Page 160 of Ruthless Chaos
“What’s the trip for?” I don’t know if I would like that.
Alexander plays with the curls at my nape. “It’s a yearly thing, to decide who we admit after Rush Week, and some boring administrative stuff. The meetings are short, though.” He smiles. “It’s like a working vacation. We’ll get to enjoy the resort, and each other.”
“Will I be the only girl there?”
“The other members of the Council can bring whoever they want,” he says. “So, I don’t think you will be.”
Who will I be with when he’s busy?
“Can I bring someone?” I ask.
Alexander’s hand stills. “You want to bring your roommate?”
“Yes,” I nod with a smile. “I won’t have anybody to talk to while you’re busy.”
“If she’s free, I guess she can come,” he says, though he doesn’t seem the least bit excited. “Don’t you know Nya Ibori? I’m certain Vance will bring her along.”
Hm. I didn’t realize their relationship was likethat.
“The more the merrier,” I say, chuckling.
He doesn’t laugh. “Why does it feel you don’t want to be alone with me?” Then he adds. “You don’t trust me?” He pulls a face that makes my chest clench, like he’s hurt. “Considering all the time we’ve spent together and the things we’ve done, I figured you would be excited.”
“It’s not you,” I blurt. “It’s just that I don’t want to be… outnumbered.”
Alexander’s eyebrows furrow. “Sweetheart, no one on that trip would dare disrespect you now, let alone hurt you. I will always ensure that you’re safe.” He runs his fingers over my necklace.
“I’ll ask Tara if she’s free,” I insist. “But I will come, I promise.”
He laughs, holding his head back. “You didn’t have a choice.”
Alexander pulls me in for a kiss. The intensity of it takes me off guard. I melt into him, wrapping my arms around his neck, and he pulls me on top of him. His arousal is pressed between us.
“Maybe one last time before Saturday,” he murmurs against my lips.
* * *
My body isuseless by the time I make it back to my dorm room. I’m walking on pins and there’s a bone-deep, painful ache in my limbs and joints. My insides feel like they’ve been rearranged.
But I like the pain. It’s familiar, but new and thrilling at the same time.
Every ache is a reminder of the amazing sex we had—of how much Alexander cares about me. It’s peaceful, almost.
Alexander and I spent more time together than I anticipated, and the sun is peeking over the tops of the hills now. I’ll have only a couple hours to sleep before it’s time for my morning class. I’m already dreading waking up.
I open the door as quietly as I can, doing my best not to wake Tara.
After slipping off my shoes, I tip-toe toward my side of the bedroom. I’m sweaty and sticky from everything we did tonight, but too weary to shower. If I stand up for a minute longer, I’ll probably collapse from exhaustion.
All I need is some sleep.
The lamp on Tara’s nightstand comes on before I can settle into bed.
“You’re shit at sneaking in,” she says.
She’s propped up on an elbow, a slight smile on her face.
“Did I wake you?” I say sheepishly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
