Page 52 of Vicious Little Snakes

Looks like Arden’s made her rounds. Donovan should understand the motivation. She’s kindred. I’m surrounded by girls that have been there and literally done that. And I fucking cannot with this shit anymore.

“I didn’t realize you knew her either,” Grey counters, sucking his bottom lip between his teeth and drawing his brows together like he’s trying not to smile.

“And?” Donovan presses. “Keep going.”

Grey’s face turns down to hers. “And you were in Spain, Cherry.”

Kai leans down to my ear. “Houston, we have a problem. Want to place bets? My money’s on Donovan.”

Jesus Christ.I yank my hand from Kai’s and take a step forward.

“Who doesn’t know Arden? She’s a legend. Right?”

I don’t have to look behind me to know they’re all listening.

“But if she’s so fucking spectacular, why is she at a high school party? Shouldn’t she be in London fucking Jude Law—I mean, since the last time I checked, her parents cut her off, and rumor has it she’s been doing duty as an au pair?”

The last part’s a lie, but she deserves it. Everyone is quiet as I turn around and see that they’re staring at me.

“Meeoow.” Kai grins, pulling me back into his arms. “Someone’s awfully feisty.”

“But correct.” Donovan winks at me. “Who is this girl to show up, with Liam, without our permission?”

Kai and Grey both shake their heads, laughing, Grey saying something like, “Poor Liam, two for the price of none.”

I scowl, turning my attention back to the beautiful ones descending upon us. Donovan’s shoulder brushes mine, her hair hiding what she says as she whispers to me, “Please make her cry.”

Oh, I’ll do better than that.

“She looks like a Betty,” I say flatly, back to Donovan, my irritation reaching its petty pinnacle.

“Like as in Betty and Veronica?” Kai questions, and I nod.

Grey cocks his head. “So, hot?”

Donovan stares at him, shooting daggers, but I shake my head.

“No. Poor and unoriginal.”

Donovan quickly covers her mouth to hide her laughter as Liam and Arden come to stand in front of us.

“What’s funny?” Arden smiles, lighting up as she sees Grey. My eyes don’t leave Liam’s face, because he won’t look at me.

Arden flips her coiffed hair. “Wait. Don’t answer. I have a feeling I probably won’t love it.”

Kai chuckles, but her eyes shift between Donovan and me, the Cheshire grin never leaving her face.

“Every brunette needs a blonde. Isn’t that what they say? You two are stunning together. I’m glad we finally meet. You’d be the new Serena and Blair—if they were real.”

“I’m more of a Chuck Bass, plus I hate headbands,” I offer, never blinking.

Arden lets go of Liam’s hand, and I immediately chastise myself for looking. She closes the distance between her and Grey, glancing at me again but not responding. She greets him by kissing both of his cheeks. So pretentious.

“Hey, stranger. You’re taller than I remember.”

Grey gives a very tight smile. “Arden. Welcome back.”

Her eyes shift to Donovan, but her hands stay on Grey’s chest.