Which was exactly why Montgomery paused to consider the request.
“I will extend the assignment’s due date to next Friday,” she decided. “That should account for this week’s plans, yes?”
Tray actually appeared surprised.
The rest of the class looked relieved.
“But the assignment is to be completed outside of school. I expect thorough interviews and a truthful biography as a result.” She looked pointedly at the students who typically faked their way through this course. “No writing each other’s essays. I’ll know.”
That would be the easy way out.
But I knew better than to try Montgomery’s patience.
“In fact, I want at least two hours of logged time for the interviews, with thorough notes and visual proof that you met. That shouldn’t be too hard for those of you who adore your camera phones.” Her focus fell on Trina.
The blonde bundle of perfection simpered. “Of course, Professor Montgomery. That won’t be a problem for most of us.” She glanced at me with those words.
“I’ll be fine,” I drawled. “But thanks for your concern, Princess Perfect.”
“Poor new kid has to deal with the leaf lover,” Charlie added. “Sorry, buddy. I hope she at least showers before your interview date.”
“That’s enough, Mr. Anderson,” Professor Montgomery snapped. She was the only one in this whole school who ever sort of stood up for me. It made me love her and despise her at the same time.
I didn’t need a savior. I saved myself every damn day, thank you very much.
She dove into today’s lecture with a flourish, not wanting to waste another second. Which she knew would happen if she allowed me to speak up for myself. I had no problem putting Charlie Anderson in his place.
Tray tilted his chair to place his back to the wall, his sideways sprawl on his chair allowing him to see me and the front of the room at the same time.
I pretended not to notice him.
Not even when he looked directly at me.
Which, yeah, was awfully distracting. The male had a presence about him that just seemed to consume the room. And his attitude told me he knew it, too.
Definitely cocky with a hint of rebel underneath. Hence, the leather jacket. Something I just realized Professor Montgomery hadn’t commented on.
Strange.
She was usually a stickler for the dress code, having just—
“You don’t care for showers?” he asked softly, his voice pitched too low for anyone else to hear.
I blinked at him, startled by the mental interruption.
“Fascinating,” he added with a subtle sniff of the air. “You smell delicious to me.”
My eyes widened. “Excuse me?” I matched his pitch, not wanting to call attention to myself. The professor would not take kindly to us whispering during her lecture.
Tray opened his bag, pulled out a piece of paper, and doodled on it before sliding me the note. “Here’s my number. For our assignment.”
“I don’t have a phone,” I replied, passing it back. “We’ll need to meet through other means.”
His brow drew downward. “Who doesn’t have a phone in this century?”
“Me.” Because my stepmother insisted I didn’t need one.
“Is there something the two of you would like to share with the class?” Professor Montgomery demanded.
“Nothing important, just asking her if she needed to borrow some soap,” Tray drawled. Which earned a snicker from Charlie and a glower from me. “You know, to help with the showering problem.”
Professor Montgomery turned an uncomplimentary shade of red. “I realize this is your first day, Mr. Nacht, but I will not tolerate bullying or disruptive behavior in this class. One more outburst or unruly comment will leave me no choice but to send you to the headmaster. Am I clear?”
“I thought I was being helpful,” he replied, lifting his hands in surrender. “Feedback duly noted.”
My head hit the desk. Imbecile.
And Professor Montgomery snarled. “Headmaster Jeffries’s office. Now.”
“I’ll need someone to give me directions,” he said, collecting his stuff into a bag and standing.
“Ms. Cinder,” the professor said through her teeth. “Please escort our new student to Headmaster Jeffries. Perhaps it will give you both time along the way to arrange your future interviews.”
Why the hell am I looped into this jackhole’s punishment? I wondered, flabbergasted. “Seriously?” I said out loud, lifting my head.
“Seriously,” she snapped.
I clenched my jaw and grabbed my stuff. As if I would ever leave it alone for Charlie or his minions to mess with.
“Fine.” I pulled the strap over my shoulder. “You.” I hit him with my best glare. “Follow.” I didn’t wait for his agreement, my tone already implying I wouldn’t accept anything less than obedience.
I stomped toward the door, ignoring the professor along the way. Because yeah, I’d definitely be reevaluating my “favorites” system after this.
Tray woofed at my back, pretending to be a dog and eliciting a round of laughs from the class.
I lifted my eyes to the ceiling in response.
This guy was just like the rest of them—an immature jackass with too much time and money on his hands.
Eight months, I told myself. Eight. More. Months.
Then I would be free of this hellhole and would never have to look back.
Chapter Two
Tray
Mmm, delectable, I thought as I followed Isabella Cinder down the empty corridor of Darlington Academy.
She’d grown up since our first meeting in that alley just under three years ago. As had I. If she recognized me now, she didn’t show it. She’d left me in such a hurry, her sodden slippers a pale blue lump in the dirty street snow.
I wouldn’t allow her to escape again.
No. I’d come here specifically for her. There were things she didn’t understand, and the Council had tasked me with explaining them to her. Well, more like I’d offered. It had been me who found her, after all.
They all agreed to wait until she turned eighteen before recruiting her into our world.
Well, the time had come.
The poor little darling had no idea who her parents really were or the destiny they’d dropped into her lap. She would soon. After we finished a few games first.
“Here,” she said, stopping abruptly at the administrative office. “Have fun.”
My palm hit the wall, blocking her exit. “You’re not going to escort me inside?”
Gorgeous blue eyes narrowed up at me, the color reminding me of the dress she wore the night we first met. “I’m pretty sure you’ll be fine on your own.”
“Maybe I’m shy.”
She snorted. “Yeah, I believe that.” She folded her arms, sassy energy flaring all around her. When she grew into her powers, she’d be a force of nature. I couldn’t fucking wait. “I can only meet for an hour after school each day for our project. So pick two days for our interview and we’ll get it over with as soon as possible.”
“Oh, I already picked a day.”