Page 138 of Cruel Legacy

Finn’s head pops up. “Why would we do that?”

“Just because we’ve seen her go into buildings doesn’t mean she doesn’t slip out another way. We all know this town and campus are full of secrets. How to make your way around and through it undetected is one of the biggest ones.”

Finn shakes his head. “Now you’re reaching.”

“No, you’re ignoring the facts and acting pussy whipped.”

“What facts? We don’t have any, unless you count the fact that you’re being a secretive asshole, just like your father.”

I thought I was hiding it better, but I should have known they’d see through me. Holden lowers his tablet and says, “Pax, now might be the time to tell us if there’s something else going on here.”

* * *

Thea

I chuckle at the message on my phone. Finn’s been contacting me on the school’s social app all week. He wants me to promise to show up at the movie theater tonight. I’m training with Wolfe and don’t know if I’m gonna have enough energy to sit through a late night screening. Of course I didn’t tell him that. I just said I’m on my way to let a man get me all hot and sweaty, and let him infer what he wants from that.

He’s inferred that means sex and is now demanding to know who I’m fucking.

Since my sex life is none of his business, I’ve been refusing to answer.

Knife Boy

Whoever he is, Pet. You don’t need him

I can do all kinds of delicious things to you.

We can skip the movie, and I’ll show you

Me

I like the way he works me over

Whatever you’re offering can’t even come close

Knife Boy

You need to tell me who this dead man is

If I have to hunt down the answer myself,

You won’t like the consequences.

Me

Bring it on, Knife Boy

When I look up from my phone, I spot Pax leaning against my car. I scan the parking lot for signs of Finn. If he sent this lug to follow me, we need to have a talk about stealth. Pax is a walking billboard. His ink, his height, and his perma-scowl, makes it impossible for him to blend in.

I plaster a smile on my face. “Oh my god, are you here to wash and detail my car? Make sure you get the tires with your toothbrush and I’ll give you a nice tip.”

“Here’s a tip. Whatever you think you’re doing with Finn, knock it off.”

“Or… whatever your friend thinks he’s doing with me… is none of your fucking business.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Everything on this campus is my business.”

I pluck imaginary lint off my shirt. “Only the people trying to suck up to your overbearing ass are stupid enough to pretend to believe that. Since I don’t fit into either of those camps, I’m happy to tell you to fuck off.”

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