Emperor of Corruption

MIA

 MIA 

-

"Silas!" I ran across the field in high heels, ignoring the pain in my feet. He lifted his head from where he was texting, his eyes zeroing in on me and then on the basket in my hand. "Have you eaten yet? I made you a food basket."

"Not hungry."

His words almost immediately wiped the smile off my lips, and I had to physically restrain myself from lashing out, just as he always accused me of doing—like a child.

"Why not? Did you eat already?" His hands forward as he placed a hand on my waist, nails digging into the flesh. A faint blush creeps up my cheeks.

Is this his way of showing affection for me? I allowed myself a small smile. Then I noticed his gaze and turned around to see what he was looking at.

There stood Autumn Hawthorne, dressed in a gym uniform that hugged her curves perfectly. The outline of her breasts was unmistakable. Even the sun favored her, casting a golden-hour glow that made her look even more radiant.

I balled my fists. Bitch. Then I stepped in front of him, meeting his very pissed-off eyes.

"You need to eat." I tell him as I shove the basket in his face. "Here."

"Says you." He looked me over with a gaze filled with disinterest and boredom, his eyes barely lingering on me before shifting away. "When was the last time you ate?"

I paused, blinking. "This m–"

He interrupts, "Without throwing it up the next second."
My brows furrow together in a knot, creating tension lines on my forehead. If mother was here...

"I'm trying to be nice." I huffed.

"Well, can you be nice elsewhere?" He shoved me aside, causing me to trip over my heels and hit the floor.

Chuckles and giggles from my schoolmates surrounded me. Tears pricked my eyes, but I wiped them away with a middle finger. Ignoring the pain, I stood up, dusting the dirt off.

"Fuck you, Westbrook."

I couldn't hide inside since it was a class period, so I opted for the next best thing. I stalked over to Big Tim, where I smashed the basket to pieces.

The wicker splintered under my fists, and the carefully prepared food scattered everywhere.

Sandwiches, fruit, and homemade treats lay strewn across the ground, their neat arrangement destroyed in my fury.

I tried being nice and this is where it got me, with a sprained ankle and being a joke. Total bullshit.

God, I'm hungry. But I knew better than to eat, especially at this time. If mother found out, she'd have my head for breakfast.

Big Tim shook as a squirrel descended and snatched the ham sandwich I had made. His huge eyes met mine, as if silently asking for permission.

I rested my chin on my hand and rolled my eyes. "Go ahead. It's not like anyone's gonna eat it."

I felt his presence before I turned around and met his eyes. Narrowing mine, I scowl, "What do you want?"

It's been a week since the incident in the woods, and yet it feels like it happened just yesterday. I can still taste him on my tongue, no matter how many times I brushed my teeth or gargled with mouthwash.

He tilts his head to the side, watching me with a lazy grin as if my suffering made his day.

Bastard.

His thumb brushed away the tear I hadn't noticed falling. "You shouldn't cry. Save the emotions for the real girl he's interested in, not some decoy."

I swatted his hand away with a glare. "Go to hell."

"Been there. The demons bore me. 0/10 stars, would not recommend."

"You're not funny."

Why does it feel like he's everywhere I am at the same time? Whether it be the movies, or a restaurant, he's always there, one step behind me watching my every move like the stalker he is.

It's been like this for as long as I can remember. Him watching me like a fucking creep. It started when he first moved to New York with his father years ago.

Everything was perfect before he arrived. Silas and I's relationship was perfect.

It would've still been perfect had Kenzo Morozov and Autumn Hawthorne never showed up in the first place. They ruined everything.

They ruined us.

He rakes his fingers through my hair. A shiver runs through my body as the cold feeling of the many rings on his fingers grazes my scalp. The metallic touch sends a ripple of unease through me, contrasting sharply with the warmth of his skin.

He's been there for every heartbreak Silas gave me, but also for every terrible thing that happened in my life. Which is why I don't, and will never, trust him.

Why I won't ever trust a man again.

I hate everything about him. If only I had a magic lamp and got three wishes, I'd wish for Kenzo to disappear.

"We're not friends, don't touch me." I pushed his hands off and stood. "I'm leaving." He blocks my way from the front. I let out an annoyed grumble and move to the side, but he shifts to stand in front of me again. I try the left, and he mirrors my move, blocking my path once more. All with that cocky grin plastered across his lips.

"Move."

"The only way I'm ever going to move is if you use those pretty hands of yours to make me." He stands there with a bored expression, his eyes cold and unfeeling, despite the words leaving his mouth.

I scrunch my nose in disgust. "That's disgusting, I would never touch you."

My eyes caught a free space between Kenzo and me, one he wasn't blocking, and I took my chances of escaping. Grabbing my things, I began to walk away.

Just as I thought I was free, his arms snaked around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. The firm pressure of his hold was possessive, his body heat radiating through my clothes and making my pulse quicken.

His hands pressed firmly against my abdomen, keeping me in place, his breath warm against my neck.

I try to pry him off with my hands, but to no avail. Frustrated, I ball them into fists and hit them against his chest, tears pricking at my eyes.

He remains calm and unyielding, his voice cold and taunting.

"You think Westbrook will ever want you like this—angry and desperate? He's never cared about you beyond what you can offer him. You're just a plaything to him."

My eyes caught Autumn across the field as she stared at the two of us, just as I was about to curse him out.

Without a word, she turned and ran into the building.

He must've realized she was standing there too, because his eyes followed her inside. Then he releases me, which allows me to slap him across the face then stalk away in a huff.

A/N

For those who read Emperor of Destruction and didn't jump book to book, if you remember the scene where Autumn runs into Kenzo 'comforting' Mia on the field during gym class, this is their POV of what really happened.

Also the first and second chapter took place before Autumn even showed up. This chapter takes place around the time Autumn transfers. 

Hope this clears up some confusion!