REPUTATION

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FOUR

Evelyn

The headmistress told me three things before I arrived at Ewanshire.

One: Be prepared for any type of weather. So, pack warmly.

Two: Leave your phone behind at the office when you arrive (which, obviously, I didn't).

And three: Curfew is 11pm.

But she never told me to sleep with one eye open.

I'm absolutely positive that my roommate hates me. She had a glare already on her face as Elijah helped me out of the black cab.

Lorelei—that's what our door said and what I had to go with since she didn't bother with a proper introduction...even an introduction, for that matter—is lounging on the bed across the room from mine. Her fingers, nails painted a bright yellow, are flying across the keyboard of the phone she holds in her hand. A scowl on her face, and I'm starting to think she's incapable of smiling. She has smooth brown skin and short brown hair. I'm starting to wonder if there's something in the water here. Every person I've seen—which isn't many, but still—is Vogue-worthy. Especially her. I sneak another glance at her over my shoulder and this time, she looks up. Wow, I did not think she could scowl any more than that.

I turn away, straightening my posture. Inhale. Exhale.

I don't think they would let an ax murderer attempt a British boarding school, even if they were the headmistresses daughter. I'm thinking that we may need a third party here, just in case I do, indeed, happen to need a witness.

A knock on the door gets both of our attention. I sigh with relief and Lorelei shoots me a funny look. "Knock, knock." Elijah grins, leaning a shoulder against the door frame.

Lorelei tosses her phone onto her navy bedspread, a lazy smile splitting her face. "Elijah." She beckons him with one finger. "C'mere, luv."

His smile gets wider. He sits on the edge of her bed and pulls her in for a kiss.

I stand there, unsure of what to do. Should I look away? Should I leave?

He comes up for air and glances my way, for the first time since the courtyard. His smile slips right off his face. He turns back to his what I'm thinking is his girlfriend, or is that just how they say hello in England. "Lorelei, darling, I'm sorry for-"

He's apologizing for the courtyard, which surprises me since his girlfriend should be the one apologizing. To him. And me. When she noticed me...oh boy, if looks could kill.

Lorelei's gaze lands on me. "Not now." She hisses.

I throw the t-shirt I'd been folding onto the bed and exit the room.

The door stays open behind me and I don't bother to go back and close it.

I should probably go request a new roommate. It would make things a hell of a lot easier, I guess.

Footsteps follow me out into the hallway.

I wince.

I look back, expecting to see my roommate. But no. Elijah stands there, and he doesn't see me yet. The door slams shut. He scowls at the oak, muttering something that sounds like what a bloody freaking mess.

I agree with him.

I did not sign up for this.