Page 58 of Lovely Deceit

“So, he owes us a favor,” she says, focused ahead of her as we make a turn down the sidewalk.

My stomach squeezes. “Love, I don’t think it’s a good idea to be cashing in favors—”

A grin splits her lips. “We could use it to take down Leo.”

“Unless, of course, cashing in those favors means we get to fuck with Leonardo Jarvis.” I match her smile with one of my own.

It’s been difficult to pretend around him. Eden and I decided it was better to have him close than far away. At least then we would know what he was up to. He’s been surly and boorish, moping around his hall as if he actually cares Eden is paying attention to Alaric and me and not him. He watches her like a hawk. Borderline obsessive if you ask me, but luckily, her opinion on him hasn’t changed.

He screwed her over, and he deserves to pay. No matter if he’s attempting to make up for it now. The only reason he’s even in our group is because his grandfather wanted him to spy on her. An insider with a direct line to the most powerful Knight alive is something we definitely don’t need.

Fortunately for us, it seems he’s been telling the truth. He hasn’t told his grandfather any of the incriminating facts.

Still doesn’t absolve him of his actions, though.

“What did you have in mind?” I ask.

She shrugs. “I don’t really know. I thought we’d set up a meeting, and I’d tell him what I want done. If I have to, I’ll remind him that he owes us. Once it’s underway, we can just sit back and laugh.”

I admit, it’s been fun listening to Alaric on the phone with his father as he tries to make amends for pissing off the Knights. He deserved what he got. The only thing that would’ve made it better is if I got to punch him just like his father did. “I say let’s do it. I’m sure we can figure out a way to contact him.”

She smiles happily, but when she glances up and finds that we’re in front of Keegan’s building, she puts her game face on.

“Ready?” I ask.

She nods, and I hover near her as she maneuvers up the steps with her crutches. She pushes the doorbell, and we wait. A girl in an oversized shirt answers the door. When she finds us there, she spins and disappears down the hall, the snick of a door echoing in the silence.

This Hall is larger than Jarvis. It’s still elegant and well-appointed with fancy furnishings, despite the fact that it houses more than ten students. The common area boasts a sitting room and a kitchen, like Jarvis, but this one is more spacious. Straight ahead is a long hall with several doors. Off the living room is where the staircase is that leads upstairs. “Where’s Keegan’s room again?” she asks.

“You mean, ‘Thank you, Oliver—handsome, special Oliver—who wooed the secretary in the administration building to disclose Keegan’s room placement.’”

“Yeah, that’s what I meant.”

“Second floor. Room 202.”

She eyes the stairs like she wishes she could smash them to pieces. Getting around on the crutches is cumbersome, and I know she can’t wait to get off the stupid things. She makes her way over and then starts up them. After getting to the top, she takes a deep breath. “I fucking hate stairs.”

Peering around, I find room 201 in front of us, which means Keegan’s room is the next door down. I point to it. “Good thing we’re here, then.” I step forward to place my ear on the door.

“What are you doing?” she hisses.

I turn, looking at her. “Checking to see if he’s in there.”

She prods me with her crutch until I move out of the way. “We’re not sneaking up on him. I just want to talk. You should probably stay out here.”

Yeah, she can think I’ll do that, but it’s not happening.

She knocks on the door, then waits a few seconds before knocking harder. After he doesn’t answer, she tests the doorknob, and it miraculously turns in her hands. She crooks her head, looking at me with raised brows before pushing it open.

The inside of his room is immaculately kept. The bed is made. There are trophies and awards adorning the walls. One thing that’s not in the room, though, is Keegan Forbes. I move to the bathroom, which is also empty and appears as if it has been so for at least a few days. There’s no water in the shower or bathroom essentials on the sink. I’m a neat freak, and even I leave my cologne on the bathroom counter.

She sighs. “Where the hell is he? He hasn’t answered my calls. Or my texts.”

I turn back to enter the room and a picture catches my eye. It’s in a sterling silver frame, placed prominently on his dresser.

I point to it, and Eden’s gaze immediately follows. She pauses when she sees what I’m bringing to her attention. “Oh my God…” She limps over, pulling the picture closer, and I stand behind her, placing my hands on her shoulders. It’s a picture of Delilah and Keegan. She’s perched on his lap, peering at him adoringly, but the most shocking part of the whole photo is the way he’s looking at her. Like he…loves her. There’s no denying it.

“Look at this,” she says, pointing to the background.

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