Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 157308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
The guys fanned out in a line, taking up the massive sidewalk and forcing people to walk around them. I was too far back to hear what they were saying, but from the disgusted look on the faces of girls passing them, it wasn’t anything I wanted to hear.
Why? Why are they allowed to harass and stalk women without consequences? Is the dean too busy counting the Royal parents’ donations to worry about the hell they put students through?
The group made it to Abbott Hall and kept going. I followed them to Greek Row where they descended on Tau Theta Kappa. That was one point in favor of the party held at the frat house. Why risk junking up his house when he’s always at the frat and the boys love a good party.
With people everywhere, getting in would be easy. The trick is getting him out.
Icy, bitter hatred smothered my soul—pushing down the person who would never dream of doing the things I planned to. I wasn’t that girl anymore.
Coming on to him won’t work after our last electric encounter. I’d pay someone else to lure him away, but then I’d be the first person they point to afterward. Or I could cause a distraction that’ll make him come running.
I shook my head. That was no good. How could I be sure Owen would run off alone? Or that it’d be him who came?
Maybe the party won’t work. Depending on how late he hangs around with his frat boys, I could follow him to the dorm one night and—
“Lu-Lu! Hey, Luna. Is that you?”
Owen was on the porch kicking back with his friends. He whipped around at my name, landing immediately on me standing beside the hedge.
Shit! Shit, shit, shit!
Katie came out of the house across the street, waving goodbye to a shirtless Dean. I thought fast.
“Katie, there you are! I didn’t remember what house.” I ran across and hugged her, heart galloping in my chest. Was there any chance he bought that? Did he realize I followed him?
Katie peeled me off. “Okay, eww. Why are you pawing me?”
“It’s called a hug. Can you not be yourself for a minute?”
“No.” She popped her shades over her eyes. “Come along, Lu-Lu. The car will be here to pick us up in ten minutes.”
“Wait, us?”
“I need you for something, and how psychic are you? You came without being called.”
“I don’t trail after you, Katie,” I said, though I fell in step with her. “You’re not my guide anymore.”
“Don’t be like that. We had so much fun shopping the other day.”
“Fun? My stepdad told me he’s not putting another cent in my account until the new year, and even then, only a little at a time to keep me on a budget.”
“Worth it.”
“You’re not allowed to decide if my struggles are worth it. I do that.”
She groaned. “Moan, moan, moan. That’s all you ever do.”
Katie set a determined pace away from Greek Row to the campus entrance. I resisted the urge to look back and see if Owen was watching me leave. Doing so would give away what I really went there for.
If he knows I’m following him and goes on alert, it’ll be ten times as difficult to get him alone.
He’s already on alert, another voice said. Maybe the direct approach is exactly what I need.
“Hello? Earth to Lu-Lu.” Katie waved her hand in my face. “Are you even listening to me?”
I shook myself. “Sorry, what was that?”
“I said there’s a party this weekend and you’re going to help me with my outfit.”
Now she had my full attention. “Whose party?”
“Doesn’t matter, you’re not invited,” she tossed over her shoulder, heading off. How the woman moved so fast in six-inch heels I’ll never know.
“Why does that mean I can’t know who’s throwing it?”
“Just some guys. They’re sophomores, Luna, don’t worry about it.”
I pressed my lips together, warning stopping me from pushing her. She’s bringing me along to hold her bags and purse. Katie will naturally talk about the party while we’re shopping.
Katie’s driver picked us up in nine minutes, but instead of turning right for town, the car veered left toward the gated community.
“Where are we going?”
“My place.”
“You said we were going shopping,” I said.
“No, you said that. My housekeeper did the shopping and now I need you to help me put it together.”
“Don’t you have friends for that?”
“They’re busy working on their outfits whereas you don’t have friends or plans. You’re free to help.”
“I do have homework,” I said, unable to refute the other two. “And I’m not seeing why you need me? You didn’t even let me pick out my own clothes the other day. Why do you need my help to put together an outfit?”
“It’s an ABC party. Anything but clothes,” she explained.
Bingo. So she is going to Owen’s party, and why wouldn’t she? Katie’s a Royal.