Page 101 of Shattered Jewel

If Clover knows anything about my reputation on campus, she’s probably wondering how a girl like me, who prefers coffee dates and Meath House parties, became tangled in Sarah Anderton infamy and the legend of her blood jewel.

Clover, at least, has a whole witchy goth-girl vibe going. Me? I’m more out of place in this gory history than a lost kiwi bird.

“My brother believed in it,” I say, speaking directly to Clover. “He believed Sarah possessed the ruby Heart and that it exists to this day. Maybe you think it’s all folklore and fairy tales, but he didn’t. He died for it.”

My words hover in the air like a stalled guillotine blade.

Wilder squeezes me hard in warning. I’m saying too much.

“You’re saying that the Heart has something to do with missing girls on campus?” Rossi asks, breaking the contemplative silence.

“Now, we said nothing about ‘missing.’” Wilder tsks, and I’m reminded why he’s such a valued member to the Sovereigns.

So they do know something. Rossi barely restrains a snarl at being caught out.

Clover seems to ponder my words for a moment.

“You must want answers badly to come here,” she says.

“I do,” I say simply. “I’ll do anything to get them.”

“Even risking your life?” Rio murmurs behind me.

He’s standing far enough away, but it feels like his breath fans down my neck as he asks it.

“Even that.”

My reply is immediate, absolute.

“This has become much too familiar.” Rossi sighs and reluctantly releases Clover. “And a lot like someone I know and love.”

Clover angles her head with a mischievous smile. “Sarah tends to attract in the strong ones.”

She happily moves out of Rossi’s protective shield, her poise unshaken by the three circling sharks in the room.

“It took a lot of stubbornness on my part, but my men understand that I decide what risks are worth taking,” she says firmly. Her gaze softens as it meets mine. “So, let’s leave these boys with their fangs for company and come chat with me about Sarah Anderton. Woman to woman.”

She indicates for me to follow her, Wilder eyeing her in half-awe, half-annoyance as she passes us. I have no choice but to trail in her wake, waving to Wilder and whispering, “don’t kill anybody while I’m gone,” to which his annoyance is then directed at me.

When I turn back to Clover, she has her arm wound around the back of Rio’s neck and his around her lower back as they kiss deeply. I correct my surprised stumble before it’s noticed.

I peek at Rossi in my periphery to note his reaction, but he’s busy keeping an eye on Wilder, who’s inched closer to Rossi’s desk. But there’s no doubt he’s fully aware of Rio and Clover’s embrace despite not looking at them. These men don’t miss much.

He simply doesn’t mind that he has to share.

My attention moves to Wilder before I can stop it, and I immediately clash with his heated, hazel eyes. Whatever plans he had involving Rossi’s desk has completely evaporated—his motives are solely on me. He tilts his head, including Rio and Clover in the intention swirling behind his arrogant, yet curious expression.

I give him a small, one-sided smile, letting him know that I’m not disgusted, or even confused. I understand Clover’s situation. And I like it.

His stare turns ichorous in response and I scoot out of the room as fast as I can, thankful that Clover’s finished with her five minute farewell to Rio and I can get out of there before Wilder tears off my clothes and fucks me in front of all three of them.

Clover peers over her shoulder at me with a knowing grin as I cross the threshold, fully aware that we’ve left our men standing there in a state of … unease.

Wilder’s gaze burns into my back as I leave.

Clover extends her hand and without waiting for me to respond, guides me up the staircase, her fingers cool against my wrist. Her friendly affection fills me with anticipation, nerves, and a flicker of hope. Maybe Clover can help us in more ways than one, and I’ll have time to ask her for advice on how to manage ticking time-bombs for men.

As we cross into Clover’s bedroom, I’m struck by the sense of intimacy that permeates the space. A grand four-poster bed takes center stage, draped in deep crimson and black silk sheets - large enough to accommodate more than just two.

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