Page 187 of Heartless Sinner

“You’re ruining my image.”

I clenched my jaw.

Everything is always about his fucking image.

I hated it.

“We have to figure out a way to fix this.”

“There’s only one way. And listen before you fucking blow up on me when I tell you.”

Forty-Five

Daphne

Iwas dodging Adelina and hated myself for it.

She’d texted me numerous times, asking about the articles about Brooks and me.

It wasn’t only her who was curious. All the other Havens had texted. So had my mom, Elodie, and Vittoria. I didn’t want to talk to them either, so I decided ignoring everyone was the best route to take.

“Where are you headed?” Blair asked from her bed when I grabbed my bag.

I shoved my feet into my flats. “Library.”

She closed her book. “Want company?”

“Not trying to be rude⁠—”

“I get it.” She waved her book in my direction. “Alone time is necessary sometimes.”

“Thank you,” I said around a sigh.

“What do you want me to tell Adelina when she comes looking for you?”

I scowled at her for bringing it up. “How about you tell her there are no articles about Brooks and me, and she just dreamed it all up?”

She snorted, opening her book again. “Good luck with that argument. Brainstorm in the library for something better than that.”

“That’s why I just told you to do it for me. She’ll believe you.”

“Just be upfront with her. She’ll understand.”

“She’ll be mad I hid it from her.”

“Tell her you were only playing by the Fawn rules. You’re not supposed to tell anyone about it. Blame everything on the Sons.”

My phone vibrated with another text from Adelina.

Adelina: Are you in your dorm?

“Gotta go!” I chirped before Adelina came to answer the question herself.

I dashed out of the room, trying to look discreet as I practically sprinted down the stairs.

Somnus Library belonged in a storybook. If the university ever opened its doors to the public, the library would easily rival some of the greatest in the world. It was two stories of hand-carved shelves filled with books. Pale moonlight streamed through the arched windows, casting a comforting glow across the space.

The top floor was nearly deserted, providing the perfect quiet spot. I settled at a back table and shut my eyes for a second of peace. I opened them and pulled out my MacBook. Brooks had left one in my room to replace the one that had been broken during my Initiation.