Drop Dead Queen (Corium University Trilogy 2)

“I have to go back home,” I explain. “I can’t stay.”

“What? Why?” Ren asks, perplexed. “What’s wrong? Just let me grab my shit, and we’re out of here.”

“No! You need to stay.”

“What the fuck?” Ren is getting more agitated by the second, heading toward me like a bull seeing red. “Tell me what the fuck is going on right now!”

“My father killed my birth mother,” I blurt out, making him come to a sudden halt.

His anger turns into shock immediately. The astounded look in his eyes tells me he didn’t know, which I just now realize is something else I have to worry about. Who all knows about this? Who knows what my father did but has been keeping his dark secret from me? Does Mom know? Uncle Damon?

“Are you sure?” Ren asks carefully.

“Yes,” I say confidently.

There is no fucking way Aspen is that great of an actress, not to mention it all makes sense. Why else would he keep it from me? Why else would he erase everything about her?

Of course, he killed her. It’s what my father does. If people don’t obey him, they pay.

“Why don’t you want me to come with you?”

“I want you to stay here and watch out for Aspen. You need to protect her from Matteo. He is going to try to get to her without me being here.”

For a moment, I think he is going to refuse. A weight is lifted off my chest when he sighs. “All right, I’ll make sure she is safe.”

“Thank you. I owe you.”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

“I know you will.” I turn around and leave our apartment. Whatever Ren is going to call in, this favor is going to be worth it. I have to see my father, but I can’t leave Aspen unprotected, because no matter what she thinks, she can’t keep herself safe.

That’s my job now.

33

ASPEN

I’ve become a damn ninja at avoiding Quinton. In passing between classes and in the cafeteria, I can feel his eyes on me, watching every step and breath I take. It’s only been a couple of days, but it feels like an eternity.

After I grab breakfast, which I force myself to eat, I walk to the locker rooms to change into my workout clothes.

I’ve been dreading this day since I walked out of his apartment. It’s the only class we have together, and if he’s going to make a move to talk to me, it’s going to be here. I pull my long brown hair into a messy bun and walk into the arena.

My stomach is in knots over it all, and my muscles tense with every step I take. I’m expecting the worst but surprised when I survey the room of students standing around and don’t find Quinton among them.

What the hell?

I’m hit with worry, worry that something has happened to him. That worry intensifies tenfold as I continue to look through the throng of students, but I don’t see his familiar frame towering above everyone.

Quan’s deep voice slices through the air. “All right, let’s partner up. I want everyone to work on speed today. Go through everything from last week and make sure you do it faster this round.”

I continue scouring the room for any sign of Quinton. Maybe he’s running late? Or he’s sick?

Vito steps in front of me, his hulking frame blocking my view. I’m tempted to push him out of the way but resist at the last second. I don’t want to seem like I’m looking for someone. Of course, the mysterious Vito sees right through me.

“If you’re looking for Q, he’s not here.”

I drag my gaze to his face. I’ll be the first to admit that something about Vito has me curious. His dark gaze is penetrating, and it helps that he’s attractive too.

“What do you mean, he’s not here, and who said I was looking for anyone? I’m merely trying to find a partner,” I half-lie. I’m actually trying to find my partner, but it appears he’s not here.

Everyone else is moving, breaking up into teams, and I know I have to choose someone quick.

Vito’s lips tip up at one side. “I’ll be your partner,” he announces.

Looking around one last time, I realize everyone else is partnered up. I guess it’s him or no one.

“What? You don’t like me anymore? I thought I was special to you.” He places his hand on his chest and fakes a heartache. “First you kiss me and then discard me like I’m nothing to you?”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“You mean use me to make Quinton jealous?”

“Yes. It was an impulse decision. I was angry and wasn’t thinking straight. I am really sorry.”

“I guess I can forgive you. It’s not that it was bad for me. At least I got a kiss out of it.”

He winks, and my cheeks heat. Damnit, I really regret kissing him.