Page 10 of Deliverance

She narrows her eyes at me as I laugh and shake my head.

“Honestly, don’t know what you see in that guy. He probably has more STDs than a nineteenth century whore house.”

“No, he doesn’t! He gets tested. We all do. It’s a university rule, and you know it.” She defends.

I scoff. “During the school year. Summer break is free game.”

“Whatever.” She stomps off.

“Aw, no, baby B, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean ittttt.” I fake before bursting out into a fit of laughter.

In the next moment, the doorbell rings. Oooh yum, my dinner.

Chapter Four

Bridgette

Indigonanza is this weekend. It’s basically like Coachella but in Salem. Technically, anyone can come, but it’s a Brethren funded event. The hottest artists and bands come every year to perform for our little town. The Lewis family has their fingers in several music labels, and bands don’t really have a choice but to perform or deal with their contracts being cancelled. Dane is an absolute asshole, and none of the acts can stand him or his father, but we love him for it.

I rode up here with Mercy and Angela while the guys came earlier in the day. Indigonanza is a three day festival that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Sure, we all still camp, but we don’t just pitch tents that you can get from Walmart. We are the children of some of the richest and most powerful men in the country, even some of the world.

Lavish silk canopies are set up all over the twenty acres of grassy meadow. Inside, they are decked out with plush furniture, wet bars and big screen TVs. As far as actual sleeping arrangements, some people bring motorhomes that are more like condos on wheels, while others go for an upscale tent. The one I have set up every year has real hardwood floors, a leather couch, a king-sized bed, and a ceiling fan because I have to have a breeze while I sleep.

When we pull up to the festival, everything is in full swing. Food trucks, glammed out portable restrooms with showers, and vendors are lining the perimeter. An indie band is currently on the thousand square foot stage, playing an instrumental tune as everyone arrives and gets settled.

Shutting the door to my car, I slip out, bending down to look in the mirror as I touch up my lipstick. It’s hot as fuck today, so I opted for a pair of jean shorts that show just the right amount of ass and a white crochet bra with long tassels dangling down. My hair is parted into twin braids over my shoulders, with glitter glue scattered down the part. I will no doubt regret putting it in when I take a shower later, but beauty always comes at a price.

“You look so pretty, Mercy,” Angela says, practically fawning over her.

“I know, right?” Mercy preens as she runs her hands over her black cut-out bodysuit.

It’s a thong back, so she really is leaving nothing to the imagination, but it’s not like there was much imagination left in Salem with the way she behaves. I really shouldn’t judge because I’m not much better, but I am a little better, and that’s enough for me.

Angela is the most conservative out of our group. She opted for a scoop neck sundress that stops just below her ass, so not overly conservative…just more. She’s had her eyes on Dane Lewis for years now, and it seems as though his eyes are finally on her.

We spot him, Jeremy, and a few others standing in a group near the stage, but when Dane spots Angela, he slips away from the group and throws his hands up in celebration. He and Jeremy are both wearing unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts showcasing bronzed abs.

Bypassing Mercy and I, Dane goes straight for Angela, picking her up and spinning her in the air. She giggles in excitement before wrapping her legs around him and kissing him. Good for her.

Mercy is speaking seductively to Tony Noyes. He’s in his early thirties now, but he still parties with all the college kids, sometimes even high school. Yep, that is all you need to know about Tony Noyes. Doesn’t stop Mercy from sticking her tongue down his throat, though.

A wide smile greets me as Jeremy closes the distance between us, wrapping me in a hug. I give him a tight smile but accept it.

“Missed you,” he says into my neck, pulling away with a grin.

I wish I could like Jeremy. It would be easy. He’s handsome, tall, in shape, and he’s even a Legacy. His father is in oil, and aside from the Putnam’s and Hutchinson’s, his family is probably the wealthiest of the Brethren. He would give me the world if I asked him to, but there is just something about him I can’t put my finger on. I mean, we all know he has a certain…reputation. One too many girls who have reportedly not remembered a thing after waking up in bed with him. It’s all speculation, and he’s basically untouchable, but still, it’s enough to make you question him, at least a bit. Or maybe I let myself believe the rumors because I’ve been hyperfocused on Asher since day one.

“You need a drink?” he asks.

“More than life,” I groan, and he laughs, wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we walk to the closest canopy. This one is decked out in burgundy and gold. It’s practically dripping money in an arrogant way that I would guess has to be his.

He orders a margarita while I get a vodka soda because no matter how much I like a good margarita, I love a good low calorie drink more.

We all get drinks and hang out for a few hours until the sun starts to set. That’s when the headliners come on, and the party really begins. Seth Bishop is opening tonight. He is hands down the one I’m most excited to see. He’s a rock artist, but some of his ballads are my absolute favorites. I will never get enough of his song “Aubrey.” His band is pretty incredible, too. He just brought on a new guitarist last year, and I swear to god, if I thought I wouldn’t be buried in the Gallows Hill cemetery for it, I’d run away with Theo Kane.

Our group definitely isn’t the first to get to the stage, but that doesn’t stop us from being able to push and shove our way to the front. Or should I say, the private security Dane hired for the weekend to push and shove. When we get to the front, the lights on the stage dim as the band begins walking on stage. As soon as the lights come on, everyone loses their shit.

Dane and Jeremy jump up and down, pushing against each other as they do. They are the definition of frat boys, except they aren’t in a frat, just a secret society. They are also Bond Brothers, which basically means from a certain age, they were told to be inseparable, and they made it so. You can tell they genuinely like each other, though, much like Liam and Asher. This shitty world is a fucking terrible place, but it must be a little better when you have someone to be miserable with.

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