by Nora Cobb
Theo puts his head down again. “Your father is cool. He’s not petty like that.”
“What about me? If I run away, it would be the same as saying I’m a poser. I should listen to common sense. If I left now, those boys would probably leave me alone. But then I’d never try again. Living life isn’t for the faint of heart, Theo. There’s always going to be struggle and pain when we try to make it. And what happens if we make it? The struggles don’t go away. There will always be another challenge for the next day.”
***
I decide to wait for Luna to arrive to unpack the rest of my car. But she’s stuck at home running errands for her aunt, and we’ve been staring at our phones for over two hours.
“I need something to eat,” I tell Theo as I grab my purse.
He follows me, and we listen at the door before I open it. The hallway is quiet as we prepare to slip out. I step out into the hallway quickly and collide into Silas. Shit. He lives across the hall. He gives me an evil look that widens my eyes and grips my throat.
“What are you doing in here?” He frowns down on me like he’s going to spit blood.
I lower my voice, so it won’t squeak. “I’m moving in. I live here.”
“No,” he shakes his head, “you aren’t.”
“Yes, I am.” I push my finger into his chest. “You pulled a really shitty move. You realize that I could have been seriously hurt? Do you even care?” I don’t wait for an answer. “People like you don’t care until you’re made to care. And I’m going to make you care.”
He presses his lips hard together. “Things got out of hand, but if it happens again it will be your own fault.”
I scoff at his arrogance. “Really? Because I can’t bully myself.”
Silas grabs my hand and yanks me into his face. “I don’t like you, and I’m not threatened by your bullshit.”
“Hey!” Theo approaches us quickly, but I give him a look that stops him in his tracks. I don’t even want to think about him getting hurt, but somehow, I’ll prevent it. It’s not about my friends. It’s about them and me.
My voice is calm but stern. “You stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours. Those are simple enough instructions for you. So grow up, and learn to coexist.”
“That’s not going to happen.” He pulls me closer. “Hollywood is a small town; you run into the same people time and time again. And I don’t want to see you around. The thought of you having any success in my town makes me livid. I don’t want to see you happy. I don’t even want to know you exist.”
“What is wrong with you?” I squirm, trying to break free. “I did nothing.”
“You challenged me.” His grip tightens. “No one’s going to make me small again.”
Silas relaxes his grip just enough for my sleeve to slip down my arms. For a short, terrible moment, I’m afraid that he’ll see my track marks. He notices my eyes quickly dart towards my arm, and a cruel, knowing smile plays across his face.
“Have it your way, Victoria. But you’re on my turf now.”
He lets me go, and I stumble back. Theo tugs me away as we hurry toward the stairs. I can’t believe this bullshit. It’s not fair. I paid my dues in rehab. I’m not paying them again.
“Go to hell!” I shout, filling the hallway with the sound of my voice.
Silas smirks instead. “Welcome to Redwood, neighbor.”
END OF BOOK 1
Vicki’s story continues in BOOK 2 – Brutal Boys
Available for Pre Order Now:
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BOOKS IN THE ELITES OF REDWOOD ACADEMY SERIES
Vicki’s story continues in the exciting 5-book Elites of Redwood Academy series.
Power struggles, drama, dark secrets, and even darker scandals.
Three drop-dead gorgeous boys who rule Redwood Academy with impunity and cruelty.
One girl who’s been through hell and back.
Nothing could prepare her for what the Elites of Redwood Academy will do to her.
But no way in hell is she going down without a fight.
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