Page 90 of The Deceptions

Oliver frowns but nods when we head down the hall.

“Why did you warn me?” he asks when I push out the back door, overlooking a patch of trees and empty sidewalks.

Not many students use the back entrance. It’s shaded, away from the sunshine and open space. Everyone on campus is slightly on edge from the murders popping up and students dying.

Fuck. My heart aches thinking about Meredith and where she might be. We’re no closer to finding Mal’s sister than we were a week ago when she vanished.

“Because my brother is an idiot.” I shrug, because I’m not entirely sure why I’m helping this stranger out.

Maybe it’s because there’s something familiar about him. Perhaps I didn’t want to see him get beaten to a pulp. Whatever the reason, I find myself striding beside him as we walk along the back of the building. I tongue the end of my cigarette again, huffing before putting it behind my ear.

I will not fucking light that up. I will not give in to the temptation I feel every day. All the stress. The fucking betrayals nipping at my heels, cheering for me to give in.

I won’t.

These unlit cigarettes are the representation of my fucking vices I’ve beat off with a bat to remain in control of everything. My life. My mind.

“Yeah, he fucking is,” Oliver huffs with annoyance and a hint of knowing.

Good. He sees what I see when I look at Mack. A fucking dumbass.

“You’re new here, right?” I already know the answer. I’m pretty sure I’d remember someone who looks like him wandering around campus. Men here attempt to be the biggest and baddest, knowing they’re running with the future presidents, governors, movie stars, and mob leaders. They want to prove themselves to us.

But Oliver? Fuck. Something stirs inside me. Something foreign I can’t put my finger on.

His gaze whips to mine, and his eyes narrow. “Uh, yeah. First year here.” His eyes shift from me to the sidewalk in front of us. His shoulders tense.

“You ever been around? You seem familiar.” There’s something there. A touch of familiarity. Damn it. I can’t put my finger on it.

“Unless you count my friend tossing his cookies in your front yard last night, then nope. Just arrived on move-in day. Never been in Greenwood before.”

I purse my lips when he keeps his eyes forward. His shoulders bunch further toward his ears, and he tugs on his left earlobe.

Liar.

He’s hiding something, which is intriguing. Yet, irritating. I want to know what he isn’t telling me.

“Cool.” I remember sitting on the porch as our party really kicked off. It didn’t hurt that we brought extra entertainment to entice the crowd from the idiots next door. Worked like a damn charm. “Your friend good?”

“Yeah,” he chuckles softly. “How about you? You from here?” he asks, finally gazing at me.

“Lived here my whole miserable life,” I chuckle when we finally round the building and come out on the other side of the quad.

Across the way, Mack and Brutus continue staking out the front entrance.

“You think they’re going to wait there all day?” Oliver asks, cocking his head while watching the two idiots.

“Until they get hungry,” I quip, shrugging. “Or if something better comes their way.” Like a fight. “You know, if their shitty party didn’t convince you to pledge to them, we’re always looking to add to our ranks.”

The way Malic had his sights set on Oliver the night of our party has my interest piqued. And the fact that there are lies etched on Oliver’s tongue.

Oliver is something. Enemy? New recruit? I’m sure Boss Man would be over-fucking-joyed to let us expand our family. Finally.

Oliver’s brows raise, and he nods jerkily. “Uh, yeah. Thanks. Not sure I’m pledging.” He shrugs nervously.

“Give me your phone. If you reconsider, you can text.” Oliver hesitates for a brief moment before digging out his phone and handing it to me. I quickly type my number in and then textmyself so I have his. “You ever get into the fighting ring?” I hand him his phone back, brushing my finger against his dainty hands. I swear, a jolt spears through me, but I shake it off.

Jesus. Guys don’t have dainty hands. But his are small and his fingers are long. And his skin…