Partly because he’s the one behind the pain. Not anyone else—Creighton.
Though I stopped idolizing him a long time ago. Not only is he an imperfect human, but I also dislike him sometimes. Especially when he goes into his tyrant mode and refuses basic requests.
If I say no, I’m punished.
If I defy him, I’m also punished.
If he feels like I’m being a brat? Yeah, that one gets me in deep trouble.
Sometimes, it seems that his immaculate control is his way to keeping parts of him sealed inside.
That theory has been getting more plausible the further he deepens my punishment whenever he feels a rebellion building inside me.
After that kiss, I felt a wall between us had been demolished. The sad news is that I’m discovering more and more walls.
It’s like he’s keeping me an arm’s length away, far enough to not peek at his true nature.
Beyond the sadist who can’t feel pleasure without inflicting pain, I mean.
Which is why I’ve been pushing to get him out of his comfort zone. And that’s basically by demanding dates. Yes, I get punished for them, but it’s worth it.
At first, we often met up on the roof of the shelter and had lunch, but Jeremy loosened the security last week.
No more guards follow me around and I don’t have to look over my shoulder. I even go to hang out with the girls—still not at the stage where I spend nights at the dorm, though.
I had to put my foot down for my freedom, called Papa and Mom, and told them I was going to run away if they keep shackling me.
“That is, if you can run away,” is what Papa said matter-of-factly, but then he told Jeremy to grant me freedom.
Papa is all about tough love, I tell you.
But anyway, after gaining my long-awaited freedom, Creighton and I went out to see a movie, and he surprisingly didn’t fall asleep during it.
We also went jogging up the mountains, or more like he dragged me up. What? I don’t like hiking. That’s what it’s called. It’s not jogging, it’s damn hiking.
He just smiled and shook his head as I struggled, turned red, and demanded a break every ten minutes.
The discomfort may have been worth it since I got to see his smile. They’re as rare as special editions and have the ability to cause heart issues. So maybe it’s a blessing that he doesn’t show them often.
Besides, I don’t want to share them or him.
But I kind of have to today.
Ava, Cecily, and I have gone to the fight club. This is where REU and The King’s U students beat each other up. They even have a championship for it. It’s like a venting outlet for all the rivalries they have going on.
Since the Heathens are regulars in the championship, Jeremy made it blatantly clear that I’m not allowed here.
The last time he found me, he escorted me out before I even watched any fighting and put me under house arrest.
So I had to sneak in this time. I made sure to wear an oversized hoodie, hide my hair, and even put on sunglasses.
My vision isn’t the best, considering it’s nighttime and the glaring lights, but it’s better than being kicked out before I can watch Creighton fight in the semifinals against none other than Nikolai.
The same Nikolai who always appears ready to fuck up someone’s face and end another person’s life.
“Have you guys tried to stop him?” I ask the girls with a half-spooked voice.
“No one can stop Creighton from fighting,” Cecily says.
“Not even Uncle Aiden.” Ava gets on her tiptoes to get a better view of the crowd. “And Uncle Aiden is, like, the most ruthless person I know, no kidding.”
“Maybe he got his ruthlessness from his father?” I ask, catching a glimpse of Creighton talking to Remi on the side of the ring, or more like listening as Remi does all the talking.
He’s only wearing black shorts, putting his physique and the spider tattoo on display. And I can’t help watching it closely, getting lost in the striking details.
I’ve seen more models than I could count, but in my eyes, Creighton is the most beautiful man alive.
And yes, I’m biased.
“Nope,” Cecily says. “Uncle Aiden isn’t violent. Not even close. He’s just calculative and methodical to a fault.”
“Totes, but he can become violent if need be. Dad always says he can’t believe Creigh is Uncle Aiden’s son. Like, he’s so sweet and well-mannered and actually fits Dad’s personality.”
Sweet?I stare at Ava, dumbfounded. Are we talking about the same Creighton or does he somehow have a twin?
Cecily smirks. “Yeah, your father obviously prefers Creigh over his older brother.”
“Shh. Don’t bring up bad mojo when I’m having fun.” She points at Cecily’s T-shirt that says, Violence isn’t the answer. Violence is the question, and the answer is yes. “And you totally came here for fun.”
