“Where are you really going?” he asks, his eyes holding mine as if he’ll read the answer within them.
I pause with my hand on his doorknob, my temperature spiking.
I want to tell him. Forgetting the fact that he only searched me out on my first day at Gravestone High on the instruction of Marcus, he's been nothing but a great friend. If it weren't for him, I've no doubt I'd have spent my entire time at high school here in the shadows, but he forced me to do things I didn't want to do. He forced me to live, and while I dug my heels in at every opportunity, I really appreciate that he never gave up on me.
But I can't. This is one thing that I can't confide in him. If Cade were to find out that Alex knew… I shiver. No, I can't do that to him.
"I'm going for a run. I'm too wired to sleep. I need to burn some energy off."
"Riiight. For the record, I don't believe you, and I think you're playing with fire."
My mouth opens to respond, but I can't find any words.
I pull the door open and step through, but just before I round the corner I hear his warning loud and clear.
"I hope she's worth it."
You have no fucking idea.
I quickly change, dragging on a pair of joggers and a hoodie before swiping up my overnight bag and heading back out of my dorm.
Campus is pretty empty at this time of night. There are just a few students loitering around, but most are home, working their asses off in preparation for the weekend. I'm sure this place will look very different come tomorrow night when everyone is heading to all the different parties that will be scattered around campus.
My muscles burn as I run, reminding me that I went out first thing this morning and did double my usual distance as I tried to outrun my demons. As usual, though, I never leave them behind for long.
Mia's dorm building comes into view, and I lock my eyes on her window right as a figure emerges from the bushes to my right.
My heart jumps into my throat as the moonlight illuminates the harsh lines of his face.
"Going anywhere in particular this time of night, Easton?"
Motherfucking cunt.
"Just for a run. Gotta keep my strength up. Never know what you motherfuckers are going to throw at me next."
A smirk appears on his face, and my fists curl to wipe it off.
I'd fucking love to have a round or two with him just one-on-one. I'm sure I could fucking take him down. Actually, I'd put money on it. Without Ashton and his little gang of pussies, he's nothing.
"With a bag?" he asks suspiciously, glancing over my shoulder.
"Not that it's any of your fucking business, but I've just come from Alex's."
"But his dorm is—"
"Is this really necessary? I've got shit to be doing, Kingsley, and I'm sure you need to get home for your beauty sleep. Or your chosen whore for the night." His lips press into a thin line, and I wonder if he made use of Mia for his needs tonight.
My stomach churns at the thought of her sucking him like she did me in the auditorium yesterday.
"I guess not." He taps his forefinger to his chin as he studies me. "Just remember, Easton. I own this fucking campus. There isn't a thing that goes on here that I don't know about. I have ears and eyes everywhere."
"Great, thanks for the reminder. I'll remember to flip off every camera I pass in case you're watching."
"You know, it doesn't have to be this way."
"Oh?"
"You could just do as we say. You don't need to fight us at every turn."
I laugh at him, which only serves to piss him off further.
"You're talking bullshit and you know it, Kingsley." I take a step toward him, but he doesn't back down at all. "Whether I was a good little boy and took your shit or not wouldn't make a bit of fucking difference. I'm a threat to you. My bloodline is stronger and you know it. You might be reigning right now, Kingsley, but rest assured, all you're doing is keeping the throne warm for the real king."
His lips twist and his eyes narrow as his fists curl at his sides.
"So thanks for the warning, but I think maybe you should be the one watching your back. You can throw whatever you want at me, but I will win, and I will take my rightful place in this town. And I will rewrite all the motherfucking rules. Just. You. Watch. Me."
Even in the darkness, I see his face turn beet red with anger.
"Go on," I taunt. "Hit me. I know you’re fucking gagging for my blood."
A growl rips up his throat.
"Exactly as I thought. You’re nothing without your soldiers backing you up. Enjoy your night, Kingsley. I'm coming for you."
I take off before he can respond. I continue toward Mia's dorm but veer right before the path that leads toward her main entrance.
I know he's watching me. My skin prickles with his attention. I'm also aware that I just poked the beast, and I've only made it worse for myself. I have no doubt that whatever he'd planned for this weekend has just been ramped up another level.
Fine by me.
Bring it on, asshole.
It's almost forty-five minutes later when I finally climb up Mia's fire escape and tap on her window. I needed to make sure the motherfucker had gone, because the last thing I need right now is to get caught in his prosapia’s dorm room.
She quickly pulls the window open and attempts to drag me inside. I let her think she's helping, but the truth of it is that I've got a foot on her in height and at least fifty pounds in weight, so she's unlikely to be able to pull me anywhere.
"I didn't think you were
