Page 59 of Treason's Temptation
“What the fuck was that?” Rylo asked, eyes wide.
“I don’t know,” I said honestly.
Aston didn’t let us sit in the confusion long, ushering us to our feet. We danced, sang, and drank until Rylo grew tired. The temporary high faded the moment I climbed into the truck. This arrangement was starting to feel more real and less like work.
“Those drinks look like they did their job,” Ward observed from the rearview mirror.
“Yeah, but now I have to go home.”
“Home isn’t that bad.”
My face scrunched. “Your loyalty is admirable.”
Ward laughed as I looked down at Rayven’s name on my screen at this time of night. Answering quickly sobered me up.
“Hey, Squirt. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Areyouokay?” Rayven repeated like a parrot.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”
“Some reporter popped up on campus asking questions.”
“Questions about what?”
“You. Lorenzo. Sloane.”
“What did you say?”
“I didn’t say shit. I told him to leave me alone or I’d scream.”
My hand rubbed my forehead, the alcohol waning by the second. “What kind of questions?”
How did Sloane afford our house in Montclair Cove and designer clothes?
Do you know if she’s ever been on ‘exclusive guest lists’ for elite parties?
Do you think Navie’s relationship with Treason Westbrook is genuine?
Has Navie always been drawn to men with power and influence?
What was the nature of Navie’s relationship with Lorenzo Strathmore?
“Are you sure you didn’t say anything?” I pressed because Rayven was easily flustered in stressful situations.
“I didn’t! I swear. What the fuck is going on, Vie?”
“The election has people digging for dirt. Just focus on school and don’t say anything to anybody.”
“How am I supposed to do that? They’re digging, and it’s plenty to find. What if they find out what happened?”
“Then I’ll handle it.”
“You can’t handle it, Vie!” Rayven yelled.
She was right. Admitting that would send her spiraling, and I didn’t have enough strength for both of us, so I lied.
“I can. What I can’t handle is you fuckin’ up in school.”
