Page 104 of River of Deceit

I nod in agreement. “You’re right. Papa didn’t want me to come here at all. I’m just here for the amazing education and networking opportunities.” I reach up to push his arms off me. “Can’t I simply want to makefriends with you and Asch?”

Blaze scoffs loudly. “Friends? Is that what you call what we’ve all been doing?”

That sets off another round of giggles. “Nope! We’re fuck buddies! Or lovers! Or… hmm. Are we dating?” I grin at him. “Are you my boyfriend, Blaze? I mean, Asch would be too. I’d feel terrible leaving him out. And I can’t cut River out of the picture.” I scowl at him. “If you try to make me do that, I won’t forgive you.”

Blaze growls and lets go of me. “Jesus Christ, Pandora. You’re the most frustrating woman I’ve ever met.”

I heft my backpack higher and kiss his jaw again. “Thank you. I do try.”

We stare at each other, and I wonder if he’s actually going to try to break up with me here.

To my disappointment, the wildness in his eyes withdraws, and Blaze sighs.

“Just get out of here. And don’t get near Declan again. You’ve traumatized him enough.”

I purse my lips. “I wasn’t lying. If you don’t get rid of him, I’ll do worse.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Blaze grabs my arm—and pulls me into a kiss.

I moan into it, opening my mouth so I can taste him, absorb him, make him part of me.

“Thanks for standing up for Asch,” Blaze whispers when he breaks the kiss.

I smile. “Anytime.”

He lets go of me and heads inside without another word. I hear the door to the frat house lock behind him.

That’s okay.

I finally got something done. I pull my phone out of my backpack so I can text Carly.

Pandora

Declan still has his balls, but who knows for how long.

I make my way back to my dorm with good cheer.

One douchebag down, only most of the frat left to go.

21

RIVER

Zayden

Frat meeting. NOW.

Peyton

Uh, I’m in class.

Zayden

idgaf. If you don’t show, I’m kicking you out.

I scowl at my phone, turning around. My stomach grumbles, reminding me that I haven’t eaten yet today — which was something I’d been on the way to fixing — but I ignore it. The last thing I need is to get kicked out of the frat over something so trivial.

Pandora would be pissed.