Page 161 of Mad As Hell

I scoffed in disbelief. “You think I haven’t seen the worst?”

Linc’s expression turned cold enough to freeze the fires of hell. “I know you haven’t, and I’m praying you never do.”

* * *

I knocked on Bex’s door later that night and waited for her to open it. When she did, she’d changed out of her school clothes and into pink joggers and an oversized black shirt with the By the Edge band logo on it.

I grinned and pointed to my own white shirt with the same logo. “Look at us matching.”

That earned me a grin as she stepped back to let me inside. She waved a hand at her roommate’s bed. “She’s out. Again. I think she’s back together with her boyfriend.”

I’d met Bex’s roommate only once. She’d seemed nice enough, if a little ditzy. Bex said she was more interested in landing a future husband at Pacific Cross than actually getting an education.

“So, how are you really doing?” I asked as I settled in on Bex’s bed while she sat at her desk.

She didn’t meet my gaze as she answered, “I’m fine.”

I stretched my leg and kicked her chair with my toe. “Liar.”

She scowled at me. “I’m surprised Ryan let you out of your cage without an escort.”

I smirked, dismissing the barb because I knew she was still hurting over the guys hiding things from her. “My phone has a tracking app so he can see exactly where I am. Besides, he’s busy playing frat president tonight. Sometimes we take a break from each other.”

“Sorry,” she muttered. “That was bitchy of me.”

“Considering the shit week you’ve had, I’m inclined to forgive you,” I offered with a wicked smile. “Provided you do me a favor.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“See if you can come to Ryan’s grandfather’s for Thanksgiving with us?” I gave her my most pitiful look. “Please?”

“We get a whole week for Thanksgiving break,” Bex began. “I don’t want to spend an entire week with them.”

“You’re not. You’re spending it with me.”

She gave me a look that said I wasn’t fooling her, and she was about to start explaining why my argument was invalid when my phone rang. My heart sank, because I knew that sound.

“Ryan checking up on you?” she smirked.

“Ha ha,” I deadpanned, fishing my phone out of my backpack. “It’s Gary.”

Her eyes widened. “Shit. Are you going to answer it?”

“I don’t really have a choice.” I slid the button. “Hello?”

“What are you doing?” Gary’s clipped voice sounded annoyed from jump. Not a good sign.

“I’m studying with Bex,” I answered slowly.

“And Ryan?”

“Is at the frat. He has a meeting, but he’ll be back in a few hours,” I replied, not planning to lie. Not yet. Besides, him knowing Ryan was sticking close to me was a good thing.

He chuckled. “Got him wrapped around your finger, eh?”

“Something like that,” I muttered.

“I have some things I need to discuss with you, in private. I’m on my way to the school. Meet me out front of your dorm in five minutes.”

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