Ruins of Temptation (Corium University Trilogy 4)

I don’t need to be told. I already know. “I have to go. Thank you for this. I’ll keep you in the loop on what happens.” I end the call, toss the phone aside, and sink my head into my hands.

I can’t believe it’s true, even if the proof is right in front of my face. Nic’s right. His recon work is impeccable. And he had to know how it would shake me up to see the connection between the existence of a huge trust and the date it was set up.

He wouldn’t have brought me this information unless he was sure it was the real thing. No wonder he hasn’t gone to bed. Forcing all the air in my lungs out, I take a few calming breaths.

I have to confront her. I have to, but I also have to get my thoughts in order. I can’t kill her or hurt her. I’m bigger than this. I’m better than this. Even Lauren thinks I’ve gotten better at maintaining my cool in stressful situations. It’s times like this I have to fall back on the shit she’s taught me.

I wish I could control myself more than I do. That’s the problem. I want to hurt her. I crave her pain. And I’m tired of denying myself what I want. She’s going to learn what happens to people who lie to me. There is no room for a rat or liar in this school. Pushing off the couch, I march toward the guest room.

My first impulse is to throw the door open. In my mind, I can see her bolting upright in bed, gasping in surprise when I storm into the room. Maybe she would clutch the blankets to her chest, trying to get away before I could reach her. It wouldn’t matter; nothing would stop me once I got started. That’s how it used to be for me. I’d fight and kill the person standing in front of me until I got the answer I needed or until the job was done. I’m no longer that man, though, and as satisfying as that would be, there’s another method that appeals to me even more.

That’s why I open the door slowly and tiptoe inside. She’s fast asleep, on her back, one hand on her stomach and the other up by her head. Her face is turned to the side, away from me, her auburn hair spilling over the pillow. If there was a window and moonlight coming through it, it might glow like fire.

As far as I’m concerned, this is the last peaceful moment of her life.

I stand over her, watching, quieting my own breath in favor of listening to hers. She stirs slightly, even whimpers softly, but she doesn’t wake. Not until I throw back the blankets all at once.

It’s then her eyes fly open, soft breathing replaced by a sharp gasp. “Get up,” I growl.

“What is it?” She’s rubbing her eyes and scratching her head. Pretending? I can’t tell. I don’t know anything about this girl, and that’s half the problem. She’s a fucking mystery to me, and I need to solve her.

“You and I need to have a little talk. No more comfort for you. Get out of bed, now.” When she doesn’t get up immediately, I take her by the arm and pull her from the bed before forcing her to stand on wobbly legs.

“Okay, I get it!” She shakes off my hands and even has the nerve to scowl. “What’s wrong?”

“Remind me of something.” Arms folded, I stand in front of her, ready to jump on her if she makes a move. It was a mistake. It was all a mistake; loosening my grip, giving her space, being kind, and considering her feelings. This is how I’m repaid. I feel as if I’ve been dubbed. I should’ve known better. She’s no better than her brother…but more than anything, nobody takes advantage of me.

“What?” she snaps.

“No. That’s not going to happen.” In a flash, I have her by the hair, twisting the strands around my fist while yanking her head back. A strangled little yelp erupts from her throat. “Please, tell me it’s not an attitude I hear in your voice?”

“No.” Her voice trembles, but she doesn’t break. She will.

“Remind me of all the things you said about your family.”

“My family?” Her voice cracks.

“Do I need to put you in a cold shower to wake you up? I don’t have time to wait for your brain to join us.”

“I don’t understand why you’d do this in the middle of the night. What do you want to know?”

“Tell me about how you didn’t have a relationship with them.”

“I didn’t. I still don’t.” There’s uncertainty in her voice, but I can’t tell if it stems from lies or from fear of me.