She didn’t have time to hear James reply. She had rounded the corner by then, heading out of the main tower and into the courtyard. As she walked, she felt her mind drift back to detention. The almost feral look of concern and broodiness from him. The fear that she had something to do with Mr Lyle.

  It was all so ridiculous.

  So where had it come from?

  ---

  For two weeks straight, Annie took her breakfast, lunch and dinner to her room. Without fail, every day. For two weeks. Straight.

  She was determined to avoid James. After the debacle with the Barons? Solitude was her best friend.

  You might think she was overreacting. I mean, it was only four teenage boys with fiery dispositions that were the thorn in her backside. What was the big deal?

  The big deal was that they owned this place.

  They were the rulers.

  And Annie?

  She was trying to earn the humble title of survivor.

  She was stupid to think she could trust anyone in this damn place. Barcourt was a hunting ground with a school sign as a disguise.

  So far, her plan had worked.

  She woke up religiously at seven in the morning to grab her oatmeal and fruit. This was an ideal time as most of the students were practically comatose and sleeping in their cornflakes. The Barons were late arrivals. Fashionably late in their heads, she thought.

  It could have gone wrong though. In the second week, at seven o’clock, she strolled into the dining hall, sleep overwhelming her eyes when she focused on the back of a tall, muscular boy with a very familiar posture. It was James.

  She could have handled the situation like a grown-up, but that required composure.

  At that moment - she had none.

  Dipping below an empty table, she hid there until she felt like the coast was clear. Annie could see James’ head turn, looking around the expansive hall with a determined precision in his gaze. There was no mistaking that look; Knightley was looking for her.

  Was he talking to the students in the hall to see if they had seen her?

  They probably ratted her out.

  That called for earlier arrivals. As a response to James’ sudden arrival, she had been forced to arrive at six forty-five and her entire body hated her for it. The lack of sleep was creating permanent dark circles.

  It had worked, but Annie couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was going to catch her one morning. One evening. One afternoon.

  He was determined.

  James was not a man who let things go.

  And she finally realised the truth of that statement when she was tucked in her bed one evening, exhausted from a full day of hectic classes, when a light knocking tapped on her door.

  Turning around in her bed, she frowned.

  Why would someone knock on her door? They’d have to reach the Roof Room. It couldn’t be a teacher; they would email. And friends? She didn’t have any. Through no fault of her own.

  Sighing heavily, she moved her body across the bed, putting her slippers on. Annie took careful steps to the door, leaning in.

  Two more knocks knocked her out of her reverie.

  Clearing her throat, she unlocked and opened the door, her mouth dropping at the sight.

  “No,” she breathed.

  “Hello, darling,” James drawled, leaning against the door. He quipped his mouth in a faint smirk at her shock. She had really thought her plan worked. Annie thought he had his usual cheshire grin, but she noticed his eyes were swimming with an intense darkness. “I think it’s time you and I have a talk.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “What are you doing?” Annie whispered fervently. She tightened her bathrobe, crossing her arms. Almost as though she was defending her body from a Baron’s influence.

  “You’ve been avoiding me,” he noted lightly. His strong features softened as he gazed at Annie.

  “Leave, please,” she said firmly.

  “Nope,” he said. James walked into her room, not intimidated by Annie’s attempt at a domineering pose. She gawked at him. He just walked into her bedroom. In the girls’ wing, no less.

  “You’re not supposed to be here, this is the girls’ tower!”

  “I know, and it's bloody far. Too far, if you ask me. But it’s an old, Draconian Barcourt tradition. I suppose it’s stopping us from fraternising and other less savoury activities,” he smirked. James sat down on her bed, leaning backwards as he stared at Annie.

  She shifted on her feet in discomfort. This was odd. He had taken control of the situation in less than sixty seconds. He walked in as if he owned the place.

  Well, if the shoe fits.

  “What do you want?”

  “Your room is comfortable,” he noted, surveying his surroundings.

  His gaze noted the photographs stuck to the mirror of Annie smiling widely, laughing with an older woman. He presumed her guardian.

  There were little touches in this room that made it seem like home. He never felt like that with his expansive, luxury bedroom.

  Clearing his throat, he sighed, leaning forward. “We need to talk.”

  “We do?” She retorted.

  “Yes.”

  “Funny, I don’t think we do. In fact, there’s nothing about us that would require any conversation.”

  “I’d like to change that.” he tilted his head.

  Huh.

  Annie furrowed her brows. The statement caught her off-guard. Again. He was a master of that; throwing her off-balance. Like he was an expert in knocking her off whatever cloud she was floating on.

  “You’re surprised,” he said.

  “And you aren’t?”

  “You’ve been avoiding me. Source tells me you’re taking your meals earlier than everyone else. Every time I’m in the hall, you’re nowhere to be seen.”

  Annie shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe we just eat at different times.”

  “Maybe you’re a terrible liar.”

  “I’ve been there at my usual time,” she lied.

  “At the crack of dawn? I didn’t know you were a wolf.”

  “You’ve been stalking me?”

