Page 64 of The Claiming

“She really hates that guy,” Cassie whispers and she frowns. “That was cruel, letting him into the challenge. You’ve ruined both of their semesters.”

“I don’t see Amos complaining.”

She hisses, “She’s going to make him miserable. The poor guy will be publicly rejected and humiliated even more than he was before.”

“We’ll see.”

She says with surprise, “Why, what do you know?”

“A lot, little one, which is why you are fascinated by me.”

With a sigh, she slides off my lap and reaches for a beer in the cooler by my side.

“So, you drink beer now?” I smirk as her eyes flash.

“I need something to dull my senses when I’m around you.”

She rolls her eyes and as she downs it in one, I can’t help being impressed.

Cassie is a warrior wrapped in an angel’s wings and matches me perfectly. I couldn’t be happier and as I slide my arm around her shoulder, she leans against me and whispers, “I’m not sure about River.”

We study the couple who are necking against the wall, River blocking out the rest of the room as he kisses Autumn relentlessly.

“Why?”

“He was rough with her during The Claiming.”

“How do you know that?”

“She told us when you locked us in the prison cells. She sounded afraid of him.”

“She’s not afraid of him now.”

I watch her hand slide around his waist as she grips him tightly and Cassie shrugs, a thoughtful gleam in her eyes. “Possibly, but I’m not convinced and intend to keep my eye on them.”

“Why?”

Her eyes flash. “Because if he is forcing her into anything, I’ll fucking lay him out. If their relationship is gonna work, it can’t be based on fear.”

“What do you fear, Cassie?” I’m interested because I don’t believe she is scared of anything and she rolls her eyes.

“I fear being stuck with you for the entire semester. God only knows what I’ve done wrong to deserve such a cross to bear.”

Her impish grin lights my soul and before I can reach for her again, she jumps up, angling her head toward the rear door. “I could use some air. Parties aren’t really my thing.”

“Why not? I thought everyone liked parties.”

“I’m not everyone, Frankie, and I’m guessing neither are you.”

I notice her gaze drag toward a couple chatting by the bar, obviously enjoying the conversation. Siri and Jack are laughing, their heads close together, and I notice his arm is slung loosely around her shoulders.

Cassie’s expression is guarded but her eyes are dull as she watches her two closest friends getting along and a stab of jealously surprises me as I consider she has deeper feelings for Jack than I first realized.

THIRTY

CASSIE

I’ve got to get out of here. I can’t breathe.

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