Page 44 of Brutal Kingdom

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No sight has ever been sexier than Jordanna lashed to the rack. She was fully clothed, but I had no trouble picturing her naked body spread out before me. Her wrist and ankles bound, her skin flush with fear and desire.

I was afraid she’d recognize my voice, so I had one of the pledges ask the questions. I believe her when she says her file was corrupted. Now, the question is, who did it, and did they make a duplicate in the process.

Things went further than I planned. I let her go. That was supposed to be the end of it. But she started running and I couldn’t help but stalk and chase. When I caught her, I was compelled to touch. She said yes. She wanted me to take her. Right then and there. I was all set to do it until her brain clicked on.

She walks into our class, gripping her phone in one hand, her bag with the other. I anticipated her response. I knew she’d literally lose her shit trying to outrun us, so I had someone designated for cleanup. Her things were in a box outside of her dorm room when she got back from The Rift.

Internally, I groan in frustration. I was seconds away from her creaming around my cock. Her moment of hesitation gave me time to think about where we were and what I was doing. I ditched my mask when I got on my knees behind her. Anyone could have walked up on us and then this new game I’m playing would be over before it starts.

Graham’s words struck a nerve with me. I went to his office pretending I was thinking about what’s best for the school. But he saw through me and knew I was really there, sizing up the competition. Jordy likes him. Feels safe with him. I can’t have her adding another love sick ally to her side.

Guys like Graham think their women should be protected and will kill to keep them safe. He’s right to worry about me. I’m not safe, and I no longer see or want to preserve that image of perfection that others see in her. I want Jordanna on her knees begging for it. A slut for any cock she can find. I want her so turned out that she’ll take it in every hole at the same time. And I want to watch, because that’s the only way I’ll lose this lingering sense of ownership I think I have over her. Watching her choke someone else down that throat while she struggles to breathe, getting railed from behind, is the only way to stop thinking of her as mine.

If he were anyone else, I’d be happy to let Graham take her off my hands and deal with her. But, he’s a world class prick and no good can come from any VDU student associating with him. I need Graham Holt out of the picture.

A call came in while I was in class. I let it go to voicemail because I was in the middle of a quiz. Now, I’m listening to the message as I’m walking to the cafeteria.

“Hi Logan. It’s me, Sue. I was thinking about what you said and was. Well, I was wondering if I could hire you to take those photos after all.”

Sue is the legal assistant. I return her call, infusing cheer in my voice. “Hey beautiful. I just got your message. It would be my honor to take your pictures. And I know you’re a little nervous about it all, but I promise, I’ll take good care of you.”

She asks if she needs any special hair, makeup, or clothes.

“I think you could wear a trash bag and be the hottest thing on the red carpet. But you do whatever it is that makes you feel sexy.”

I give her the address of the club, tell her what time the photo shoot starts, and pretend I can’t wait to see her. I haven’t been in the mood to take pictures in months. The only reason I’m agreeing to this is because she has access to information I need. I’ve asked questions, and tried to get information out of her, but she won’t share details about her boss’s clients, because she values her job. So, I’m setting up this photo shoot, to keep her distracted long enough for my guy to make a copy of her keys, and find out why Jordanna needs a lawyer.

* * *

Another dinner, another headache. Johnathan Lance is here with his wife, but their daughter is MIA.

“Hello Logan.”

“Mr. Lance, it’s good to see you.” I look around the room, nodding to his wife. “Mrs. Lance.” I smile and say, “And where is your lovely daughter this evening?”

“She had an assignment to finish for school. She should be here shortly.”

I know that’s a lie. Bella left campus at two, so my guess is she’s out shopping, plotting, or shopping while plotting. Those are the only things she spends extra time on. I take up position in the corner of the room by the window, sipping my drink. Waiting for tonight’s latest round of negotiations to begin. Because that’s what this is, a negotiation disguised as a pleasant dinner. It’s how the details of all arranged marriages get hammered out. Over seven course meals and drinks.

Bella breezes into the study, her face slightly flushed, as if she was rushing to get here. “Oh, good. You didn’t start without me.”

“Of course not.” Her mother assures her.

It’s like the deck is stacked in her favor. My mother should be here for this, too. I cut my eyes at my dad. Did he invite her, or is his ass still sore from the initial bite she took out of it? No sense in starting this arrangement off, based on more lies than the ones that are already being told, so I say, “We didn’t start without you, but I certainly considered suggesting it.”

“Son.” I hear the censure in my dad’s voice.

Bella laughs playfully, coming to stand beside me. “It’s okay Davis. I know Logan’s teasing.”

“Am I?”

“Of course you are.” Leaning closer and dropping her voice she says, “Unless you want to spend more time in The Rift for trying to embarrass me in front of my parents.”

The Rift is her threat? She thinks not having sex is a punishment? God, she knows nothing about me. “That would be preferable to pretending I’m not dreaming about taking a bath in acid.”

“I thought we were done with this behavior. Are you still pissed about the takeover?”

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