Wreck Me (Corrupt Legacy Series #2)

“Which results?”

Panic hits me while hundreds of thoughts run in my head all at once—impossible to catch.

“The SAT test results you left in the library.”

I hold my breath, my lungs threaten to seize. I am afraid that if I release it, it will show how affected I am. Those results were never meant to be seen or examined.

“That was the highest score ever achieved.”

My mouth dries as if anguish soaked up all fluid.

“Abigail, all the Ivy League colleges would like to have you.”

“I’m staying in Greenville.”

“Not to sound disrespectful, but you could attend any college you want.”

Yes, but that’s not my life. I don’t have a choice. I have a predetermined future for an unknown time.

“Thank you, but that’s unnecessary.”

“I’ve talked to your parents.”

I shake my head so fast it might dislocate from my neck. Some people want to help, but they create even more problems. She smiles at me as if she did a fantastic thing. If she only knew.

I mouth a thank you and stumble out of her office.

It’s okay. It’s okay. I’m going to tell them it was a misunderstanding. They’re my parents. They should be able to keep this from the Family.

My vision blurs and my knees wobble. Each step becomes a struggle as dizziness spreads through me. Somewhere in the distance, a bell rings, announcing the beginning of today’s classes. Strong arms catch me, and everything turns black.

Hushed but angry voices seep through my foggy brain, and I blink awake. I am in the school’s infirmary room, an IV connected to my vein and dripping.

Dane and Kaden are chest to chest, both of them heaving and puffing while the nurse has her back to them, arranging medicine in the glass closet.

“What happened?” I ask, my voice groggy with disorientation.

Dane beats Kaden as he rushes to my bed first. He looks like I feel: tired and dejected.

“You fainted.”

Suddenly I remember, and everything comes crashing down on my head. Panic constricts my throat; it’s impossible for me to form words.

“Leave,” Kaden says, surely noticing my state.

Dane opens his mouth, but he closes it when he realizes Kaden is talking to the nurse who’s watching us. She nods, walking out.

You don’t say no to us.

“College exams, my parents,” I say.

Kaden drags a hand down his face, still rooted in place.

Dane looks from Kaden to me. “This is good. Why are you looking as if you just saw a fucking ghost?”

“Fuck,” Kaden says low.

“Kaden, it was just…”