I adjusted my backpack straps for the tenth time as I walked into the classroom, my palms sweating despite the cool morning air. The room was already half full of students chatting and laughing, their voices creating a buzz that made my head spin.

Just find a seat and keep your head down, I told myself, scanning the rows of desks.

That's when I spotted them. Three girls sitting in the back corner, perfectly styled hair catching the fluorescent light, designer bags placed strategically on their desks like territorial markers. Even from across the room, I could feel their eyes on me, sizing me up like predators watching prey.

I quickly chose a seat in the middle of the room, hoping to blend into the crowd of other students. But as I pulled out my notebook, I heard the unmistakable sound of chairs scraping against the floor behind me.

Well, well, what do we have here?" The voice was saccharine sweet with an edge that made my skin crawl.

I turned around to see the three girls approaching, led by a blonde with perfectly applied makeup and cold blue eyes. The other two flanked her like bodyguards - a redhead with a smirk that never left her face, and a brunette who looked like she'd rather be anywhere else but was too scared to leave.

I'm sorry?" I said quietly, hoping they'd lose interest and move on.

Oh, she's polite," the redhead said with mock delight. "How refreshing.

The blonde leaned against the desk next to mine, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the surface. "I'm Madison. These are my friends, Harper and Jess. And you are?"

Carlotta," I answered, turning back toward the front of the classroom.

Carlotta," Madison repeated, drawing out each syllable like she was tasting something unpleasant. "That's... unusual. Foreign, isn't it?

It's Italian," I said simply, keeping my voice level.

How exotic," Harper chimed in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let me guess - your family runs a little pizza shop somewhere?

A few students nearby turned to look at us, some smiling at Harper's comment. My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but I forced myself to stay calm.

No," I said quietly. "They don't.

Ooh, touchy subject," Madison cooed. "What's wrong, princess? Not proud of your heritage?

Don't engage, I told myself. Just ignore them and they'll get bored.

But they didn't get bored. Instead, Madison moved closer, her voice dropping to a whisper that only I could hear.

You know, we've heard some interesting things about you, Carlotta. About your... previous living arrangements.

My blood ran cold. They knew. Somehow, they knew about Dante.

I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice barely audible.

Sure you don't," Harper said with a cruel laugh. "Come on, girls. Let's help our new friend feel more... welcome.

Before I could react, Madison grabbed my arm and pulled me roughly to my feet. The brunette, Jess, moved to block my path while Harper took my other arm.

Let me go," I said firmly, but my voice shook despite my efforts to stay calm.

Let me go," Harper mimicked in a high-pitched whine, causing Madison to burst into laughter.

Please," I said, looking around the classroom desperately. "Just leave me alone.

Other students were watching now, some with amused expressions, others looking uncomfortable but unwilling to intervene. The familiar feeling of helplessness washed over me, the same sensation I'd felt so many times in Dante's house when no one would help me.

Aww, look at her," Madison said loudly enough for half the class to hear. "She thinks someone's going to come to her rescue.

Nobody's coming, sweetheart," Harper added with mock sympathy. "You're at the bottom of the food chain here, just like everywhere else.

The bottom of the chain. The words hit me like a physical blow. I'd forgotten what it felt like to be powerless, to be at the mercy of people who enjoyed causing pain. For two years with Dante, I'd been trapped, but at least I'd known my place. Here, I was starting over, and they were already trying to put me back where they thought I belonged.

Please," I whispered again, hating how weak I sounded. "I just want to go to class.

And we're just trying to be friendly," Madison said, tightening her grip on my arm. "Isn't that right, girls?

Super friendly," Harper agreed, her nails digging into my other arm.

Jess shifted uncomfortably but didn't let go. "Maybe we should—"

Should what?" Madison snapped at her. "Sit down and mind your own business?

The classroom had gone quieter now, with most conversations dying down as students sensed the tension. I could feel dozens of eyes on us, but no one moved to help. Some even had their phones out, probably hoping to catch something worth posting online.

This is my life now, I thought desperately. Even here, even trying to start fresh, I'm still just someone to be pushed around.

