Page 23 of Devious Knight

Eventually the fucking song ends, and he has her laughing again. He takes her back to where they were and leans in again to whisper into her ear. Then he leaves, heading in the direction of the bar.

Isabelle stares at him for a few languid moments but when she looks away something makes her look up. Maybe it’s instinct telling her that I’m watching her, or that sixth sense people talk about and she can feel my eyes on her. Whatever it is makes her look right at me.

Our eyes lock just like last night, and her alabaster skin turns paler. Her beautiful brown eyes round with fear and I can see she’s desperately trying to hold herself together.

Her efforts bring a smile to my face. So few things in life interest me these days, but I’ll never grow tired of seeing her this way. Or freaking the shit out of her.

This little game of mine was designed to screw with her head. It’s working.

I want her to know that I'm watching her. That I see her.

And that she can’t escape me.

I want her to look at me and know that I have no limits.

I plan to break her piece by piece and strip her down layer by layer until there’s nothing left.

I want her to know that I’m her predator and she’s my prey.

Chapter Six

Isabelle

I lean against the cool concrete wall of the break room and close my eyes, grateful for a moment to myself.

Everyone is busy so I might have a few minutes before someone finds me.

It’s nearly nine p.m. I’ve been at the function hall for the last hour and a half. The Thetas are hosting a fundraiser for the medical research charity owned by the Knights.

I savor the sound of silence and the softness of my gentle breaths. That’s all I want to hear right now. No one throwing orders at me or filthy rich people talking about how many millions they spent on their fancy cars and exotic homes in Sardinia.

While Tiffany Vasilyev, the president of the Thetas, is acting like the lady of the manor, she’s ordered us freshmen to serve the guests, who all belong to Boston’s finest high society. There are senators, moguls, oligarchs, socialites, and practically anyone who’s anyone. Their combined net worth is several billion.

At least Tiffany doesn’t have me dressed up as something stupid like a giant cupcake or a toadstool like last time.

I heard that was Kade’s doing but from what I hear, all he did was fan the flames. Tiffany—evil bitch that she is—did the rest. She’s always treated me like shit because I’m different.

Different because I live through my art.

Different because I am art in the way I dress.

Different because my father isn’t a Knight and I’m one of a select few since the school was formed who’ve been allowed to join the Thetas and enjoy the same privileges as those who come from Knight families.

Tiffany thinks that gives her a pass to treat me like a dog.

I suppose at least I know where I stand with her. I can also kind of predict her actions. I can’t do that with Kade.

He’s supposed to be here tonight but he hasn't shown up yet.

I came in here for a break because it’s been exhausting looking for him. My entire body is heightened with continuous tension that makes me feel like my insides are going to implode.

What the hell am I going to do about him?

Kade was watching me again last night.

He was at the club and it was clear that he was there for me. He even stood where he knew I’d see him.

This time he smiled at me, reminding me of the villain in a horror film when they get their target right where they want them and you know they have seconds left to live.