3

Harper’s POV

The gates slid open without a sound. I stared out the passenger window as our SUV rolled through them, deeper into Kings Manor. Calling it a house would be an insult.

It looked more like a luxury hotel hidden behind towering hedges and iron gates. A fountain sat in the middle of the circular driveway, water glistening beneath the afternoon sun. The mansion itself stretched wider than I could see from where I was sitting, all white stone, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies that overlooked perfectly trimmed gardens.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Mom sighed staring at our new ‘home’ that isn’t a hellhole.

I hummed neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Beautiful wasn’t the word I’ll use for this place. It looks expensive and cold and untouchable.

The car came to a stop. Before the driver could open my door, I was already climbing out because I don’t like the formalities. The air smelled cleaner here somehow.

My eyes fell to the line of house staff standing neatly by the entrance. I almost laughed at the sight. Seriously? Then Theodore walked down the front steps with the same calm smile he’d worn all evening. He isn’t even drunk like most grooms, he is still perfectly chilled.

“Welcome home.”

Home. The word sat so wrong in my chest especially knowing who is inside this supposed home with me. But I still carry the hope that Declan Kings lives somewhere around campus and has moved out. He looks like someone that would at the first chance to fuck women.

“Thank you.” I replied politely.

Mom was already admiring the flowers lining the entrance, looking happier than I’ve seen her in years. I guess I can be happy for her huh?

A maid reached for my suitcase but I took it back. Nope. I won’t let this whole Kings mannerism get to me.

“I’ve got it.” I gave her a forced smile with a nod.

“Oh, Miss Carter please…”

“I said I’ve got it.” I repeated, dropping the smile. She stepped back immediately.

If I was going to survive this place, I need at least one thing that was still mine. I wrapped my fingers around the handle and pulled the heavy suitcase toward the steps. It caught on the first one. Great. I yanked harder but nothing. I planted my feet and pulled again.

The suitcase lurched forward with a loud thud. A quiet chuckle drifted from somewhere above me. Every muscle in my body stiffened because I knew that laugh.

I lifted my head slowl to the source of the sound. And there he fucking was standing on the second floor balcony with one hand resting on the railing.

Declan Kings’ green eyes were already on me. Like they’d been there long before I looked up. He didn’t wave or smile like any normal human but he is my bully. He just watched.

And for reasons I couldn’t explain, I suddenly hated the dress I was wearing. I looked away first. There was something about the way he stared that always made me feel like I’d forgotten to put on clothes. Definitely not because I was embarrassed but hecause he has never looked at anyone else like that.

Not even when he is flirting with those girls after games or at the cafeteria. He pushed himself off the railing and disappeared inside without a word. I hoped that was the last I’d see of him today. Or scratch that, the year.

“What room would you like, Harper?” Theodore asked turning to me.

“I don’t mind.”

“I had one prepared for you. If you don’t like it, we’ll change it.” He sounds so genuine that I’m starting to feel bad for wanting to dislike him.

“You didn’t have to.” I nervously picked at the edge of my suitcase.

“I wanted to.”

A maid led me through the front doors. The inside of the mansion was somehow grander than the outside. Cream marble floors and paintings lined the hallway, each one probably worth more than the apartment Mom and I had been renting. My suitcase rattled behind me as we climbed the staircase.

“The room is at the end of the hall, Miss Carter.” The maid told me with a weird bow.

“It’s Harper.”

“Of course.” A kind smile broke on her face.

She pushed open a pair of white double doors. I stopped in the doorway trying not to widen my eyes because that room was enormous.

There was a king sized bed facing a fireplace, a sitting area by the windows and a walk in closet bigger than my bedroom back home. Fresh flowers sat on the dresser filling the room with the scent of lilies. How did they know my favorite flowers are lilies? Probably mom.

“This is a guest room?” I asked the maid behind me doing a double take.

“Mr. Kings had it redesigned for you.”

I swallowed. He’d done all this for someone he’s known for only a few months. Not that he even knew me.

“Thank you.” I said quietly not bothering to hide my amazement.

The maid gave a small nod before excusing herself leaving me alone. Or so I thought. A knock sounded against the open door and I turned.

Declan leaned against the frame, sleeves rolled to his forearms looking as though he belonged there more than the walls themselves. Unfortunately he is handsome.

“What?”

“So this is where they put you.” His gaze wandered around the room before settling on me.

“I wasn’t aware I needed your approval.” I snapped already irritated by the sight of him.

“You don’t.” He stepped inside anyway. “I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”

“Seen enough?” I folded my arms.

His eyes met mine then they slowly dropped lower to my boobs down to my waist and hips then my thighs. The fitted dress I’d loved this morning suddenly felt a size too small. His eyes came back to mine excruciatingly slow.

“They really spared no expense.” He commented his eyes hardening for some reason.

“I’ll let Theodore know you approve.” I gave a sarcastic nod.

“You always this defensive?” A corner of his mouth twitched.

Is he truly asking that? After the way he’s bullied me my entire life? Is this boy crazy or something?

“Only around people who mistake bad manners for a personality.”

For a second none of us spoke. The silence stretched between us until it became uncomfortable then he broke it. I was about to do something stupid like tell him I’m going to undress to make him uncomfortable. It’ll do the opposite.

“You should lock your door tonight.” He said it so casually but a chill ran down my spine.

“Why?” I frowned.

“There are a lot of strangers in this house.” His expression didn’t change then he turned and walked away.

I waited until his footsteps disappeared before I realized I was holding my breath. I crossed the room, shut the door and turned the lock just in case.