Page 131 of Brutal Kingdom

“Either works for me.”

It’ll work for me too.

“So what are your plans for this weekend?” Simon asks.

“It’s only Wednesday Simon. Who makes plans for the weekend this early?”

“I just wanna make sure you’re not sitting around here moping.”

“I’m not, Smallville.”

“Or plotting a revenge scheme without me.”

I chuckle. “I’m not doing that either.” He arches a brow waiting for an answer. “Okay, fine. You got me. I made plans for this weekend. Kassidy is having a small get-together at the dorms. Happy now?”

He grunts an answer and goes back to typing code or hacking shit, or whatever the hell it is that he’s doing.

FIFTY-ONE

LOGAN

Kassidy’s small winter jam party is a full-fledged dorm event which has spilled out onto the front and back of the building. I spot Jordanna immediately. She’s in the middle of a group watching people do keg stands. I hear someone yelling she’s next.

She grabs the edge of the metal tub and trusts the guys to suspend her by her ankles without dropping her. Look at this shit. Nobody’s standing around as if they're holding court. Nobody looks like they feel left out. This is the type of fun and carefree, partying Simon is always talking about. I watch Jordy sucking on that hose, like she sucks on my cock.

She rights herself, giving double high fives to the people around her, and saunters over to the makeshift snack table to grab a brownie and a bottle of water. I stalk behind her, keeping my head down. I just need a minute with her. To see her face, smell her scent. I got her calls and texts over the Thanksgiving break, but dad was watching me like a hawk and Bella practically moved into our house, so I couldn’t respond to any of them.

She’s at the end of the hall, near the fire exit, trying to catch her breath. This is the opening I need. Her eyes widen when she sees me. I shut out the light on this end of the hall, and back her further into the dark, towards the couch that’s against the wall.

“What are you doing here?”

“It’s a party. Have you ever known me to miss one?” I ask, leaning forward, grazing my nose against her neck. God, I miss her smell.

Leaning away, she asks, “Who knows what you’re into nowadays? Oh, forgive me. I guess your future wife knows. Speaking of. Where is the old bitch with your chain?”

“You’re back to that shit? Accusing me of letting Bella pull my strings?”

Her shoulder lifts. “Your strings. Your dick. Has the same result.”

“Careful.” I growl.

“Awe. What’s the matter? Can’t stand hearing the truth? Bella owns you. She’ll always own you. And we both know it’s because of that thing in your pants.”

“I wouldn’t be in this situation if it weren’t for you.” The words come out harder than I intend because she’s picking a fight when all I want to do is hold her.

“Mm. I know. That’s my point. Your dick wanted me, and it hasn’t stopped wanting me. It makes you reckless, and me a fool. So now, here we are. You’re marrying Bella and there’s no getting out of it. You know what’s funny?” She looks up at me, a soft smile on her face. “You’re stuck with one of the only women on campus who doesn’t wanna fuck you. I think that’s a fitting punishment. Don’t you?” She tilts her head, smirking at me. “I guess my cousin and I finally have something in common.”

I’m taken aback by her words. We’ve always had that between us. No matter how mad or hurt we are, the attraction, the chemistry. That crazy paint melting fire has always been there. Looking at her, I see no signs of that desire that’s usually in her eyes. “You don’t want me?”

“That’s right. I’ve finally gotten you out of my system.”

“And how did you do that?”

She bites her lip. Eyes shining like she has a secret.

“Jordy?” My tone threatens, letting her know I’m not in the mood for any games.

“I finally met a real man. Someone who’s not afraid to stand up for me. He doesn’t just say he wants to protect me. He actually goes out and does it.”

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