Ryker leans back, legs sprawling, eyes alight with mischief. “What can I say? Guess she couldn’t resist.”
“How’d that sinless pussy taste?” Dale, his flat mate, asks, smirking.
Ryker leans back looking annoyed. “Come on boys? You know I don’t kiss and tell.”
The room erupts. Everyone howls because Ryker Blaise always kisses and tells. It’s practically a sport for him—every detail, every move, every conquest, bragged about until the whole Academy knows.
“She’s a bit of a tough cookie to crack,” he adds, swirling the drink in his hand. For a fraction of a second, I swear I see something softer slip across his face, something dangerously close to affection. But then it’s gone, hidden behind that wolfish grin.
“Sounds magical,” one guy snorts, his voice dripping sarcasm. “Careful, Ryker. You catching feelings?”
My bond flares in my chest, hot and suffocating. I hit my vape, filling my lungs with smoke instead of the scream fighting to tear free.
Another voice chimes in, laughing. “Months of dates and Blaise still hasn’t closed the deal? What’s happening, man—you losing your touch?”
Ryker just smirks. “Come on. When has my dad ever given me a simple task? You know I’ll pull through.”
Dale leans forward on the couch, brows furrowed. “Yeah, but is it even worth it? What could your dad possibly see in her? She’s been useless.”
The words slice through me. I grind my teeth hard enough to ache.
“Yeah,” another friend adds, snickering. “She hasn’t done shit in my sin power training class. What about you, Alexi?”
Every head swivels to me. My chest tightens. To defend her would be a mistake. To betray her is unbearable. I force the words out, anyway.
“Uh… yeah, I mean… she just looks uncomfortable most of the time. No sign of sin powers though, if that’s what you’re asking.”
It kills me. But I keep my face neutral, like I’m talking about anyone. At least it’s just the truth.
Ryker butts in, surprisingly, as he comes to Arwen’s defense. “She’s not useless. Have you seen her spar? She holds her own, even without sin powers. You can’t deny that’s impressive. She is also at the very top of most of her general courses.”
I watch his friends share cautious, confused looks with each other. The moment proves fleeting.
Ryker raises his glass, smirk sharpening. “Come on guys, my dad knows what he’s doing. Are you doubting your faith in your future Councilor?”
The laughter dies. Because Ryker isn’t just a friend. He’s power. He’s the heir to it. Nobody pushes too hard when he throws that reminder down.
“She had a one-hundred percent power rating,” he continues, voice dripping with certainty. “Best case, she develops her sin power and we bring her into Greed’s pocket. And after the hero act I played, she’ll have to be on my side. Worst case, she stays Sinless, but she’s still useful.” His grin darkens. “Especially since it’s driving Atticus insane. I don’t know what’s going on there, but it’s killing him. I’m guessing his dad put him up to the same task, and he royally fucked it up. Anything that pisses off Atticus is worth it.”
The room breaks into low laughter again, but my mind’s caught on the jagged edge of Ryker’s words. Atticus. I’ve seen the way he looks at her too. Like she’s gold he wants to hoard, but he lashes out, cruel and cutting, like if he breaks her in front of everyone it’ll keep anyone else from noticing her shine. He’s unpredictable, dangerous in ways Ryker doesn’t even understand.
As the subject changes, I glance back at Ryker. He’s sipping his drink, eyes fixed on the fireplace, his smirk faded. Lost in thought. I’ve seen him with dozens of girls since coming here. Dozens. And I’ve never seen him like this.
I don’t know if it’s feelings… or if it’s just the need to prove himself to his father. Either way, it’s a risk Arwen can’t afford.
I push off the bar, setting down my empty glass. “I’m heading out. Early exam tomorrow.”
It’s a lie, but none of them question it.
I just can’t stay here anymore. I’ve played my part for the night.
And every second longer feels like a betrayal carved deeper into my chest.
27
Thou Shalt Not Sip Shame and Call It Science.
Arwen
