Chapter 8 Chapter: 8
SHEPHERD
Cory is my assistant and errand boy. He'd offered up his services when he started a year ago. It's nothing unusual for people like me. Everyone knows who the Conrad’s are and they all want to get on my good side. I could buy the whole school and staff if I damn please.
That's how loaded my family is. While that might sound pompous, it's the truth and Cory is one of the smartest people I know.
He knows when to seize his opportunity and well.... he's useful so I accepted his service. It's also true that I will need my own people when I'm ready to take over the family business.
Cory knew that and he's already building a place for himself in the future. See? Like I said, smart. “Yes Pres?” he asked, almost bowing.
“Get me Shrimp.”
“I don't think it's part of the lunch menu today, but I can get the cook to get you some?”
Nathan Chuckled. “He's not talking about food Cory. Besides, when have you ever seen him eat Shrimp? Ironically he's allergic to it,” he said. “Go get him the new scholarship student over here.”
“Of course. Shrimp. I'll get her right away, Sir .” He turned about to leave when I stopped him. “Tell her if she refuses to come there will be consequences.”
He nodded and made his way towards her.
She was holding a tray trying to find a seat while doing everything, except look in my direction.
She had just found a seat and sat down, she and a red-haired girl when Cory arrived at her table. I watched as she listened to him before her brows pulled together then she glanced up.
I kept my face blank as I crooked my finger and motioned her over. Oh, if looks could kill I'll be six feet under. But she reluctantly stood up and started towards me.
Today she didn't wear the slave shirt I'd specifically made her, she was dressed in the school uniform, just like everyone else.
The maroon skirt looked good on her, her white long-sleeved shirt was crisp, her small face was free of the excess makeup I'm used to seeing on the girls in this school, and her eyes were defiant, her steps quick and clipped.
“About time,” I said, keeping my face blank when she reached me . “I thought you got lost.”
She shot me a patient look. But I could sense her anger like flames licking at my skin. “What do you want?”
I leaned back in my chair, fighting a grin. “You seem to have forgotten our deal. Normally that would pissed me off, but you're lucky I’m in a good mood.”
“Lucky isn’t the word I’d use when it comes to you,” she retorts and the guys who have all been watching hooted.
“Do your job and get me my lunch now,” I snapped.
She hesitated for the longest time glaring at me, just when I'd thought she was going to give me the finger and storm away, she sighed and plastered a fake smile on her face.
“What would his majesty like to eat?” The guys roared with laughter at her sarcastic tone and I couldn't help the twitching in my lips.
“Surprised me.”
She glared at me before storming away, it was only then that I realized the entire dining hall had gone silent.
Every pair of eyes watching our interactions. She was back a few minutes later, carrying a tray loaded with every delicacy the kitchen has to offer today.
She set the tray down on the table with more force than necessary. The glass of juice rattled, and the bottle of water tipping over.
“Careful,” I said, catching the bottle before it hit the ground. “You don't want to spill something and add ‘clumsy’ to your resume.”
“I’ll make sure not to spill anything and ruin your royal presence,” she snapped.
I tilted my head. “Good girl, now you’re learning.” She exhaled sharply, rolled her eyes and turned to leave.
“Shrimp,” I called, she whirled around, irritation lined her face.
“I told you not to call me that,” she gritted. I force back a grin, knowing she's probably fighting the urge to curse out my name.
“Would you rather I call you Slave or Maid?” She bites her lip, eyes narrowed.
“Thought not,” I drawled. “I'm not a glutton, next time you bring me so much food, I will force you to finish it, bit by bit.”
She smiled innocently “I thought you might appreciate my effort. That's enough food to help feed your inflated ego.” The guys chuckled.
“Careful,” I said, my voice hard. “Or that little mouth will get in more trouble than the one you're in already.”
“Is there anything more?”
“No Shrimp, you can leave.”
She muttered something under her breath and stalked off. I caught all the guys watching me, grinning stupidly.
“What?!” I growled, glaring at them.
“You're an asshole. You really do enjoy tormenting her, don’t you?” Asher said.
I scoffed unamused, “It’s not torment. It’s… motivation and as you can see she's not as fragile as you might think, the kitten got claws.”
“Well, I suggest you tread carefully, or you might regret it sooner than you think. She's obviously hot, guys will be all over her in no time.” I tried not to throttle him as he stared at her.
Later that night, I sat on my balcony staring at the books Addison had dropped off on my bedside drawers in the afternoon. I remember the way she’d looked at me after I told her not to be late tomorrow.
It's part fury and part hate. I should be bothered by that. Instead it made me want to push her some more, I want to see that control slip and watch her unravel.
I want to see just how much she can take before she finally crack.
And that's just how fucked up I am.