Page 33 of The Claiming

“You make good coffee, Frankie. I’ll give you that.”

“I have the right equipment to bring you the ultimate pleasure.” I wink. “What can I say, I’m a man of many talents.”

“You’re such a comedian, but seriously, this coffee is good.”

She glances around at the compact kitchen and shakes her head in surprise. “I can’t believe you live like this—on campus. Does Principal Constable know?”

“Of course. My mom ran everything by her and I’d be worried if she didn’t notice the interior designers and the endless deliveries. Not to mention the builders and electricians that were also working hard during the holidays.”

“It pays to have connections—obviously.”

She glances around and sighs, sipping her coffee as she leans against the counter.

“You know, I could happily live in a place like this. You’re lucky.”

“I am.”

I wrap my hands around my own mug and regard her through a hooded expression. If I get my way, Cassie will become a permanent feature here and all for my pleasure.

It’s great being me sometimes.

She sets the mug down and glances at her phone. “I should be going. Siri will wonder where I am and we agreed to grab pizza and study.”

“I’d offer to walk you to your dorm, but that would send the wrong message.”

She shrugs. “I’m a big girl. I can walk myself home. Anyway, I’d prefer not to be tied to you, Frankie. The last thing I need to be is public enemy number one among the entire female faculty.”

“You flatter me, baby girl.”

She sets the mug down and clings her phone in her hand, gazing with a sigh toward her wet sneakers.

“Thanks again, Frankie. You’ve put my mind at rest.”

She turns to go and I say abruptly, “Haven’t you forgotten something?”

“I don’t–” She appears confused and I nod to her phone.

“You need to register for The Claiming if you’re intending on taking part. Slots are almost full and you must act fast if you’re going to accept my challenge.”

She peers down at her phone and then nods and with a challenge in her beautiful eyes, she makes the text.

“There. Happy now?”

“I’ll be happier when I win and you are claimed along with Siri.”

Once again, I give nothing away and I can tell she is curious if I’m adding my name to the list.

I flash her a wicked smirk and smile. “Take care walking back, Cassie. It’s getting dark out there.”

She says nothing and walks away and as the door closes softly behind her, I smile to myself. In a few hours, she’ll be back for the party and tonight will prove a very interesting one indeed.

SEVENTEEN

CASSIE

Luckily, I meet nobody – both on my way out of The Elusive’s house, or on the path back to my dorm. I realize how it would look and I’m not prepared to make any excuses that sound unbelievable, even to me.

As soon as I head through the door, Siri jumps up.

---