Page 82 of Broken Princess

Pulling her closer, I say, “If that happens, call me, and I’ll drive you or send a driver to you.”

“What if I’m on the other side of the world and we’re no longer on speaking terms?”

“Doesn’t matter where you are, or ifyou’renot speaking tome. I’ll always make sure a vehicle gets to you, so you’ll feel safe.”

I think she’s fallen asleep until she links her fingers with mine, placing them between our chests. “Thank you for listening.”

“Thank you for trusting me enough to share your stories.”

I wake up to Jordy, still wrapped around me in bed. She looks so sweet and cute that I can’t resist kissing her awake. The sadness behind her eyes lingers, but it also looks like some of the heaviness has lifted. She opened up to me last night in a way she never did before and I don’t want to leave this bubble we’ve created.

Nobody else’s thoughts or feelings matter here. If somehow Bella tries to weasel her way back into winning the bet, I’ll deal with it, but I can’t keep hiding us like I’m ashamed or scared. It’s hard to slay someone else’s fears when I won’t confront my own.

Thirty-One

Jordanna

I’m ignoring my homework and the article I should be writing. Instead I’m following up on the names that might have a connection to Pepper’s compact. I love investigative journalism, and working at The Guild gives me access to press credentials which opens doors and mouths when I’m conducting research.

I disconnect the call that turned out to be another dead end. This Santino Elcor wasn’t a junior, third, or fourth and didn’t know of anyone in his family history that would have been a metal forger. Though he offered to be whoever I wanted if I looked as hot as I sounded on the phone. He was no help, but I’m not giving up. I’m so close. I can feel it.

I scoop up my books and rush out the room heading to class. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. Rushing from one end of campus to the other, trying to get where I’m supposed to be on time.

I know what my mom would say if I told her. That I’m spreading myself too thin. I’ve got a handle on my schedule, but I’m trying to avoid running into Logan because there’s a fissure in my heart after opening up to him about my dad. Until I reseal it, I can’t be around him.

Keeping my distance, has me logging early morning hours at the paper when I know he’s in class. I’m coming through the side door of the building on my way to Interpersonal Comm and he’s heading towards me. I can’t run the other way because we’re in this class together.

Watching the way he moves, I have to ask myself why he couldn’t have been someone else. The raw power of his strength, the way his eyes glimmer and darken, the way his body moves against me. He’s pure sexual energy when he wants to be and when we’re close, all I feel is rage and need.

I expected him to take advantage of my vulnerability and sleep with me when I shared about my dad, but he didn’t. He just kissed and held me, promising me shit I know he didn’t mean. Yes, in the moment, he probably thought he’d always be the bigger person and loan me a car if I’m stuck. But when this is over, he’ll come to the same conclusion I have. We’ll never be friends again.

Any time, Jordy.

That’s what he said in the stairwell. That I could use him at any time. My body is tense, like I need a massage. Maybe using him as a stress reliever isn’t the worst idea he’s had. I stroll past him towards class and take my seat. My mind wanders during the discussion and I only catch half of what’s being said, because I’m trying to figure out my next move where Logan’s concerned. I want him so wrapped up in me, he won’t see what’s coming, but this will only work if he thinks he’s winning me over.

My phone buzzes with an unrecognizable number. I send it to voicemail. There’s no way I’m answering it or listening to the message until later, because Professor Wynn has no problem embarrassing students when he notices they’re not paying attention in class. He’s one of those older people who thinks the invention of technology is ruining people’s ability to communicate. I guess that’s on brand for someone teaching this class.

Even though I’m going out of my way to avoid Logan, I make a note of who’s sitting near him and what they’re doing. Bella’s been really handsy with him lately and I know it’s because she thinks I care. The jokes on her, because I don’t. But I grimace when I see her sling her leg over his thigh. I’ll leave it to her to infer what the look of disgust on my face is really about.

My eyes skim the class and land on Chad, one of Dixon’s video game friends. He smiles at me, and my smile is quick and genuine in return. He’s teaching me how to play the latest NBA game. Summer’s gonna flip when she realizes I’m no longer so easy to beat.

I sense Logan get up from his seat and my body tingles with awareness when he takes the chair behind me. My hair is down, the air flits across the nape of my neck when he slips his fingers through my strands. To anyone else it looks like he’s being an ass and pulling my hair, when in actuality, his fingertips graze my scalp in a slow massage. I feel the movement down to my toes, but the tingles are especially concentrated between my legs.

I press my thighs together, trying to focus on what the professor is saying while ignoring the pulsing in my clit. The only way to counteract the feelings he’s invoking is by not letting him touch me. So I lean forward, out of his reach.

Logan’s waiting for me after class. “Why’d you pull away?” He asks, pushing away from the wall.

“Why’d you leave your seat to come sit behind me?”

“Because I haven’t seen you in days, and I wanted to be near you.”

“Don’t say things like that.”

“What?”

“That you wanted to be near me. It’s cruel Logan.”

“It’s the truth, Jordy. I’m tired of staying away from you when we’re in public.”

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