Page 137 of Vengeful Princess

But I had a plan, and one day soon, it would come to fruition.

Then we’d all be free.

73

Thea

When he wasn’t being a controlling dick, Cassian Forsyth was warm, funny, and very likable. The more I got to know the real Cassian, the more uncomfortable I felt.

Unlike the other students, I wasn’t here to learn, make friends, or have fun. My dad had sent me here because it suited his plans involving the Forsyth family. The thought of what I might have to do made me feel sick inside. While Lucian was a piece of shit, Cassian didn’t deserve whatever Dad had planned for him.

I shuddered.

“Are you cold?” Not waiting for me to reply, Cassian picked up a log from the basket and tossed it into the hearth, sending sparks racing up the chimney.

My cheeks warmed, and not only from the heat of the fire. I wasn’t used to people taking care of me, yet in the time I’d been here, these men had gone out of their way to protect and care for me.

I wasn’t sure how to handle their overprotective ways, but one thing was certain: I liked it.

“It’s fine. The whiskey is warming me nicely,” I replied, downing the last of the fiery spirit. Whiskey had grown on me. I might even invest in a few bottles to take home when I left for the holidays. After all, there was a strong possibility I wouldn’t be coming back.

“Another one?” Cassian quirked an eyebrow at my empty glass before he finished the last mouthful of his own drink.

Another drink sounded good, but it wasn’t the best idea.

“It’s late. I should probably be going,” I hedged. Not that I wanted to leave. Being here with Cassian made me feel normal. Like a girl on a date with a handsome guy. If I ignored the venomous looks Olivia kept throwing in my direction, it would be a perfect evening.

“One more for the road, then I’ll walk you back to your room like a gentleman.”

“He’s about as much of a gentleman as I am,” a familiar voice snorted. We both looked up to see Landon stood a few feet away, his customary smirk firmly in place. There was something in his eyes I couldn’t quite figure out, though, as his gaze flicked between me and Cassian. “You two look cozy,” he commented after a beat.

“We were having a post-study drink,” Cassian replied smoothly. “Since you’ve crashed the party, the next round is on you. Make mine a whiskey.”

“I hope it’s a Rothmore whiskey.”

“Nope. They don’t stock that here,as you well know.”

“Hmm. I must have words with the bar manager. Rothmore whiskey is the only whiskey worth drinking.”

“This one was good,” I piped up, showing him my empty glass, the alcohol having loosened my tongue.

Landon turned to me and smiled. “Oh, darling, wait until you try my family’s whiskey. It’s vastly superior.”

“Snob,” Cassian muttered under his breath, but Landon ignored him.

“I’ll fetch you a bottle and we can have a tasting session, wifey. Trust me, you’ll love it. As will I when I pour some over your gorgeous tits and lick it all off.” He grinned and strutted off toward the bar, leaving me with a flaming face and an awfully inconvenient ache between my thighs.

With Landon’s presence, the vibe between Cassian and me shifted. Landon’s arm slid across my shoulders and he pulled me into him, making it clear to the few remaining students in the bar that we were together.

Cassian already knew I had a thing with Landon, but I got the distinct impression he didn’t like his friend’s territorial display. I felt like a gazelle caught in a scrummage between two alpha lions.

It was almost amusing. And also strange when I thought about it, seeing as how Cassian had a fiancée. Camilla Bale-Lyon was a much better prospect than me. Not that I had spent any time imagining what life as Cassian Forsyth’s fiancée would be like.

Hell no.

Just like my imaginationhadn’tconjured up all the possible scenarios of me in bed with Landon and Cassian. Or Kyril and Cassian.

Nope.

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