Unmasked: A Reverse Harem High School Bully Romance (An Evergreen Academy Novel Book 4)

by Ruby Vincent

  “Mom?”

  “Hey, kid.” She held out her plate. “Have you tried these mini-quiches? They’re amazing. I’ve got some crackers for Adam too.”

  The toddler didn’t waste time grabbing a handful. Evergreen looked down at him as he shoved the lot in his mouth. “So this is young Adam. Handsome boy.”

  “He is,” Mom agreed. “Which is why it’s a crime to be away from him. As I was saying earlier, I’d like you to rethink your ‘only three weekend passes a semester’ rule.”

  My eyes widened. “Mom, you—”

  She held up a finger and I snapped my mouth shut. I had no idea she was planning to do this, and I would have stopped her if I had. I wanted nothing more than to come home every weekend, but Evergreen wasn’t one to change his mind and Mom wasn’t one to back down. The last thing I needed was for Mom to beat up my headmaster in front of the school.

  “I can appreciate that you’d like to see your daughter, but it’s imperative that Evergreen students are focused on their studies. As I understand it, Miss Moon plans to attend Somerset University. She can’t afford any distractions.”

  My face twisted into a frown, but Mom beat me to it before I could reply. “Adam is not a distraction. Neither is her mother.” Olivia’s tone was chilly.

  He blinked. “Of course. I did not mean to imply—”

  “Yes, you did.”

  Uh oh. Can anyone else hear those sirens or is that just me?

  I put my hand on Mom’s arm, but she ignored me, plowing on. “It was because she came to see us so often last year that you changed the rules. You’re aware that Val’s situation is different than the other students. She has more reasons than most to come home.”

  Evergreen was stiffening up tighter than a bowstring. “I am aware and I have made more than my fair share of accommodations for Miss Moon, but there is a limit. I cannot keep giving her special treatment over the other students.”

  Mom folded her arms. “How about a compromise? You’re worried about her studies then consider this: if she maintains her grades, she can come home on the weekends as she was allowed to before. If her grades drop, then take away her privileges. This can apply to everyone so it’s fair.”

  Olivia said this in a perfectly even tone but bright splotches of red appeared on Evergreen’s cheeks. “I’m not in the habit of having my policies questioned. I make decisions in the best interest of this school and its pupils. If you have a complaint, you can go through the proper channels.”

  “You mean I can donate a million or three to get you to open your ears?”

  I sucked in a breath as Evergreen’s eyes popped. “I-I beg your pardon!”

  Olivia sniffed. She wasn’t the least bit impressed. The woman had dealt with poverty, homelessness, single motherhood, and heart-breaking trauma. Evergreen didn’t scare her. “You don’t have to listen to me, but you should know, Mrs. Shea and I are united on this. She intends to come today and speak to you herself about Ryder coming home to see her. If you grant him more visits, then I expect you to do the same for Valentina. Her family needs her too.”

  “Caroline is coming?” I blurted.

  “Our children are eighteen,” Mom continued. “You cannot hold them hostage.”

  “Hostage? That is quite an exaggeration.”

  Mom’s eyes narrowed. She closed the distance between them, putting her face up to his as alarm flickered across his features. “I want that ban lifted, Evergreen. I’ll do what it takes to make it happen.” Olivia lowered her voice until it was barely a whisper. “You won’t deny my grandson his mother.”

  I looked between them with wide eyes, wondering who would break first. Adam just kept eating his crackers.

  The air crackled between them as Evergreen straightened to his full height. “I will take your suggestion into consideration. Good day, Miss Moon.”

  Mom tsked after he strode off. “I never liked that man.”

  “Olivia,” I hissed. “What was that?”

  “I should have told you I was working on busting you out of this place, but I thought you’d try to stop me.”

  “I find it easier to get through school when I don’t draw his attention.” I snorted. “Not that I’ve managed that. But hold on. When did you talk to Caroline?”

