in its own way-like everyone here knew something I didn't. They looked at me, but not in th

supposed

thes, not with the past I couldn't outrun, not w

had a soft spot for poor little scholars

someone would notice if I slouched. I tried not to look at the grand staircases, th

lking into a dream I'

that didn't quite meet her eyes. "Welcome to Preston El

not trusti

added, with a hint of approval. "He's the pe

didn't need anyone's charity. I didn't

opened, and he s

Mon

handsome, wearing a navy blazer that looked tailored just for hi

th like silk. "You must be Emi

my attention-it was the way he s

ou," I managed, thoug

d up in this place. But there was something in his gaze that made m

ound," he said, wit

knowing I wouldn't be

n's

way she l

sn't know I'

the one who

already played this game

esn't know

lex and me. She doesn't see the mess that we are. All she sees is a pre

ld te

her how he lies, how he hides the past that's still eating at him

I wo

ng she lasts before

e starts

yet, but I'm not p

e'll never look at hi

e passed either nodded at him or stepped out of his way. Some smiled. Some whispered.

," he said, like he co

e I want to,

me, amused.

me feel-small but exposed. Like I was a new exhibit at some expensive

ecause nothing says welcome like being thrown into a room full of

y schedule. His fingers br

mpus. I'll come get you," he said. "Unle

row. "Is that so

"No. But R

. "Who'

slightly. Barely visi

ly stay away from," he sai

too easily-and disapp

rst time I he

y

met him, he

. The chill. The sideways glances. The subtle, un

d up as I handed her the slip. "Welco

n and kept my head low, pra

oks like a c

e her the satisfaction. My heart pounded in my chest, but I said nothin

ed away at m

, something about tragic lo

theme for me. It was

the door op

ow voices.

ensed. "Ryan,

swer. He did

ike he didn't ow

w him. That presence.

finally l

e he

n C

p and unreadable. A slow, dangerous smirk playing on

nyone but the back

yes l

est shifted-fast,

dn't

sta

he couldn't wait to

t like

kn

was s

was

y standing too c