Page 99 of Wicked Prince

I was being sarcastic, but he shrugs. "They're not wrong."

My face grows even warmer. "Stefan... I'm really not worth that."

"I disagree," he says. "But if it makes you feel better, I do think it's a good move in general. I've been getting tired of my old university, anyway. Too close to home."

"Yeah," I say quietly, trying not to let my thoughts drift to whether that has anything to do with rumors from his original home following him across the ocean.

There's a part of me that wants to just come out and ask him. That feels like a pretty fucking bad idea, though. Especially when I'm not going to be around that much longer.

I was dreading the fact that I was assigned to babysit him for his stay here, but now, I actually realize I'm going to miss him, too.

"Is something wrong?" he asks, looking over again.

I hesitate a moment, realizing this is my chance. At length, I chicken out and shake my head. "No. It’s nothing. Just thinking about the party."

That much is true.

He smiles. "Well, if you want to leave, just say the word."

"I appreciate that, but it's your party," I remind him. "It would probably look bad if the guest of honor ducked out early."

He chuckles. "It would hardly be the most scandalous thing I've done."

As innocent as those words are, they take on a different meaning considering what I know now. I just try my best not to show it.

"Yeah," I say with an awkward laugh, hoping he won't notice.

We finally pull up at the fraternity house where Kayleigh has taken over for the night, and I can already hear the pulsing music coming from inside.

I can already feel a migraine coming on, too.

"Ready?" Stefan asks, offering his hand once I'm out of the car.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I answer.

He just chuckles, putting a hand on my shoulder as he walks me up the path and into the house. It's only my second party at the fraternity house, but it feels like the first was forever ago.

The first time I kissed Lorenzo.

One of the first times I met Anthony.

Somehow, this house holds more memories than my father's does. But I guess that's to be expected.

I take a deep breath and brace myself for the impending night. Parties and socialization aren't really my thing under the best of circumstances, let alone when Kayleigh and Lorenzo are involved.

We've barely made it inside before the former comes out of nowhere and practically tackles Stefan with a hug, her drink sloshing in her hand. I can tell it's not her first from the way she's wobbling on those towering heels.

"There you are!" she yells to be heard over the music. "I was worried you weren't going to make it!"

"Oh?" he says, looking down at his watch. "I didn't think we were late."

It occurs to me just then that Stefan actually wears a watch. I don't know anyone under forty who does, but it's kind of charming.

"Well, I'm just glad you're here," Kayleigh says, ignoring his comment. She takes his arm in hers. "Come on. There are, like, a billion people I have to introduce you to now that you're going to be attending Bainbridge."

She sounds giddy, like her best friend just announced he was moving into town.

Something tells me Lorenzo isn't nearly as thrilled.

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