Page 82 of Hate Game

Ever sighs. “True love. Toxic but endearing, right?”

I nod. She hit the nail on the head. Hopefully, what Riley and Midnight have is more endearing than toxic, or else I will kick Midnight’s ass for hurting my sister.

“How do you like Dumas?” I change the subject. Talking about my sister and Midnight’s relationship has me thinking too much about me and Malice. Will he ask me to be his girlfriend? Or did we go from enemies to friend zone to friends with benefits?

“Glad I’m there; otherwise, I wouldn’t have met your sister and made friends for life.”

“The Sass Squad.”

“That name.” Ever laughs. “Is true for all the girls. They are quiet for the most part, but test them, and they will go sass on you.”

Her eyes sparkle. She flips her long brown hair over her shoulder. Ever is thin, and she is my height, five foot five. She is so pretty with her angelic face and beautiful name. Whenever my sister brings up Ever’s name, I think of a fairy princess.

“Are you thinking about going? If you haven’t decided or applied, there’s still time. And there’s an Immerse-In-the-DU experience the first week of February for those who want to start winter quarter rather than fall.”

“Really?”

“Yep. The others and I can host you. It’s an entire week. You can take turns going to our classes. Then on Friday, there’s a huge party.”

“Sounds like fun.” It really does. “Do I register online?”

“Yep. Search it up on the DU website. You’ll have the option to put in a student or students’ names for hosting. You can put down mine, Arie, Gwen, Syn, and your sister.”

“Should you ask them first?”

“I’m their informal leader, so what I say goes,” she says, hands on her hips and a smile on her face.

I smile back. “I’ll register as soon as I get back to Cambridge.” I’m normally not a hugger, but Ever is so nice that I hug her. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” She puts me at arm’s length. “You’re from Cambridge?”

I nod. It’s easier to agree than get into the long story of how I used to live in Delridge but am now living with Malice in Cambridge.

“You wouldn’t happen to know anyone looking for a job, would you?”

“Actually, I do. Is it in Dumas?” The one-hour drive could be an issue—or not, with as fast as Malice drives, though he did the speed limit our entire drive here.

“I’m not jeopardizing my girl’s life for a Friendsgiving get-together,” he had said.

“McMillan. My other half is moving to a different state with her military husband, and Ben, my boss, is looking to add one additional person for the upcoming holidays, Valentine’s Day, and spring break when the bakery gets busy.”

“You work at a bakery? Would that happen to be Sweet Creations? We have Sweet Creations Two at our town center. I love baking.”

So does Malice. He’s been on a baking spree ever since the dreamy night we made love.

“It is. Would you like to meet Ben, the owner? I can set up a meet and greet for the two of you.”

“Do you mind if I bring the extra person with me?” I look toward the pool.

Malice is listening to something Tyler is saying with a contemplative expression. Ever sees where I’m looking.

“He’s great with the desserts, knows his way around a kitchen, and is easy on the eyes. All the college girls will go gaga over him and flock to the store.”

In what world do I use the words “gaga” and “flock” in the same sentence? But my body is light, and my heartbeats are tap-dancing in my chest.

“I am sold, and Ben will be too.” We exchange numbers before heading outside.

Midnight waves me over. “Rue, come say hi to Xander and his girlfriend, Nora.”

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