who was used as a doormat, bullied, and treated like shit by her peers. I’m not a rat anymore. I’m Aspen Mather.

And it’s time that Nash knows what will happen to him if he messes with me. That very thought keeps me from running back to my room. I will never become anything to these people if all I do is run away.

“I could say the same to you,” I reply sweetly.

Ignoring my comment altogether, he asks, “Where’s the fire you’re running away from?”

“No fire,” I say in a voice so smooth it hardly sounds like my own. “I was going to my room.” I offer a brief, tight smile I imagine looks more like a grimace before attempting to sidestep him.

He’s too fast, matching my movement with his own, so he’s still in front of me. “I could walk you if you want.”

As if I didn’t already know something’s up.

“I know the way to my room,” I say through clenched teeth.

“Of course, you aren’t living on the same level as the rest of us anymore, are you?” His voice is almost silky. It almost hides the venom running beneath his words.

If there’s one thing I’ve gotten used to, it’s venom.

“No, I’m not. I’m above you now.” I smile as his eyes narrow. “Anyway, I’d better get going.”

“What inspired the move?” he asks, falling in step beside me.

My pulse picks up, my palms going slick. I don’t like this. It would be one thing if he insulted me and moved on, but somehow, this feels deeper. More serious. Deliberate.

“Does it matter?” I fire back.

“I mean no, not really, but as you know, my father is a founding member of this school. I definitely feel like he should know what his money is being used for, or should I say, who his money is helping.”

I barely withhold an eye roll. “My parents paid for me to attend this school, so where I sleep is the least of your concerns.”

Something malicious flickers in Nash’s eyes, and I don’t miss the way his fist clenches or the ripple of rage that works its way through his body. “I haven’t seen you around the halls much. Going from class to class. Don’t tell me they’re letting you live here without going to lessons.”

“If they were, that would be their business, too.” I look down at the books I’m clutching to my chest like a shield. “I’m taking classes.”

“I’m sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable?” Now he’s solicitous. His voice drips with honey. I’m sure it would poison me if I took a taste. What is this? I’m so tired of games, wondering if everyone around me has an ulterior motive.

Except with Nash, I don’t have to wonder. There is something seriously wrong here, even if I can’t quite put my finger on it.

I force a smile. “I’m in a hurry, that’s all.”

“Back to your room.”

I mutter something that sounds like a confirmation.

We’re almost at the elevators. My salvation… until the brief, horrifying idea of him getting in with me makes my stomach churn. As nauseating as it is being trailed by him, the thought of being trapped with no escape is so much worse. My heart is beating triple-time, and I’m afraid I’ll have another panic attack like I did before climbing into the air vent. Please, don’t let that happen. I don’t want to be at his mercy.

“It seems a shame, you being all alone. Be sure to let me know if you need a little entertainment sometime. I heard you can be a lot of fun to hang out with.” Where would he get that idea?