Page 4 of Brutal Kingdom

Tabitha and I say in unison.

“You brought Jordanna into our lives and refused to do what I told you to do, to get rid of her. How can I be certain she’s not still festering like a boil under your skin?”

“First of all, I didn’t do what you wanted because I wasn’t taking orders from you, and second, you don’t have to worry about that. I’m completely done with Jordanna Felding.”

“Well,I’min charge now and I am worried, for good reason. You haven’t found those files yet, have you?”

I can see where this is going. I sit quietly as Bella continues, “You know, I’ve been wondering how she got access to such sensitive information about us to begin with. How do I know you didn’t help her?”

“Sounds like you’re paranoid. I’m just as exposed as you are.”

“And it sounds to me, like you’re protecting her.”

I shake my head at the lunacy of her accusation. “I can assure you Bella, I’m still working on getting those files.”

“Work faster, and in the meantime you need to prove your allegiance to me.”

Here we go. The hoops I was waiting for. “And how do you suggest I do that?”

“By going through a series of tests to prove you’re no longer thinking with your dick.”

“Tests?” Tabitha tilts her head, eyeing Bella suspiciously. “What kind of tests?”

I’m with Tabby. I don’t know what tests she’s talking about, but knowing Bella, it’s painful and might include electric shock. No way in hell I’m letting her put probes on my dick.

“Logan has to prove he’s in control. That he can play and punish like always, and that he hasn’t gone all soft on me.”

That’s hilarious. I’ve been soft around her for years. Stifling an eye roll, I ask the next logical question. “How?”

“By surviving Hell Night at The Rift.”

Nobody says anything. It’s a weird suggestion, and one I never would have made as king. Not even Noel was crazy enough to host an official Hell Night at The Rift. It’s a torturous event for the person going through it. A voyeuristic gang bang, and the person only comes out when they’ve taken everyone on the roster or go unconscious. It’s basically seven minutes in hell to the infinite power.

Sitting back I smirk, “You want me to bang a bunch of women to prove I’m over Jordanna? Bring it on.”

“No silly. I want you to resist a bunch of women. Women who are doing their best to seduce you. Pulling out all their tricks and treats. I want you to prove you’re really in control, so that I don’t worry about you falling for a patch of pussy again.”

“Keep my dick in my pants with tits and ass all over?” That’s shit’s easy. I haven’t gotten a boner for another chick since Jordy. I sit back in my seat with a casual shrug. “If that’s what it takes to put you at ease, I’ll do it.”

TWO

JORDANNA

Move-in day. I’ve done it so many times already. You’d think by now that the first day of school routine would be easy, but nope, it’s complicated as fuck. I stood in line for three hours to pick up my key. I’m assigned to Calloway Hall, a senior dorm, on the bottom floor, between the front door and elevator. This year, I have no steps to travel, and get to enjoy the vocal stomping and yelling from people coming in and out.

Kassidy’s a part of an immersive psych course this semester, so she’s rooming with one of the other girls in the program. No matter how much I asked, they wouldn’t let me live there, too. So, that leaves me with Wanda Speer. You might know her as the god-daughter of Blake Heimdahl, the Oscar-winning actress. Wanda’s got a bit of a chip on her shoulder and wastes no time telling me she’s pre-med.

I drag my suitcase into my room, staring at it when I sling it onto my bed. Wanda has a discovery health show playing on the television in the common area. The kind where they get graphic with the details. God, I miss Kassidy already. I’m tired and make it as far as unpacking my underwear, socks and half my clothes before calling it quits.

When I’m done, I change into my PJs and climb into bed, since there’s no expectation of a late night gab session between me and my new roomie. Tucked under the covers, I mentally check off the list of things I need to do tomorrow after I stop by The Guild to make sure my name is still on the roster.

I spent half the summer on a technology hiatus. With Bella in charge of the school, there’s no telling what changes she made while I was gone. The way the students rule the teachers, she could have convinced Mrs. Morgan to cut me from the staff.

As for my job in the dean’s office. I’m not sure if I’ll be doing that again this year. Fingers crossed, I’m hoping I won’t need the protection of him and his office this year. Logan cornered me on the ferry, demanding answers about why I played him the way I did, but the rest of the BPs steered clear of me this summer. Were they regrouping or retreating? Only time will tell.

Speaking of time, I’m almost out of it. The deadline for deciding about this inheritance is approaching. Summer is onboard with the idea, but mom has more than a few reservations. Her biggest worry is the impact Penn’s case will have on us. It’s a valid concern. He’s a scam artist and Bella’s family could easily argue we are, too. There’s also still the little matter of the missing money from his investments. If I inherit a fortune, will Uncle Sam find a loophole and come after that for restitution? I need an estate lawyer to answer that question, but I can’t actually ask without outing myself.

I shut my brain and the lights off. Forcing my body to relax. Sleep deprived is not the way to approach tomorrow, when I might run into the BPs or their cronies on campus. I did something no one has ever done before. I fought back, and I need to be energized and alert, in case of an attack.

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