She was always so careful. So precise.

So perfect.

And I wanted nothing more than to be just like her.

Hobbling over to my queen-size bed, I touch the silky purple bedspread.

Ten years ago, I had a comforter with unicorns on it.

Now everything’s different.

Even the walls which are now painted purple.

Adjusting my crutches, I stagger over to my closet.

I try to open it, but it’s stuck.

“Here,” Jace says, handing me a remote.

A remote-controlled door for a closet? “Why in the world would I need this?”

Cole barks out a laugh. “You didn’t want anyone stealing your clothes.”

I can see why the moment it slides open.

Holy shit.

Even to the untrained eye, there’s no hiding the fact that everything in here is very expensive and very designer.

It’s also very skimpy and attention-grabbing.

Well, everything except for the five crisp white button-down shirts and plaid skirts.

“Is that my school uniform?”

I’m really hoping they say yes because they’re the only normal outfits in here.

“Yeah,” Jace answers. “You ready for your big day tomorrow?”

Not even close.

Evidently, I’m a senior at Royal Hearts Academy.

I was worried I’d have to repeat the year given I missed the first two months of school, but my dad assured me he talked to the principal and as long as I maintain my excellent grades, I’ll be allowed to finish the year and graduate with the rest of my class.

Jace and Cole let it slip that talked to the principal was code for writing the school a check.

Either way, I’m glad my absence and accident won’t impact me graduating on time.

Although I am nervous about having to explain to everyone that I have amnesia.

Surprise roots me to the spot as I take in a blue and white cheerleading skirt, matching top, and a set of pom-poms.

“I’m a cheerleader?”

Just like Mom wanted.

“Nah, little sis. You’re the cheerleading captain,” Cole muses.

I gesture to my crutches. “That might be an issue.”

Sadness flickers in Cole’s eyes. “Yeah.”

“But hey,” Jace says. “You were close to the girls on the squad so I’m sure whoever the new captain is will let you hang out with them.”

Cole snorts. “Not likely.”

“Would you shut up?” Jace mutters. “I’m not trying to scare her.”

And here they go talking about me like I’m not even in the room again.

“Why would I be scared?”

“Because Royal Hearts Academy isn’t a regular high school,” Dylan says from the doorway.

“It’s hell on earth,” Sawyer adds with a shudder. “The whole place is filled with rich evil spawns whose only talent consists of swiping their parents’ credit cards and tossing rude insults to the less fortunate.”

Damn. That doesn’t sound like someplace I’d want to be at all.

I swallow thickly. “Really?”

Jace blows out a breath. “So much for that.”

“Sorry,” Sawyer says. “But I’d want to know what I was getting into if I was her.” Glancing my way again, Sawyer adds, “I’m sorry for freaking you out.” She gestures to my cheerleading uniform. “On the bright side, you’re really pretty and popular, so I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

“She was popular,” Dylan mutters.

When we all look at her, she shrugs and says, “Bianca has amnesia which means she’s at a disadvantage and officially fresh meat to them.” She points to herself. “And as someone who was also the newbie during her senior year, I feel it’s only fair to give you some advice.”

I’m all ears. “What’s that?”

“Get some thick skin and don’t take any crap from anyone because those vultures are going to hop on you like flies on shit tomorrow.”

My stomach churns. “Oh.”

“She’s a Covington, babe,” Jace argues. “No one will mess with her.”

Despite his reassuring words, I see apprehension etching his features.

Cole plops down on my bed and sighs. “No one would mess with her if we still went there…but we don’t.” He looks at Jace. “Which means we can’t protect her anymore.”

Jesus. They’re making this place sound like a damn warzone instead of an educational institution.

“I’ll be fine,” I assure everyone.

Besides, how bad could it possibly be?

Chapter 11

Jace halts me the moment I open the car door. “You need money for lunch.”

“Oh…right.”

He hands me a fifty-dollar bill. “Here.”

I blink. “Uh…this must be lunch money for the month, right?”

“Nope,” Dylan says from the passenger seat. “Not if you want a decent meal in this place.”

Shooting him a grateful smile, I tuck it into my purse and haul my backpack over my shoulders.

“Thanks for giving me a ride. See you at three.”

Grabbing my crutches, I hop to my feet.

As Jace gets out of the car.

“What are you doing?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Walking you inside.” Pounding on his chest, he looks around the parking lot that’s full of people. “Because I’m her big brother. And I will fuck all of you little shit stains up if you mess with her.”

Not taking his threat seriously, a few kids nearby start howling with laughter.

“Dude, you went here like forty years ago,” some guy calls out. “No one gives a shit about you anymore.”

More laughter. Perfect.

Heat flushes over my cheeks. I literally want the ground to swallow me up. Or rather, swallow Jace up so he’d quit embarrassing me.

I look to Dylan for help.

Fortunately, she’s quick on the uptake. “Stop it, Jace. Bianca will be fine.”

My brother isn’t having it though. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Dylan crooks a finger at him. “Come here.”

When he does, she whispers something in his ear that has his eyes turning dark and hazy with lust.

Yuck.

Jace looks at me. “On second thought, I think you can handle this on your own.”

‘Thank you,’ I mouth to Dylan as Jace hops into the driver’s seat.

It seems I was all wrong about her because she’s actually pretty cool.

Drawing in a deep breath, I shuffle my way inside the building.

It feels like everyone’s eyes are on me the entire time and there’s a shit-ton of whispers following in my wake.

Things like, “I thought she died?”

Or, “I can’t believe she’s back. Caitlyn’s going to flip.”

And, “Check out that gnarly scar on her neck.”

I’m so focused on keeping my head down and not making any waves, I bump right into someone on the way to my locker.

“Watch where you’re going, freakshow,” some girl chirps.

“Sorry,” I mutter to the pretty, slender blonde.