Page 34 of The Claiming

“Where have you been and what the fuck are you wearing?”

“Long story.” I giggle as I perch on the edge of my bed.

“I have news though, and I’ll tell you over pizza.”

Siri claps her hands. “I can’t wait. Listen, we don’t have long. We should grab some pizza and then head to the library. That essay won’t write itself and I must hand it in during second period tomorrow. Then there’s the party.”

My stomach clenches at the thought of returning to that house tonight. My first college party andhe’llbe there.

I am flustered about my feelings toward Frankie now that I’ve spent most of the afternoon solely in his company. He surprised me and in a good way.

He was unexpectedly good company, which reminds me that I should never take a person at face value. My father taught me that and he was right. I can hear him now.

“The enemy may be under the guise of a friend and vice versa. It’s up to you to work out who you can trust, which requires careful consideration and deduction.”

He wasn’t wrong and I have yet to figure out if Frankie Majerio is a friend or foe.

* * *

Over pizza,I fill Siri in on what took place this afternoon and she gasps, “No way! Frankie gave you a guided tour of the dungeon. I never had him down as an idiot. Not really.”

She shakes her head. “So, we’ve won.”

“Possibly.” I chew on my slice and contemplate his actions.

Something inside me is telling me the fight has only just begun, but I shake it off and smile.

“At least we’ll be prepared and I have figured out a back-up plan if all else fails.”

“Tell me.”

Siri leans closer and I whisper, “Jack. He will have our backs, literally, and if either of us doesn’t make the river, he will claim her. That way we end up with a decent guy who won’t expect anything in return and as I’ll be tailing you, it would probably be me, leaving you free to experience college life as you should.”

“You would do that for me?”

Her eyes fill with gratitude and she whispers, “I can’t believe you would put your own experience on hold for me. I will never forget it. I mean that, Cass.”

“I know, and it’s no big deal. Jack and me, well, we’re used to being together, and it sucks not being free, but at the same time, it could do me a favor.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m here to study and experience freedom. Not be chained to some psycho who won in a game. That’s not me, Siri, and it never will be.”

A shadow passes across the table and as we glance up, Kennedy is standing there with two of her friends, Autumn and Abigail.

“Hey, are you heading to the party tonight?” Kennedy says pleasantly and Siri nods.

“If you mean my cousin’s, then yes.”

There is always a party somewhere on campus but none as widely anticipated as an Elusive one.

“That’s great. We’ll be there too. I must say, I’ve been to many parties at that house, mainly as Frankie’s girlfriend.”

She turns to her friends, who nod in agreement.

“Tonight I’m single and I was hoping to ask you about your friend, Jack.”

“What about him?”

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