Beautiful Beings Read Online Free Page A

uniform shouted refinement and conformity, but that slack knot whispered of the wild boy inside.
    His eyes gave nothing away, making it impossible to know whether he recognized me or not.  We’d had such a strong connection, how could he not remember me?
    “Braxton knows everything there is to know about St. James and he’s a rather smart boy, too.  You’ll do well to follow his lead.  Sports, extracurricular activities, student blog, charity events, fund raisers… he touches it all and we all love him for it.”
    “Kingsley,” I finally said in a surprisingly cool tone.  “I’ve heard the name before.  Are you related to…?”
    “Richard Kingsley?” he finished.  “Yeah, he’s my uncle.  I’ve been staying with him for a while.”
    “Well, I hope I’ll have the opportunity to meet him.  He had a hand in getting me here and I owe him a big thank you.”
    “Maybe you should wait and see if you like it here first.” Dark and ominous, his voice contradicted the light of playfulness in his eyes.
    I cocked my head and prepared to protest.  This was supposed to be the turning point in my life.
     He gave a small smile. “Joking. There’s enough seriousness going on out in these dedicated halls of higher learning,” he said, waving the comment away.  “Just my idea of humor.  I’m sure you’ll love it here.”
    Despite my best effort to remain aloof and unaffected, he warmed me.  He was charming, funny and far better looking than a guy should be.
    “You’ll be in good hands, Miss Collins,” Miss Bright said as I stood to follow Braxton.
    “Thank you.” 
    Braxton pushed open the door and guided me down the hall.
    “You know,” I said.  “I really appreciate all this, Braxton, but…”
    “You can call me Brax,” he injected with a comical smirk.  “All my friends do.”
    Friends?  Aren’t we being a little premature?
    “Sure,” I said with a tight, polite smile.  “Brax… I think I can find my way well enough.”
    His brow creased over his darkening eyes, revealing a hint of something dark hiding beneath the angelic curls.  I’d always been a sucker for the dark, brooding type and this guy, silly sense of humor and all, was slowly working his way into that place I simply didn’t want him to go.
    Don’t get all charming with me, I silently warned.
    “Look.” He stopped and looked around as the last of the wandering students found the classes.  “I arrived here just last year.  I know what it’s like being the new kid in school, especially since you’re starting a month late.  We’ve all had a chance to get acquainted and you're the perfect stranger thrown into the bunch… the outsider, the intruder, the girl the kids will turn their shoulder to.  And these are privileged kids, we’re talking about.  They already have their nose in the air and they love to flaunt it.”
    “Gee, thanks for making it sound so appealing.”
    “But if you stick with me…”  He poked his elbow playfully into my ribs.  “All the kids will love you.  I made a smooth transition from the lowly Fulford High to the pomp and prestige of St. James and I can help you make it too.”
    “Thanks, but I think I’m good.” The thought of relying on him was appealing, but I knew I worked best alone and on my own. 
    He grinned, trying to hide his disbelief.  “You’re brushing me off?  Fine.”  He held his hands up and took a few steps away.  “So you don’t want to hang with me.  I’m cool with that.  But Miss Bright, my uncle and your parents all expect me to ease you into the life of St. James.  They’ll be all over me if I let you go off on your own.”
    I inhaled my exasperation and pouted my petulant lips.  “Seriously?” I groaned in dismay.
    He flashed me his killer smile and a little part of me disintegrated inside.
    I shook it off and shrugged at my fate.  There was no way I was about to let him know the effect he was having on me.  “Well, beggars can’t be