Page 28 of Tell Me You Like It

Roman

The second Lux leaves,Jackson plops down into her empty spot on the couch. “So, bro, are you making any progress with her?”

I glance over at my long-time friend and shrug one shoulder. I get why he’s checking in—this shit is time sensitive–but I don’t appreciate being hounded. Around here, I’m the one calling the shots. I don’t need people checking in with me.

“I’m getting there,” I answer dismissively. “Don’t fucking worry about it.”

He lifts his hands in mock surrender. “Dude, chill. Just asking. ‘Cause, you know, people are talking.”

I sigh. “Talking about what exactly?”

I don’t give a fuck what people say, usually. My family is wealthy enough and influential enough not to have to worry about other people’s opinions. But this time…yeah, this time I have to give a fuck, because it might get in the way of my objective.

“There's a lot of talk about why you chose Lux. Some of the Debs are pretty pissed about it.”

Debs, meaningdebutants. It’s an old-ass word, but it’s what we call the female members of the Burning Crown. It’s a word passed down through the generations. Every year, four Debs are plucked from the Burning Crown’s general membership–the Circle–and given queen-like power over the entire university.

Those four slots are so sought-after, that it’s practically a blood sport for the chicks in the Circle. And the fact that one of their positions had been given to an outsider….yeah, I’m sure that ruffled more than a few feathers.

I shrug off his statement. “No one is guaranteed a consort position.”

“It’s tradition,” Jackson replies flatly. “And now they're suspicious.”

That gets my attention. I twist to face my friend. “Suspicious?”

“Okay, maybe not suspiciousyet.But they don’t understand and they’re watching you pretty damn close.”

Christ.That’s all I need. More people watching me.

I push out a harsh breath. “They’ll get over it eventually.”

Jackson laughs, but it’s devoid of humor. “Let’s hope so, because if they look into Lux, they’re going to discover her past pretty damn quick, and then our whole plan is fucked.”

“Thanks for that analysis, Einstein.” I don’t need to be told how fragile this whole thing is. It’smylife, for God’s sake. My family’s lives. If I fuck this up, everyone suffers.

“Hey, Roman.” It’s Lucas. He shoves his hand through a mane of short blond hair to get it out of his face. “I just saw your chick leave with Wyn.”

“Yeah, they went to the bathroom,” I reply.

He laughs like I’m an idiot for believing her, and maybe I am. “Listen, I don’t know what the fuck they told you, but I just saw them both leave through the back patio door.”

I tilt my head back and growl, launching onto my feet. “You didn’t stop her?”

“Oh, yeah, like that wouldn’t draw attention. She’s a consort now. She can do whatever the fuck she wants. If I stop her from leaving, that’s going to raise questions. Questions I’m sureyoudon’t want them asking.”

She can do whatever the fuck she wantsin theory.In practice, she’s mine, and she needs to learn how to fucking listen.

“Which way?” I grate out.

“West. Toward Carbon.”

I could text her, and demand she return, but I have a feeling she’d just ignore me. Also, I don’t want her to know I’ve been tipped off about her leaving.

Balling my hands into fists, I weave through the crowded house with Lucas trailing behind me. Wherever I go, Lucas is usually there, right by my side. Between him and Christian, Lucas is the older twin and carries with him a big-brother mentality. He’s the protector of everyone in the Circle, and he's damn good at it.

Outside, beyond the patio, it’s pitch-fucking-black with just a sliver of moon to give a hint of shadow to distant objects. I don’t see Lux or Wyn anywhere, but fuck it, we know they were headed toward Carbon, so I turn in that direction. We’ll catch up with them eventually.

Lucas and I skirt the water where the sand is more compacted, and it’s easier to walk. The ocean calms me. It always has. I can feel my anger slowly begin to subside as we make our way down the beach. We’re about half a milefrom the sorority house when Lucas reaches out to tap me from behind.

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