Wicked Games Academy

CHAPTER 36

Summer came and it was relieving. Soon we would all be going home, and Clive was needed as the Sargent sisters (and hopefully their maids) were staying over. It was under the pretense of celebrating my return, as well as my father, but he didn't say when.

I had Clive in a bedroom closer to mine and the two of us had a long talk in his room.

"Listen, we can't do anything naughty. I'm burnt from last semester's exams. Also hang out with the servants, seduce one or something."

His brows furrowed and his face had changed, became more tired, and he closed his eyes.

I expected him to reject me—after all, I was selling him out for my family, yet he didn't. He opened his eyes and looked at me, piercing eyes that said his disappointment. Maybe that was where I went wrong.

"I'll do it. If I get news, I'll just say I'll play chess with you."

"Yes. That'll be our code. Playing chess," I said eagerly. Clive was less enthusiastic, but I was a selfish kid.

Somewhere along the way Clive stopped rejecting me, or simply saying no. If I wanted him at nights he knew by how I pulled on his collar or tugged his hair. He would laugh, telling me I should just flirt instead of being so quiet, making my face flush more.

Then when I called Clive a killer and saying I didn't like it, and when I was disgusted by his desire to be the only one to hurt me, I realized he was more clingy and somehow, obedient. It seems strange calling a lover that, but Clive was. From his actions to in bed.

I welcomed the Sargent sisters, Lilith dressed in a modest dark blue everyday dress, Lucia in a pink dress with a large petticoat or something, reminiscent of the noble family's way.

Lilith made small conversation with each of us first, Jonathan, is your injured ankle better? Daniel, tell me if the maids or us sisters cross a boundary you don't want us to, Nathan, how was school and exams? Have you all been eating properly?

She was what I'd want in a wife, and somehow it was surprising, too, because when u thought of a wife it was Heloise saying that.

As Jonathan guided the two Lucia smiled and laughed happily, "Oh, I've missed this house!"

The Rottings House? We were not special in any way, our old estate had no golden chandelier and was meager in decorations other than a grandfather clock and patterned carpeting.

"I had so much fun!" Lucia did sound sincere and then boldly grabbed Jonathan's arm with one hand, casually, almost.

Daniel gave me a look, eyes wide as though to say, "Heavens, she's bold!"

I stretched my lips to gesture it wasn't very good. Lilith stood by idly, somehow looking like her younger sister had snatched away her doll—astounding indeed.

Clive appeared, knowing he wasn't part of the family. He pretended to see the maids and rushed out, "Let me help Richie with the luggage, Nathan," he said, perfect at acting.

"Be careful," I called out, then looked at the sisters, my height, "Clive is very nice and always trying to help even though he's a guest."

"That embarrasses us, we are too inconsiderate, right, Lucia?" Lilith turned back but Lucia was still holding on to Jonathan.

"No, we aren't! Lilith is always blaming herself," Lucia giggled, "she is cynical while I'm the optimist."

"Well, neither traits are bad," Jonathan said stoically. I couldn't tell if he wanted her arm off or not.

"Lucia, you'd like this, we had flowers delivered," Daniel stepped in, gesturing to a vase. They had arranged that, and we all watched her as she rushed over and gleefully complimented the flowers.