Page 71 of Pawn

He’s been “thinking” for the last couple of weeks and while I’m distracted by our looming finals, I’m like an addict without her drug. He’s taking this harder than he took the death of his aunt and dad combined.

Moving in with someone should make you feel closer. So why do I feel so far away from him again? I want Damien back. My King. The ruler of this entire fucking town.

Nothing changes the fact that I ruined the future at King Financial because of a girl.

His voice is still loud in my head and I can’t help but think this is because of me. If it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t be getting sued.

I’m zoning out on calculus again, my teacher sounding more like he belongs in Charlie Brown than in this class. My phone buzzes, a welcome distraction. Tugging it under my desk, my throat dries when I see who’s lighting up my phone.

Craig: Last chance to save King

Craig: Take it or lv it sweetheart that lawsuit looks hefty from where im sitting

The way he calls me sweetheart doesn’t help but I’m starting to reconsider.

One night with Craig could be worth the King regaining his kingdom. Saving The Grove. He wouldn’t have given Craig my number if he hadn’t thought about it.

Damien doesn’t own me. I can make my own choices and now, I’m making one for both of us. Just like he does.

Jo: You can have my body but you can’t have me.

Craig: lol wat

Rolling my eyes, I text him again. Wanting to get this over with. I’m going to need a visit to Isaac before I do.

Jo: Your parents home tonight?

Craig: No y? :)

Jo: One time only. Not a night. Not a date. Meet me at your house after class. Don’t tell ANYONE.

He doesn’t respond.

The minutes that go by are excruciating, the numbers on the board blurring together while I think through my plan. Shifting in my seat, I glance at the clock.

Fuck, this is crazy. I’m about to text Craig to tell him I’m joking when he texts first.

Craig: See you soon sweetheart

* * *

“Are you getting out?”

The Uber driver looks back at me as we sit in the Carson driveway, the car still running.

“One more minute.” Reaching into my bag, I open another mini of whiskey I got from Isaac. When I asked if he wanted to smoke a few back-to-back joints after class, he asked if anything was wrong. But I couldn’t let him know what I’m about to do.

This is exactly what everyone in Eden thinks I am.

A whore.

After downing the bottle, I thank the driver and approach the door. I’m still in my uniform, not caring to change and I don’t even remember what underwear I’m wearing. I just want this over. I didn’t even text Damien. The quicker I get this done, the sooner we can go back to being us.

My finger hardly touches the bell before the door opens. Craig stands at the door with a goddamn pipe in his mouth. Raising an eyebrow, I notice no smoke and I hope he knows whatever happens between us today is as fake as he is. Crossing my arms, I take a glance behind me, my Uber already out of sight. No going back now.

“Gonna let me in?” I ask, looking behind him into the sparkling white foyer. Another grand staircase, another chandelier. “Or are you gonna stand there pretending to smoke a pipe like an old perv?”

He smiles, taking a step to the side. “Don’t you think it makes me look suave?”

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