Page 142 of Cruel Legacy

I help myself to another flute of champagne and turn towards the door at the wrong moment.

The bubbles go up my nose, and the liquid down my air pipe, causing me to sputter.

I compose myself quickly, but the damage is done. I’ve already embarrassed myself, and it’s their fault.

They’re late, just like they are for the school parties. But now, I know it’s a choice. They like turning heads when they make an entrance. Tonight is no exception.

Usually I ignore their slow-mo walks into a room. That’s not happening this time. They’re in suits. All three of them.

In a world where they’re already too damn attractive, this is just unfair. Finn ditched his beanie, his hair falling in waves against his forehead. The dark blue three-piece suit fits his athletic frame to perfection. He’s opted for a crisp white shirt, silver patterned tie and straight fold pocket square.

Holden’s in black, his white banded collar unbuttoned at the neck. His hair is styled away from his face, a hint of shadow roughs his jaw. He’s also wearing a pocket square, but his is stuffed into the pocket, adding to his deconstructed look.

He’s casually formal, and understatedly sexy. I’m fighting the urge to go over and stick my hand through the opening of his shirt to squeeze his pecs.

The lead Coxsucker is leaning heavily into the silver spoon bad boy vibe he always has going on. The cut of his suit accentuates his wide shoulders. He’s also foregone the tie and a button, his jacket’s open, showing the vest underneath. His hair is slicked back, highlighting the angles on his face. His tattooed neck on full display. His ink in stark contrast to the formality of the suit.

I’m given different looks by way of greeting. Finn smiles and winks. Holden drags his eyes over every inch of my dress. I cock my hip, showing just how high up the split actually goes. It’s not an invite, but if he’s gonna check me out like I’m a museum exhibit, he should get the full effect.

Of course, his expression is unreadable and I can’t decide if he likes what he sees or not.

Pax is always the easiest to read out of the three of them. He oozes hate and disgust. Dressing up to look like a mafia prince doesn’t change that, any more than making me look like a runway model changes me, and in the spirit of being ourselves, I lift my middle finger in greeting.

Before our usual series of glowers and death stares can kick off, Eloise cuts across the floor, heading straight for them. She kisses Finn’s cheek, then Pax’s and finally Holden’s.

Oh, so she can kiss him, but my touch when he was shoving his tongue in my mouth grossed him out? I fight the urge to go over and touch him out of spite.

Instead of moving along, she stands next to Finn, giving me a cruel smile. The possessive stance and grip on his arm, telling me he’s off limits. I stare at that hand, and brush my fingers against the side of my thigh, letting Clint comfort and ground me. I will not let this bitch bait me. Not tonight in LJ’s home.

She leads Finn to where the other legacies are standing. Pax and Holden follow. My two minutes of excitement are over and now I need something else to do.

“Why is a beautiful girl like you standing over here all by yourself?”

Thank god. Someone I actually like has arrived. I smile up at Austin. He looks good too. Damn, do they teach them how to dress up as GQ models or what? He’s in a pale grey suit with a light purple shirt and a dark purple tie.

“I don’t know anyone here, other than you and LJ and since my track record with making friends is so bad, I figured it would be safer for the party guests if I stay over here and guard the dessert table.”

“And where is Miss Leyla-Jean?”

I point to where she is. Her parents have introduced her to someone else. I’m thinking she won’t get free until she’s had face time with every guy in here.

I’m happy and horrified on her behalf. Happy, because she needs practice interacting with guys, horrified that her parents are parading her around like this, forcing her to do it.

Turning back to Austin, I ask, “Why aren’t you over there being bored by old people like everyone else?”

“Student athlete. Right now, all anyone cares about is if we’re selling tickets and winning games. Sports is the biggest revenue stream on campus and in town, so I don’t have to smile and nod like an idiot at the alumni. They’re happy to donate money to Canyon Falls’ Athletic Department.”

“Right, but based on what LJ said, the people here are trying to make business connections and the kids are supposed to brag on their parents.”

“Shit.” He chuckles. “You still don’t know, do you?”

“Know what?”

“Who my father is.”

“Mr. Kincaid.”

Now he outright laughs at me. “RogerKincaid. Owner of the Canyon Falls Coyotes.”

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