Page 33 of Broken Princess

“And how do you know all this?”

“My brother pledged this fraternity when he went here. I know a lot.”

“But you didn’t pledge?”

“Nah. Too busy making my own reputation to get stuck in the shadow of his.”

“I think it’s good to form your own path.”

Will steps closer, and says, “I didn’t get a chance to tell you downstairs, but I think you look really pretty tonight.”

“Thanks.” Moving towards the door, I say, “Well, if this is a super secret meeting space, I think we should respect the frat’s rules and head back downstairs.”

He closes the door, stepping further into the room. “It’ll be fine. You needed a break and we’re alone up here. We can stay as long as we want. If anyone has anything to say about it, they can deal with me. I’m your wingman, right?”

“That’s really sweet, but I’m actually ready to head back now. Noel invited me and I haven’t spent any time with him yet. I should probably find him and do that.”

He steps in front of me, blocking the door. “Noel? I don’t think he’s here.”

“I should still check.”

“Come on, Jordanna. What’s your hurry?” He asks, tugging on my arm.

“Nothing, I’m just ready to go downstairs.”

“I think you know I like you, right?”

“Mm. I liked hanging with you too, we’ve had fun together.”

“Fun? Hang?”

Something about the way he’s looking at me when he says it, nags at me. His eyes darken as they rake over me and a sliver of dread runs down my spine as I remember Logan’s warning about Will. I got to step around him, infusing some cheer in my voice when I say, “Thanks for the tour, I’m heading back.”

He pulls me away from the door, pushing my back against the wall. “Not yet,” he says, skimming his hand over my shoulder.

“Will, what are you doing?” I ask, pushing against his chest when he leans in to kiss my cheek. “Stop.”

“Come on, is that what you really want? I see the way you look at me. The way you’ve always looked at me, but you were with Logan and I thought you were off limits.” His lips press against my jaw, the rancid smell of beer on his breath makes my stomach roll. “Now that shit is over. If I would’ve known he was just playing you, I would’ve made my move months ago.” His hand grips my hip as he presses against me, his fingers toying with the hem of my skirt.

“I said stop.”

He chuckles. “I know you don’t mean it. I know what Logan likes. The power exchange. The struggle. That must mean you like it too.”

He thinks this is foreplay, and I’m pretending not to like it?Shit.I push and claw at him, catching his face with my nails and pulling down.

His voice loses all semblance of pleasantry. “You dirty whore, you’re gonna pay for that.” He lifts me higher, my feet dangle off the floor.

Unzipping his pants, he shoves his leg between my thighs and I windmill my hands against him, trying to break his hold. There are voices in the room next to us and out in the hall. “What are you gonna do, huh? Fuck me right here with people on the other side of the door?”

“That’s right, you filthy slut. I am.”

This is VDU, where hookups at these parties are common. They’ll probably think the noise is just someone having a good time but I bang my hand against the door anyway, yelling for him to stop, trying to get someone’s attention.

The door opens, and the light flicks on, momentarily blinding Will. He’s surprised by the intrusion, and I seize the opportunity to get away. I’m halfway down the steps before he reaches the hall.

Logan

Jordy’s running down the stairs, pushing past the people standing around, like her feet are on fire. I look up and spot Will on the top landing, looking down at her. He steps back into the shadows when he sees me.

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