Page 40 of Pin-up Girl

Yeah, but it was the only one left to us. “True, but we don’t have enough to make our grand break yet. I say we do as we planned to yesterday and continue with our jobs, both the legit and personal. As much as it pains me to say it, I think that’s the only way to proceed.”

Elise came out, smelling of mint and properly groomed. She was much more relaxed now, falling in the leather chair and bringing her legs underneath her. “What’d I miss?”

I grabbed my shirt, threw it on, and bunched my jeans in my hand. “Nothing. You had a great suggestion, but it won’t work for us. I’m going to get ready in my room, I’ll meet you all downstairs in the kitchen.”

I was on the top step when Elise asked, “Is he okay?”

The rest of the conversation was lost to me, but I wasn’t interested anyway.

* * *

Hardly anyone wasin the kitchen today, not surprising since it was just after seven. One little freshman was making a protein shake before a run, but he was less than nothing in the grand scheme of things.

“What buildings are you haunting today?” I tossed Elise a muffin and grabbed a banana for myself. She lifted the chocolate muffin to her nose, nearly groaning from the smell. Every Tuesday and Thursday, a bakery dropped off a basket of fresh, hot baked goods, all for the house of growing boys. I wasn’t complaining, they were amazing, and just like that muffin, still piping hot.

“Two classes today, both in Blackwood House. What about you guys?”

Propping a hip on the counter next to her, Jules typed out a message. She nodded when she read it, then flicked her eyes up with a small smile.

What was it about Jules that had her melting? Seriously, I knew she had a thing for each of us, but she only melted like that for Jules. I’d have to ask her sometime, because I was curious as hell.

Jules showed his phone to Milo and me. All it said was,I’m close to there, I’ll walk with you.

That was it, and she was practically snuggling into his chest.

“Cool. I’m all over the place, Tuesdays are my late days.” I scarfed down the banana without any preamble and picked my bag up from the floor.

“Me too. Jules, you also have a half day today, right?” Milo scrolled through his phone, doing his morning social media check. There were others in the frat who monitored our accounts, but Milo always liked to be in the know in case anything surprising popped up.

The freshman left us, and Jules tracked him until he was completely out of sight. He pocketed his phone and started signing.

Yes, I can take care of Elise today. No need to worry.

“I don’t read sign at all, was that just a confirmation that you’re with me today?” Elise lightly touched Jules’ arm. He nodded, one corner of his mouth curling.

My chin figuratively hit the ground. I glanced at Milo, and I was glad to see I wasn’t the only one feeling awkward here.

“Just remember, this is a foursome. No twosome time allowed.” I pointed a finger between the two of them.

Elise laughed, tossing her head back. “Is that a rule?”

Milo nodded, face grave. “Absolutely.”

That took the humor from her face as she stared at us incredulously. Jules simply glared. Okay, I was a jealous prick, and I hated to take any happiness from Jules, but this was all or nothing, damn it. I wasn’t about to watch Elise and Jules ride off into the sunset together.

“That’s the rule. No sex unless we’re all together. Kissing and PDA is fine, considering it’s part of our plan,” Milo decreed like it was his job. For once, I was gleefully on his side of the line. Usually, he was trying to cap my own good time, but I was solidly behind this decision.

Elise beamed, taking Jules’ hand in hers as she picked up her bag. “Great! Blowjobs are still on the table, and I’m pretty freaking amazing at those.”

She tugged a smiling Jules out of the kitchen. Smiling.

“Was that an actual smile, teeth and all?” An idiot would have picked up on the disbelief in my voice.

“Yeah, it was.” Milo was still hadn’t moved his gaze from the doorway they left through. “I really like her; I think she’s good for us.”

Nodding my head, I agreed. “She is, but are we good for her?” Where the hell had that come from? I didn’t suddenly grow a conscience, but the thought that we would be her downfall burrowed deep in the back of my mind.

“It doesn’t matter. She’s stuck for as long as we want her. We’ll protect her the best we can, given the circumstances, but her world changed as soon as she ran from us.” Milo gathered our mugs and placed them in the sink. He’d always been a bit of a neat freak, cleaning up after us if we didn’t take care of it ourselves.

---