Page 14 of Pretty Little Game

It’s a bald-faced lie, but I can see the wheels turning in my father’s head as he considers the logic of my statement. He’s always wanted Lucca and me to take more interest in the family. To do something that will better the Marchetti business.

He barely tolerated our decision to study environmental sciences rather than business or another subject that would more directly aid the family. I can see my reasoning will appease my father enough to accept my change in major. His face smooths into passive disinterest as he lifts his wine glass to his lips.

“Fine. Keep your theater major. If it means you’ll take a more active role in the business, I guess I will allow it. But you need to treat me with more respect. I’m sick and tired of your irresponsible decisions. You seem to think you can do whatever you want with your life, but as long as you’re my son, your life belongs to me. Get it under control, or I will kick you to the curb without a moment’s hesitation.”

Biting back a retort, I subdue my urge to needle him again. Instead, I set aside my pride and drop my eyes to the chicken growing cold on my plate. “Yes, sir,” I mutter.

“Good,” my father says, turning his attention back to his own food.

The silence that follows as silverware clinks against the dinner plates emphasizes my failure to stand my ground. At least I can still be near Bianka. I haven’t lost completely. But it doesn’t necessarily feel like a win when I’ve had to agree to work for my father just so I can be in her classes.

I must be mad to compromise my morals so far over a girl–which is exactly what I’ll be doing by getting more involved in the family business. Agreeing to represent the family and support my father’s actions to better our public relations? I won’t just beallowingthe terrible things my family does for money; I’ll bedefendingthem.

But Bianka’s not just any girl. She’s my inspiration, a thought that constantly lingers in my mind, and just being around her fills me with courage and drive.

My next challenge will be convincing her not to hate me after I’ve ignored her for so long. But I’m confident I can. And I won’t stop until she knows just what she means to me.

3

BIANKA

“Nice dress,” Cassio says, his light, silky voice as he slides into the seat next to me. “Good morning, by the way.”

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye and ignore the way my heart flutters when my gaze finds his. His megawatt smile quickens my pulse, and I turn my shoulders toward Ellie in response.

I’m still pissed with Cassio and fighting my feelings for him that haven’t gone away over the past two years, despite my best efforts. It’s ridiculous to think about how I’ve been pining after him when he’s shown me no interest in years.

And now that he’s showing me attention again, my body seems to think this is a perfect opportunity to remind me of just how attractive I find the stupid jerk.

“You can’t ignore me forever, Bianka,” Cassio says after I remain silent.

My irritation spikes and I turn to look at him. “Oh no? You’ve shown me just how effectively ignoring someone can send them a message. I got yours loud and clear, so maybe you can take a hint and see that I don’t want to talk to you. Frankly, I don’t want to be anywhere near you, but for some unfathomable reason, you’ve decided to stalk me just to push all of my buttons.”

My once giddy emotions for Cassio are so mingled with hurt and resentment over being ghosted without an explanation that I can barely stand being in close proximity to him. It makes my body respond in ways that betray all my sense of self-worth and pride.

“Don’t be like that,” Cassio urges. “I was just… busy. You know, trying to keep up with my science whiz of a brother. But now that we have so many classes together, I see no reason we can’t be friends.”

“Friends?” I demand, tossing him a look of disgust.

Of course, he thinks he can just pop back into my life like nothing happened and then stomp on my heart a little harder by thinkingfriendshipis what I want–like I haven’t been pathetically pining over that kiss that still lingers on my lips like a ghost.

“Sure, why not?” he asks nonchalantly, his smile as playful and presumptuous as ever.

“Let’s start with the fact that you just insulted my major by saying that it doesn’t take as much time or effort as the science classes you were taking,” I snap, crossing my arms.

Ellie shifts uncomfortably beside me. I know she would prefer if I could get along with Cassio. This would be a whole lot easier for her if her best friend and her boyfriend could be in the same room as each other, but seeing as her boyfriend’s twin brother is a complete ass, and Cassio and Lucca are inseparable, I don’t see that happening.

Cassio might have changed his tune when it comes to accepting my presence, but I’m not.

A flicker of uncertainty passes over his face before he regains his proud smile. “I think you meanourmajor, and I wasn’t saying it takes any less time or effort. I would never dream of insulting a major that puts your voice to good use. I only meant that I’ve decided science is not my forte.”

“Hmm.” I turn my attention to the front of the room once again as our professor enters the class. Though I’m hell-bent on appearing like I don’t give him another thought, it does cross my mind that acting really could be his forte.

He sure fooled me that night we kissed. I actually believed we might have something real, something special. But clearly, it was just an act because he’s had no problem ignoring me since. It takes some real talent to bethatconvincing–especially when he’s seemed to all but forget it took place since then.

Cassio falls silent beside me, but the smile lingers on his face, and I can feel his eyes shifting to look at me every now and again. It makes paying attention to my Shakespeare class nearly impossible. As I scribble notes following the lecture, trying to stay focused, I find it almost painful to keep my eyes on my paper.

He’s just so damninfuriating.

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