Page 52 of Broken Princess

We’re drawing attention and I can’t bring myself to care. I know exactly why Logan wants me out of this class. Because I was at a party he wasn’t at, doing shit a girl he’s supposed to be controlling, shouldn’t be doing, and the other guests there were interacting with me. We were having fun. It’s a great big fuck you to his mandate and ego. Now he’s trying to flex his muscles. Well, fuck that, I’m flexing mine right back. His power over me by way of orgasms is over. It’s time he started realizing that.

His jaw ticks as he continues to stare at me. “Get up before I drag you out.”

“I really can’t miss any classes, my job in the dean’s office and at the paper would be in jeopardy.” Now, I turn my eyes to him, silently pleading with him to take his seat and stop causing a scene. I’m impressed with my acting chops.

His hands unclench, and he nods once turning towards his seat, throwing over his shoulder, “I’ll see you at the studio, tonight.”

“Maybe.”

As soon as he sits, Bella’s bending over in his ear but his focus is still on me. Frustration simmers behind the green in his eyes. I look past him to Amber. Her time with his hands between her legs came and went awfully fast. Sorry, Amber, but I can’t very well let him think he has options. She’s staring at him, hunger in her eyes. Everyone can see he’s on edge, and I’m going to be the one to push him over it.

“You’re playing a dangerous game.” Kassidy warns when class is finally over.

“I’m not playing at anything. Logan lost his right to make demands of my time and energy when he shared photos of me with everyone. I can’t get in trouble or Dean Allen will dis-enroll me. He won’t care that we’re not even midway through the semester. Ineedto be here.”

“I know. It’s just all so intense and broody and full of intrigue. I mean, is Logan repentant or renewing his vendetta?”

I shrug because those are the same questions I have and I don’t have answers either. He’s a few feet in front of us, heading across the quad, to link up with Hal and Frankie. I’m in control of my part of this thing, but I can’t predict the moves he’s going to make, or who he’ll use next to help with his plans. It’s time to get to work on trapping another one of his knights.

The light next to the couch flicks on when I push the front door closed. One hand flies to my mouth, the other to the left side of my chest, holding in my heart that damn near leaped out of it. When I’m no longer on the edge of dying, I stalk past Logan, heading to my bedroom. “I guess this means you and Kassidy have made up.”

“Relax, I don’t have her key. She let me wait here because I told her I was worried sick about you when you didn’t show up at the studio. She hadn’t heard from you either.”

“The studio? Why would I?”

“You said you’d come by tonight.”

My brows furrow, trying to recall the conversation. “I said maybe.”

“I was waiting for you Jordanna.”

“I never asked you to do that. I said maybe, and I didn’t make it. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal is you weren’t anywhere on campus, your roommate hadn’t seen or heard from you in hours, and I was worried.”

“God, relax,dad.I’m fine. This might be a little hard for you to comprehend, but I have a life, and I don’t consult or include Kassidy in everything I do.”

“Don’t I know it.”

With my back towards him, I smile, thinking of the party footage. I school my face into a mask of indifference and turn back to face him, placing my hand on the door. “As you can see, I’m alive and well. You can leave now.” I close the door in his face, and flick the lock.

Pulling my journal from under my pillow, I cross another item off my list. My plan is in motion for Montanna, Frankie, and Hal. My eyes skim over the next name.Princessa Bianchi.With her families history, her name generates enough gossip and scandal on its own. Tabitha seemed the most genuine out of the group, and I really thought we were friends. I couldn’t have been more wrong. She was in on it, so she deserves what’s coming to her just like everyone else.

On the outside it looks like Tabitha is the weakest link, blindly following Bella without question, but I’ve noticed the looks she gives her queen when she thinks no ones paying attention. And Logan treats her differently, as if he trusts her. Likes her. And that means I have to tread carefully with my approach.

I’ve done my research, and I know Tabitha has a two-hour break on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She either spends it in the computer lab, or off at one of the frat houses secretly playing video games. I wouldn’t have the first clue what to do with one, but Summer does and keeps trying to get me hooked, so this is the opening I’m using to get close to Tabby.

My good buddy Dixon keeps inviting me to watch them play Call of Duty. Today, I’ve finally said yes.

“Jordanna, you made it.” Dixon says rushing over to greet me at the door.

I take in the room, which looks a lot different from when it’s swarming with writhing, drunk bodies on party nights.

“Am I too late?”

“No, you’re just in time. We’ve finished our warmups and now we’re about to get into the real tournament.”

“And this is all night?” I ask, scrunching my nose. “Not trying to show my ignorance but, seriously, the twenty-four-hour comment was a joke, right?”

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