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And he’s staring straight at me.

Damian

My God, it’s her.

It has to be. Rhett is leading her right this way. I spotted her in class the other day, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed her before. She’s Rhett’s Ava.

And if I choose her, she’ll be my virgin sacrifice.

An image flashes into my mind. Those round doll eyes staring up at me as I sink into her. That sweet rosebud mouth parting and crying out.

Oh fuck, this is going to be fun.

They’re now at the bottom of the stairs, giving me a chance to observe her. Her pretty plump curves fill out the black dress she’s wearing. The fabric hugs her in ways I’m sure she’s not aware of. She’s so clueless. A smile rises to my lips.

“No, thank you,”she’d said when my mouth got close to hers, as if I were a server offering her a bacon-wrapped scallop.

She doesn’t like me. Either because she thinks I’m a lazy student or an entitled billionaire’s son. Maybe both.

She’s almost blindingly naive. She talks back to me like that isn’t dangerous.

Rhett has his hand on her lower back as he guides her up the staircase, his posture proprietary. My jaw clenches. He’s still not ready to give her up.

He’ll have to.

When they make it up to the top, Rhett’s expression grows grave. “Lord Prior, I’d like you to meet Ava.”

“Ava.” I let my lips caress the word. “We’ve met.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rhett stiffen. I tilt my head, pinning my gaze on those giant gray eyes of Ava’s. “You didn’t tell him?”

“We haven’t officially met.” She turns to Rhett. “He’s in one of my classes.”

That doesn’t seem to calm Rhett.

“And we ran into each other in one of the gardens,” I say. “I scared her.”

She scowls. “You didn’t scare me.”

It takes everything within me not to laugh. She seems to recognize her childish blunder, because her cheeks grow a pretty shade of pink. “As a woman, I’m careful at parties. I’ve heard what happens here at Thornecroft.”

I feign confusion. “What happens?”

She glances at Rhett, who seems to be lost in troubled thought.

“People get really drunk,” she finishes.

Now, I let myself laugh. “At a frat party? Yes, people do tend to get drunk.”

Ava’s cheeks grow darker. She crosses her arms over her chest. “I’ve heard Thornecroft is a cult.”

Oh, little doll. Could you be any sweeter?

“It’s not a cult, Ava,” Rhett chimes in. He looks at me. “But she’s not used to parties, so I’d rather she not wander off alone.”

I nod. “Do you think Thornecroft is a cult, little doll?” Rhett jumps at my endearment for her.

Good. Learn quick, Rhett. Ava is already mine.