Page 90 of Theirs to Rule

She rolled on her side and kissed me softly. “What can I do to make you feel better?” she whispered.

“Let me spend the weekend with you. The two of us in the city,” I suggested, before I could stop myself. “My friends are throwing me a birthday party and I want you there.”

Camille’s face lit up. "It's your birthday coming up?"

I nodded. "This Saturday. I'll be twenty-two."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner! Now I'll be rushing to get you a gift. But yes, I'd love to spend the weekend with you."

God, she was so perfect. I knew I was crossing lines, bringing her further into my world, but I couldn’t help it. I needed her near me. I needed a connection with her that didn’t include Dante or Ty.

“One more thing,” I murmured, eyeing her.

“Yes?” she said, waiting expectantly for my answer.

“I want to worship your body and make you squirm while screaming my name. And I want it all on my terms. Can you give me that?"

She wet her lips and then nodded. “Kage, you can do whatever you want to me.”

“Oh, Rebel, those are dangerous words.”

Camille

Later, after my class ended, people around me chatted quietly, the topic on most people’s minds being the announced location for the annual winter ball just before Christmas break. It was going to be at the school president’s mansion. Though I’d neverbeen there, I’d heard it was beautiful, with a massive ballroom with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and a stunning hardwood floor.

I wondered if Kage or Ty would want to go. Obviously, Dante wouldn’t be able to come with me since he was faculty, but maybe he’d still be there as a chaperone or something.

As I packed up my books, my phone pinged. I pulled it out and saw a message from Dante, asking if I was free. I bit back a smirk as I replied.

You have a copy of my schedule. You know I am.

Dante:I’m aware that I’m one of your many distractions. I didn’t want to be presumptuous.

Yes, I’m free. What did you have in mind?

Dante:How about I pick you up at your place and surprise you?

Can’t wait!

I tucked my phone away, feeling excited about spending the afternoon with him. It felt like it had been ages since it had been just the two of us. As I walked out of the lecture hall, I ran into Simone. She didn’t even look up. She just muttered an apology and kept walking. I reached out and grabbed her arm, causing her to spin around, startled.

“Oh. Hey, Cami.”

“Are you okay?” I asked my friend. I’d never seen her look so subdued.

She forced a smile that we both knew wasn’t real. “Sure. I’m fine.”

“Do you want to get a drink or something?” As much as I was looking forward to seeing Dante, I also wanted to make sure my friend was okay. I wasn’t used to seeing her so quiet; normally, she was the one perking me up in the face of something heavy.

Simone smiled again and shook her head. “I’ve got class in a few minutes. Maybe some other time?”

I nodded, peering at her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She put her hand on my arm and gave me a reassuring smile, this one more convincing. “Just some boy troubles.”

“Oh?” This was news to me. She was seeing someone? Or crushing on someone? I bit my lip, holding back my questions, but Simone smirked and rolled her eyes. “Go ahead. Ask.”

“Anyone I know?”

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