Page 39 of Tempting the President

When Kellion looked at Jacqueline again, he knew it was the start of his new life. A life where he would never be hurt because he would just stop thinking about himself and live for others.

He took Jacqueline’s hand. “Let’s go back to the party, pup. Let’s make everyone see why Eugene was an idiot for dumping you.”

Chapter One

Dear Ashton,

Have you grown taller? I bet you have. Sorry I wasn’t able to write to you in the past few days. I’ve been...out of sorts.

I wish you were here. Without you, there’s just nothing to smile about.

Love, Big Sis

ARIA

I WANT TO STAY HERE.I crossed my arms over my chest just to make my stand clear. Here in Christopoulos University, everyone knew I was the girl with Trauma. It deserved a capitalized T since my condition was medically certified. Usually, that meant I could get away with pretty much everything.

Or at least as long as it didn’t involve a certain upperclassman called Roberta “Bobby” Granger.

Said upperclassman crossed her arms right back at me. “Go help.” Officially, she was the Student Association President ofNeeds Heard,a foundation established to benefit the Deaf community. Unofficially, we all thought of her as its evil redheaded queen.

Worst day of my life,I thought glumly, was when Bobby mistook me as Deaf. Since then, I had somehow found myself ather beck and call, doing “errands” that were supposed to force me back into living.

Yeah right.Knowing Bobby, it was just her way of getting free help for her beloved foundation.

“Aria.”

The threatening note in Bobby’s voice made me jump, but I forced myself to stick to my guns. I shook my head at her.No.I preferred to stay in the background. Why couldn’t Bobby understand that?

The older girl glared. “You. Will. Help. This. Instant.”

My courage disappeared in an instant. Bobby was a nice girl – nice enough to winYoung Philanthropist of the Yeartwo times in a row, actually – but she also had a tendency to turn into a total tyrant where NH was concerned.

“Ariaaaaa—-”

Oh no, lecture in the hole. It was definitely time to go. I gave her a salute.Roger that.

As I spun around and marched to the door, Bobby laughed behind me. “Do you realize how funny you are? I’m almost thankful you hate speaking.”

I glanced at Bobby over my shoulder.Ha-ha. So funny.

Bobby only laughed harder, the sound making me grind my teeth as I left the office.

I hate this.The thought repeated itself in my mind as I glumly made my way to what would soon be the most crowded place on campus. Today wasClub Day,and today Bobby was determinedto have fifty new members for her Sign Language club. It didn’t matter if the new members had to be bribed, deceived, or sucker-punched into joining. Fifty was the goal, and fifty was what everyone had been instructed to aim for.

By the time I reached the main road of Christopoulos University, the place was already crawling with club officers and booths were set up right next to each other.

I rolled my eyes when I saw that our club’s booth was the very first one on the road. Prime location, no doubt courtesy of Bobby’s fiancé being a Christopoulos.

Sneaky, sneaky,I thought as I grabbed my set of pamphlets from the booth.Hi.I fluttered my fingers in greeting as I positioned myself next to KC.

KC took one look at my face and burst out laughing. “I’m sure today won’t be so bad.”

I didn’t say a thing, just looked at her, which for some reason only made KC laugh even more.So wonderfully optimistic, I thought dourly. If only I could be like her. Maybe the days would stop being so...blurry.

I stole a look at my friend. With her reddish brown hair tied back in a high ponytail and bouncing every time she shook her head, green eyes glowing with determination, she was like a human sun, and she shone so brightly I was tempted to shield my eyes.

“Stop glaring at me.”