You know what I think, Carlotta?" Madison leaned closer, her breath hot against my ear. "I think you're used to this kind of treatment. I think you actually like being told what to do.

My hands clenched into fists at my sides, my whole body trembling with a mixture of fear and rage. Every instinct screamed at me to fight back, to show them that I wasn't as weak as they thought. But what was the point? Fighting would just make things worse, just like it always had.

Nothing to say?" Harper taunted. "Cat got your tongue?

Maybe she's just trying to figure out which one of us she wants to be friends with first," Madison added with a cruel smile.

I bet she'll do our homework if we ask nicely," Harper suggested, and both she and Madison burst into laughter.

Just then, the classroom door opened with a sharp bang that made everyone jump. A tall man in a rumpled suit walked in, carrying a briefcase and a stack of papers that looked like they might topple over at any moment.

Good morning, everyone," the professor called out, his voice carrying easily across the room. "Please take your seats. We have a lot to cover today.

Madison immediately released my arm, her sweet smile snapping back into place like she'd flipped a switch. "See you around, Carlotta," she whispered, but there was nothing friendly about her tone.

Harper gave my arm one final squeeze that would definitely leave a bruise. "This isn't over, new girl."

We'll be keeping an eye on you," Jess added quietly, almost apologetically, before following the other two back to their corner.

I sank into my seat, my legs shaky with relief and leftover adrenaline. The professor was already writing equations on the whiteboard, completely oblivious to what had just happened.

I said take your seats, ladies," he called toward the back without turning around.

Sorry, Professor Williams," Madison called back sweetly. "We were just helping the new student find her way around.

My stomach churned at the lie, but I didn't dare contradict her. Instead, I opened my notebook with trembling hands and tried to focus on the lesson, even though the words on the board blurred together through my unshed tears.

One day down, I told myself. Just get through one day at a time.

The bell rang for recess, and I practically bolted from my seat, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the classroom. Madison's eyes had been on me the entire time, making it impossible to concentrate on anything Professor Williams was saying.

Just avoid them, I told myself as I made my way through the crowded hallway. Find somewhere quiet to eat lunch and stay out of their way.

The cafeteria was buzzing with activity when I stepped inside. Students clustered around tables, their voices creating a din that reminded me of the school cafeterias from my childhood. I grabbed a tray and got in line, keeping my head down and hoping to blend into the crowd.

But as I turned from the food counter, tray in hand, I nearly walked straight into someone's chest.

Well, well," a smooth voice said above me. "You must be the new girl everyone's been talking about.

I looked up to see a tall guy with dark hair and green eyes that seemed to sparkle with mischief. He was handsome in a dangerous way, with the kind of confident smile that probably got him whatever he wanted. Several students nearby turned to look at us, and I noticed how they seemed to defer to him, stepping aside to give him space.

I... yes, I'm new," I said quietly, trying to step around him. "Excuse me.

Not so fast," he said, moving to block my path. His smile widened, showing perfect white teeth. "I'm Gabriel. And you are?

Carlotta," I answered, clutching my tray tighter. "I really should find a seat—

Carlotta," he repeated, just like Madison had earlier, but his tone was different. Predatory. "Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

Why can't they just leave me alone? I thought desperately. First the queen bees, now this guy who clearly thought he owned the place.

Thank you," I said politely. "Now if you'll excuse me—

Actually, I won't," Gabriel said, his hand shooting out to grasp my wrist. Not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to keep me in place. "I heard you had a little run-in with some girls this morning. Madison and her crew, right?

My eyes widened. He hadn't been in my class, so how did he know about that? "I don't know what you're talking about."

Sure you do," Gabriel said, stepping closer. The cafeteria noise seemed to fade into the background as other students sensed the tension and started paying attention. "Those girls think they run this place, but they're wrong.

Look, I don't want any trouble," I said, trying to pull my wrist free. "I just want to eat my lunch.

Trouble?" Gabriel laughed, a sound that sent chills down my spine. "Baby, you're looking at this all wrong. I'm offering you protection.

He moved even closer, so close I could smell his cologne mixed with something else - something that reminded me of motor oil and gasoline. "You see, this school has rules. Hierarchies. And right now, you're at the bottom with no one to watch out for you."

