Brutal Callous Heir

BRUTAL CALLOUS HEIR PART ONE CAITLYN DARE Copyright © 2022 by Caitlyn Dare All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Editing and proofreading by Sisters Get Lit(erary) Author Services CONTENTS 1. Raine 2. Theo 3. Raine 4. Theo 5. Raine 6. Theo 7. Raine 8. Theo 9. Raine 10. Theo 11. Raine 12. Theo 13. Raine 14. Theo 15. Raine 16. Theo 17. Raine 18. Theo 19. Raine 20. Theo 21. Raine 22. Theo 23. Raine 24. Theo 25. Raine 26. Theo 27. Raine 28. Theo 29. Raine 30. Theo 31. Raine 32. Theo 33. Raine 34. Theo 35. Raine 36. Theo 37. Raine Shattered Legacy Sneak Peek About the Author Also by Caitlyn Dare 1 RAINE “Fancy,” I say as my gaze sweeps around the decent sized room. “You have one of the en suite rooms,” Trudy, my social worker says. “Hopefully you’ll appreciate your own space.” I raise a brow and she lets out a weary sigh. “Raine, come on—” “Relax, T, I got it.” I run a finger over the desk, taking it all in again. There’s a small double bed tucked in the corner of the room, a bedside table, a matching desk and wardrobe, and a small bookshelf with a flatscreen TV mounted on the top. It isn’t much and yet, it’s more than I’ve ever had. “What do you think?” she asks as I meet her gaze, giving nothing away. “It’s fine.” “Can you try and at least be a little bit excited? It’s your last chance to—” “I know, okay. I know.” Everything tightens inside me. I don’t need a reminder of what my arrival at All Hallows’ signals. The posh school on the edge of Saints Cross is the last place I want to be, but Trudy managed to pull some strings with the Deputy Head, her brother, and get me a place. I don’t relish the idea of repeating my first year of sixth form. But it’s not like I have much choice in the matter. I’m still seventeen which means I’m still under the care of the Local Authority. And after a string of suspensions and a couple of run-ins with the police, being shipped to All Hallows’ is better than being dumped into a young offenders’ institute. “This is your shot at something better,” Trudy goes on. “You’re a bright girl, Raine. You just need to focus on what’s important.” Yeah, like keeping my head down, playing the game, and waiting until I age out of the system. The second I turn eighteen, I’m gone. “Your pocket money will be transferred into your account weekly. I’ll check in with you every few days at least until you’re settled. And Miss Linley expects you at her office first thing Monday morning.” Ah yes, the other requirement of my stay at All Hallows’. Therapy. Fuck my life. “She’ll be providing me with regular updates. You’re here to attend class. Keep your head down. And pass your A Levels.” In other words, stay out of trouble. “Got it.” I give Trudy a small salute and she rolls her eyes. But after four years together, she is used to me by now. “I guess this is where we say goodbye then.” “I’d say thanks for everything but we both know it would be a lie,” I say, flashing her a wide grin. “Raine…” “Yeah, yeah. I got it, T. I can do this.” Not long and then I’ll be free. “All Hallows’ is a good school. I really think you can make it work here.” “That’s the plan.” “Okay. If you need any—” “You’re hovering,” I point out, desperate to wrap things up. “Good luck, Raine.” Trudy makes for the door. “I know that you’re not used to this”—she glances around the room—“but it could always be worse. Don’t forget that.” As if I can. With a stiff nod, I watch as she disappears out of the room and leaves me all alone. Damn. I’m here. I’m really here. At some posh boarding school for Oxfordshire’s spoiled rich kids. What the hell was the board thinking when they agreed to send me here? I drop onto the end of the bed and take in the room once more, a strange sort of anticipation ripples through me. The last group home I was in, my room was barely much bigger than a walk-in wardrobe, and I had to share a bathroom with five other kids. Five. Having my own bathroom—even if it is only a small toilet and shower—will be worth it. At least that’s what I tell myself as I sit there, in a strange room, in my posh new school, and try not to freak the fuck out. * * * I’m unpacking the last of my meagre belongings when there’s a knock at my door. As I make my way across the room, I half expect to see Trudy standing there, ready to impart more of her words of wisdom. I don’t expect to find a pretty girl with gorgeous eyes and a warm smile. “Hi, you must be Raine. I’m Tallulah. Mr. Porter asked me to stop by and check in on you.” “Tallu—” “You can call me Tally.” She smiles. “I’m Head Girl of All Hallows’. I—” “You don’t need to do this,” I say, trying to spare us both the awkward tension crackling between us. “Do what?” She frowns. “This. Pretend to care. I’m not here to make friends so you can run along.” “Good thing for you I’m not here to make friends either then, isn’t it?” She stares me down, not missing a beat. “I came to give you the tour. It’ll be a whole lot easier doing it now while campus is quiet.” “The tour?” “That’s what I