Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 164557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Will gazes down at me, his expression softening, and I can sense the internal battle he’s fighting. Like he wants to believe me, but years of his dad’s influence makes it impossible.
“Maybe,” he says gruffly, his hands resting on my waist. “But it’s not easy.”
“I know it’s not, but I have faith in you. I think you’re fully capable of extricating yourself from his control. You just need to hold your ground,” I reply before leaning up to kiss him.
The kiss is slow, meant to comfort him more than anything, but it quickly becomes something deeper, the way it always does with Will and Beckett. He relaxes against me, his arms tightening around my waist.
Just as our tongues meet, we’re interrupted by a snide voice.
“Well, isn’t this cozy.”
I spin around to see my ex-boyfriend standing on the path, watching us. Great. Of all people.
Mitch’s arms are crossed over his chest, his eyes flicking between me and Will.
“Hey, Mitch,” I say, trying to keep my voice light.
“Hey, Charlotte,” he says, mimicking my tone. He smirks, taking a step toward us. “Are you going to introduce us?”
“Oh. Uh. Sure. Mitch, this is Will.” I don’t elaborate.
My ex notes Will’s jacket and flattens his lips. “Hockey guy, huh?”
Will stiffens, his protective instincts kicking in. “You’ve got a problem with that?”
Mitch sizes him up, then shrugs. “No problem. Just wondering how long it’ll take before Charlotte gets bored of your dick and moves on. Like she always does.”
Irritation courses through me, but before I can say anything, Will steps in front of me, blocking Mitch’s view. “Watch your mouth,” he cautions.
My ex sneers. “What are you gonna do? Hit me?”
“Maybe,” Will replies, his voice calm but with an edge that makes it clear he isn’t joking.
Mitch’s bravado falters for a second. Then he masks it with another derisive look. “Whatever, man. She’s all yours. Good luck with that.”
Mitch turns and walks away. I let out a breath as I watch him go.
“I’m sorry about that,” I say, touching Will’s arm.
He shakes his head, turning back to me. “You don’t have to apologize for him. He’s the one who should be sorry. That was fucking rude.”
“Yeah. He’s still not over our breakup. I don’t know if he’ll ever be.” I offer a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. “By the way? You’re pretty intimidating when you want to be. That’s how you need to handle your dad.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Will chuckles, taking my hand as we fall into step with each other again.
I’m still thinking about the run-in with Mitch when I get home later, and as my mind replays the tense encounter, a gnawing unease settles in my stomach. I try to shake it off as I grab my laptop for our weekly meeting.
I enter the dining room and take my seat next to Sherise, then twist in my chair to say hi and smile at Blake, who’s leaning against the wall. She smiles back, looking tanned and happy. She went to St. Barts over the break with her family and their friends. I guess someone they know has a beach house there. Faith was away too, as one of her million siblings got married over the holidays. Destination wedding to Greece. Lucky bitch.
Everyone is chattering away as they wait for Agatha to start the meeting. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when I notice a few girls sneaking glances at me, their whispers suddenly becoming more pronounced. But I hide my frown and brush it off, focusing on Agatha. She sits at the head of the table, posture set with her usual air of superiority.
“Let’s get started,” she announces once everyone has filed in.
Much to my relief, the next hour passes quickly. And whatever had caused my sorority sisters to whisper seems to have passed—at least until Agatha stops me from leaving the room after she dismisses everyone.
“Charlotte,” she says sharply. “Don’t go yet. We need to have a little chat.”
My heart sinks, but I nod. As the others stream out of the dining room, some of them throw sympathetic looks my way. Others just seem curious.
I brace myself as Agatha approaches with her perfect hair, designer dress, and an expression that’s a mix of concern and condescension.
“What is it, Agatha?” I ask, stifling my irritation.
She folds her arms. “It’s been brought to my attention that you were seen making out with a guy on campus today.”
My jaw drops. “I’m sorry—what?”
“You heard me.”
“I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” I say in amusement. I was expecting something a lot more dire. Like maybe someone accused me of embezzling from the house account. Or someone figured out I’m regularly having sex with two guys.
But this is about me kissing Will on campus?
Big fucking deal.
“It’s my business when it reflects poorly on this house. As Delta Pi sisters, we’re expected to uphold a certain image. An image of class and dignity. Slutty behavior is unbecoming of a Delta.”