Page 20 of Lethal Truths

Griffin’s steps slow just enough for me to catch my breath and walk more comfortably. He licks his lips, shooting this cold, empty look at me. Alright, is all he replies with before he yanks open the heavy door to Lunar Hall and holds it open for me.

I swear, if I could grind my teeth any harder, I’d wear out my jaw.

With a huff, I walk past him and head inside, trying to hold my head high and not think about the last time I felt close to Griffin. Not physically close, but emotionally and mentally. Before he shit on our growing… whatever the hell it was.

If he hadn’t changed his act, would it be him and I together right now? Instead of me and Creed? Would Creed have backed down and left me alone? Would they have fought over me?

Ugh, this train of thought isn’t helping me.

“Wow, I made it. Great job keeping me alive,” I say sarcastically, but when I turn to give him a snarky smile, he’s gone. And I fucking despise the disappointment I feel when I realize he left me. Did his job — probably at Creed’s request — and then dipped as soon as I was inside the building.

I don’t know why I’m surprised. Griffin made his stance very clear. I need to kick my ass into gear and stop giving a shit about him.

Easier said than done…

By the time I make it back to Greek Row, I’m worn out, on edge, and want more than anything to take a long fucking vacation on a beach somewhere and never come back. What a dream that would be, right?

Walking into my room that I share with Annie is almost like coming home. Staying with my… is Creed officially my boyfriend now? Whatever. Staying with him was like a getaway, a safe space, while I healed my mind and body. But having a room to myself — and Annie — where I can breathe and do homework without any distractions is nice.

A few of my things are still in Creed’s room, but everything I really need is here. Nothing’s changed in the three weeks I spent away. My bed is even still unmade from when I rushed out of the room on Fright Night. Except… I squint as I cross the room, moving closer to my bed. My heart ramps up and I furrow my brows as I reach down and pluck the note off my pillow.

With clammy hands, I unfold the small square of paper and find familiar handwriting.

Time is running out. Desperation is rising, and with it, a dangerous unpredictability. Don’t make their job easier. Lie low, have someone with you at all times, and if you get the chance… just run. The answers you’re after aren’t worth your life.

A frigid chill spreads through my body, one that has nothing to do with the crappy weather outside. This obviously came from the same person that gave me that first note. But who? It’d have to be someone in The Celestials, right? Who else would know so much? But if that’s the case, why not just approach me and give me some answers themselves?

With a troubled huff, I ball the paper up in my fist. I’ve had just about enough of endless questions and threats. I can’t take any more mystery in my life, so whoever this is can fuck all the way off.

13

Prudence

The warm water in the guys’ deep freestanding bathtub is truly exquisite. I’ve officially moved back into my room across the street with Annie, and I’m settled in in less than a week, but I can’t deny myself these small luxuries every once in a while.

The bathroom at the Alpha Chi Omega house that I share with about twenty other girls is almost like a locker room. Stalls, tight showers, cubbies along one wall for all our crap. It’s not anything special, and I’d be perfectly fine never stepping foot in there again.

The bathroom on the top floor of the Beta Epsilon Rho house, though? Jesus, I doubt Creed, Griffin, or Asher even take baths, and yet the space is enormous and clean and beautiful, and at the center is this wonderful tub that’s been calling my name since the day Asher locked me in here to scrub the grout.

Asshole.

Closing my eyes, I take a long, deep breath and sink even deeper into the water until it’s lapping at my chin. This is exactly what I needed after all the stress and bullshit I’ve been going through lately.

The bathroom door creaks as it opens, interrupting my peace and quiet. I would freak out, worried about who’s about to see me so exposed, except that Creed warned me twenty minutes ago that if I took too long, he’d come rescue me. Guess my time is up. I bite my lip to keep my smile to myself, blinking my eyes open so I can watch as Creed strides into the bathroom. God, he’s divine. All lean muscle, mesmerizing eyes, and a predatory aura. He might not be as tall as Griffin or as bulky as Asher, but I’d bet money that Creed is easily the most deadly of the three.

“Enjoying yourself, baby?” Creed asks as he nears the tub and crouches so we’re at eye level. His voice is a husky, raspy delight, and it sends shivers over my flesh despite the warm water I’m in.

“I am,” I breathe with a small nod. “Want to join?”

Creed cracks a playful smile, amber eyes dropping from my face down to my chest where the water laps against the top of my breasts. “Tempting,” he purrs, reaching his hand over and swirling a couple of fingers through the water. I don’t have bubbles or anything, so Creed has a clear view of my naked, scarred body. A few months ago, that would have terrified me. But now, with the way Creed gazes at me with so much heat and awe, I feel empowered more than anything.

“What can I do to convince you?” I ask him.

“Hmmm,” he hums, his smile growing more wicked. “You could bend over the edge and show me your pretty pussy.”

My stomach pulses with instant arousal, but even as I curse myself for being so damn weak for this man, I slowly move until I’m just as he wants me. “Like this?” I ask over my shoulder, my voice dropping into a sultry tone. I even wiggle my ass a little to entice him into climbing in with me.

Creed rakes his teeth over his bottom lip, pushing his hand through his messy black hair. His eyes are trained on my exposed backside, seeing everything I have to offer. Silent and focused on my pussy, he slowly undoes the button and zipper of his black jeans, pushing them and his boxer briefs down until they pool on the floor. His cock is hard already, proud and inviting, and it takes a lot of effort not to spin around and take a taste. His shirt hits the floor next, leaving him deliciously naked, and my pussy clenches in anticipation.

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