  “She and I have had a lot to discuss lately.” Mom glanced around. “I won’t get into all of it here, but after this year, the help she had been offering you is going to stop. I will pay for the college you get in to. I will be the one who steps in when you have problems at school.”

  “But, Mom—”

  “No buts.”

  I blinked. This was one of the rare times I had seen my mom so serious.

  “I stayed out of it before because I— I didn’t think I had the right to—” Mom halted. She took a shuddering breath as she ducked her head. “It was all my f-fault.”

  “Mom, don’t say that.” I drew closer and put my arm around her. “It wasn’t your fault.”

  “It was. I let that man near you. I didn’t see what was going on.” A tear dripped from her nose and splashed on the stones between us. “I didn’t feel I had the right to say no when she stepped in to help you. I had ruined everything. I couldn’t stop her from making it right.” She shook her head. “Or at least, that was what I thought. Things are different now. I’m holding down a steady job. I’ve got savings and a home. I’m not that stupid woman who thought she could change her life by landing a rich husband. I’ve grown up a lot since then, and now, I’m going to take care of my family.”

  I was quiet as her words sank in. “You know,” I began, “Somerset is one of the most expensive schools in the country.”

  She swiped her hand across her eyes. “I know that. I’ll make it work. I can’t force you, but I’d like you to give back all the money Caroline gave you. She paid your Evergreen tuition for all four years, but I made it clear that no more money will be coming.”

  I think it surprised her how easily I nodded. “Okay. I’ll return the money.”

  “You will?”

  “Yes.” My eyes drifted across the courtyard to where Ryder spoke with Marcus Beaumont. “I’ve been thinking about the kind of relationship I want to have with Caroline and... her son. I’m starting over this year in a lot of ways. Giving the money back is the best way.”

  “Thank you, baby.”

  “And, Mom.” I turned and looked her in the eyes. “I need you to know that I never blamed you. Not once. Not for a second.”

  The barest of smiles appeared on her lips. “I know, Val. You should have, but I know you didn’t. You always were better than me. You’re the one thing in my life I did right.”

  Tears prickled behind my eyes. “Mom, don’t make me cry.”

  She laughed as she pulled me in for a hug. I hugged her back just as tightly until Adam complained.

  “Livia,” he whined.

  “I’m sorry, little man,” she said, slightly choked. “Come on. Let’s get you more food.”

  I let Olivia take him. I looked around as they wandered off and realized the courtyard had begun to fill. The college reps had arrived.

  In their wake, buttoned-up students and their overeager parents followed. They claimed their targets in the game of mingling and small talk. I decided on another tact. I couldn’t wow the rep with stories of my summer in St. Tropez or tell them how I made my first million. It was better that I waited for the official event—when I could wow them with me.

  I loaded up a plate with nibbles and took it out of the courtyard. There were dozens of booths taking up the lawn from every prestigious school in this country and a few from other countries. I bypassed them all as I looked for Somerset. I didn’t care about anywhere else. I was staying home, close to my son. Nothing else was an option.

  I spotted a flash of light blue and white out of the corner of my eye.

  There. In front of the fountain.

  I veered off, practically running as I descended on the Somerset booth. It was a simpl
e setup. A plain pop-up tent and beneath it was a table loaded down with glossy catalogs and the school flag taped to the front. Two chairs had been placed before the table and boxes were stacked in the back of the tent.

  I placed my food down and reached for one of the brochures. Somerset wasn’t perfect for me just because of the location. It also boasted one of the best psychology programs in the nation as well as a minor in dance.

  Smiling faces looked back at me as I flipped to the course section. Getting in here would be—

  “Ah. Eager.”

  I jerked and the catalog went sailing out of my hands.

  “I like the eager ones. It shows that you want this.”

  I raised my head to see a woman stand up from behind the stack of boxes. She pushed her wire-frame glasses further up her nose as she peered at me. “Decided to give the food a miss?”

