Page 71 of Brutal Kingdom

I glare down at her. “No more of this shit, Bella.”

“Fine. No more.” She averts her gaze. She’s already done something else.

“What did you do?”

“This was already in motion before you came over here. But after this, no more. I promise.”

“What?”

“Some people are just having a little fun with her in the dungeon. I told them to scare her a little.”

“And when is this going down?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not. I don’t know, but they’re supposed to live stream it, when it happens.”

I have to keep it together. Pretend I’m okay with this. “Keep me looped in.”

“Sure thing.”

I look down at my ringing phone. It’s like the fucker has ESP. I answer it, telling Simon to hold on until I’m clear of the cafeteria. Before he starts shooting the shit, I say, “You must’ve sensed that things are going to shit around here.”

“What d’ya need?”

* * *

Simon moves faster than I expected, and through whatever computer voodoo he does, he found a scholarship fund Jordanna could use for housing, and manipulated the residence hall data base to show her transferred to Kennedy Hall. Her room is right down the hall from mine. She should already have gotten the call from Atkins’ office informing her of the change.

I hear her complaining about the switch to Kassidy when I walk into the coffee shop. “Maybe this is them finally correcting their error.” Kassidy says.

“Or another BP attempt. They’re moving me into another dump, since the dorm I’m in is getting renovated.”

“I am a little jealous of all the upgrades they have planned for that building. Soon it’ll be called The Palace instead of The Dungeon.”

“I’m unpacked. I’m comfortable. It’s annoying to have to move again.”

“I know, but Dundee Hall still isn’t safe, especially since there’s like only you and one other person still living there.” They move forward in line. “I’ll come over tonight and help you pack, and we can get Noel and the guys to help us get you all moved in by tomorrow. I know I’ll sleep better once it’s done.”

“Did I just hear someone calling my name?” Noel asks, walking up, pulling Jordanna into a hug.

“Yes. I was just volunteering you to help Jordanna move into her new dorm.”

“You’re moving again?”

“I got an email today saying my dorm assignment has changed again. I’m supposed to meet with Mr. Atkins tomorrow to sign my new paperwork and get the keys.”

Kassidy steps forward, ordering her drink. “And I was telling her anywhere else on campus is better than where she’s staying now.”

“That’s true, Jordanna, and I’d be happy to donate my muscles to helping you move.”

“You have muscle?” I hear the flirtatious teasing of Jordanna’s voice.

“I do. Maybe I’ll even take my shirt off and flex for you.”

I felt good about helping her move. Now I’m pissed Noel’s trying to take advantage of it. If anyone’s getting sweaty helping her move and then stripping afterwards, it should be me.

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