Page 14 of Wonderland Asylum (Wonderland Killers #1)

THIRTEEN

What the Donovan brothers don't know can't hurt me.

-Presley

I walk inside our small classroom like I've got something to prove. Kai is hot on my heels, but I ignore him. He's tried talking to me at least seventeen times since the stairwell. I’ve kept my trap closed though, because there’s nothing left to say right now.

AJ’s on the far side of the room, so I run over to where she is. I just need to escape Kai for at least a minute. I’ve got a plan.

Like a gift from God, one of his teammates yells his name from the opposite side of the room. Without looking, I know he'll follow their voice.

He’s going to be three shades of pissed when this class is over. We've mostly always sat with his friends, but today I'm picking mine. My stepbrothers don't know it yet, but the tides are changing, and the ocean can be a real bitch when a storm is brewing.

This is the first time I’ve seen AJ in person since what went down at the party. She couldn’t come see me at Wonderland because that’s a locked facility. Then Kai has hogged all of my free time since.

She’s talked to me everyday, and feels guilty for leaving me with Drew, but that wasn’t her fault. No one could have guessed what he was going to do.

I don’t like the guilty look in her eyes, and with time that will change. Leaning over, I whisper into her ear. "Bestie, I’ve got news, and I need your help."

Her beautiful blonde hair moves flawlessly as she looks up at me with a mischievous smile of her own. "Whatever you need. Do I need to bring a shovel?"

Shaking my head, I chuckle because she's crazy, and most importantly I’m glad that the look of guilt is gone. "Not this time, but I do need an alibi. If Leo from the dating app agrees, then I'll go on a date with him tonight."

She doesn't hesitate. "Like I said, whatever you need. All three of the Twisted prospects are bangable in my humble opinion, and I feel like we’ve stalked them enough that they can be marked safe. I’m surprised you’re choosing Leo first though.”

None of them are up to par with a Donovan brother, but she's not wrong about all of them being hot. "I'm picking Leo, because his blonde hair looks so soft that my hands itch to run my fingers through it."

She gives me one of her best smirks. "Are you picking the blonde one because his hair is the total opposite of the Donovan's signature jet black hair?"

Damn her. "Subconsciously, more than likely, but it helps that he's sweet and a total babe. Not to mention, he hasn’t sent me a single dick pic. ”

She laughs. “God bless them, they think we’re dying to see their mushroom clouds.”

Turning serious, I remind her just who we're dealing with. "AJ, if they find out they're going to lose their shit. Are you prepared for that?"

She rolls her eyes. "The Donovan brothers don't scare me. In all honesty, I think you just need to fuck them and be done with it. However, I'm game with this plan, too. It's time, Pres."

Like seriously. "That part, and don't you ever forget you're the best. I'll let you know all the details once they get worked out."

Taking out my phone, I quickly text Leo.

Me: Would you like to go on our date tonight instead of Friday?

I don’t even have to meet Kai’s gaze to know that he’s still fuming. My skin is literally burning from the heat of his stare.

My step brother won't be able to stop himself from coming to sit by me at any moment. He’s too damn nosey.

Still waiting on Leo’s reply, I smile apologetically at the red-haired stranger that’s sitting to my left. Hopefully, he won't refuse when Kai asks him to move, because it's going to happen.

When my phone buzzes it gives me all the feels. It's nice to get butterflies for someone that isn't part of the family. Oh God, I'm a hillbilly.

Leo:That can be arranged. Pick you up at 6?

Me:That'll be perfect. I'll meet you outside of the Briar Rose dorms instead.

Leo:I can't wait to meet you, Presley Kate.

Me:Ditto. See you tonight, handsome.

My body is tweaked out on nervous adrenaline. I'm not dumb enough to think that there won’t be repercussions if I get caught. The only problem is that I don't care.

Daddy dearest can shove the long lecture he's bound to give me right up his perfectly muscled ass. And Kai can get bent if he thinks I'm going to watch another horror movie as punishment. I hate when he holds my hands so I can't cover my eyes.

This date will be worth every single bit of drama that it could bring. I show Aurora Jane my phone. "Leo's all in."

Aurora squeals in delight. "You're finally going to get some dickkkkk!"

I slap my hand over her mouth when Kai narrows his eyes at us. It's not lost on me that he hasn’t taken those bright baby blues of his off of me once.

