Read Online Broken Heart 09 Only Lycans Need Apply by Michele Bardsley - Free Book Online
Authors: Michele Bardsley
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of fun and frolicking was a “research” trip. There wasn’t a whole lot of red tape when it came to getting rid of assholes. I had ultimate say, and power, when it came to administration. Ah. Just another reason I was so popular with everyone. They sometimes blamed my eccentricities, along the lines of “that bitch is still crazy,” but no one was brave enough to say such things to my face. No, they followed college protocol and talked about me behind my back. Then they put on big, bright smiles that never reached their eyes to ask me for money.
This particular gala was a charity event put on by people I actually liked, the Heart of Darkness Literary Society, which was a student-run organization. The funds were distributed among literacy programs throughout the United States. Everyone attended not only because it was a popular event, but also because it was well covered by the media. And regents, alumni, and assorted other bores liked to remind the public how altruistic they were.
Sigh.
“You’re going with me,” I said.
Dove stared at me for a full thirty seconds. One of the more effective weapons in her snark-casm arsenal was utter silence accompanied by her
you-are-stupid-and-wrong
expression.
But I was immune to Dove’s sneers, slights, silence, and all eighteen forms of her sarcasm.
I said nothing, and we sat in my office staring daggers at each other. Finally, she gave a low, dramatic sigh and said, “I’m wearing a corset.”
“And those ballerina boots? Those shiny red ones with the crazy toes?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes. Your pet will be on display.”
“You’re not my pet,” I said. Then I opened one of the lower drawers in my desk and withdrew a rectangular gold box. “Wanna treat?”
Dove stood up and held out her hand. “I’m not settling for one truffle. The whole box, or I dress like my maiden aunt.”
She had me. Seeing Dove show up in one of her outrageous outfits designed to inspire both awe and horror was probably the only entertainment I’d have tonight.
“You don’t have a maiden aunt,” I said as I handed over the box of Godiva chocolates.
“Thank you for reminding me that my entire family is dead. And that I have no one on this earth who loves me.” She delivered these lines deadpan, but unfortunately these were also her truths. Dove didn’t have family. Except for me. Not that I would ever admit to the little shit that she was like my sister. I understood the loneliness that lived inside her because it lived in me, too. When my grandfather died, I had no one left, either.
Dove and I were orphans. It was one of the aspects of our lives that bonded us.
Not that we’d ever gone on
Dr. Phil
and discussed it, or anything.
Dove lifted the lid to the box to ensure that no chocolates had been pilfered. She sniffed. “I am appeased. You will have your show.”
“Excellent.”
She leaned down and tapped the atrocious vampire book. “Chapter twelve,” she said. “Read it.”
“Sure. Right after I finish
War and Peace
.”
“You are an idiot.” She clutched the chocolates to her chest and spun on her heel. Then she paused and looked over her shoulder. “I’ll see you later. Don’t wear that black lace thing. It’s awful.”
“I love that dress.”
“Which is why you wear it to every function. Burn it, and then explore all those designer clothes in your closet. You’re a fucking billionaire. Act like it.” She swept out of the office and shut the door behind her.
Well, shit. I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my temples. I wasn’t really looking forward to getting dolled up and prancing around at this party. Despite my grumbling about the politics involved with running of a college, I had a deep respect for the institution. I had always enjoyed learning, and teaching as well. But what I really loved was getting hip-deep in sand and uncovering the past one tiny piece at a time. Archaeology required devotion, passion, and infinite patience. I
This particular gala was a charity event put on by people I actually liked, the Heart of Darkness Literary Society, which was a student-run organization. The funds were distributed among literacy programs throughout the United States. Everyone attended not only because it was a popular event, but also because it was well covered by the media. And regents, alumni, and assorted other bores liked to remind the public how altruistic they were.
Sigh.
“You’re going with me,” I said.
Dove stared at me for a full thirty seconds. One of the more effective weapons in her snark-casm arsenal was utter silence accompanied by her
you-are-stupid-and-wrong
expression.
But I was immune to Dove’s sneers, slights, silence, and all eighteen forms of her sarcasm.
I said nothing, and we sat in my office staring daggers at each other. Finally, she gave a low, dramatic sigh and said, “I’m wearing a corset.”
“And those ballerina boots? Those shiny red ones with the crazy toes?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes. Your pet will be on display.”
“You’re not my pet,” I said. Then I opened one of the lower drawers in my desk and withdrew a rectangular gold box. “Wanna treat?”
Dove stood up and held out her hand. “I’m not settling for one truffle. The whole box, or I dress like my maiden aunt.”
She had me. Seeing Dove show up in one of her outrageous outfits designed to inspire both awe and horror was probably the only entertainment I’d have tonight.
“You don’t have a maiden aunt,” I said as I handed over the box of Godiva chocolates.
“Thank you for reminding me that my entire family is dead. And that I have no one on this earth who loves me.” She delivered these lines deadpan, but unfortunately these were also her truths. Dove didn’t have family. Except for me. Not that I would ever admit to the little shit that she was like my sister. I understood the loneliness that lived inside her because it lived in me, too. When my grandfather died, I had no one left, either.
Dove and I were orphans. It was one of the aspects of our lives that bonded us.
Not that we’d ever gone on
Dr. Phil
and discussed it, or anything.
Dove lifted the lid to the box to ensure that no chocolates had been pilfered. She sniffed. “I am appeased. You will have your show.”
“Excellent.”
She leaned down and tapped the atrocious vampire book. “Chapter twelve,” she said. “Read it.”
“Sure. Right after I finish
War and Peace
.”
“You are an idiot.” She clutched the chocolates to her chest and spun on her heel. Then she paused and looked over her shoulder. “I’ll see you later. Don’t wear that black lace thing. It’s awful.”
“I love that dress.”
“Which is why you wear it to every function. Burn it, and then explore all those designer clothes in your closet. You’re a fucking billionaire. Act like it.” She swept out of the office and shut the door behind her.
Well, shit. I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my temples. I wasn’t really looking forward to getting dolled up and prancing around at this party. Despite my grumbling about the politics involved with running of a college, I had a deep respect for the institution. I had always enjoyed learning, and teaching as well. But what I really loved was getting hip-deep in sand and uncovering the past one tiny piece at a time. Archaeology required devotion, passion, and infinite patience. I
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