Page 120 of Brutal Kingdom

I wouldn’t put it past her to be outside the door, listening in. “Again. No clue what you’re saying.”

“You fucked her. And even if I hadn’t heard it, I can see you’re calmer.”

Were we really that loud? Shit. I can’t bring myself to feel bad about it. “There’re a lot of women here. It’s interesting that you automatically assume I slept with Jordanna.”

“Who else could it have been?”

“Did it ever occur to you that I might’ve been watching porn really loudly?”

Simon steps into the room, quickly ushering a girl from last night’s mixer outside. “Or maybe you heard me.”

Bella darts her eyes at him. “What?”

“I mean, how do you really know which super hot fucking session you heard? Were you outside the door listening and getting off?” He asks, stepping closer. “You don’t have to do that. Just give me a chance to get blackout drunk and I’ll let you experience it firsthand.”

This is why this dude is my best friend, no matter what. I didn’t even have to ask for help and he’s here covering for me.

“She called Logan’s name.”

He points to me, and then back at himself. “You must’ve forgotten what we’re into.”

Used to be into. Pre Jordy. But nows not the time to clarify.

Bella squints her eyes, looking for a lie. “You’re saying you shared a girl last night.”

“I don’t fuck and tell, Bitcherella. But I’m not,notsaying it either.” He smirks at her. “Hope you’re prepared for you life with brother husbands.”

Her face turns red and I nearly choke on my OJ. She turns to walk off, and he calls after her. “Might wanna start doing those kegels. We like it tight.” When we’re certain she’s gone, Simon turns to me with a frown on his face. “Unnecessary risks Logan. That’s not like you.”

“I know, man. I needed a release.”

“And as hot as it was listening on the other side of the wall, it was still stupid.”

Scrubbing my hand through my hair, I admit it was. I’ll be no help to Jordanna if Bella gets suspicious. I walked through his room to get to hers and I know he was in the doorway when I crawled into bed with her. “I know, and next time, put on your noise cancelling headphones, asshole.”

“There’s not gonna be a next time. Not here or anywhere else, since Bella’s keeping tabs on you.”

I hear Jordanna outside. I turn in time to see her drift past the door, her arm linked with the interns she was sitting with at dinner. My cock twitches, remembering last night. I quickly think of something else, so I don’t go after her. My body shakes from the strain of not moving. That’s how powerful my need for her is. How much she owns me and draws me in.

“You’re so fucked.” Simon says, clasping a hand on my shoulder.

I grunt in agreement.

Dad has a full list of activities and panels planned for today. I make a note to suggest we do a version of this event again next year. I’ve already heard three people saying this weekend has moved McKay Media to the top of their job hunting list.

Because I fucked up last night, I’m glued to Bella’s side, pretending she’s the only woman in the world for me. She knows it’s fake but eats up the attention she’s getting from the other women in attendance. I don’t have to say anything. The fact that I’m ignoring everyone but her sends a message that I’m off the market.

My bachelor status being revoked isn’t a problem. Iamoff the market. But my girl is here playing the game just like I am, pretending I don’t mean shit to her. Acting unbothered by this leech on my arm. It’s what we have to do, but I hate it.

We’re manning the registration table for tomorrow’s Q&A session. Like a gentleman, I stand, waiting for Bella to take her seat. It’s laughable. Not because I don’t have manners. I do. That shits ingrained in me. My mother made sure of it. But it’s laughable because we all know Bella’s no fucking lady.

* * *

I used my key to let myself into Jordanna’s apartment. I have dinner warming in the oven and I’m running her a bubble bath. This’ll be the last night we can spend together for a while and I want it to be special. She walks in while I’m running the water.

“What are you doing here?” She asks, slipping her arms around me.

“Taking care of you. How’d it go?”

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