Ruthless Secrets (Elites of Macedon High 2)

“Larger than life, Soren. Isn’t that every young man’s dream?” He smirks. “To shine brighter than his father?”

“You’ve certainly given me a lot to think about.”

He nods, waves for me to get up, and then lounges in his chair, reaching for his mug again. “Just don’t think about marrying that Moretti girl.” He slurps his coffee and then adds, “Or else.”

***

I’m adjusting the collar of my shirt when Alex slides into the passenger seat of my BMW. She’s all dolled up in a slinky black dress with lace trim and a leather jacket. Snorting, I glance in the rear-view mirror at Tomas, who looks beyond pleased with her appearance.

Of course she would dress for him, I think while peeling away from the Moretti mansion. It’s not like I invited her out or anything.

While trying not to fume too much, I recall my conversation with Osmond. It shook me to my core to be under the spotlight like that. Regardless, it was good practice. I’m finally in the game with him asking for a meeting like that. I’m my own man, not my father’s son.

“Where are we going?” Alex asks while procuring a pocket mirror from her purse. She dabs red lipstick on her already perfect lips. “Capital City?”

“There’s a party in the Capital Lofts,” Tomas replies. “Should be nice enough for us.”

I smirk. “Plenty of booze.”

“Hey, you’re the DD,” Tomas teases while slapping my shoulder.

I roll my eyes. “You two don’t get too crazy, understand?”

“I think I’ll be fine,” she says while tucking her mirror away. She shoots me a devious grin. “Maybe I’ll hog all the cherry vodka.”

“In your dreams.”

She giggles and pushes my shoulder, the simple touch making me feel slightly better about the fact that she’s not dressed for me. Inviting her to this party is my way of apologizing. I just hope she can see that by the end of the night.

Once the lights of Capital City come into view, excitement boils in my solar plexus. Relaxing my muscles takes extra effort, but I manage to do it by the time we’re in the parking garage for Capital Lofts. I park, round the car, and hold out my hand for Alex to take while she steps from the vehicle.

Her fingers slide naturally into mine, making me smile proudly as we walk toward the elevators. Upstairs, the party explodes all around us, EDM blaring through every room along with enough laser lights to make anyone have a seizure. Alex and I peruse the drink table while Tomas disappears into the crowd. My hand instinctively taps my right pocket, tracing the outline of the box I tucked in there earlier.

“Soren?” Alex places her hand on my chest as her lips graze my ear. “Where are you?”

“Right here.”

She shakes her head. “No, you’re not.”

“I’m fine. I swear.”

“I’m worried about Tomas. Can we go find him?”

I nod and motion for her to lead the way, placing my hand on the small of her back. The way she slides her arm around my waist and keeps me close makes me think the apology is working. We locate Tomas halfway through the loft with his nose in a pile of snow.

Sighing, I try to tug Alex away, but she insists on interrupting him, speaking rapidly into his ear while he sniffles and wipes his nose. After a moment, he shakes his head. She talks faster, motioning rigidly, and then he grows angry, pushing past her to get to another room.

“Sorry, sugar,” I tell her. “He’s stubborn.”

“He’s backsliding.” She clutches my bicep. “Soren, we need to keep an eye on him.”

The look in her eyes inspires fear. I try to give her a reassuring smile, but I know it’s not convincing—I’m worried about him, too.

“Let’s try to have a little fun, okay?” I say while pulling her back to the front room where all the drinks are located. “Have a shot for me.”

She’s hesitant but agreeable as I tug her through the crowd. Seeing her unwind minutes later makes the trip feel worth it, encouraging me to grin when she starts chatting with a group of girls hanging out nearby. They’re comparing jewelry, the four of them gathering around Alex like she’s a saint returned from the grave.

When she’s done talking to them, she returns to me, urging me to guide her through the party. “It’s been forty minutes. We should find Tomas.”