Page 60 of Pretty Threats

“How did he get your number? We never even mentioned your last name.”

I shrug. “The guy’s got juice.”

“You know…” She licks her lips. “I’d been thinking of taking another girl with me, but I honestly don’t want to. It sounds like the Beta fraternity brothers are sharks.” Her small fingers rub the side of her neck. “If you’re there, at least I won’t have to worry about getting hurt, since I’ll be bringing my own Great White.”

Raine lets me buy her a strapless light blue dress without protest, which is progress, too. People buying things for each other is what couples do. I’ve seen it.

When she comes out of the bathroom in the dress, she’s got her hair up except for a few loose strands. It’s how she had it on the night she stabbed me. I liked it then, and I like it now.

The dress looks good on her, too. Simple, straight lines. A tube of fabric on top, a horizontal gap in the middle where her smooth skin shows, then the long skirt. It’s sleek and makes her look taller.

I’m wearing a navy blue designer suit that was custom tailored. One of the two new suits I bought for work. There are times when suits are called for on the job. Might as well look good in them, I was told.

When we emerge from the back of the house, Jamie, who’s on the black couch, looks us over. “Yeah, that’s grand. Want a picture, mate?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation, opening the camera on my phone and handing it to him.

I have thousands of pictures of Raine, but only six that I’m in with her. In the past, I had no interest in being in the pictures of her. Why would I want to take up space in the frame when she was the thing I wanted to look at? Now, though, it’s operational. Taking pictures together is a couples thing. I’m two for two.

Raine pastes a smile on her face because it’s what’s expected. She always does what’s expected. I don’t smile, at least not on the outside.

Jamie frowns at the picture. “She looks gorgeous. You look like you’re taking a mugshot. Want another?”

I take the phone, glance at the picture, and let the corner of my mouth curve into a small smile. “Nah, it’s perfect.”

“Those Beta guys can be pricks, mate. Should you decide a fight’s in order, make sure you text so I can join in.”

Raine pauses and asks in surprise, “You’ve had a run in with someone from Beta House?”

“Indeed,” Jamie says, dropping back onto the couch on his back.

“They wanted you to come to their party,” Raine says.

“Did they now? Likely planning an ambush.”

An ambush? That means Jamie’s cover as a student hasn’t been blown. Unlike mine, since Wilson knew me.

“Anyone you want me to give a message to? Doesn’t need to be a fight. People trip,” I say with a casual shrug.

Jamie’s bright white smile appears. “Didn’t know you cared, mate.”

I wait.

He runs a hand through his golden hair. “Not tonight. Wouldn’t want to ruin the date.”

“It’s not a date,” Raine says hastily.

“Sure, course not,” Jamie says easily. “You look good together, nonetheless.”

With that, I put her coat on her and escort her out to the car.

Once we’re both inside, she asks, “Do you think they really would’ve ambushed him if he’d gone?”

“No idea.” My hand shifts the car into gear.

“Maybe we should skip the party. I could make up an excuse.”

“Why?”

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