Page 74 of Bear
Mason’s voice comes out gravelly, as if he’s holding back. “I don’t fucking understand what is going on tonight. Maybe if I did, I would help.” My fists clench for him, wanting to stroll in and sock Hunter in his wicked mouth.
Hunter makes a disgusted noise. “You’re fucking lying. But you can bet if you don’t follow through, I’ll make your last year here a living fucking hell. Do what’s asked so Dad can get out, and maybe I won’t set fire to your life.”
“You know nothing.”
Maniacal laughter trips out of him that chills me to the bone. “You have no idea how much I know, little brother.”
Unable to stand this anymore, I barrel in, fiery wrath shooting through my veins. “Leave him the fuck alone,” I snarl. “You’re here to make sure we get the job done, not antagonize him.”
Hunter laughs again, his eyes glinting from behind his mask. “Ah, but if I can do both at the same time, that’s too sweet a deal for me to resist.”
I step forward, shoving his shoulder. “You get off on causing him distress. You’re sick, Hunter. So, do what you need to do, but stay the fuck away from us while we do whatweneed to.”
Hunter shrugs, putting his hands up as he winks and begins to back away. “Just remember to have fun tonight. But don’t fuck things up or you’re fucked.” He smirks, pinning his eyes on Mason. “Hey, I hear there’s a total babe named Lennon being auctioned this year. I think I’ll bid on her. Make her take my cock down her throat right in the middle of this fucking room, in front of everyone. I think she’ll be all over it, don’t you?”
I sense the dark rage flowing through him, so it doesn’t surprise me when Mason throws himself at his brother, pounding his fist into his jaw before I’m able to grab him and drag him away. Mason’s body is vibrating, but he narrows his eyes. “I will fucking kill you, Hunter.”
“That’s what you’re good at.” Hunter turns on his heel, rubbing his hand over the spot where Mason’s punch landed, and walks away. His shoulders shake with laughter.
I step directly in front of Mason, but he won’t meet my eyes. He stares stonily at the floor, his jaw locked. With a quick look around, I find us alone, so I grasp his head with both my hands and force him to look at me, tugging him in close. There’s pain and confusion and—more than anything else—hate swimming in his brown eyes. I quietly whisper, “Baby, he’s goading you, and he’s so fucking good at it. Don’t listen to a goddamn word he says.”
“He’s got his eye on her.” His words catch in his throat as he blinks at me from under his inky dark lashes. “He’ll hurt her.”
I give him a shake, my gaze drifting to his lips. My mouth goes dry. I want to kiss him so fucking bad. “We won’t let him. She’s ours. No way is he coming near her.”
* * *
More and more ofthe elite brotherhoods on campus spill through the main doors of the ballroom. I’m keeping tabs on who has arrived, waiting, of course, for one group in particular—the brothers of Hawthorne Hall. Kingston, Archer, and Cannon—and Elliot, can’t forget her—have yet to show their faces, though some of the other brothers are present.
That Alec kid, the one with the loose lips who’s in my statistics class, is already here, wandering around with a couple of his buddies. He raises his hand in greeting and, assuming my Bainbridge bastard persona, I give a vague nod in his direction.
A moment later, Bear rumbles under his breath. “They’re here. Time for the shit show.” His eyes roam the room. “Where’s Lennon?”
Mason locks his hands around the back of his neck, tugging. “She said she’d be waiting to come in until the last minute.” His eyes meet mine. “I’m watching Hunter. He’s over near the bar.”
Bear grits his teeth. “I haven’t had the pleasure of talking with him yet. Maybe later,” he mutters, clamping one of his hands down on each of our shoulders. “Deep breaths. Time to turn on bastard mode.”
I nod, then stride quickly to the stage and mount the stairs. Over at the side, there’s a microphone, and I pick it up.Thud, thud, thud,it sounds against my finger, getting everyone’s attention. I scan the room, taking in the sea of elite brothers in their suits and ties and the glitter and sparkle of the sorority girls who chose to join us tonight in a bid to up their social status.
My perusal of the room stops short when my eyes land on Kingston with the dark-haired girl, Elliot. She’s pretty, I’ll give him that, and her dress is killer, strapless and black. He tugs her to him, whispering in her ear. I press my lips together. The way he touches her makes it very obvious that they’re together.
I take a deep, steadying breath, then slowly release it. Here we go. Holding the mic up, I give our guests my signature cocky smirk. “Welcome. I bet you’ve all got questions as to what we’re doing tonight. So far, it’s an elegant party, wouldn’t you say? Everyone enjoying the food and drink?” My brows raise as they answer my question with applause. “But before we let you in on the details”—I smirk again, my gaze drifting over everyone—“a few housekeeping tips for the night.”
Mason steps up next to me, relieving me of the mic. I’m hardly listening as he mentions that they’re to eat, drink, and be merry… and that there will be an auction this evening. My eyes crash shut for a moment, my jaw going rigid. When my eyes open again, they lock on Lennon. I suck in a breath. I can fault Kingston for a lot of things. But maybe it’s going a bit far to begrudge him happiness now. Lennon’s head tilts to the side, questioning my slip into awkwardness. She’s turned my damn world upside down, made me fall for her, despite all the anger and grief that still lives inside me.Fuck.This is going to be a difficult evening.
Mason crosses his arms over his chest as the rumble of the crowd grows, a sly grin on his face that almost slips when he glances at me.
Fuck. Do not mess this up, Duke.
Sensing that I still need a second, Bear takes over. He gives them a feral smile. “And we hope you’ll join us in all thesexythis auction has to give.” His arm swings out, pointing out a few people—sorority girls—in the crowd. “There are many lovely ladies here this evening who were gracious enough to join us tonight. They come from all the best sororities, houses, and halls on campus, and they would love to show you a good time.” The big guy grins, nodding as he gestures with his hand that he hopes they brought cash with them. “But you gotta pay up. Gotta beat out everyone else to get the girl you want.” He glances at me, then his eyes scan the crowd, landing on Lennon as he grunts out, “And let’s face it, these ladies you’ve been mingling with… they are hot and ready.”
My eyes dart to Lennon as her brow raises. Well, that’s one way to do it. I can’t tell if she’s pissed or amused at our asshole behavior yet. The only thing for sure is that we are behaving exactly as we promised her we would—like bastards.
I’m distracted by Elliot up front, who has just accepted a drink from Cannon… and kisses him on the jaw as a thank you. My brain clicks and whirs, then shoves that information aside as I realize I’ve missed whatever Bear was saying.
Blowing out a breath, I regroup. I need to get my fucking head in the game. Make this look fucking good. My eyes cut across the room to Hunter, who nods with a sick grin on his lips. I take the mic from Bear. These brothers are anxious to get fucking started, so it’s time to give them what they want—and give the OGs what they want. My stomach curls in on itself. “Almost done. Once you’ve won a lady for the evening, anything goes so long as it’sconsensual.” I turn my head, taking in the guests. Shocked gasps and excited murmurs fill the room. “Make use of one of the rooms along the back hall with a black ribbon tied on the doorknob. Get your cock sucked on the patio. Fornicate right here in front of everyone. As long as you’re both into it, do what you want.”
The sorority girls know that’s their cue and file over to the steps at the side of the stage. Mason throws an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in so he can get at the microphone. “And, of course, all proceeds go to charity. This year we’re giving to a local women’s shelter. So, see? It’s for an excellent cause.” His hand squeezes the ball of my shoulder, and I read it asAre you ready for this?I don’t know. Am I?Fuck.But there’s literally no way out. All we can do is put on the best fucking show we can and hope it’s enough to satisfy Hunter.
