Page 19 of Twisted Heathens
This girl is Grade A fucked. No two ways about it. We should all be steering clear for our own protection. But hell, I like a challenge.
Seven
Brooklyn
Gasoline by Halsey
First day of classes, and I’m over it already. It feels like I’m starting school all over again, back when I was fostered and had to attend in borrowed uniform. The memory of those days is fucking toxic and I push it aside. I’m twenty-one years old, for fuck’s sake. I’ve done my time in education. Yet here I am, searching for a t-shirt that isn’t worn and threadbare, worrying over the rips in my jeans that I hope others will mistake for a fashion choice rather than the sad truth.
You know what? Screw them.
My blonde hair lies tangled and limp, ashen strands spilling down my back. I didn’t bother to wash it after my early morning run, not like I’ve got anyone to impress around here. Half-assed messy bun it is.
I ran the perimeter of the institute as the sun rose this morning. Figured it’s time I have an emergency escape plan in case everything goes to hell. The looming stone walls and security cameras were an intimidating sight. The spacious grounds trick you into thinking this is freedom, but there are still precautions in the background. Nothing about this place is normal.
Security is posted at every entrance and exit, all buildings are only accessible by ID, and there’s a stupidly complicated procedure for booking visitation or leave. Not like I’ll be doing that any time soon. It’s clever, how they give you just enough independence to create a sense of normality, but it’s all an illusion. We aren’t free at all. Someone’s always watching.
That’s probably a good thing. Monsters like me are not fit for society.
“Broooklyn, time to wake up!”
A round of enthusiastic knocking makes me jump. I swing the door open, prepared to punch whoever it is, disturbing my peace. I’m startled by the blue-haired ball of energy waiting. Phoenix looks far too happy for this early in the goddamn morning. Eli stands behind, cocooned in another dark hoodie that hides his face.
“Mornin’ hotness. You ready?”
Phoenix breezes straight past me, inviting himself into my room without a care in the world. I’m left gaping as he begins to poke around in my wardrobe, seemingly at home. Eli moves next, giving me a tentative nod in greeting.
No words of course, just his signature silence and penetrating gaze. Those luminous green eyes meet mine and the tiny smile on his face almost weakens my annoyance. Godfuckingdammit, he’s cute. In a misunderstood emo sort of way that makes my thighs clench.
“You need to go shopping,” Phoenix exclaims.
I gape at him as he dangles a faded bra, grinning broadly. Motherfucker. I snatch the offending item away, glowering at his antics. The bastard is laughing at me and enjoying my embarrassment far too much.
“There’s nothing wrong with my clothes,” I argue.
“Sure, you’d look better without them anyway.”
Pausing, I eye him incredulously. “Does that usually work on girls?”
“Every damn time.”
Clearly, he’s never met a girl like me.
“As tempting as your pathetic flirting is, mind telling me what the hell you’re doing in my room at eight o’clock?” I challenge.
His resultant grin is satisfied. The asshole clearly enjoys getting under my skin. “Almighty Kade has given us custody of you for the day. It’s your taster.”
I glower at him. “I don’t need babysitting.”
“Doesn’t look like you get a choice. What Kade wants, he usually gets. So, looks like you’re stuck with us today. Don’t worry, we’ll be gentle with you.” He proceeds to wink and give me a dirty grin. “For now, at least.”
You want to play, joker? I can give as good as I get. Might as well have some fun while I’m still fucking here. I saunter over, adding some sway into my hips as I invade his space. His eyes widen when I brush my fingers down his muscled arm and peek through my lashes.
I brush my lips against his ear. “What makes you think that I like it gentle, hmm?” Before he can respond, I bite down on his velvet lobe, making sure it hurts him. The groan from his parted lips sends tingles straight down my spine.
“Damn, Brooklyn. Where’ve you been all this time?” he murmurs.
With a quick lick, I meet his eyes and offer a dark look of my own. “You still want to play with me, Nix? You might get hurt.”