Page 87 of Brutal Kingdom

What situation?

Nothing. You’re going, so just send your RSVP before I do it for you

You mean like you sent my grades to him?

Everyone’s grades and ranks are available on Prospectus. That’s how he picked all the students who are invited

I’d forgotten about that.

I still can’t come

You’d be a fool not to show up. It’s senior year. If you don’t intern with a company this summer you’ll never get a job

Thanks for the vote of confidence

I have every confidence in your ability to do the job if you’re hired, but to get your foot in the door, you need more in your portfolio than what you have.

He’s right, but I want to do this on my own

Thank your dad for me, but I really can’t accept.

What’s wrong? Afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?

That hadn’t crossed my mind but now I know I’m not coming. If you’re gonna be there the selection couldn’t have been fair

Don’t worry, I didn’t take anyone’s spot. Dad went with the person ranked third in our program since I’m related to him

Oh. That’s good. Nice to see not all things come down to nepotism and favoritism.

I’m not afraid of being around you. A three-day weekend away from school will derail the progress I’m making on my senior project.

If you come, I’ll tell you everything I know about your other project.

You know what I know.

That’s true, but my father has access to some documents we don’t. Come to the retreat, and I’ll share them with you.

Logan could be lying, but if there’s a chance I can get access to secret intel from an elite? I can’t pass this up.

Promise?

Promise

THIRTY-FIVE

JORDANNA

Rocco’s sitting next to me, watching me draw a bouquet of wildflowers. “So you and Graham are hanging out now?”

“I guess.” Looking up from my drawing, I ask, “Is that a problem?”

He shrugs, looking over at his sister. “Growing up like we do, it’s hard to make friends that don’t want to kill us. He was lucky enough to get out and have the chance to meet nice people.”

“You’re out too.”

“I’m the firstborn son. There is no out. When I’m done with school, I’m expected to go back to the fold.”

“Then why did they let you move here?”

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