The bottom of the chain. There it was again, that phrase that made my stomach twist with familiar dread.

But that could change," Gabriel continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You could be under my protection. Be my new toy.

The word 'toy' hit me like a slap. How many times had Dante used that exact word? How many times had he reminded me that I was just something for him to play with?

No," I said firmly, surprised by the strength in my own voice. "I'm not anyone's toy.

Gabriel's eyes flashed with something dark. "Everyone's someone's toy here, sweetheart. The only question is who you belong to."

He raised his hand toward my face, his fingers reaching for my cheek. I flinched backward, memories of Dante's hands on me flooding back in a rush of panic and revulsion.

Don't touch me," I whispered, but Gabriel just smiled wider.

Come on, don't be shy—

I think she said don't touch her.

The new voice cut through the air like a blade. Gabriel's hand froze mid-air as we both turned to see another guy approaching our table. This one was taller than Gabriel, with sandy brown hair and intense blue eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. He moved with a casual confidence that somehow felt more dangerous than Gabriel's obvious aggression.

Paxton," Gabriel said, his voice tight with irritation. "This doesn't concern you.

Actually, it does," Paxton replied calmly, stopping directly in front of us. Without warning, he reached out and gently but firmly pulled me away from Gabriel's grasp, positioning himself between us. "When you're harassing students in my cafeteria, it becomes my business.

His cafeteria? I thought, confused. Who is this guy?

Gabriel's jaw clenched. "Your cafeteria? Since when do you own this place?"

Since always," Paxton said with a slight smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You just forgot for a while.

Why are you defending her?" Gabriel demanded, his green eyes flashing with anger. "What's your relationship with the new girl?

Paxton glanced down at me, and for a moment, something unreadable passed across his face. Then, before I could process what was happening, his hand cupped my cheek and he leaned down.

This should answer your question," he said softly.

And then his lips were on mine.

The kiss was brief but firm, claiming and possessive in a way that sent shock waves through my entire body. My mind went blank with surprise and confusion, my heart hammering against my ribs. When he pulled away, his blue eyes locked onto mine for just a moment before he turned back to Gabriel.

Got your answer?" Paxton asked casually, as if he hadn't just turned my world upside down.

Gabriel's face had gone red with fury. "You think you're so clever, don't you?"

I think I'm exactly as clever as I need to be," Paxton replied. "And I think you should find somewhere else to eat your lunch.

This isn't over," Gabriel snarled, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "You and me, we've been dancing around this for too long.

Have we?" Paxton asked mildly. "I hadn't noticed.

Meet me at the racetrack tonight," Gabriel said, his voice carrying across the now-silent cafeteria. "We'll settle this once and for all. See who the real king is around here.

Paxton's expression didn't change, but I felt something shift in the air between them, like the moment before lightning strikes. "If that's what you want."

It is," Gabriel said. He shot one last look at me, his eyes promising that this conversation wasn't over, before stalking out of the cafeteria.

A bike racetrack ...this word echoed in my mind along with the hot kiss lingering on my lips.

I slammed the door to our lair so hard the hinges rattled, the sound echoing through the abandoned classroom we'd claimed as our territory. My hands were still shaking with rage, Paxton's smug face burned into my memory like a brand.

That bastard, I thought, pacing across the room like a caged animal. Who does he think he is, interfering with my business?

Damn it!" I shouted, kicking over a chair that crashed into the wall.

The worst part wasn't even that he'd stepped in - it was that kiss. The way he'd claimed her right in front of everyone, like she belonged to him. Like he had some kind of right to her that I didn't.

I should have asked her name, I realized, running my hands through my hair in frustration. I should have gotten more information before making my move.

But no, I'd been too confident, too sure that she'd fall in line like everyone else. Instead, she'd flinched away from me like I was some kind of monster, and then Paxton had swooped in like some white knight hero.

The door opened behind me, and I spun around, ready to tear into whoever dared interrupt my brooding. But it was just Tiana, slipping through the doorway with that calculating look she always wore.

Well, well," she said, closing the door behind her. "Someone looks like they had a rough lunch period.

