Arrangement.
He means marriage. He means me, packaged up and delivered like a political favor.
“I’m in college. I’m not—I don’t?—”
“You’re a Black, which means you understand how this works. Your family needs strong allies. The Harringtons can provide that. And you…” His thumb strokes the inside of my wrist. “You need someone who understands the pressure. Someone who can protect you.”
“I don’t need protection.”
“Everyone needs protection, Mara. Especially pretty little rebels who think they can play dangerous games without consequences.”
My blood runscold.
He knows.
About OCK. About the boys. About all of it.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t insult my intelligence. You think I don’t have eyes on this campus? You think I don’t know about your study sessions with Omega Chi? About Dredyn Steele and his little pack of degenerates?”
“They’re just?—”
“Dangerous. Men like that don’t care about you, Mara. They care about rebellion, about breaking rules. You’re a novelty to them, a trophy. The President’s daughter, slumming it with the bad boys.”
“That’s not?—”
“But I care. I care about your future, your reputation, your safety. And I’m prepared to ensure all of that remains intact… if you’re smart enough to accept my help.”
“What does that mean?” I whisper.
His smile is ice. “It means you stop playing games with boys who don’t understand the stakes. It means you remember who you are and what you owe your family. It means when your father asks you to be gracious and receptive to the Harrington family’s interest, you smile and say yes.”
He releases me, standing smoothly and offering his hand like we’ve just had a lovely conversation. “Now, shall we continue the tour? I’d love to see the library. It’s been years.”
I take his hand because I don’t know what else to do. My mind is screaming, but my body moves on autopilot, letting him guide me across the quad toward the library steps.
We’re halfway there when I see him.
Dredyn.
He’s standing near the student center, maybe fifty yards away, frozen mid-step. Even at this distance, I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands have curled into fists at his sides. Hisdark eyes are locked on Chase’s hand holding mine, and the rage on his face is unmistakable.
Talon appears beside him, saying something urgent. Jasper’s there too, hand on Dredyn’s arm, clearly trying to hold him back.
Chase follows my gaze and sees them. His smile widens.
“Friends of yours?” he asks, loud enough that I know Dredyn can hear even from here.
“Chase, please?—”
“It’s fine.” He pulls me closer, his arm sliding around my waist in a gesture of unmistakable possession. “Let them look. Let them understand.”
Dredyn takes a step forward and Talon grabs his shoulder, pulling him back. They’re arguing—I can see Talon’s mouth moving rapidly, see Jasper signing something.
Chase’s fingers dig into my hip.
“Wave to them. Smile. Show them you’re exactly where you belong.”
