Page 118 of Consume Me

She offers a small nod, and with her tucked to my side, we walk toward the main campus when that asshole Tyson intercepts us.

“Aww, look at you being cozy with my girlfriend,” he taunts.

I grab him around his throat and squeeze. I don’t let go until Mia places her hand on mine.

“Say that fucking again,” I snarl, pushing him away.

He chuckles like the insane person he is. “So, is she yours now?”

“Yes.”

“Does she feel the same?”

I’m about to get in his face when Mia steps between us. Placing her palms on my chest, she tilts her head toward Tyson. “I do, so please, could you guys stop this testosterone bullshit?”

Those two words drain me of the madness and jealousy coursing through me. She confirmed it, so he can go fuck himself.

She lifts onto her toes, kisses my lips, and then goes to class.

“You can thank me later,” the smug asshole says.

I shake my head, and he adds, “So what the fuck is happening here?”

“We have it under control.”

“If someone catches wind that your legacy might be in trouble, the enemies will line up.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Chill the fuck out, man. I want to build my own empire, not take another one.”

I offer a strained nod. I might snap at any moment with how tense I am, but my worry increases every day we don’t find something.

“I need a favor,” I tell him. “Put a stop to every rumor that may appear on campus.”

“A favor for a favor. That’s how it always works.”

We shake hands, and he says, “Glad to help.”

I don’t care how many deals I have to make with the devil. Tyson is right. People will want to come after our legacy if theythink they have a shot. I will make sure no one even dares to consider it.

For the first time in a while, I walk to class with a swagger.You were right, Grandmother—I am the duplicitous one. The Family needs me, someone who can be presentable on the outside while having connections to the underground.

Blake is waiting for me at the end of my classes. He looks so damn hot, oozing male strength and raw beauty. My heart flutters, and he tucks me to his side, planting a kiss on my forehead.

Yes, he’s mine.We didn’t label it, but it feels like a relationship.

“Are you still mad at me?” he asks, being so damn adorable. I love him with all of me.

“A bit…”

He offers a pensive nod, only for a mischievous grin to tug at the corners of his lips. “Let’s see if you’re still mad after I have my way with you.”

“You won’t get away with everything just because you can make me forget my own damn name.”

“Fuck, baby, now I’m hard.”

I smile, loving the effect I have on him.

---