Page 48 of Brutal Kingdom

“That’s right, because you don’t get to walk around doing whatever you please and springing a new blackmail scheme on us. Not this time.”

“Logan, whatever I’m doing has nothing to do with you.”

“I don’t believe you. You’re not just here spending the day in Ridgestone Crest, the town that houses our rival school. I saw you put something in a book, and when I went to grab it, it was gone. You’re a con artist and have been playing us all since the beginning. I guess it’s a longer game than I thought. I’ll find out what you’re really up to. You should just tell me now, to save what happens when I find out on my own.”

“Threats, intimidation. Stormy glare. I know your moves, Logan, and I know your plays. So do what you have to do, and I’ll do the same.”

“You know my plays, huh?”

“That’s right. You’re not gonna catch me doing anything, because there’s nothing to catch.”

“You look so innocent and sincere when you say that. Like a goddess entreating men to fall down and worship at your feet. I know firsthand that you’re anything but.”

“I never asked you to put me on a pedestal.”

Stepping closer, he says, “I don’t have you up there now. You’re no better than dirt under my shoe.”

I take back the inch of space he’s invaded. “The feeling’s mutual.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

He grabs me close, and leans down as if he means to kiss me. I lift my hand to smack him but he must see it coming. He grabs my wrist before I make contact with his face.

“Nice try.”

I wrench my arm free. “If you ever try to kiss me again, I’ll aim lower.”

The elevator restarts with a jolt, I’m unsteady on my feet briefly grazing against him. He pushes me away as if disgusted by my touch.

“Iwillfind out what you’re up to Jordanna.”

“Last warning, Logan, stay away from me, or I’ll make you regret the day you ever met me.”

“I already do.”

The doors open, and I step into the main level. I fight back the sting of tears from his words, as I walk out of the library, telling myself it’s a good thing he hates me so much. It makes holding on to my own anger so much easier.

TWENTY

LOGAN

Well, this turn of events was unexpected. I’m supposed to watch her from afar, not cross paths with her and get into a shouting match. Our words were angry and cut deep, but in the space of time I was locked in the elevator with her, I felt light and happy. Crazy right? That a conniving woman like Jordanna can make me feel anything good, even when we’re fighting?

Her innocent routine doesn’t work on me anymore. First she’s hanging with Graham Holt. Now she’s spending time in Ridgestone Crest. I’m surrounded by women who try to deceive me at every turn. A manipulator in my future. A liar in my past. Maybe I should’ve linked up with one of the other women my dad tried to push my way over the years. They were thirsty and pleasant.Boring.But at least I knew I could control them.

I tried to kiss her, and that’s mistake number one. My plan for Jordanna is to have her always on edge, salivating for release. Begging for a good fuck, but it’s not supposed to come from me. Burying my dick inside her only leads to one road. Us hurting and betraying each other.

I stare at the street sign bearing the town insignia for Ridgestone Crest, the lakeside town where Worthington University is located. It’s an hour’s drive to Kingsley Hollow by car. A twenty-minute ride by boat, across the lake.

Most of the people who live here go to Worthless U, but a few, like Bella and Dixon, choose to come to VDU. Without question, we’re the superior school. But for a second, I wish we weren’t and Bella would have taken her spot over there with her high school buddies.

Talk about a ripple effect. If she wasn’t at VDU, dad wouldn’t be so hard press to marry me off to her, and I’d be free to… Just free. None of this happens without joining up with Bella.

For just a second, I entertain the thought of what it could have been like if Jordanna was just any other woman I’d met. How things would’ve been if I’d seen her as a man spotting an attractive woman for the first time. If we weren’t this doomed pairing, but two people who were always honest with each other, respecting our love, nurturing our friendship.

The two of us fit together in so many ways. She’s the type of person I wouldn’t be pissed about coming home to. A woman I could truly build something with. We’d be an unstoppable force.

---