Shrugging my shoulders in his direction, I turn back to AJ. "Sexy Leo won't stand a chance."

When Kai finally makes a move to walk his nosey ass over, Gunner takes that exact moment to walk out of his office and straight to the podium.

Kai has to sit back down, and I smile over at him sweetly. His expression darkens even more when he realizes that he's wasted too much time glaring at me. That’s what you get when you choose to be an asshole.

Stealing my gaze away from Kai, I peek under my lashes at my other stepbrother. He’s wearing a light blue button up shirt that makes his eyes pop. The color suits them both well.

Gunner’s always reminded me of a panther, strong, confident, and most likely to strike when you least expect it.

Lust curls between my thighs because they make my mouth water. The sound of Gunner's hypnotic voice bounces off the wall. He holds my stare while he begins his speech. "If you joined this class because you thought it would be an easy A, you need to withdraw by the end of the day."

He pauses for dramatic effect, and when no one makes a move to leave he continues.

"This class is not for the faint of heart. We’ll be studying some of the world's most notorious serial killers, and we’ve not only been granted full access to the crime scene photos but also to their interrogation tapes. "

When he runs his hand through his shaggy dark hair it makes my goosebumps have goosebumps. My fingers tingle with anticipation of what it might feel like to touch him in that way. I bet Leo’s locks won’t feel as good as his do. However, mere mortals aren't allowed to touch a god among men.

This is the most I've heard Gunner talk all week. It's nice to hear his commanding voice. We go over the syllabus, and what he expects us to accomplish this semester.

Just when class is about to end, he clears his throat. "Presley Kate, I need you and Kai to stay after."

Kai's unnerving glare turns into a smirk. The assholes are up to something. I wasn't expecting Gunner to call me out in front of everybody. It's too soon for them to know what I'm planning. So, what is this about?

Sweat forms on my brow, but I don't let my nervousness stop my feet from moving. By taking one step and a time, I slowly make my way to the front of the class. "Hey Gunner, class was great."

I don't add that it's partially due to him being so hot, because that’s obviously not appropriate to say to your professor let alone your stepbrother.

A muscle ticks in his jaw. "Thank you," he finally replies.

Like a ticking time bomb getting ready to be set off, Kai slides in place next to me. Tension radiates through his entire body, and I bet he can't wait to get me alone so that we can finish our argument.

I wonder if his erection is still as hard as it was a minute ago. It felt so good as it slid up against my body. Why did I have to think about that?

Gunner gives him a hard look, and it silences whatever was about to come out of his big fat mouth. He only shrugs at his brother, then sends a panty dropping smile my way. A smile from him can take your breath away, but not today, I'm tired of his bullshit. So, it barely registers on my radar.

I wish Gunner would let down his guard more. I can count on my fingers how many times I've gotten an untamed smile from him, and let’s just say that it’s something that should never be unleashed on the general population.

Gunner's voice is hoarse when he speaks again. "Starting tonight, and over the next few days Kai is going to be extremely busy at Wonderland working on a project with me. So, when he isn't at school, practice, asleep, or at a game he'll be there. Can we trust that you will stay out of trouble?"

Perfection . Relief feels sweet as all my nerve endings that were on the verge of exploding calm down.

As if on cue, I roll my eyes, because they expect me to be a smartass. "Yes, Gunner. I'm sure I’ll live. I'm going to spend the night with Aurora Jane tonight. We've got several classes together , so it makes sense that we start studying early."

Kai shoots me a look fueled by his bullshit meter. "Since when does AJ study?"

Placing my hands on my hips, I divert my gaze to him. "Since I got on her ass about her bad grades."

Which isn't a lie. Kai doesn't believe me, but he doesn't say anything to contradict my story. He's pissed off again, and it takes everything in me not to add more fuel to the fire.

Gunner's voice of reason wins in the end. "Kai, leave her the fuck alone. You might not like her staying somewhere else, but that doesn't matter. She's allowed to have friends."

"Yes Kai, I’m allowed to have friends. Thank you, Gunner," I wrap my arms around his neck.

He holds me tight. "Get to your next class."

Yes sir, daddy sir. "Okay. I’ll see you at work on Saturday?"

He nods again. "Go. Now Kai, you stick around."

Haha. He can’t follow me, and now it’s turned into a perfect day.