“You’re the one who bought me this.”
“Looks perfect on you.” She grins. “I should’ve made that wuss Glyn wear it. Can’t believe she ditched us again.”
“Doesn’t she hate violence?” I supply.
“More like she’s more interested in Killian. I’m rooting for her, though. That girl needed to get shagged a long time ago.”
“Still wish that she’d gotten with someone other than a student from The King’s U,” Cecily mutters under her breath, then smiles at me. “No offense.”
“None taken.” I wave a hand absentmindedly while focused on Creighton.
On the other side of the ring, Nikolai flings his arms out and tilts his head back, eyes closed.
His black satin robe flies wide open, revealing his red shorts and the extravagant tattoos covering his chest.
It’s like he’s doing a satanic ritual.
The silver lining is that both Jeremy and Gareth are by his side, so I can keep an eye on them and bolt if they come in this direction.
My brother is scheduled to fight against Landon in the second semifinal match next week, and I’m definitely not going to be around to watch that.
Nikolai’s eyes flash open and stare directly at me.
Shit.
I half hide behind Ava, but his gaze remains the same. If he tells Jer I came here despite his clear warnings, I’m doomed to another episode in the ivory tower.
Wait.
I move sideways and Nikolai’s gaze doesn’t track me.
It’s on…
I follow his line of vision to find a stiffening Brandon who’s standing behind us. His hand pulls at the back of his hair as he meets Nikolai’s savage gaze, lips pursed, eyes hard.
It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him look so upset, so…perturbed.
“Bran!” Ava jumps him in a half hug. “What are you doing here?”
His expression reverts back to normal and he drops his hand from his nape. “Remi begged us via the group chat.”
“He did?” Cecily asks. “How much do I have to bribe you to show us that?”
“No need for a bribe.” He fishes out his phone and scrolls to a group chat called Lord Remi’s Sidekicks.
Remington: My favorite—and only, might I add—spawn will be fighting in the semifinals tonight! I’m going to need you all to come and cheer for our youngest little shit. I have tears in my eyes, I swear. When did he become all grown up?
Eli: Stop talking about him as if he’s a kid.
Remington:Fuck off, psycho. You call him baby brother all the time.
Eli: But only I get to do that.
Landon:We can always do it behind your back.
Eli: Not if you wish to live another day. He’s my brother.
Landon: And my baby cousin.
*Creighton left the chat*
Remington:Blah, blah, blah. You scared my spawn away with all your ramblings. He’s my cousin and my spawn, but you don’t see me bragging about that, though I totally should. Anyway, who’s going to be at the fight club?
*Remington added Creighton to the chat*
Brandon: You know violence isn’t my scene.
Landon:Beg first, your lordship.
Eli:Yes, beg. And make it worth our while.
Remington:What kind of fucked-up kink is this? The only time I’ll beg is when both of you are shoved into hell. That’s when I’ll get on my knees and plead with Satan to skin you alive and let me watch.
Landon:I guess that means you’ll go alone.
Eli:We would hate for you to look sad, Remi.
Landon:The fangirls wouldn’t approve.
Eli:You might lose shagging rights.
Remington:Fine, you fuckers. Please come.
Landon:Pun intended?
Remington:Fuck you, Psycho 2.0. Tell anyone about this and I’ll kill you. Okay? Okay.
*Creighton has left the chat*
Cecily laughs and Ava stares blankly at the screen for a while before she chuckles, too.
“I’ll pay you to send me screenshots,” Cecily says.
“You can get them for free.”
“Awe, we don’t deserve Bran.” She grabs him by the arm.
“Bitch, the whole world doesn’t deserve Bran.” Ava wraps an arm around his free shoulder.
He subtly slings it off him. “Thanks for the compliment, but I kind of still want to live another day.”
She rolls her eyes and steps back.
“Does Creighton always leave the chat?” I ask.
Bran smiles. “Yeah, and Remi adds him back in. It’s like a cat and mouse game.”
“Does he talk to you guys?”
“Rarely.”
“OMG.” Ava watches me intently.
“What?”