Coldhearted Heir (The Heirs 1)

“You too, hon. Are you excited to start studying?”

“Yeah,” I nod, and my smile turns natural. I love Hunter’s parents, and just because the two of us don’t get along, I shouldn’t let it affect my relationship with them.

Aunt Kingsley smiles warmly. “I remember my first day. It was epic. You’ll make so many new friends. Just remember to have fun.”

“I will.”

“It’s your final year, Hunter. Are you ready to join CRC Holdings?” I hear my dad ask Hunter.

“Yes. I’ll already spend time with my father this year, so it’s not too overwhelming when I officially start working.”

“As your mom said, don’t forget to have fun,” Uncle Mason says. “Just nothing that will start a lawsuit. I’ve had my fill of those.”

“God, yes. Please, no lawsuits,” Aunt Kingsley adds.

“Did your parents ever tell you about all the trouble they got into while attending here?” Dad asks Hunter.

“Yes,” Hunter lets out a burst of laughter. “They always blame Uncle Lake.”

“What about me?” Uncle Lake suddenly says as he comes to join us. He looks at Hunter, then asks, “What happened to your lip?”

Oh shit.

I freeze while I wait for Hunter to reply. “The mug nicked it when I had coffee.”

I feel torn about the white lie. Part of me is relieved I don’t have to explain why I punched him to our families. But the lie only solidifies the fact that it’s so easy for Hunter to cover up the truth — just like he did with Brady.

Soon we’re one big group, and we begin to move toward the auditorium where the ceremony will be held.

Only the kids of the founding families go to sit on the stage, while their parents join us in the front two rows.

When all the seats are taken, Jase gets up and goes to stand behind the podium. “Welcome to Trinity Academy. As the future chairman of CRC Holdings and Trinity Academy, I am proud to stand here today. Our campus has expanded a great deal, and the dorms were recently renovated. Trinity prides itself on only schooling the best. Past presidents, senators, business magnates, and philanthropists have graduated from Trinity, and we hope to continue with the legacy they have left for us.”

When Jase is done talking, his father, Uncle Julian, takes over. The speeches don’t last too long, and soon we all file out of the auditorium again. Tables have been set up on the huge lawn between the dorms and the lecture halls. We follow the seating plan, and I pull a face when I see that Hunter’s family is situated at the table next to mine.

Can’t catch a break from the guy today.

Once we’re all seated, servers begin to move between the tables.

Dad orders himself a whiskey, then looks at me, “What would you like, Bean?”

“Just a coke, please.”

The server leaves with our order, and Daddy asks, “Did you see the gym on campus?”

“Not yet.” I glance in the direction of the gym, that’s situated next to the pool house. “I’ll probably go check it out this afternoon.”

I hope there’s a punching bag so I can take all the tension out on it, seeing as I can’t hit Hunter.

The morning goes by quickly, and too soon, I walk my parents to their car. “I’m going to miss you.”

“You can come home every weekend,” Mom says, her voice hopeful.

“I probably will,” I admit. “Unless it’s exam time.”

I kiss and hug both my parents, and as Dad slides in behind the wheel, he says, “If you need anything, just call, and I’ll take care of it.”

“I know. Love you both.”

“Love you most, Bean,” Dad says tenderly.

Mom leans over Dad so she can see me. “Love you.”

I watch my parents drive off, then begin to walk back to the dorms, but instead of heading to my room, I decide to go see what the gym is like.

The campus is luxurious and modern, with a touch of history. Students pass by me, their eyes focused on their phones. Dressed in only the top brands, I get the impression my fellow students are all competing with each other to look the most fashionable.

I’ll definitely end last in that competition. I’ve never been one to follow the latest fashion trends.

Reaching the gym, high-paced music thumps in the air. Various machines are already occupied, and an aerobics class is just about to start. I search for a punching bag and find a couple hanging at the back of the building.

The beat pulsing around me, and the vibe of energy bouncing off the walls makes me eager to start.

Tomorrow morning first thing I’ll be back to beat the ever-loving shit out of the bag.

Grinning and feeling pleased with my discovery, I make my way back to the suite I share with my friends.Chapter 4HUNTERSince my first day at the academy, I’ve always started my mornings at the gym, and this year will be no different.