Page 32 of Brutal Kingdom

“I’m surprised he told you what happened, but I’m sure he left out a lot of details. Jordanna, you know he’ll use any angle he can to manipulate people, and we both know he’s out to hurt you. The only way he can do that is by making you doubt me, the only friend you have here with real power and connections.”

“That’s a wonderful theory, but Logan’s not the one who told me.”

“He didn’t, then who did?”

“It’s not important who did. The question is why didn’t you?”

“Because I tried to get back at Logan and nothing ever stuck. I graduated and became a TA. I run my grad school frat. What would I look like still trying to make life miserable for an undergrad? One who happened to be my student? I grew up Jordanna. We all have to sometime.” He looks hurt that I even asked him to explain himself.

Stepping closer, I grab his hand. “I’m sorry. You’re right. You never once pushed an agenda on me, and you let me go after Logan the way I wanted to and have been nothing but supportive. I’m sorry if I brought up bad memories or made you think I don’t trust you, because I do. You have had my back every step of the way since the moment I came to school. I guess I’m still a little on edge about everything.”

He pulls me into a hug, rubbing his hand against my back. “I forgive you, on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“We take off for a few hours and grab a bite to eat.” He releases me, looking around the room again. “And I can have someone come by and install new locks while we’re out.”

Letting out a breath, I say, “Okay. I’d appreciate that.”

FOURTEEN

JORDANNA

Noel had a new door hung, the windows replaced, and the locks on my door fixed by the time we came back from dinner. I feel a little safer now, since I know no one can just waltz in anytime they want. I’ve cleaned and disinfected my room, took out the school issued bed and frame, and brought myself an air mattress, but I’m still having trouble sleeping because I hear the mice scurrying around in the walls and running across the abandoned floors next door. I’m afraid they’ll come back into my room too.

Pepper’s voicing her displeasure. “Jordanna, your living arrangements are abysmal. With a simple call I can have you in an apartment off campus.”

“I kinda like the dorm I’m in. It’s empty and away from prying eyes.” It’s a lie. I hate it.

“It’s also falling down around your ears.”

“It’s neglected, yes. But if I’m supposed to be keeping things quiet, suddenly popping up with enough money for an apartment out in town will draw suspicion and lead people to asking questions I can’t answer yet.”

“This isn’t about keeping a low profile. It’s about your safety.”

“Well, I think Noel has that covered.”

“The Hansen boy?”

“Boy? Pepper, he’s an adult getting ready to finish grad school. Not a six year old running around town.”

She chuckles. “I see. And is there a romantic dynamic to this friendship with the Hansen adult?”

“Not on my end.”

“And his?”

I mull her question over in my head. “I don’t know. Maybe a little? But after what you and Kassidy told me, I’m trying to read the signs and make sure whatever his intentions are, have nothing to do with world domination.”

“In this town, it all leads to world domination. But sometimes, a few good ones pop up.” She pulls the table with our game over. “Let’s say he’s finally making a move against Logan. Where do you fit into this plan?”

“I have no clue. But when I figure it out, you’ll be the first person to know.”

“You must be lost.” One of the girls always hanging around Logan says, glancing around the room for support.

“Isn’t this the senior planning committee?”

“Yeah, but-”

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