Page 76 of Ruthless Chaos

This year, my nomination cost me six million pounds—the most it’s ever been in the university’s history. The school board knows what I stand to gain from winning this year, and they made me pay for it.

It’s the law of our world—nothing comes free.

The money came from my trust fund, so I’m committed.

The nominations were my first, albeit easiest, hurdle.

Next will be the elections—this one actually matters. The two members of the Council with the most votes will move on to the final hurdle.

We’ll be put through a curated set of tests from The Society to determine who becomes Head Kingmaker, and who, if any of us, will be inducted into the Kingmaker Society.

After three years of hard work, my goal is so close I can taste it.

Vance’s hand on my shoulder pulls me back to the present.

“We’ll be pulling out of the elections,” he says, suddenly serious.

Ezra nods, a slight smile on his lips. “It’s not that we don’t think you can’t beat us,” he jests. “Now that I’m actually in medical school, I don’t have the time.”

Of the three of us, Ezra takes his education the most seriously. He has plans to eventually lead the medical team of his father’s syndicate back in South Africa. That, and his obsession with torture makes his degree useful for his future.

“Whereas I just don’t care,” Vance says with a shrug. “Head Kingmaker won’t get me a soccer career.”

Though they don’t say it outright, I understand what my friends are trying to do.

This conversation is the closest they’ll come without making it seem like they’re doing this just for me. My odds of being in the top two just moved from 25% to 33%, and their nominations assure them a spot on the Kingmaker Council for the rest of this year.

I give them both an appreciative slap on the back. “Thank you. Truly. I appreciate it.” They’re not like my brothers, theyare.

That only leaves Cesare and Keller in contention.

Cesare is a favorite within Kingmaker House because of how he became a member.

Between him and Keller, I have my work cut out for me. I accept the challenge though, and I’ll relish crushing them both.

I’ve aspired to achieve this goal for years.

I’ll be damned if I let it slip through my fingers.

“Isn’t that your girl, Duke?” Ezra says, tipping his glass toward a nearby serving table.

My eyes follow the movement.

In the thick crowd, I spot a familiar head of curls. Allie is off by herself, eyeing the selection of food on display. Her expression is guarded, but a little curious.

I can’t tell if she’s happy or upset.

She seems wrapped up in her thoughts, as she often is.

I rake my eyes over her exposed neck and the swell of her bosom. Her dress looks like a curtain and hides all her best features—like her plump ass and thick thighs—but it still makes my cock hard.

I take a sip of my drink to settle my mind.

“Do you need some water?” Vance teases. “You look thirsty.”

He and Ezra laugh. I pin them with a glare.

“We’re not having this conversation.”