Page 90 of The Friend Zone

“Hot?” he sounds surprised.

Heat rises to my face. “Yeah, hot. I couldn’t help imagining you doing that with me.”

I see the hope in his eyes as he meets my gaze again. “Really? You didn’t think me fucking that doll was disgusting?”

“No. You were put in an impossible situation. Aside from the fact that your initiation was very close to hazing, I think the one who should be more concerned about that story coming out is Topher. He gave you a controlled substance.”

Jagger barks out a laugh. “Yeah, that part won’t be in the video, though.”

He’s right. “I swear my ex is the devil. But you should have trusted me and told me about this whole situation when he called for the bro-code and blackmailed you. I’m sorry, but I can’t be with someone who would rather keep secrets and hurt me rather than trust me.”

He hangs his head. “I understand. Is there a way I could earn back your trust? Please, Nova. I’d do anything.”

I hate that I’m hurting him now, but I can’t lie to him. “I don’t know. You could try, but I don’t want to make empty promises. Besides, maybe you should lie low until we find that video.”

Jagger nods. There’s a new determination in his eyes when he looks at me again. “I am going to try. I’m going to warn my dad about the video, so he can be prepared. I’m not going to rub pursuing you in Topher’s face, but I’m not going to cower to him. If he releases that video, I’m going to face the consequences. Please Bay, just give me one last chance.”

I stand up, as if my chair was on fire. “I told you. I can’t keep you from trying, but I can’t promise anything. It’s not just this, Jagger. I have so much stuff on my plate right now and I don’t know if I can handle the extra drama.”

Both he and Ryker react to my words.

“What else is bothering you?” Jagger asks.

“Cinnamon, are you alright?” Ryker’s voice is full of concern.

“I—school is kicking my ass, and I thought I could get my social media sponsors to help me with the Zeta house, but they all turned me down. It looks like I’m going to be the last ever president of Zeta Theta Beta in Star Cove.”

Ryker takes my hand in his. “Why? The house was insured, right?”

I sigh, working hard to contain the tears that well in my eyes. “It’s not that simple.”

I explain about all the new regulations the Dean made me aware of and how the fire was deemed arson.

The guys try to comfort me, but this day has kicked my ass in more ways than one. “I’m sorry guys, I’m not going to be good company right now. I just need to be alone.”

I’m relieved when they don’t insist on hanging out and follow me out of the kitchen.

“Can I call you later?” Ryker asks with obvious concern in his ice-blue eyes.

I nod. “Sure. If I don’t pick up, don’t be mad. I’ll try to have an early night. I have an eight am class tomorrow morning.”

Laughter and male voices coming from the living room attract our attention. Great. It sounds like everyone is back from the bar.

“Sorry if I don’t walk you to the door, guys,” I say, making a beeline for the stairs. “I just can’t stomach another brush-in with Topher right now. I swear if he comes near me, I’ll make sure he’ll sing soprano for the rest of his life.”

I climb the stairs to my room in full meltdown mode. My heart is bleeding because I don’t know if there’s a way back to each other for me and Jagger. And I’m dreading having to breakthe news to my sisters that after this year, the Star Cove chapter of our sorority will cease to exist.

I’m so wrapped up in my own misery, so busy throwing one hell of a pity party for one, that I don’t even notice that the door to my room is unlocked.

“What the fuck are you doing in my room?” I bark when I see Topher standing by the chest of drawers right next to the door.

At least my ex has the decency to startle at my tone. “Nothing, I was just hoping to have a little chat with you, sexy girl.”

I don’t know what pisses me off the most, his cocky smile or the way he came into my room as if it was his God given right. “You and I have nothing to say to each other. Now leave, or I swear to God, I’m gonna scream.”

He remains calm, his smile widening. “Whoa, slow down. I should be the one who’s mad at you, Bay.”

It’s my turn to laugh. “You must have had too much of Puck Luck’s cheap beer and you’re clearly drunk. That’s the only explanation for the nonsense that’s coming out of your mouth.”

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