Page 44 of Cruel Legacy

Her eyes widen. I guess their reputation precedes them. “You had a run-in with them?”

“Nothing I can’t handle.”

“Thea.”

I wait for her to finish, but she doesn’t. She just shares another one of those loaded looks with her husband. “What’s the problem?”

“If you’ve had issues with The Trium, maybe you shouldn’t go to this event tonight. It’s best not to put yourself in their path for a while. Just until things die down.”

“You’re suggesting I flake on LJ because they might be there? Not gonna happen. I’m not sitting at home because some entitled pricks have decided they don’t like me.” You’d think I just let it rip from my ass, the way they’re looking at me. “What?”

Moira clenches her napkin. “Thea. I.Weunderstand you’re used to looking out for yourself and making your own decisions, but on this, you need to trust that we know what’s best. Those boys. They’re trouble. Stay away from them.”

“Trouble?” I laugh. “I can tell you that you’re probably the only person who feels that way. They definitely don’t think anyone should stay away, and judging by the way those boys -as you’ve called them- eat up the attention, they’re all for an audience. Even the teachers and staff kiss their asses just as hard and wet as everyone else.”

I can tell by the way Scott’s looking at me that he didn’t appreciate that imagery. So I double down. “I’m talking tongue flicks and nibbling all up in that puckered flesh. Whole tongue, French Kiss deep in the-”

“Thea!”

I chuckle, waving off Scott’s tone and the throbbing vein in his temple. “Relax. I don’t want anything to do with the golden boys of Canyon Falls U and their not so secret society. If they stay away from me, I’ll stay away from them.”

I shoot off a text to LJ, letting her know I’m on my way.

“What do you know about that?”

I look over at Scott. “Uh, about what?”

“The society.”

“I don’t know anything about it. My friend LJ was talking about the fraternity Rho something or other and then mentioned that the top asshole and his minions are part of some supposed secret society because their rich daddies are. I don’t know how true it is. I’ve asked a few people if it’s secret how come average people know about it, but nobody has an answer for me.”

I tap my phone against my palm. “I’m betting it’s all made up, just to convince people to join row, row, row your boat. I know how effective exclusive marketing can be.”

“Is that why you’re going tonight? To enter pledge season or to be tapped by a society?”

I give Moira a look to let her know she’s fucked in the head. “Of course not. We’re just going to party. I have no interest in joining any clubs or groups unless it’s hiking. Besides, I figure if this subversive branch of fraternity life exists, and it’ssecret, it can’t be good.”

“That’s very sound reasoning there, Thea.” Uncle Scott says, lifting an au gratin potato to his mouth.

I finish my drink and jump to my feet. “Don’t wanna be late. Thanks for dinner.”

“Thea.” My aunt stops me when I get to the door.

“Yeah?” They keep holding me up and I’m getting irritated, but I try to hold it back, preparing myself to hear her say something about just leaving in the middle of the meal or whatever. I mean, I did say thanks for the meal. And it was good, so I ate it all.

“Thanks for coming to dinner, and um, be safe and have fun tonight.”

She gives me a quick hug, then backs away. The shock on her face must match mine. Because I can’t believe she did that.

“Sorry. I know you have boundaries. I just. I’m sorry.”

I shake my head, as if that will help me wade through what I’m feeling. I haven’t broken her arms for touching me. Huh. Progress.

“It’s fine.” I say, and I mean it. I’m fine.

“It is?”

I quickly dash the hope in her eyes. “Itwasfine, but let’s not make this a thing.”

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