  “It’s hardly stalking, Howell, if you’re deliberately avoiding me.”

  “That’s not -”

  “Look,” he cut in seriously. “If it’s because of what happened before... just forget it happened. Okay? You’re not on my hit list.”

  She couldn’t believe those words came out of his mouth.

  A trap.

  This was nothing but a trap.

  “How stupid do you think I am?”

  “Oh, here we go,” he sighed.

  “Really! Oh how gracious of you, but news flash; I’m not avoiding you.”

  “You’re definitely a shitty liar.”

  “Oh, just get out,” she scoffed, moving towards the door. She held it open, pointedly staring at James. If her eyes could relay a message, it would say ‘get the hell out of here, Lucifer’.

  “I’m not going out of that door just yet, so you better close it. It’s bringing in a draught.”

  Her mouth dropped. The audacity of a privileged man never failed to surprise her.

  She shut the door hard. Clenching her teeth, she moved to stand right in front of him. Annie was acting out of character. She knew that. Standing over James as though she was the boss was something out of a parallel universe. But if James took offense to her boldness, he didn’t show it. In fact, it almost looked like it pleased him she was showing her spirited side.

  It beat the demure, meek side.

  “This is a view I could get used to,” he mused.

  “You won’t. Spit out whatever it is you want and get out of my room.”

  “Very ballsy. It’s cute.”

  “I’m serious.”

  “I’m sure you think you are.”

  “You’re the one in my room. In the girls’ tower. One scream and I’ll send Defoe in here quicker than you can say expulsion.”

  He laughed openly, the corners of his eyes creasing in sheer amusement. There was no malice; he was thoroughly enjoying every word. That pissed her off even more.

  “And what is so funny about that?”

  “I love this side of you. It makes me smile.”

  “What the heck is wrong -”

  “Lots of things, darling,” he mused, recovering from his laugh. His angular, aristocratic face that used to sneering and stoic poker faces, relaxed in front of her, softening as he watched Annie. She had never seen this side to James before.

  He patted the space next to him. “Sit.”

  “Am I a dog?”

  “Please,” he raised his eyebrow.

  “Is that supposed to do something?”

  “Have you ever heard me ask for something politely? Hm? I’ve never uttered the word ‘please’ for just anyone.”

  “How lucky I am.”

  “You are,” he replied without missing a beat.

  Annie wanted to resist him so badly. But she needed him out of her room, and the quickest way to do that was to just hear him out. If she just put up with him for two more minutes, he would be out of her hair. Patience, Annie. Patience was her best friend.

  Exhaling slowly, Annie took a seat on her bed but stayed a few seats away from him. He frowned at her action.

  “Is that necessary?”

  “Yes,” she said pointedly.

  James and Annie were locked into a staring match. Neither bowed down. This was unfamiliar territory for Annie, but she refused to back down. Not now.

  “I wanted to apologise,” he said carefully. He blinked, breaking the stare. He looked around the room, clenching his jaw. “I shouldn’t have humiliated you like that.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re not sorry. Not really.”

  He gave her an incredulous look. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I’m not stupid.”

  “In this case, you are,” he bit out.

  “So I’ve been avoiding you and you reconsider? That doesn’t make sense.”

  His gaze hardened, his body turned towards her. “You should accept when a person apologises to you.”

  “Don’t tell me what to do.”

  “Pride. That’s what it is. Poor people and their pride,” he scoffed.

  “There he is,” she said bitterly. “Well, it’s nice to know this nice guy facade lasted for a whole fifteen seconds.”

  He took a deep breath. Annie could tell he was trying not to say something that he would regret. This civil, mature James was truly a side to him he needed practice on.

  Clicking his tongue, he released an exhale. “I am trying to do the right thing.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I want to! Is that so fucking hard to understand?” He growled.

  “If I accept your apology, will you do something for me?” Annie said suddenly.

  He frowned. “What is it?”

  “Will you do it?” She repeated.

  James considered her solemn expression. He nodded slowly, intrigued to hear her request.

  “I’ll accept your apology, but you have to leave me alone from now on. No more calling me out, no more pushing me around... just pretend I don’t exist. Let me fade back into the background like before. If you can do that... then I accept your apology.”

  Annie finished her sentence, unsure of what reaction she was expecting. Euphoria? No, that would have been too much. Relief? Perhaps. I mean, her existence seemed to piss James off more than anything. Her request wasn’t unreasonable. It didn’t put him at any disadvantage. It was a win-win situation.

  But the look on his face unsettled her. He didn’t look relieved at all.

  The armour was trickling into his angular, chiseled face. He gave her a hard stare. Annie had to force herself not to panic. He wasn’t a violent psychopath. At least, she hoped so.

  “Offer not accepted, Howell.”

  “What?” Annie said.

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” James hardened his jaw. “I don’t want to accept your terms and you’re stupid to think I would accept that offer. I can talk to you whenever I want and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Annie felt her stomach drop. Any shrivel of confidence she felt faded away until it was nothing but a muddy puddle.

