Page 111 of Brutal Kingdom

“Trust me, Bella will have no issues signing a sheet of paper and turning around and sleeping with someone else.”

“That’s not the devotion I’m talking about, Logan. You and your friends go out of your way to protect each other, no matter how fucked up the situation is. It’s you guys against the world, acting without remorse. Sure, you say you’re sorry, but in the end, you always do what’s best for you and your group.”

“I’m trying to protect you, Jordy. Not them. You.” She’s still patting at her legs with my sweater when I say, “I know about Simon.”

“What? I -”

“Don’t. I know everything. I saw you with him at the baseball field, and I made him tell me everything.”

“He shouldn’t have.”

“You’re right. I should’ve heard it from you.”

She opens the passenger door, flinging the sweater on the seat. “Logan, I couldn’t tell you. Not with the way things were between us.”

“It’s okay.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Oh, I’m pissed that my best friend and my girlfriend were plotting against me, but I understand why.”

She gives me a sad smile. “I’m not your girlfriend.”

Not this shit again. How many times do I have to claim her before she gets it in her head that she’s never getting rid of me? “I love you, Jordy, and I know you love me. This thing with Bella is just another small obstacle we have to overcome. We can do that.”

“I don’t.”

She’s about to lie. I arch my brow, daring her to do it.

“My feelings for you are complicated. This whole situation is complicated. I can’t paint a bigger target on my back, or yours. I don’t like that you’re marrying Bella, but maybe if she’s focused on you I can push my case through.”

“And then?”

“Then, I don’t know Logan. You said you want to help. Help me win. Use your connections like you promised and keep Bella distracted. I’ll take any advantage I can get, but I need to keep a clear head because if I don’t, this could all blow back on my sister and my mom. No matter what I want, I have to think about them.”

I step closer. “And what about what just happened? How did they fit into you begging me to ravage your pussy?”

“That,” she pecks my lips, “Was for me.”

“Where are you going?” I ask when she walks away.

“To meet my ride.”

I watch her walk to the end of the parking lot and slip inside the back seat of the same sedan I’ve seen on campus a few times. Was that car out here the entire time?

When Jordanna came to this school, I would’ve sworn she was incapable of deception. She plays the game just as good as anyone, but there’s still a lot she has to learn to navigate this world. Things I can’t wait to teach her. But she’s right. First, we have to prove her identity and take Bella out of the equation. Looking down at my phone, I see I have a missed text from my dad. I text him back, letting him know I’m on my way.

There’s a car in the driveway when I reach the house. I smash my hand against the steering wheel. It’s a good thing Jordy declined my invitation, because the Lance’s have come for a visit. Strolling into the house together would have been awkward.Fun, but awkward, and I don’t want to reveal my true motivations for letting Bella get close just yet. I know exactly where they are when I enter the house. Plastering a smile on my face, I step into dad’s study. “Sorry I’m late.” I say, walking into the room heading directly for the bar cart to fix myself a drink.

Jordanna’s scent clings to me. I’d like nothing better than to slip up to my room and let her know I’m thinking about finding her and fucking her again, but that would be rude and I know better than to embarrass my father like that. It’s also rude to smell like another woman in the presence of your future father-in-law, but nobody told me to expect company.

For every move I make to get out of this contract, Bella’s going to try to find a way to block me. Jordy asked me to buy her time, and I want to prove I’m on her side. Trying to protect her. I hate this and want to tell everyone in this room to fuck off, but the only way to find a smoking gun is by letting Bella get comfortable enough to show her hand. And to do that, I have to let her think she’s won.

FORTY-TWO

JORDANNA

Ihit redial on my phone, waiting for it to connect. When he answers, I say, “Hey. I’m sorry I didn’t call you back yesterday. I was swamped.”

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