Page 54 of Brutal Kingdom

“We agreed not to share the details with each other, because the fewer people who know whatever you dug up, the more protected we were from blackmail.”

“Protected from blackmail from each other. That’s what you mean, right?” He doesn’t answer, but I know I’ve guessed correctly. “Well, you stumbled onto the answer about what Bella’s hiding, and you’re right, I could be lying. Let’s start with what’s easy to prove. The will is valid. You can find a copy in the same place I filed that petition. If you wanna know moreabout thistown, do your research. I think the county archives in Garonet might be a good place to start.”

I stand, walking over to the door and hold it open for him to leave. He crosses the threshold, then turns at the door to say, “Jordanna, Iwilllook into this. And if I find out, this is another one ofyourgames. There won’t be a place on the face of this earth you can hide, or feel safe. You’ll never work in your chosen field, because I’ll let everyone know what a con-artist you are.”

I stare him down, feeling the seriousness of his words. He’d really paint me as a criminal and with his family controlling the media, there wouldn’t be anyway to prove otherwise. “The only con was the one you played on yourself, Logan. Did I trick you into falling for me last semester? Yes, but only after you tricked me into falling in love with you first.”

“You want a cease-fire, Jordanna? Then tell me the truth. Where does Noel come to play in all of this?”

“He has nothing to do with it.”

“And that’s why I can’t believe you, because you still can’t own up to the truth.”

“What truth?”

“That you let Noel get in your head and use you to get back at me. Does he have a copy of our files?”

“I let Noel be my friend, and I let him and Sterling in on my plan to hurt you the way you hurt me, but I never showed them the files on you or any of your friends.”

“Noel was there that day in the dining hall. You’re telling me he doesn’t know what you have on each of us?”

“Noel’s version of revenge is an eye for an eye, and that’s what he suggested. He never considered I might do anything else.”

“He thinks you have pictures of us in compromising positions, because I took pictures of you?”

“That’s right. Photographic evidence of you all in a group orgy, to be exact. And you’re a bottom in case you were wondering.”

I slam the door in his face before he can react.

TWENTY-TWO

LOGAN

Research. That word encompasses so many hours of my life. For school, work, and now in my spare time to uncover the truth. Jordanna’s story is fantastical, and hard to prove. That’s why I have no doubt, she’s telling the absolute truth about thinking she’s a descendent of Elijah Summer.

We couldn’t find anything linking her to Bella, but that’s because we didn’t know where to look. Now we do. She said this is the information she had on Bella.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family.”

Dammit. When I confronted her about being at Hell Night, she told me they threatened her sister. Then Bella moved her to the dungeon. It was only a matter of time before Jordanna struck back. So why isn’t Bella keeping low?

My mind flashes to Jordanna’s confession the night of the hunt. Bella must know she doesn’t have those files, but it probably never occurred to the self-appointed king that Jordy would have paper copies of the documents she found on Elijah.

I settle back in my seat after sending Lex a text. If this is legit, and Jordanna pulls it off, this will be the end of Bella and a sure-fire way to get me out of this ridiculous deal my father’s made to marry me off to her. Too bad I can’t bring dad in on this, just yet. First, I need some tangible proof that this isn’t another step in an elaborate ruse. I have to go on fact and ignore my gut, which is saying Jordanna’s telling the truth.

Bella struts into the cafe, looking around in disgust. It’s no longer the luxurious hangout experience it once was, because she prefers the dining hall, which seats a larger audience. I still like the cafe and since it’s relatively empty, there’s no one around to overhear our conversation. Of course I could have done this in my dorm room or anywhere else, but the cafe is still my domain. I’m holding the power in today’s meeting, but I know the best way to get her to show her hand is by letting her think she’s in control.

“Make this quick, Logan.” She says, sitting in the only other chair at the table. It’s wobbly and the legs squeak when she moves, as if it means to plant her on her ass at any second. That makes it hard for her to sit with an air of authority.

I pretend not to notice and pitch my voice low, looking around as if I’m worried someone will overhear us. “I’m sorry to interrupt whatever you had going on, but I thought this was important.”

“What?”

“I don’t know how true it is, but I think we can both agree we don’t need anymore surprises.” Looking around again, I lean closer and say. “I think Jordanna’s up to something.”

“That piece of trash is always up to something. But don’t worry, she won’t be able to come at us again. There’s no way to prove we’re the reason she’s living in the dungeon.”

Prove no. But who else would have messed up her living arrangements like this? Jordanna’s no fool. Not when it comes to things like that. My skin still crawls in disgust, thinking about anyone living there. The renovations are still going, but it’s taking a little too long for my liking. I know the shower on her floor is still inoperable, and she’s walking downstairs using the one on an all male floor. She doesn’t have a choice. She’s the only woman in the building. Maybe I should put in a call to my guy to grease the wheels with the contractor to hurry things along.

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