Page 50 of Cruelest Contract
All these options are tempting.
Getty isn’t the only one looking at me. Julian is watching me too.
He’ll stop his brother if Getty goes too far. However, he’s also waiting for my reaction to Getty’s taunts, another test of sorts.
“Julian pulls all the strings. He has every situation under control.”
This is true. He’s orchestrated every outing, every event. And I have no doubt he has been keeping a private scoresheet since my arrival.
Alice’s advice was to take the unexpected route. Since Julian expects to be in control, then Julian should be forced into a situation that’s out of his control.
“We should all go out,” I say. “We can forget about deals and marriage arrangements for one night. What’s the best spot for music and drinks?”
“Hell yes!” Tye, forgetting all about the insults, pounds a fist on the table in hearty agreement. “Let’s do it.”
“Count me in,” Fort says.
Julian’s brow furrows. “We’ll get a drink in Vigilance. The Alibi is the best spot.”
“Bo-ring,” Tye complains. “On a weeknight there will only be a handful of ancient geezers comparing prostates and playing fucking darts.”
“Laramie won’t be as dead,” Fort suggests. “I think the semester is almost over. No doubt the bars will be full of college girls trying to blow off steam.”
“I vote for that plan,” Tye says. “The college girls. The blowing. All of it.”
I glance at Julian. The creases in his forehead have deepened. I get an odd little thrill from knowing that Julian Tempesta has been outmaneuvered and he can’t think of a way out.
“You’re coming, right?” I lay a hand on his arm.
His muscles flex beneath my palm and his jaw is tense. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
I smile. “Good.” Then I turn my attention to Getty. “How about you? Are you coming with us or would you rather stay here all alone and read?”
Poor Getty. He’s torn. His silly prank didn’t go as planned. Now he can throw a fit and miss out or meekly swallow his pride.
“Can’t think of anything else to fucking do,” he says with a shrug.
I hold my hand out. “And if you don’t mind, please return the book you borrowed.”
Getty can’t seem to come up with an argument. He hands over my journal without a word.
And maybe I’m kidding myself, but I like to think that the simultaneous spark in his eyes counts as a sign of respect.
10
JULIAN
Abar crawl in a college town wasn’t part of my plan tonight.
Nonetheless, I’m stuck piloting this clown car. We’re all stuffed into one pickup because the boys will be drinking, leaving me as the designated driver. I hope they know better than to pick fights in public when Cecilia is with us.
Cecilia is sitting shotgun and looks eagerly out the window. She’s showing some skin this evening. The wardrobe change suits her. I’m a big fan.
“I can’t get over the sky around here,” Cecilia says. “So many stars.”
“Fewer city lights to interfere,” I say and take my eyes off the road long enough to run my gaze over her exposed shoulders and the low neckline of her dress.
My cock throbs in my pants. I make a discreet adjustment to ease the pressure. Right behind me, my brothers are making bets over who will score some pussy first tonight.