  “No,” I said when I found my voice. “Couldn’t say no to these mini quiches.” I pushed my plate toward her. “Do you want some?”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” She picked one up and popped it in her mouth. Up close, I could see her name badge read Andrea Towne.

  She dusted her fingers off when she was done. “Well, since you’re here. You can help me finish setting up. I’ve got more catalogs in those boxes, and school pens and pencils in that one.”

  “Okay.” I walked over to where she pointed. “Sure you have enough? I heard Somerset on the lips of almost all my classmates last semester. They’re going to clean you out.”

  She laughed. “Somerset is proud to have the highest number of Evergreen applicants every year. I’m assuming you’re going to be one of them.”

  “That’s right. Valentina Moon. Get used to this face because you’re going to be seeing a lot of it on campus next year.”

  She laughed again. “I like the confident ones too. So, since you’re here, tell me why you’d be a good fit for Somerset.”

  I took a steadying breath. This wasn’t how I planned to give my spiel—while being used as free labor—but this was the perfect chance while I had her alone.

  “Somerset is my first choice because...”

  Andrea and I had a great conversation. She told me all about the courses I wanted to take and I even managed to make her laugh a few more times. Then she said the best thing I ever heard.

  “I think you’ll be a great addition to Somerset, Valentina. We could always use more smart, ambitious young women.”

  I bit my lip to stop me cheesing too hard. Over her head, I could see a mass of people leaving the courtyard. The unofficial mingling was over. It was time for College Day to start.

  “Thank you. I’ve already started my application essay.”

  “I look forward to reading it.” Andrea reached across and stuck her hand in one of the boxes. “Call me when you come to campus for a visit. We’ll meet for coffee.”

  “I will.” I didn’t hold back my cheesing as I accepted the card. I stood and shook her hand just as Natalie Bard strode up to the booth. Flanking her was a heavily pierced man I had seen before and a woman that must have been her mother from the resemblance. Natalie didn’t so much as glance at me as she planted herself in front of the booth.

  “Hello. My name is Natalie Bard. Former chess grandmaster and fifth highest grade point average in the academy.”

  I slid away as Natalie launched into her resume. At least I was right about my classmates being on their best behavior while the reps were here.

  I wandered around the lawn, eyes peeled for Mom and Adam. There was nothing for me to do now that I had impressed Andrea. What was interesting was seeing the parents of my classmates. They ranged from business people to celebrities to musicians to producers to models and everything in between. So many talented and famous people had given birth to these nightmares.

  After a few laps around the event, I went back to the courtyard for some food. Our eyes met the moment I placed my foot on the stones.

  Caroline patted Evergreen’s arm. “I’ll meet you in your office in half an hour. Thank you, Seamus.”

  Evergreen looked like he wanted to say something, but Caroline glided away before he had the chance. Her bodyguard fell in step behind her and blocked the headmaster from view.

  “Good morning, Valentina.” Caroline’s smile was beautiful for how genuine it was. She was so kind and generous with me. I guess because we both knew what it was like to suffer under the hands of Benjamin Shea. “Will you walk with me?”

  “Of course.” I gestured toward the food table. “I was just going to get something to eat. Do you want anything?”

  “I couldn’t.”

  I accepted that without comment. I wasn’t in her company often, but when I was, I noticed that she didn’t eat much. Just like I notice her expensive clothes hung off her body and there was a gauntness to her otherwise lovely face. She looked like a strong breeze could snap her in two, but all the same, there was a strength to Caroline Shea. I saw it the morning after I killed her husband and found her at my dining table.

  I quickly loaded a plate with food and then made my way back to her side. She held out a thin elbow for me to grasp. Jacob, her ever-present shadow, fell back a few feet without being asked. I glanced at him as we stepped out onto the lawn in the opposite direction of the crowd.

  “Caroline, is it okay if I ask why you travel with a bodyguard?”

  “My husband made enemies on his way to the top of the corporate ladder. Those that think his disappearance has left the Sheas vulnerable. There have been attempts made on my life.”

