Page 57 of Ivory's Ruin Romance

“Why’d you do it?” Jace asked, drawing her attention and pinning her with a cold-as-steel gaze.

“Do what?” She glanced over to Serena, pleading for help. Snow began to settle in a layer over her clothes, and she shivered down to her toes.

“Send your new boyfriend after us,” Serena clarified.

“What?” Ivory asked. Surely they didn’t mean Adrian, why would he—

“Don’t play dumb.” Serena stepped forward. “I know you and Nia have a vendetta against Jewelle, but sending Adrian to torment her cousin won’t change the past with Caspian.”

Was she talking about last semester? Hadn’t that all been settled? Adrian would have told her if something new came up, wouldn’t he? Ivory pressed herself into the wall, wishing she could disappear.

“I don’t know anything,” she said, glancing around. Most other students kept their heads straight due to the storm, unable to hear or see what was happening.

Serena clicked her tongue. “Well then. Maybe they left you out of it after all. I knew all along Nia coerced you into standing up for her.”

“Nia and Caspian aren’t out to harm anyone,” Ivory insisted. “Despite confronting Jewelle, they don’t want more drama, and neither do I.”

“I couldn’t care less what they want,” Serena sneered. “But I’m just as capable of standing up for my man as Nia is.”

“I’m sure Adrian got the message loud and clear when I left him bleeding out in the snow,” Jace gloated with a smirk. “But you better tell your friends to back off.”

Time froze. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. When did—how long ago had Adrian been—oh no, was he still out there? Balling her fists, she choked down a sob and forced it to stay lodged in her throat. Jace didn’t get to see her weakness.

But despite her restraint, his eyes tore into her, and his smirk grew as he saw behind her façade. Leaning forward, he whispered, “And if it happens again, I’ll tell Serena just how much of a friend you and I were. I’m sure she’d love to know what you did behind her back.”

No. No, he wouldn’t—

Bile rose at the memory. The one night between them happened long before Serena even wanted to get with him. They’d hardly met…

Serena’s eyes shifted between them, and Jace leaned away. “Nice hair, by the way,” he said, putting an arm around Serena. “You’re welcome to show it off at Beta Rho, and we can teach you how good girls are supposed to behave.”

Hot, searing anger melted the icicle of fear lodged in her chest. Of all people, he didn’t get to use those words. Especially not with her. “I said leave me alone,” she repeated, raising her voice and stepping closer to the main path.

Jace laughed, holding Serena close when she tried to turn away. “Actually, I think I like you better this way. A little feisty, like an adorable kitten with miniature claws.”

“Fuck off,” she shouted. His jaw clenched before she spun, putting as much distance between them as she could.

The exclamation caught the attention of a group of students heading into the library, and they all stopped to stare in her direction. She shrunk under their gaze, hating how vulnerable Jace made her feel.

A familiar brunette in a beanie separated from the rest and walked over. “Woah, are you okay?” Avril asked. “Was that Jace and Serena?”

“Yeah,” Ivory replied numbly, rubbing her arms. She couldn’t feel the cold anymore. Couldn’t feel anything but Jace’s eyes lingering on her back.

“It looked like he was harassing you. Should I call campus police?” she asked, looking over her shoulder.

“No—he was, but I’m sure he’ll be gone by the time they get here.” She hoped he had left already but wouldn’t let herself look. Her fingers were trembling, curled into tight balls as her nails dug into her palms.

“Seriously, I don’t know what Serena sees in him,” Avril muttered as she started towards the library. “And it’s freezing out here. Why would they want to talk outside like that?”

“Actually,” Ivory mumbled, hesitating as Avril opened the door. “I have something else to do right now. I don’t think I’ll make it to the study session.” Her chest constricted as if Jace physically reached out and hit her.

He’d certainly wanted to.

“I’ll have to skip out on this one if you don’t mind,” she finished.

“Sure, no pressure.” Avril looked her over with concern. “You take care of yourself. We’ll see you next week.”

“Thanks. See you then,” Ivory put on her best smile and hoped it would put everyone else at ease. Avril didn’t look convinced but stepped into the library with a final wave.

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