Page 109 of Brutal Kingdom

“I dropped hints all summer. Showed her some of the posts that were going around, and an email from the admissions office. She was already losing out on so many opportunities because of what you did. It wasn’t until she got the official rejection of her scholarship paperwork from Carryville that she got on board. And no, I didn’t forge that. She was primed to play by then.” He cocks his head to the side. “And if I remember correctly, she told you if you ever hurt her, she’d make you regret it. She was all too happy to keep her word.”

I’d forgotten all about that or that I told Simon what she said.

He points to my empty cup. He was right; I needed a drink to get thorough this. I hand it to him, watching as he refills both of our glasses before finishing his story.

“So yes, Logan, I manipulated things to get her here, but Jordanna’s determination to bring your precious regime crashing down around your ears is on you. You fueled that monster.”

“Bringing her here was risky. How did you know I’d go for her?”

“I brought her here to ruin Bella. Like I said, her search history showed she was obsessed with Jordanna. When Pepper told me why, I knew Bella wouldn’t be able to resist trying to get rid of her before anyone figured out who she was.” He sips his drink, then says, “She roped you in to do her dirty work, then tasked you with cleaning up her messes. Your whole social dynamic is a self-fulfilling doomsday prophecy.”

I’m getting mad all over again. My friend thinks I’m weak and Bella’s errand boy. “And I was just a pawn in your game.”

“Logan, you werenevera pawn. You’ve wanted to be King since we were in tenth grade, so be the fucking king. I support and applaud you for that. Iwantthat for you, and I’ve done everything I could to help you achieve that goal. Now, I’ve given you a golden opportunity to pick the right fucking queen.”

I’m mad, and Simon looks disappointed.

“Logan, I know you’re pissed because of those files, but Jordanna’s feelings for you were real in the beginning. She wanted payback for you hurting her, and you deserved that shit. But trust me, man, she wasn’t going to release those files if everyone would’ve just chilled the hell out. I was hoping in time, the two of you would work this out on your own. But then, I found that marriage contract, and I knew everything was about to go off the rails again.”

Off the rails. Yup, that about sums up my life.

“I’ve been trying to convince Jordanna to give you a third chance.”

“Don’t do me any fucking favors.”

He smirks at me. “You’re an idiot and keep fucking it up, but here we are and she’s still fucking here. Still standing. Going toe to toe with Bella. Now, tell me it doesn’t make you happy that Jordanna gives as good as she gets.”

It does. I think anyone else would have given up by now, but Jordy just keeps fighting back. “She’s so goddamn strong.”

“Isn’t that what you want? Isn’t that what we’ve always talked about having? Isn’t she what youneed?”

I know there’s more to this story. But I also know Simon won’t tell me until he’s ready. “How much am I going to hate hearing the rest of this?”

He exhales, understanding that I’m done talking about this for now. “Slightly less than how much you hate it now. I wish I could tell you everything, but the rest of this story isn’t mine to tell.”

“So there’s still more people involved.”

“Yes, but I can’t tell you who else, or why.” He steps closer, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Logan, I know you have every reason in the world to doubt me right now, but I am still the same guy I’ve always been. I’m still your partner and best friend. I still have your back and I’m doing what I’ve always done. Hammering out the details while you concentrate on the logistics and big picture.”

“I can’t see a picture here, other than the one where everyone is making a fool of me.”

“Well, let me give you a rough sketch. You’re promised to marry Isabelle Lance, an announcement that will be made to coincide with what I assume is her twenty-first birthday, when she’s due to inherit a fortune that isn’t hers. You’re also in love with a girl who I happen to know is afraid to claim her birthright, because she hates what she thinks it represents. Buddy, whichever decision you make, you’re going to have to live with it for the rest of your life. Choose wisely.”

* * *

My heart-to-heart with Simon was two days ago. I’m still pissed that the two of them have been sneaking around, but the anger is dwarfed by the emptiness I feel because Jordanna’s avoiding me. I’ve been waiting ten minutes for her to walk by. I’m in a rental car so she won’t know it’s me until it’s too late. I spot her in my rearview mirror, waiting until she’s closer to get out of the car and confront her. She tries to run as soon as she sees me, but I’m quicker than she is, and drag her back to the car, locking her in. I know she’s still a little shaky about cars after the drag race, but I’m desperate for her to hear me out. Climbing back behind the wheel, I drive to a secluded spot.

I’ve been calling and texting. I want to talk to her about what Simon told me, but she keeps blowing me off. We need to hash this out. I need her to know that I know she’s been working with him. I need her to know that I’m pretending with Bella but with Jordy, I’m all in.

I pull off the road, halfway between the Hollows and campus, turning into the park at the end of the street. When I cut the engine, I get out and go around letting her out.

“What the hell, Logan? You can’t go around kidnapping people off the street. It’s illegal, you know.”

“Oh yeah? Who’s gonna press charges? You?”

“Yes.”

I toss my phone at her after dialing the first two numbers. “Feel free. But the cops won’t get here before I have you creaming all over my cock.”

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