Page 58 of Envy

I don’t know who did it. But I have a very good idea.

Luke was found nailed to the cross outside the church—upside down, naked. His eyes were missing. His tongue was cut out. The words “A LYING TONGUE IS A PERSON WHO SEEKS DEATH” were carved into his chest.

I shudder violently.

The police are asking questions, but they don’t have any leads.

I do.

Because I know who could have done it. And why.

Garret.

I don’t know how I know, but I do. It was Lukewho told me about Garret and Cassie. It was Luke who made me confront Garret. It was Luke who couldn’t stop looking at the door that night in the bar.

Amy rushes up to me in the hallway, breathless. “Did you hear about Luke?”

People are crying. A makeshift memorial is already set up on campus—flowers, pictures, candles.

I nod, but her expression tells me everything. She knows—or at least,she suspects. “Yeah, it’s crazy,” I say. “One minute he was there, and the next, he…”

“Got nailed to a fucking cross,” Amy supplies. “I wasn’t fond of him. He was a little pushy, but shit… that’s a fucked-up way to go.”

My stomach twists violently.

What if Garret changes his mind about me?

“Hey.”

I turn around. Garret is standing there, watching mewith soft, careful eyes—like nothing happened. Like today isjust another normal day.

“Hey,” I reply, wrapping my arms around myself, suddenly grateful for the new sweater he bought me.

He leans in, pressinga kiss to my cheek, andI swear my toes curl inside my new designer boots. “Did you give your friend her gift?”he asks, expectantly.

Amy perks up. “She did! I keep asking if she won the lottery.”

Garret smiles—a slow, knowing curve of his lips, like the cat that got the cream. “I think she did. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

My stomach tightens. What the hell does that mean?

“Anyway,” Amy chimes in.”I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like Rose to hang out at the Babylon tonight. My treat.”

I glance between them.

Amy is waiting for his permission.

Garret smiles, but it’s calculated—like he’s plotting something. “Sure,” he says, sliding his hands into his pockets. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Okay.”

Before I can react, he presses a second kiss to my neck—lingering just long enough for his teeth to graze my skin. I swear I feel him smile.

He walks away, completely unbothered, as if he didn’t just claim me in front of everyone.

“Damn,” Amy mutters, watching him go.

“What?”

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