I hate scrutiny. How am I going to get through this competition?
The third drink finally gives me the buzz I was looking for, and the next few hours pass by in a blur. Before I know it, I’m walking up the long drive to the frat house for my private meeting with Tristan, my hands trembling. The soundsof laughter and music resonate from within, and I take several deep breaths to calm myself.
Stay aloof.
Make him think you’d never want him.
Because you wouldn’t, damn it.
“Well, look who it is.” A guy at the door smirks at me.
“I’m here to see Tristan,” I say, trying to sound confident, but my voice wavers.
“Tristan’s new girlfriend is here,” he yells back into the house, causing a chorus of laughter to erupt from the group of guys inside.
“Fuck off, Brody.” Tristan’s voice suddenly cuts through the noise as he emerges from the crowd, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “Come with me.”
He grabs my hand and pulls me past the room of guys, leading me up the stairs and into his room. As soon as the door clicks shut behind us, electricity skitters over my skin.
I can’t believe I’m here. In Tristan’s bedroom.
I glance around the area, unable to fight my curiosity. The room is huge—damn these rich frat boys—and dimly lit. The desk at the corner has a stack of books that I’m dying to search through. I can only make out one title.
Pride and Prejudice.
My heart thumps in my chest.Don’t ask him about it. He probably only put it there to taunt you, to remind you of how Harper humiliated you in the quad that day.
Don’t ask him. Pretend like you don’t care.
“Sorry about that.” Tristan runs a hand through his hair. “Brody’s a dick.”
I wave a hand, straining for nonchalance. “He’s just your basic brainless frat boy.”
His signature smirk returns, but his eyes are much softer than usual. “Like me, you mean?”
“Yes,” I say immediately, and he bursts into laughter.
“Fuck, Amelia.” His voice is choked. “You’re not trying very hard to win this competition.”
Oh, but I am, Tristan. Thanks to Serena, I have you all figured out.
I smile, my cheeks warming. “I still maintain that you’re secretly obsessed with me, and that’s why you signed me up—” I make air quotes “—as a joke.”
His smile abruptly fades, and my cheeks turn to fire. I need to keep my mouth shut, or else he’s going to start thinking I’m secretly obsessed withhim. As arrogant and selfish as he is, he couldn’t imagine that a shy little nerd like me could be anything but obsessed with him.
“Alright, alright,” he says, his tone sharp. “Let’s get down to business.”
“Fine.” I discreetly wipe my sweaty palms on my T-shirt. “What’s your proposition?”
He stares at me for a moment. “I’m going to let you win this competition…for a price.”
A chill prickles over my skin, even as my lower tummy fills with liquid heat. What does he mean by price?
If this were one of my fanfics, Mr. Darcy would be about to ask Elizabeth to become his mistress.
“What kind of price?” My voice quivers.
“I want you to help me win Harper back.”