Tiana Martinez - leader of the queen bees, Madison's boss, and probably the most dangerous girl in this entire school. She was beautiful in a cold, sharp way, with perfectly styled black hair and eyes that missed nothing. We'd had an understanding for months now - she controlled the girls, I controlled the guys, and we stayed out of each other's way.

What do you want, Tiana?" I asked, not in the mood for games.

She studied my face with those calculating eyes, taking in my clenched fists and the overturned chair. "I want to know what's got you so wound up. You look like you want to punch a hole through the wall."

It's nothing," I said, turning away from her. "Just Paxton being his usual pain-in-the-ass self.

Ah," she said, understanding immediately. "This is about the new girl, isn't it?

I whipped around to face her. "What do you know about her?"

Tiana raised an eyebrow at my sharp tone. "I know my girls had some fun with her this morning. Madison said she was easy prey - quiet, scared, perfect target for some freshman hazing."

Did they know she had something going on with Paxton?" I demanded.

With Paxton?" Tiana laughed, a sound like breaking glass. "Gabriel, honey, there's no way that girl has anything with PaxtonWolfe. She's nobody - just some scared little freshman who probably doesn't even know who he is.

Well, she does now," I said bitterly. "He kissed her right in front of half the cafeteria.

Tiana's expression shifted, her amusement fading into something more serious. "He what?"

You heard me," I said, my anger flaring again at the memory. "Walked right up, pulled her away from me, and planted one on her like she was his property.

That doesn't make sense," Tiana said, more to herself than to me. "Paxton doesn't get involved in freshman drama. He's too busy with his racing and his mechanics crew.

Yeah, well, he got involved today," I snapped. "Made me look like an idiot in front of everyone.

Tiana moved closer, her heels clicking against the concrete floor. "Gabriel, calm down. You're letting this get to you too much."

Don't tell me to calm down," I said, but even as I said it, I could feel some of the rage starting to burn out, leaving behind something colder and more focused.

Look," Tiana said, her voice taking on that soothing tone she used when she wanted something. "My girls were just having some fun with the new meat. We didn't know she was off-limits.

She's not off-limits," I said quickly. "Paxton doesn't own her just because he kissed her once.

Of course not," Tiana agreed, but I could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. "But maybe we should be more... strategic about this.

I was about to respond when she moved even closer, close enough that I could smell her expensive perfume. "Why don't you stay here for a while?" she suggested, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Let me help you work off some of that tension."

Her hand trailed up my arm, and I could see the invitation in her eyes. We'd hooked up before - quick, meaningless encounters that were more about power and convenience than anything else. But right now, the last thing I wanted was to be distracted.

Not now, Tiana," I said, gently but firmly moving her hand away. "I need to check on something.

Check on what?" she asked, her expression shifting to annoyance at the rejection.

My mechanic," I said, already heading toward the door. "I need to see about my bike.

Gabriel, wait," Tiana called after me. "You can't just leave campus. You know the rules - if they catch you cutting class, you'll get suspended.

I paused at the door and turned back to her with a smile that felt more like baring my teeth. "Tiana, sweetheart, do you remember who you're talking to?"

She crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm talking to Gabriel Blackwood, who thinks he's above the rules."

No," I said, opening the door. "You're talking to Gabriel Blackwood, who makes the rules. There's a difference.

The administration won't see it that way," she warned.

I laughed, a harsh sound that echoed in the empty hallway beyond our lair. "The administration can kiss my ass. Half the teachers are too scared to look me in the eye, and the other half are on my family's payroll."

Gabriel—

Stay here, Tiana," I said, cutting her off. "Keep your girls in line, and stay out of my business with the new girl. I'll handle Paxton my way.

And how exactly are you planning to do that?" she called after me as I stepped into the hallway.

The racetrack," I said without turning around. "Tonight. Winner takes all.

I could hear her saying something else, but I was already walking away, my mind focused on what needed to be done. Paxton thought he was so clever, claiming some random girl just to get under my skin. But he'd made one crucial mistake - he'd challenged me in front of everyone.

Tonight, we'll see who runs this school, I thought as I made my way toward the exit. And when I'm done with him, that little brunette will know exactly where she belongs.