Page 39 of Playing Dirty

I laugh. “Yeah, but we can watch the rest another time?”

She looks disappointed, but nods. “I guess. I’m already really into it.”

“I promise, we’ll find some time to watch the rest when we won’t get disturbed.”

Within minutes, there’s a rap at the door. I get up and open it to find Camilla standing there with wide eyes. “Where is she? What’s the news?”

I sigh heavily. “She’s not telling us until we’re all here.”

Camilla pushes inside. “Eva, you can’t do that. I’m dying to find out here. Have you won the lottery or something?”

Eva laughs. “No, patience. Nat will be here soon, I hope.”

Camilla sits on the armchair, brow furrowed. “That’s not fair. She’ll be at least a couple of hours.” Her attention moves to the screen where Eva has paused the movie. “What are you watching?”

“Gone Girl,” I reply.

“Oh my God, I love that film.” She settles in. “Well, don’t pause it on my account. At least it will be something to keep my mind off of whatever you’re going to tell us.” She glares at Eva. “It’s very unfair to tell someone you’ve got huge news and then not spill it immediately.”

“Why? Is that some rule?” Eva replies.

“No, but it should be.” Camilla notices the bag of food. “Pass me some snacks.”

I throw the bag at her and she selects a few before tossing it onto the coffee table in the middle.

“Let’s get this movie started,” Camilla says.

“It’s part way through,” I warn.

Camilla waves her hand dismissively. “I’ve already seen it about three times. I know what’s going on.”

We all settle in and start the movie, watching in silence. It’s surprising that Camilla is into this, as I always thought it was her that only liked chick flicks. I try my best to keep my mind off of Coach, his visit and the gift he gave me, but it’s almost impossible.

12

ARCHER

We’ve been back at the academy for a week and I still don’t feel myself because of what happened over winter break.

I killed a student’s mother to save Oak’s life during winter break, an act that I’m still trying to process. It’s meant I’ve been unfocused, particularly on my quest to get Adrianna into my bed. Our sexting has stopped entirely since she got back, despite my attempts to reignite it.

Senior gym class is about to start and there’s no sign of my beautiful cartel princess. After winter break and one week of a PI following her, I have some rather juicy information that I’m sure she won’t want leaked. If I’m right, it will mean that Adrianna will finally submit to me, if that’s what it takes. However, I’d rather try to wear her down the good old-fashioned way with persistence rather than blackmail. It’s my last resort.

“Anita, can you stand up here for the demonstration?”

Anita glances around as if looking for someone else called Anita. To be fair, I rarely use anyone but Adrianna for demos, because she’s the only one who can match me.

The door to the gymnasium opens, and Camilla and Adrianna stroll in with their arms hooked together. I narrow my eyes. “Adrianna, you are late. Which means you get to help me with my demonstration.”

I wave Anita away, who looks thankful.

Adrianna leans toward Camilla and whispers something before untangling theirs arms and walking to stand in front of me. She looks as beautiful as ever, with her dark hair tied in a bun and her bright green eyes glimmering with that arousing defiance I love so much.

“Today we’re going to learn how to disable your opponent without doing damage.” I pause a moment, watching her. “All you need to do is stand there and look pretty, Miss Vasquez.”

Her nostrils flare.

“And let me do the work.”

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