Page 188 of Heartless Legacy

“I didn’t ask him to do that, so if you’re expecting me to feel guilty, I don’t.”

“Good, because I don’t want your guilt, but I will take a thank you kiss.”

I put my hand up, blocking his path to my lips. “If I’m gonna say thank you with a kiss, then Holden’s the one who gets it, since you just said he’s doing all the work.”

“I’m helping.”

“Really? What have you done?”

“I helped him figure out that our clues are related, and I’ve been following prospects too, funneling the information back to Holden for your project. We’re a team on this.” He taps his lips. “So gimme my share of the profits.”

Finn’s getting way more time with me because of our living situation. Every time I tell him to go back to the dorm, he shows up with more stuff. “You live in my apartment and eat my food, I think-”

He moves fast, stealing a kiss before I can finish my sentence. When he sits back, I ask, “Have you found anything to lead me closer to this ultimate challenge item, or that even identifies what it could be?”

He shakes his head and leans closer as the teacher walks in. “Neither has any of the prospects I’ve heard talking about it. They’re starting to think it’s a hoax, like Holden’s dad said. Every time they find a clue, they hit a dead end.”

Finn takes my hand and squeezes. “But don’t worry. Holden loves puzzles. He’ll find us a tangible lead.” He says as hestretches his legs out for his customary nap. How is he even passing this class? He puts his shades on, as if that will fool people into thinking he’s awake. “He’d probably figure it out a lot faster if he’d take my advice and step away to let off some steam.” Putting my left hand in his lap, dangerously close to his dick, he says, “Take good notes.”

I ignore Finn’s obvious attempt to get me to feel him up. Focusing my attention on the professor and his lecture. There’s only one way that I know Holden likes to let off steam. That’s chasing me, which he hasn’t done since the maze. If trying to help me win this challenge has him stressed, should I offer him an outlet?

Pax

Finn walks into the bunker whistling. “Anybody thirsty?” He asks, walking over to the fridge. “I’m thirsty. I think I’m dehydrated.” He guzzles a bottle of water then opens a sports drink, finishing half of that in one go.

“Are you high?” I ask.

“High? No. Why would you ask that?”

Because that’s all I can come up with for why he’s so thirsty. If he were in his gear or workout clothes I’d understand, but he’s wearing an ascot and sunglasses. “You’re extreme thirst.” Holden says, explaining my thought process.

“Oh. Yeah.” Finn shakes his head. “I’m not high on any illicit substances, unless you count TPJ.”

“TPJ? Is that a new party favor on campus?”

He throws me a murderous glare. “What?” I ask, thoroughly confused.

“Thea’s pussy juice will never be passed around at a party on campus.”

He’s giving it a name? This dude. Instead of thinking of TPJ, I ask, “Is that why you showed up late for the fashion show this morning? You spent the night at Thea’s?”

Sitting, he says, “Spending the night? Uh, no. Thea and I live together.”

I choke on my spit, and rasp out, “You what?”

“I moved out of Vale Tower. Thea and I live off campus in this cute little condo.” He finishes the rest of his drink before adding, “Deacon lives with us too.”

I hear him. I understand what he’s saying, but I’m alsonotunderstanding what he’s saying. “The three of you live together? In a three-bedroom apartment. Like roommates?”

“Yes. But we’re not just roommates. Thea’s our girlfriend.” He mumbles. “My girlfriend and his sort of fiancé, but I’m gonna match that energy, too.”

Fiancé.That word smashes into me so hard I stumble backwards. I can see Holden having the same visceral reaction. “You’re.” I inhale, wincing at the pain in my chest. “Is that why you wanted to meet with us? To tell us you’re…you’re drafting a contract with Thea and Deacon?”

It makes sense. Finn’s been consistent about wanting Thea. He’s been saying for months that he doesn’t care about the fallout. If Deacon is moving to make things more permanent with her, now would be the best time for Finn to go for it. I force myself to look at Holden. Finn’s out. He probably is too. I waited too damn long to come clean. Took too much time to grow a pair of balls and try to fix things.

“Fix your face,Paxton.” Finn says, with an exaggerated drawl and roll of his eyes. “Nobody’s ditching you. That’s why I called this meeting.” He kicks a chair towards me. “Now sit. We’re going to come up with a plan and we’re not leaving here until we do.” He glares at me. “And if for one second I think you’re not one hundred percent on board, if I get even a whiff of you playing us and being a spy for your father, Iwillkill you.”

“I’m not a plant.”

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