Page 62 of Brutal Kingdom

“Why? Is it supposed to be a secret? Gonna be kinda hard to keep it that way for long.”

“I know that. I’m not an idiot. I’m just not ready for people to know yet.” She means Bella, because she’s planning a surprise attack.

“I haven’t told Bella what you’re up to, but she knows you’re digging into the founding families.”

“Anyone else?”

“My dad, and yes, he knows exactly why, but he won’t say anything to anyone.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me. He’s not keeping quiet because I asked him to, it’s because he doesn’t believe you.”

“Just like his son.”

Not like his son. I lock my feelings down, mask firmly in place. “Anything else?”

She shakes her head and, after one more soul searching look, walks off towards her dorm. I feel myself stiffen as I watch her ass. Repeating the words I’ve been saying since last weekend. If I’m gonna reclaim what I lost, I have to keep my dick to myself.

TWENTY-SIX

JORDANNA

Bella just called the latest senior planning meeting to order. I’m in the back of the room sitting in a corner alone, my feet propped up on a chair. No disrespect intended to the furniture, but I’m here to irritate Bella and giving off chill vibes around her uptight robots is one way to do it.

They’re struggling with what winter getaway to do for Christmas. The suggestions don’t take into account people may not have time or money to go. Well, time anyway. I guess I’m the only person here with money issues.

“Why not do something everyone can participate in? Like a winter carnival, and a winter formal. Families can come to the carnival, the dance is for students and staff. Proceeds from both can go to a charity.”

Bella sneers, ready to dismiss my suggestion. Between her and Logan, I’m getting used to having my ideas shut down. “That’s-”

“Brilliant.” The redhead at the end of the second row smiles, seconding my idea.

Someone else says, “We’ve never had a winter formal here or a carnival, I think it’ll be fun.”

Everyone’s speaking all at once, and Bella’s about to go nuclear. “This is not fun. We don’t do anything as tacky as carnivals and winter formals. What are we in high school?”

Shrugging, I say, “If the idea is to raise money that will ultimately go to charity, then maybe booking winter chalets where not everyone will want or can go isn’t the right idea. I mean, how do you earn money off of that? By raising the cost of the trip? What stops people from booking their own vacation for a cheaper price point and meeting you on the slopes?”

“People will pay whatever price we set.”

“And smart people will book their trips at the real price and have money left over for souvenirs.”

“I told you before that there are expectations. Car washes and carnivals are low-class events.”

“They’re also fun and cheap to organize.” I throw my hands up, and say, “But you’re right, your highness. This is your stand up routine. I’m just here to lovingly throw tomatoes at you.”

She bolts to her feet. “How dare you come in here and make a mockery of our meeting.”

“The meeting? Nope. Just you.”

She’s turning red under her flawlessly beat face. Someone’s alarm sounds and she pulls herself together enough to end the meeting on a high note. We get to do this again next week. Yay, team.

“What is your problem?” She hisses when I walk by.

“What’s that thing you said to me before?You.You’re my problem.”

“You really think you can take me on, Charity?”

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