Page 22 of Callous Shot

“Cara? Your sister, Cara?”

“Obviously.”

“What? I don’t understand. How did she get the idea we were dating? She gave me a blowjob at the party⁠—”

He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I know. I was there in the room when it was happening.”

Shit. Had he seen Daniel⁠—

“You can wipe that panicked look from your face. I wasn’t watching you. Bloody hell, bro, I’m not a voyeur. I was talking to Cara and one of her friends…Iris? I dunno. Anyway, we were right over the other side of the room, and there was so much weed in the air that I couldn’t see shit even if I’d wanted to—which I didn’t, to be clear. But if you’re that worried about people watching you, maybe don’t do it in a public place next time.”

“I’m not worried. I just— Forget it. Okay. Kimberly.” I rubbed my hand over my mouth. “She gave me a blowjob and then took me back to her room…and okay, yeah, I fucked her. But I thought she knew what it was. It was a one-time thing.”

“One time? Haven’t you slept with her twice already this semester?”

“Keeping tabs on my sex life? I haven’t—” Fuck. He was right. I had slept with her on two other occasions this semester, but I’d never even hinted at wanting anything more. She was great, and always down for a good time, but I wasn’t into her beyond a casual hook-up. Did that make me an asshole? Maybe, but I was also certain that I’d been careful not to give her any ideas about anything developing between us.

“Whatever she is or isn’t to you, you might wanna watch.” Gripping my shoulders, he turned me to face the yard entrance. “Quick. Better get inside. She’s about to fight.”

“Who? Kimberly? Kimberly Bridges? The Kimberly who petitioned for the Whelford Uni boxing society to be shut down because it was supposedly too violent?”

“Yes, that Kimberly. The one who claims she’s locked you down. You might remember her sucking your dick? We were literally just talking about it.”

“Fuck off,” I muttered as we filed into the yard with the rest of the Whelford students who’d shown up tonight. I took my place at the front of the group, folding my arms across my chest as I stared at the brunette stepping into the centre of the empty space reserved for the bouts.

I blinked. Shit. Jasper hadn’t been lying. She really was about to fight. But why?

Then a beautiful blonde stepped into the ring, and my stomach dropped.

Nova Thorpe. Syndicate princess, engaged to the Bratva heir, and the twin sister of Daniel’s best friend, Ryker.

There was no way Kimberly was going to come out of this unscathed. I’d never heard of Nova fighting before, but her brother was ruthless and brutal in a chillingly controlled way, and I had no doubt that he’d at least given her some tips.

“We need to stop this.”

“Kimberly can handle herself. It was her decision. It’s partly thanks to you that she’s even out there, anyway.”

“Huh?” My head shot around to see Jasper’s sister, Cara, standing next to me, shooting me an unimpressed look. “How is it thanks to me?”

“We all heard the rumour that you find women fighting hot, and it would impress you if she took part today.”

“What the hell?” I spluttered. “I’ve never— I don’t find women fighting hot! What in the actual— Who said that?”

Kimberly and Nova began to circle each other in the ring. I gritted my teeth, waiting for Cara’s answer.

“Everyone in Ashbrook House. I heard it from Neya, who heard it from Maisie, who heard it from— I’m not sure who she heard it from. The point is, everyone knows, and that’s why she’s out there now.”

My fists clenched, and my nostrils flared. Maisie. Pieces were beginning to fall into place.

“Campbell. Get me on the list for tonight against Hoyton. That arrogant bastard needs to be taught a lesson.”

“Oh, shit,” he mumbled.

Oh, shit, indeed. Daniel Hoyton was going to regret messing with me.

Kimberly threw the first punch, and Nova immediately retaliated with a spinning kick. Kimberly cried out, stumbling before she righted herself, and I winced.

“Come on, Kim,” Cara encouraged. I just wanted the fight to be over. Even from my position, I could see the glassy sheen in Kimberly’s eyes as Nova came at her with a back kick and then a jab to the ribs, making her double over with a gasp.