Page 29 of River of Deceit

What he really needs is a taste of his own medicine. Maybe if I tie him down and convince Asch to fuck him. I could make Blaze eatme out and actually reciprocate this time. And if he’s really good, I might even let him come.

The fantasy distracts me enough that I almost don’t notice the figure trailing behind us. I can’t see who it is, but I definitely saw the way they darted away when I turned my head.

I glance at Asch, and it seems like he noticed, too. His brow furrows, and his gaze lingers in the direction I’d been looking in.

I elbow Blaze and duck out of his hold. “I’m going to pass on dinner, boys,” I say. “I have so many plans tonight. All that studying, you know.”

Asch is frowning slightly when he looks back at me to reply, “All work and no play, et cetera. How about we trade phone numbers, and you can let us know when you have time to take a break?” He probably thinks it’s more of an order than a suggestion.

“No thanks,” I say, but I reach for my pocket where my phone is.

Blaze notices and predictably pulls my phone out. “Tsk tsk, Pandora. You don’t get to say no.” He grabs my wrist and forces my finger against the fingerprint reader.

He’s so lucky I actually want his phone number. I scowl while he sends himself a text from my phone.

“Don’t even think of blocking us,” Blaze says. “I know where you live.”

Once he’s done, I snatch my phone back. “That goes both ways, Blaze.” I lick my lips. “I haven’t forgotten anything. And I can’t wait to see your insides.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you have a way with words?” Asch says, and while I know he’s trying for something else entirely, something intimidating, it comes across as wary.

Blaze squeezes the back of my neck. “I think the only insides we’ll be seeing is your cunt, Pandora. The mouthier you are, the more you’ll suffer.”

The sensation of being watched only gets stronger, and it distracts me from Blaze’s delicious threats of violence.

“Enjoy it while you can, Blaze.” I elbow him hard enough to make him gasp and loosen his hold on my neck.

My body is tense. I need to know who’s tailing me. I wasn’t making it up earlier. Somebodywaslurking at my dorm.

I jog away from Asch and Blaze, and thankfully they don’t try to follow me.

I reach into my skirt pocket and clutch my knife. On my next round through the hall, I walk past the doors and into a hallway that leads to classrooms. I immediately duck into one of the classrooms and wait.

Footsteps sound from nearby, light enough to where I’m pretty sure my pursuer is trying to be inconspicuous. They pause near the door, and from my vantage point, I can see through the window.

I go still as I realize I recognize the figure standing there.

The charm in my pocket seems to pulse warmly.

I haven’t seen him in almost a year, but I’d know Rafael Rivera —River— anywhere.

Despite his attempts at stealth, he holds himself with confidence, and I can see his head turn as he tries to find something.

Someone.

Me.

I slam the door open and grab his arm. “River!” I exclaim with a wide smile.

He startles, which gives me the opportunity to pull him into the empty classroom with me. I get closer to him and ask, “I can’t believe you’re really here! Where have you been?”

He faces me, his expression a mask of fury, and he turns my grasp back around on me so he has me in his grip instead of the other way around. He shoves me up against the wall, pressing against me. “Don’t act like you give a shit, Pandora,” he snarls. He grabs my wrist, the one holding the karambit, and presses hard.

I let go for him and let him take the knife off me.

His anger doesn’tmatter, because River is here.

He came back to me.