  “Maybe I don’t want us to ignore each other. Ever thought of that?” He said defiantly. He didn’t look at her; not trusting himself to remain stoic. There was something about Annie’s eyes that pushed at his iron walls, crumbling the sense of control he had.

  “I’ve never thought of that, James. Ever,” she said firmly. “We’re not friends.”

  “No, we’re not.”

  “Then…”

  “Theo told me he spoke to you in Music.”

  Annie peeked at him. “What -”

  “Didn’t you ever wonder why I left you alone in high school?”

  Theo told him. Annie wanted to strangle the boy for opening his mouth. Did he tell everything to James?

  “Not really,” she lied.

  He scoffed lightly. “You really need a better poker face.”

  “Look, just go please. I appreciate your apology and all, but it’s late.”

  He ignored Annie, tilting his head. “I should have, you know. Your scholarship status wasn’t a secret. Didn’t you ever wonder why I didn’t do it?”

  “You were just biding your time. Big deal.”

  He shook his head, his eyes flickering with irritation. “Not quite, Howell.”

  She kept quiet, waiting for him to finish.

  “I used to think I’d lost it, you know. Maybe I would have grown a pair and given you what you deserve. After all, what made you so special?” He breathed, watching her. “What still makes you so special?”

  A shiver ran through her spine at his words. His eyes didn’t dance with their usual cruelty. Instead, she found a sliver of vulnerability, akin to a little boy who didn’t know how to communicate his deepest secrets.

  He smirked lightly, lowering his gaze back to his hands. He clenched and unclenched them out of distraction. “I... I don’t know. I think…” he continued, unsure of his next words.

  At that moment, Annie stood up suddenly. “I can’t hear this.”

  That threw him off.

  “What?” He furrowed his brows.

  “I-I can’t hear this, I’m sorry,” she mumbled quickly. Panicking, Annie tucked her hair behind her ear, shifting uncomfortably. She stood back up again, crossing her arms. “Look, I’m not trying to be rude or anything, but please could you leave? Please?”

  James felt a stab of rejection hit his heart and he wanted to laugh. What the fuck was he doing? Feeling some way because Howell rejected his... whatever they were.

  He stood up, towering over her small frame. She cleared her throat, forcing herself to meet his stormy gaze.

  “What are you afraid I’m going to say?” He rasped carefully.

  She averted her gaze, blinking nervously. “Nothing... just go.”

  “Answer my question.”

  “Are you deaf?” She growled, flashing her gaze back to his.

  “No more than you are,” he bit out.

  “Out,” she motioned to the door.

  “Magic word,” he quipped, moving closer.

  “Now.”

  His eyes fired up, glinting in with a mischievous sense of wickedness and a flash of hunger. The sight alarmed Annie.

  “James -”

  “Wrong answer,” he whispered fervently before smashing his lips to hers. Annie froze in shock.

  James Knightley was kissing her.

  Hungrily.

  Desperately.

  And with no plans to let her go.

  She tried pushing him away, but he stood firm; he held on to her hands tightly, using them to anchor her body towards him. She could feel the rigid outline of his body burning through her skin, plummeting her into a seductive darkness. James bit her bottom lip, teasing her shy mouth, coaxing it to let him in, and it made her gasp in shock. Groaning in arousal, he used the opportunity to kiss her deeply, exploring the inner cavern of her mouth, tasting her as though he had been dying for years, until she entered his life.

  Annie couldn’t resist the fiery touches. She felt her mouth respond to his insistent touches, meeting his kisses with every nip and suck. His tongue lightly stroked her mouth, bolting a light of desire to her core.

  The fiery touch served as a sharp wake up call.

  Annie retracted herself out of his grip and to her surprise, he released her with little restraint. Breathing heavily, she didn’t dare look him in the eyes. Words failed her at this very moment.

  He gave her a dark, smouldering look, watching through those treacherous green eyes that held every inch of passion reserved for a lover. James looked like he wanted to continue where they had left off.

  A flash of shame burned at her cheeks; she had succumbed to his advances, and that’s all they were - advances set to weaken her. He was just playing with her emotions and that was all. It was a Baron’s game.

  “Get out,” she trembled.

  James’ eyes faltered. He looked like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out of his mouth.

  Much to her surprise, he didn’t bite back or stubbornly put his foot down. He showed a rare display of acceptance, retreating slowly and making his way to the door. Annie could only exhale in relief. James stopped at the door, his hands placed on the knob.

  Without turning his back, he said his departing words.

  “This isn’t over just because you want it to be, Howell,” he murmured. “Remember that.”

  After those departing words, he left her room, shutting the door behind him. Annie felt her legs give in, plummeting her down to the floor as she cradled her head to her knees.

  What was happening to her life?

  James Knightley had kissed her, and she had let him.

  Her lips burned from the memory of his touch. The images of his smouldering gaze haunted her mind.

  This didn’t feel like a game anymore. Not one that she recognised.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The next week was absolute torture. Annie was sure that James would come out of a corner and leap at her, rendering her immobile with his persuasive charms and unrelenting words.