Rafe shot Jordan a look back, then sighed dramatically. “Fine,” he said, turning that intense gaze back to me. “I’ll give the deal some limitations, if that makes you feel better?”
I pursed my lips, but gave a small, tight nod. It didn’t mean I was agreeing to his deal, but I was willing to listen.
“One favor, to be used before you graduate, and I won’t ask you to kill anyone.” He gestured like a benevolent ruler. “That’s the best I can do.”
My eyes narrowed, and I shook my head. “One favor to be used before the end ofthisacademic year.” I paused to think about what I was agreeing to. “No killing, maiming, nudity, or sexual situations. And nothing that could land me in prison.”
Rafe’s lips twitched with a smile, and Jordan looked furious.
“That’s a fair amendment,” the New American prince commented, prodding Rafe in the shoulder. “Accept her offer and quit being a fucking asshole.”
Rafe’s gaze hadn’t left me for even a second, though. Had he blinked? I didn’t think he had. Creeper. “Fine, Cinderella. One favor of my choosing, to be used by the end of this academic year, with no killing, maiming, or anything that could land you in prison. Deal.”
He held his hand out for me to shake, and damn if I didn’t move like I was under a spell, clasping his hand with mine and shaking once before my brain computed the words he’d left out.
Motherfucker.
“Bastard,” I growled under my breath. “So, you’ll sort it out? When is it?”
Rafe’s lazy grin was all predator, and it made my nipples harden. “Unconfirmed yet, but it’s looking like it might be late next Thursday night. But yes, you’ll be on the cards. A deal’s a deal, Cinderella.”
I still scowled, kicking myself for letting him get by without all my conditions. “And Brandon?”
Rafe tipped his head to Jordan at this question, and his friend gave a small headshake.
“Not secured yet,” Jordan told Rafe, then turned his attention to me. “I’m doing my best to line it up. The rumor mill has been running wild, though, and we think Brandon might be shitting the bed at the idea you could actually hurt him.”
Amusement flickered through me at that idea, but… “Nah, that doesn’t sound right. Brandon is so fucking arrogant he’d never believe the rumors that I’m Violence. I thought the whole lineup was supposed to be anonymous anyway. Don’t we just need him on the cards, and then you guys can pull your strings to match us up?”
Nolan nodded. “Technically yes. Don’t worry, New Girl. I’ll get him there for you.” He cracked his knuckles and looked downright evil. “One way or another.”
I laughed because, holy crap, I loved my new friends. All of them. Even the dickish ones.
* * *
Walkingto my ridiculous new class World Politics 308 the following Monday, I found Jordan leaning on the wall outside the lecture hall. Considering he wasn’t in this time slot, and Alex was likely already inside lurking around my seat, he could only have been waiting for me.
“Hey you,” I greeted him, coming to a stop and adjusting my bag strap. “What’s up?”
It must have been important for him to track me down here and not wait until our lunch break in just over an hour.
“Violet,” he said, a slow smile spreading over his handsome face. “You look gorgeous.”
My cheeks heated at the compliment, and I awkwardly shuffled my feet. “Um, okay. Same uniform I wear every day. But thanks, I think?”
Ugh. Alex breaking my heart had really messed with my flirting game. Big time.
“Yes, and you look gorgeous every day. Maybe I need to make a point to tell you that every day.” He raised his brows, and I grinned.
“Okay, Casanova, what’s going on?”
A little of the flirtation slipped from his face. “Ah, well, I had an idea I wanted to run past you, and I knew if I waited until lunch, then everyone would have their own opinions and ideas and…” He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck and looking embarrassed. “Maybe I should have waited for the group.”
Butterflies flapped around in my belly as I realized he wanted to see me. Just me. Alone. I mean, yeah, I knew he was interested and that kiss the other day had been…everything. But then nothing else had happened and I’d been wondering if I’d read too much into the whole situation.
“You know what?” I asked. “This class is pointless for me anyway. They’re giving me As when I don’t even answer the questions, so I’m sure no one will mind if I skip. How about you? Need to be anywhere?”
Jordan’s face lit up, and I knew I’d made the right choice. “Nope, I have a free period now.”
