Pretty Sinner (The Oligarchs)

Not that I was worried Kaspar would say or do something—but more that I had to ensure everything went wrong.

This was only an acceptable situation so long as it didn’t continue. I was banking on Penny not being interested in him long-term, but if he happened to win her over then things might get more complicated.

So I stalked them. He took her to a food truck on the far side of campus. They took their Styrofoam-encased meals along a winding path that led to a small grassy spot tucked into the curve of the science building. I peered at them through bushes, getting dirt and bird shit on my jeans, and cursing this whole thing.

He had a fucking picnic set up. At night, in winter.

There were several large kerosene heaters. They glowed orange-red above a heavy, cozy-looking blanket strewn with pillows. Penny laughed when she saw it, but settled down next to him and began to eat, apparently comfortable and happy.

They talked the whole time. Kaspar was intent and stared at her like he wanted to absorb all of her details. Penny was a bit more distant—but she smiled a lot and as they finished eating, she leaned in closer to him, listening to some story that made her cover her mouth and chortle.

My legs and shoulders hurt from staying crammed into the damn brush and I was very, very happy when Kaspar stood and led Penny away from his little meeting place.

I followed them. I didn’t want to see who showed up to clean the mess. I figured he had minions for that.

Next stop was a frozen yogurt place. It was technically off campus, but since it was only across the street, Penny didn’t seem to mind. I ducked into the coffee place next door and watched from the window. They walked slowly down the block, eating, and talking some more.

It was just after ten when Kaspar took her back to campus. They angled toward the dorms and my knees were trembling. I crouched beside a parked car as Kaspar walked Penny to the door and stopped there.

Ten thirty. Nice and early.

He said something. She laughed, touched his chest. He grinned at her. Charming bastard. She tilted her head.

He leaned down and kissed her.

She didn’t pull away.

It was a short kiss. Chaste, almost. They made a good couple: he was tall, strapping, a Nordic-freaking-prince. She was small and pretty with an incredible body. I envied her every time she got changed and I caught a glimpse of her breasts, ass, and flat stomach. When they broke apart, my teeth were chattering.

Penny went inside. Kaspar turned away, and his smile faded as he walked toward the street.

And came directly to me.

He knew I was there. I shrank back into the shadows, but it was clear. He stared right at the car I was hiding behind and stood there, waiting, arms crossed over his chest. I cursed him, cursed myself, then stood and walked out with some small bit of dignity.

“Your knees are dirty and you have a dry leaf in your hair.”

I swatted at my head. There was nothing. “You asshole.”

“You followed us.”

“Of course I did.”

“You did a bad job.”

I clenched my jaw. “Says you.”

“How do you think that went?” He came closer, lips tugged up into a vicious smirk. “Think she’s into me?”

“I think she’ll see the light once she debriefs with her closest friend on campus.”

He laughed then and it seemed almost genuine, but I could never tell with him. “You know what I don’t get? You set this up. You made it happen. What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking you’d blow it.”

“You clearly don’t know me then.”

“Clearly I don’t.” I leaned in and put my face inches from his. “And you don’t know me, either.”

“Oh, I think I might, Alice.” He pushed me away gently and stepped past, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Tell Penny she tastes like bubblegum and mint, and I plan on licking her cunt and spanking her ass until she screams my name.”

I felt a thrill of excitement. “You’re fucked up, you know that, right?”

“I know what I am.” He hesitated, looked over his shoulder. “I can’t tell if you want to fuck her too, or if you want to murder her. Either way, be careful.”

He walked off. I watched him go, trembling.

I hated him. Despised him.

He saw through my mask too easily.

I felt barren, naked.

And he was right.

Sometimes, all I could think about was my mission. Penny had to die. Maeve ordered it, and I owed Maeve everything. I’d cut the prissy little bitch’s throat and leave her corpse in the middle of the street.

But then I spent the morning in bed with her, looking at Instagram, talking about classmates, laughing and enjoying each other. I’d feel a strange, sick yearning every time she touched my skin, every time she adjusted her body.