Page 101 of Savage Vicious Heir: Part Two

“Oh, Abs. Elliot is crazy about you. I know I had my reservations, but anyone can see he’s smitten.”

But no one does know. I swallow the words. She’s so excited and I want to see this as a step in the right direction.

I really do.

“Do you want to get ready with me? I can do your hair and make-up?”

“Can we do it in my dorm room?”

“Of course. I’ll bring some champagne for a little Dutch courage.”

“Okay.” We reach the fork in the path that’ll take me to the Bronte Building and her to the Chapel. “I’ll see you later then.”

“Can’t wait. And Abs?”

“Yeah?”

“This is a good thing.”

I give her a small nod and take off towards my building.

A group date.

Nervous energy bounces around my stomach. I’ve been out with them all before but never as Elliot’s girlfriend.

Maybe Tally is right, maybe this is a good thing.

I’m smiling as I open my door, mentally considering what I might wear.

I know Tally said not to dress up too much, but I want to wear something nice for Elliot. Something that means he won’t be able to take his eyes off me.

A little giggle bubbles out of me as I imagine him all intense and brooding as he watches me talking and laughing with the girls.

My phone vibrates and I dig it out of my pocket, my smile widening when I see Elliot’s name. He probably wants to tell me the plans for later.

But the second I open the text, my heart sinks and tears fill my eyes.

Elliot: I can’t come over tonight. Family thing. But I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you. xx

25

ELLIOT

“Cheers,” Lauren’s dad says, clinking his glass of whisky against mine.

“Cheers,” I mutter, trying not to sound as pissed off as I feel about this.

It’s like he knew…

Tonight was all planned. The eight of us were heading out of town for a group date.

Only a few months ago the concept would have made me shudder. But now… I was so fucking excited to be able to step out together, hand in hand without constantly looking over our shoulders to see if we’ve been caught.

“Scott was just telling me how much he’s looking forward to having you join him at university in September. Just a few more exams. Hey,” he says, elbowing me in the arm. “I know Lauren is looking forward to you joining them as well.”

A calculated smile spreads across his face as if he can picture his and my father’s plans all falling into place.

I have no idea how long they’ve been scheming for me and Lauren to get together, but something tells me that it’s not a recent development.

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