Page 18 of Deceit & Destruction

“Are you saying that Blackthorne is a member of the Scorpio Society?”

Every student on campus knows about the society, it’s just a matter of uncovering the members. If I tell him that Blackthorne is a member or that he solicited my tutoring services to other members, I’m dragging him deeper into this mess and something tells me he already has a full plate.

“Webber told me Mila introduced the two of you,” he cautions. “That girl doesn’t talk to many people which tells me you and she have some kind of bond.” He angles his head. “You can trust me, Cassie.”

The funny thing is, I do trust him. I just can’t explain why.

“I don’t know you,” I whisper.

He pierces me with a look.

“That didn’t stop you from saving my ass and if I didn’t pump the brakes on the arrangement Webber made you, we’d probably be moving your shit into the spare bedroom next to mine.”

He’s got a point whether it makes sense or not.

“Fine, but just know the more information I divulge, the deeper you get.”

“It’s not my first rodeo with these motherfuckers, Cassie. Mila should’ve told you that when she linked you up with me and Webber.”

Pulling in a breath, I worry my lower lip between my teeth. Mila did share her story with me—every part, including Webber’s role. I know that she, Webber, Alex, Victoria and even Mike have been casualties of the society. But out of all of them, Mike got off the easiest. He wasn’t a direct hit. Inserting himself into my life will undoubtedly change that.

It may already have.

“Look, Cassie, I just told a professor that I’m your baby’s daddy. I’d like to know what I signed up for.”

“Blackthorne is deeply involved in the society. I don’t know how high he ranks, though, and before you ask, I didn’t know anything about the society or that he was a member until it was too late.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m a loner by nature, Mike. I have no friends at Stonewall. So when Professor Blackthorne started to show me attention, I gobbled it up. I won’t get into all the details because quite frankly, I’m ashamed, but we were already deeply involved by the time I found out he was part of the society.”

He considers that for a moment and the longer he remains silent, the more I wish I can take back the words. I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed in my life.

“How did you find out?” he finally asks.

I blow out a breath.

“He had me tutor several members, one being Jennings. It got to the point where I had to let go of my regulars just to accommodate all his referrals. When I finally realized he was using me, I tried to break it off. I stopped meeting him for lunch and I canceled all my tutoring sessions, which sucked because I needed the money and all my regulars had found new tutors to help them. But I was determined to break away from the corruption and I think I would’ve probably succeeded if I hadn’t found out I was pregnant.”

His lips purse.

“You didn’t tell him, though.”

When I first found out, I thought about telling him. For one naïve moment I even thought he’d choose me and the baby over the family he already had and the career he cherished. However, reality quickly set in, and I realized how dangerous of a predicament I was in.

I shake my head.

“No, I was too scared. I knew if he found out he’d ask me to get an abortion and if I refused, I knew he’d hurt me. He’s terrified of a scandal, and I don’t put anything past him.”

“And clearly you want to keep the baby,” he says tipping his chin to my belly.

I don’t know why my cheeks heat, but they do, and I lay a protective hand over my stomach.

“Yes,” I say. “I know it’s crazy. I know Blackthorne is monster in his own right, but this baby isn’t. This baby is part ofme.”

His features soften and his eyes come up to study me for a moment. Did I mention he has extraordinary eyes? They’re mostly dark but they’re flecked and ringed with gold.

“I didn’t mean anything bad by it, Cassie. I’m just trying to figure out where we go from here.”

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