Page 48 of Theirs to Ruin

"Yes, I'm sure. Why?" I asked.

Suddenly, Bianca poked her head into the room. “Dad just texted and he’s on his way back.”

Dante slowly rose to his feet, let go of my hand, and stepped back. I barely resisted the urge to pull him back, to close the gap between us. I wrapped my arms around myself.

Dante picked up the silver gift bag he’d set aside and held it up. “I thought you might need a pick-me-up.”

He handed it to me, my fingers brushing against his as I took the bag.

“Thank you. But it would probably be better if you weren’t here when Dad gets back. He’ll just want to interrogate you.”

"You sure I can’t stay? I think the last time a father interrogated me was when I took Cheryl Porker to a school dance.”

My eyes widened. “Was that really her last name?”

Dante winced. “Unfortunately for her, yes.”

“But you liked her despite her name?”

“Sure,” he said, grinning. “But I likeyoumore. And I’m really, really fucking glad you’re okay.”

He reached out and I caught my breath. Cupping my cheek, he traced his thumb over the curve of my cheekbone. “You have no fucking idea what I’d do for you.”

I shivered. I’d seen him beat a man for me, so I had a pretty good idea.

He smiled. I’ll see you later, okay?”

I bit my lip and nodded. “Okay. Thank you, Dante. For everything.”

He winked at me. “Get better. I’ll see you soon.”

With that, he was gone, and Bianca was back, giving me wide eyes. But before she could say anything, my father walked into the room along with Felicia Yee, my father’s attorney, and Gus Fox, Dad’s hulking bodyguard.

With them were two police officers.

Chapter 20

Camille

Gone was my father’s disheveled appearance. Now he looked every inch the impeccably dressed politician that he was. He was smiling as he talked to the police officers, in full charm-them mode, but I knew the second the cops became any kind of threat, Dad would change his tone, showing how protective and ruthless he could be. That made me feel slightly better—which wasn’t saying much considering I was filled with fear and conflict.

Should I tell the police I thought I saw Ty?

The entire Crimsonvale PD was paid well to look the other way when it came to the criminal backgrounds of CU students and their families; it was the main reason theVita Dura, the founding members of the New Guard’s criminal alliances, had selected Crimsonvale as the university’s location. At the same time, the police were paid just as well to root out the truth when it came to crimes against students.

The taller officer stepped forward. "Camille," he began, his voice brusque as he pulled out his notepad. "I'm Officer Conroy. This is Officer Davis." I recognized Davis immediately. He wasthe officer who’d arrived at The Roost the night I’d been roofied. He showed no sign of remembering me, however, simply giving me a nod of acknowledgment.

“We hate having to do this so soon,” Conroy said, “but we need to understand the events of last night. Every detail you can tell us might help us figure out what happened to Ava.”

Dad pushed his way between them. “I’ve given you five minutes. Do not overstay your welcome, gentleman.”

Conroy’s eyes narrowed, but he replied politely enough. “And we appreciate that, Congressman. The sooner we figure out what happened, the better for everyone involved.”

My Dad nodded at Gus, who moved to stand by the door. I’d never liked him and the feeling was mutual. He looked at me with narrowed dead eyes that made me shiver, and not in a good way.

Bianca took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s okay, Cami. Just tell them what you know.”

I nodded, clearing my throat. “Alright. Let's do this.”

---