While stories involving the Elite were highly exaggerated, if what Kennedy had said was true and that a few chosen women became trophy wives, then even the administrators were in on what was happening behind the steel gates. However, I wasn’t lured into the fantasy that arranged marriages could work. They were barbaric to my mind. I still believed I’d find the perfect man, but only in the distant future after I became a star.
I pulled my hand away, giving him a polite nod. There was no sense in encouraging him. Nothing was going to happen tonight, especially nothing of a carnal nature. “Thank you, but it won’t work.”
“What won’t?” he asked, genuinely curious, his eyes full of amusement.
“Seducing me. I’m not that kind of girl.”
The flash of annoyance in his eyes couldn’t be hidden, although he tried to mask it well.
Kennedy suddenly interrupted, moving slightly in front of me. “Forgive my friend. She doesn’t get out much.”
“Well, little pet. You should explain the rules to your bestie.”
Kennedy’s lips were tight, anger sparking in her eyes. Then it was gone.
He exuded power as well as darkness, enough that a little voice inside told me to run. While the hair stood up on the back of my neck, the fact that I remained attracted to him shoved away any hint of fear. There was nothing I hated more than men who lorded their prowess over women.
“She doesn’t need to. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Don’t worry. I’ll be a good girl tonight. I’m just a visitor and nothing more.” I pushed Kennedy aside, realizing that whatever punishment she’d mentioned could be on the agenda for her if I didn’t step in. I crowded his space, forced to tilt my head to look into his eyes. The flash in them occurred again, only this time I was able to look deeper into a black pit. As if the man had no soul.
We stood for a few seconds, neither one saying anything. His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath, purposely growling as if primal behavior would attract me.
Sadly, I was more aroused than I had been before, furious with my body for betraying me. I hated that his musky scent was intoxicating, prickles dancing on my naked arms.
“Be careful, delicate flower,” he said softly as he rolled his knuckles down the side of my face. “Monsters come in all shapes and sizes.”
I pulled my head away with an exaggerated move, irritated he thought his possessive bullshit would attract me. “Monsters I can handle, as well as little boys trying to prove themselves as men.”
Chuckling, he gave me another salacious look before walking away. Only seconds later, I realized he was continuing to stare at me.
“What’s his problem?” I knew the answer. He thought he was entitled. I was already uncomfortable.
She turned to face me, her expression more pensive than before. “What are you doing? You all but tossed gasoline onto a flame. He’s already attracted to you.”
“Oh, please. I bet his dick is the size of a peanut.”
“You don’t understand. This was a mistake. He’s one of the three Elite members to stay away from at all costs.”
“Why?”
The way she swallowed was a clear indication of how nervous she was. “Because he’s bad news.”
“Who are the others?” Why had she brought me here? She’d obviously been considered one of them for some time. I was beginning to feel completely uncomfortable, especially since Christian’s eyes remained on me.
As she scanned the room, I sensed she was ensuring no one was paying attention. “Weston and Clinton.”
“Like Clinton and Abel?” Evidently, the president of the little club thought he had more power than he did.
Did my parents know about the school’s reputation? They’d never said anything to me about the Elite. But my mother’s strange reaction had been a red flag. Had they been pressured to send me here? Had I been the one to find the school?
No. I hadn’t been. I’d nagged them for two years to allow me to take anything other than community classes. This had been my father’s suggestion. My father had likely been a drill sergeant in a previous life. He’d barked orders after researching everything. There were far too many questions in my mind that I was worried I wouldn’t like the answers to.
“Exactly like that. They rule the entire school. The other guys you see are fine, some of them very nice, but they won’t interfere with whatever the three men want. Stay away from them.”
“Why else did you bring me here, Kennedy? Be honest with me. Did someone put you up to it?”
It was as if a light had sparked inside her head. Or as if she knew she was being watched.
“Don’t be silly. I asked you because I wanted you to have some fun for a change. You can’t allow three wicked boys to ruin the party. This is the place to be.” Whatever the reason she was nervous before had faded away. “Let me introduce you to some other people. Okay?”
I allowed my gaze to lock onto Christian, noticing the smirk on his face.
A cold shiver drifted all the way down to my toes.
The moment she dragged me further into the crowd, I had a sense of being watched.
As if I’d been lured to the party for a specific reason.
Just like before.
As if I’d suddenly become prey to three big bad wolves.