  “What?” Horrible thoughts flooded my mind. “Is Ryder safe?”

  “He is when he’s at home or here at Evergreen. Other times I employ a security team to trail him without his knowledge.”

  I gaped at her. That she trusted me was something I had known for years, but still, it was odd how easily she told me the truth.

  “Jacob has been my close friend since I was a student here,” Caroline continued. “There is no one I trust more.”

  I looked back at the stoic man and met with mirrored lenses. She said they were friends, but I had never once seen them have a full conversation.

  “How is everything with you?”

  I focused back on her. “I’m good. Looking forward to my last year at the academy. Speaking of, I know you and my mother talked.”

  “Forgive me for not telling you.” She patted my hand. “We have our own relationship, but I did not feel right going against your mother’s wishes.”

  “No, it’s okay. Mom is right. It’s time we stood on our own feet.” I stopped and faced her. “I’m going to give back the money in my account and, if it’s okay, I’d like to have a different relationship with you. I want us to talk and maybe I can come to visit when you feel up to it. I can sit with you and—” Doubt began to creep in. “But if you don’t want that—”

  “I’d like that very much.” Her hand was still on mine, and my tension eased as she squeezed my fingers. “There will never be anyone who understands me as well as you do, Valentina. Do you know what I mean?”

  “Yes,” I said softly. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  There wasn’t any more that needed to be said.

  Caroline and I walked through the grounds until Jacob’s pocket chimed. He placed the phone in her hand just as she lifted it.

  “It’s time for my meeting with the headmaster. If it goes well, you should have no trouble coming to visit me this year. Goodbye, Valentina.”

  I had a feeling it would go well. Caroline had secured me late entrance into school, a personal bodyguard, and who knew what else in the battles against the headmaster. I was reminded again that she wasn’t as frail as she looked.

  I ventured back to the front of the school after she left. Stepping onto the front lawn, I could see the event was starting to wrap up. The booths and tents were coming down. Students were walking the reps to their cars for one last attempt at making a good impression. College Day was over.

  “
Saw you at the Somerset booth, Moon.”

  Every muscle in my body went rigid.

  “You don’t actually think you have a chance of getting in, do you? They don’t accept dark corner sluts.”

  “Then I guess you don’t stand a chance either,” I shot back. I didn’t move or turn around to see, but I could sense they were all behind me. The new Knights.

  “Clever. You always have a comeback. You never learned to keep that mouth shut.”

  I heard the sound of footfalls and then they were in front of me.

  Natalie Bard. Airi Tanaka. Isabella Bruno. Darren Rosewood.

  Proof that Ace hated my guts, the four people who despised me most in this school were put in charge of running it.

  Isabella tossed her head. She had no hair to flip over her shoulder but she couldn’t seem to help herself. “You should have some respect, Valentina. You won’t last at this school for long, but during your short stay, you’ll see we’re making a lot of changes around here. If you keep it up, it’ll only get worse for you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You four are in my face every other second like deranged stalkers. It can’t get much worse than that.”

  Darren’s laugh made a shiver go up my spine. “Natalie’s right about you and that mouth, but...”

  He sidled up to me and draped his arm around my shoulder. Revulsion twisted my stomach. Darren had gotten more handsy with me since he became a Knight. The result of which landed him in the nurse’s office with Ryder.

  “If you take my offer and put that mouth to better use, I can make life a lot easier for you. Maybe even lift the mark again.”

  “You don’t have the power to do that, Darren. Even if you did, you’re fucking disgusting for dangling it over my head in exchange for sex.” I roughly shook him off. “Besides, the last time you pulled that, it ended up on national news and Mommy tore you a new asshole. You really want to be trending again?”

  His brows snapped together. “What? What are you— Are you fucking recording me again?!”

  Darren dove for me. I let out a shout as he grabbed my chest, roughly groping my body.

  “Get off me!”