Page 6 of Kings of the Campus

“Just wanted to see you again after the party. I had a good time talking to you,” I tell her. “You’re intriguing.”

A faint blush spreads across her cheeks and she ducks her head, looking down at her notebook. “You are too,” she says. “I think it’s interesting how you guys plan to turn things around.”

A chuckle escapes me at this. Even when she’s trying to be flirty, she’s still ready to find a good story. “You know it,” I tell her, winking. “We’re out to show you and the rest of the world that Sigmas aren’t the bad guys.”

Tessa nibbles on the tip of her pen, watching me carefully. “I guess you have a lot to make up for after the scandal.”

“I don’t want to talk about that,” I say, leaning forward. “I said all I wanted to say about it during the trial. Maybe we could talk about something else?”

“Like what?” she asks, tilting her head.

“I’m curious to know your opinion since you saw how well the party went,” I say, gently pulling the pen from her mouth.

She stares at me for a moment, blush deepening. “I uh…I think that it went well, all things considered,” she says. “But honestly? I don’t think you guys are done cleaning house yet. I think there’s still some members in your ranks who would love to see a return to the old days.”

I sigh, leaning back in my seat. “Figures. You can’t just let things go, can you?”

“Nope,” she says, the smile on her face sending a tingle down my spine. “I’m going to be keeping an eye on you guys.”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” I say, a smirk blossoming. “We’ll be sure to keep an eye on you as well. A very, verycloseeye.”

4

DEVIN

The house is buzzing with energy again, the kind that only a Friday night party can bring. We’ve managed to keep things under control so far, but there’s this nagging feeling in the back of my mind like we’re being watched.

Jace and Alec mentioned earlier that Tessa Collins has decided to keep a close eye on the Sigmas and I’ve noticed her lurking around since then, popping up at a few events, asking questions, and chatting with some of our rival fraternities. It’s like she’s waiting for us to screw up so she can jump on it and blast it out to the whole campus.

I lean against the kitchen counter, sipping my soda, and scan the crowd. Sure enough, there she is, hovering near the edge of the living room, her eyes flicking around like she’s cataloging everything that’s happening. She’s talking to a couple of freshmen, nodding and smiling like she’s just there to have fun. I narrow my eyes, suspicious of her motives.

The sight of her gets under my skin, a mix of annoyance and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. We’ve worked too hard to rebuild Sigma Theta’s reputation, and I’m not about tolet some nosy reporter blow it all up because she’s got a grudge to settle.

I finish off my drink and toss the cup in the trash, deciding it’s time to throw her off whatever scent she thinks she’s picked up.

Sauntering over to where she’s standing, I flash her my most disarming grin. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the infamous Tessa Collins,” I say, leaning against her. “You planning to write a piece on how we’ve perfected the art of throwing the lamest frat parties ever?”

Tessa turns to face me, her expression cautious, like she’s trying to figure out if I’m serious or just messing with her. “Devin, right?” she says, arching an eyebrow. “Risk chair, if I remember correctly?”

“The one and only,” I reply, making a grand, sweeping bow. “I see you’ve done your homework.”

“I do my research,” she says, her tone cool, but there’s a glint in her eyes and I know I’ve got her at least interested.

“Of course you do,” I say, leaning against the wall beside her. “But seriously, what brings you here tonight? Looking for your next big scoop?”

Tessa shrugs, trying to play it off. “Maybe I just wanted to see if you guys could pull off another half-decent party without breaking any rules.”

“Ouch, harsh,” I say, clutching my chest. “But I’ll have you know, we’re all about staying on the straight and narrow these days. No jungle juice, no keg stands—just good, clean, wholesome fun.”

She snorts, clearly not buying it. “Is that what you call it?”

“Hey, don’t knock it till you try it,” I shoot back, flashing another grin. “We’ve got water pong, some party games and I’m pretty sure even the music is the censored versions. We’re basically saints at this point!”

Tessa’s lips twitch as though she’s trying hard not to laugh at that. “If you say so.”

I glance around, making a show of looking for something. “So, who’ve you been talking to tonight? Anyone spill any juicy secrets?”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Why do you care?”

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