“It’s one of the best places on the Crimson campus. Part of why I’m so pissed I can’t dance this year at the formal.”
He points toward the end of the hall.
When we arrive, the room is far bigger andgranderthan I expected.
The ceiling is spectacularly tall carved wood, dotted with chandeliers. It looks like a ballroom out of a fantasy novel, the kind of thing I always hated before I came to Crimson.
I probably would still hate things like this if I didn’t associate them with Ollie, now.
There are tons of students in here, all of them helping with setup for the formal. People are on ladders hanging up white paper lanterns and shimmery tinsel, others are hanging things on the wall, or setting up tables in one portion of the room.
I spot Oliver on the far end of the room, under a tall window. He’s next to Weston and they’re working on unraveling tons of sets of string lights.
“Hi, babe,” I call out to him as we head over.
Oliver turns to see me.
He’s wearing a cream-colored sweatshirt that hugs the curves of his muscles perfectly, and tan pants that show off his ass in an obscene way.
Or maybe I just always notice his ass.
His eyes go wide before he furrows his brow.
“What are you doing here?”
“Nice to see you, too.” I lean in and press a slow kiss to his lips, making sure it’s good even though I should punish him for the attitude.
His kisses arealwaysgood. Even if he’s only doing it because Weston is nearby.
“Came to help out with the setup,” I tell him, watching his expression shift as he realizes I’m not going anywhere.
Knew that would take you by surprise.
“We’re good. You don’t need to help.”
“Niko!” Weston says brightly, heading over to wave at me. “This is awesome. We need another hand for these lights.”
“Glad to be here. How can we help?”
Weston’s expression changes when he looks down at Sev.
Like there’s something harsh in the air between them, but he won’t acknowledge it.
“Sevan,” Weston says, giving him a curt nod. “I didn’t know you knew Niko.”
And thank God my cousin’s here.
There’s at least one person in here who can get me to keep my sanity.
Maybe.
Sev mentioned that Weston had some problems with him last year, but I have no idea how deep that bad blood goes.
They certainly don’t regard each other in any friendly way.
Sevan nods. “Yes, Weston. Of course I know Niko. You’re looking at the man who corrupted me.”
I click my tongue. “That is complete bullshit. Sevan corrupted me, and we both know it.”
