Cruel Love (Privilege 6)

aid, tilting the glass toward Ariana in a toast. “And winning is the best revenge.”

THE COUP

“We all know why we’re here,” April said, after calling the Stone and Grave meeting to order. “Before we get on with the meeting, you should all know that our current vice president, Brother Starbuck, has asked that, since I initiated the process, I run the elections.”

April cast a sardonic look in Palmer’s direction, and Ariana knew exactly what it was meant to convey. Already April believed that Palmer was unfit to be president of their chapter, but his inability or unwillingness to step up to the plate tonight had sealed it. Palmer, meanwhile, sat slumped against the wall, his jeans and sneakers sticking out from under his bunched-up black robe. He gazed into a candle flame off to his right, his expression blank, as if there was nothing and no one else in the room.

“But first, let’s all take a moment of silence for our sister, Lexa Greene,” April said. “Forever in our hearts.”

“Forever in our hearts,” the brotherhood responded as one.

Ariana stared down at the floor. Her heart pounded an excited, anticipatory beat, and she felt uncomfortably like she had to pee. As much as she wanted to honor Lexa, she needed to get on with the vote. Each slowly passing minute of the day had meant an uptick in her tension level. By the time she, Tahira, and Maria had set out from Privilege House to walk down to the Tombs together, she had felt like she could barely breathe. Even with April’s complete confidence that she would win, Ariana felt as if the chips were stacked against her. With Lexa gone and Soomie still MIA, there were fewer girls than guys in Stone and Grave. Even if she did land every single female vote, it wouldn’t be enough. She’d need at least three guys to win. She’d been doing the math over and over all evening, giving herself a stabbing headache in the process. Now, whatever the outcome, she just wanted to have it over with. She wanted to know.

And yes, she wanted to win.

“Thank you,” April said. Around the room, dozens of faces lifted. “And now, I will read the list of nominees.”

“Brother Starbuck, do you accept your nomination?” she asked.

All eyes in the room turned to Palmer. He nodded. A movement so minuscule Ariana wasn’t sure if it was real or a trick of light.

“So noted,” April said with a frustrated sigh. She made a mark in her notebook.

“Sister Portia, do you accept your nomination?” April asked.

Suddenly Palmer’s head snapped up. His gaze found Ariana’s in the circle, and he sat up straight, pushing himself away from the wall and toward the circle. Clearly, no one had told him that she was nominated. Ariana found his obvious shock highly gratifying.

“I do,” she said clearly, her voice strong.

“Thank you,” April said. She made her note, then looked around. “At this time, it is my duty to open up the floor to any last-minute nominations,” she said. “Let me remind you of the gravity of this decision. Tonight we will elect the person who will be our president for the remainder of the school year.” She made eye contact with each and every brother and sister in the circle, driving her message home. “You must choose the person you think best exemplifies the values of the Stone and Grave. The person you would like to have representing us to the alumni. Now. Are there any further nominations?”

Christian Thacker raised his hand.

“Yes, Brother Darcy?”

Ariana’s heart was in her throat. Palmer looked betrayed. Christian was really going to nominate someone else? Now? What was he trying to do, give her a coronary?

“I nominate Brother Lear,” Christian said.

“No.” Conrad’s voice filled the room so utterly, Ariana flinched. “I’m sorry, Brother Darcy, but trust me, I’m not the best person for the job right now.” He shifted, pulling his legs up story style under his robe and casting a sidelong glance at Palmer.

Ariana’s pulse grew shallow and quick. What did that look mean? Was he not running in order to throw his support behind Palmer? Or did he think that Palmer should withdraw his nomination as well, since they were both in mourning? Ariana swallowed hard, hoping it was the latter.

Please, please, please let Conrad be on my side, she thought suddenly. With Conrad on my side, I really have a chance.

“All right then,” April said. “For those of you who are new to this, we have open voting in Stone and Grave. There are no secrets among the brotherhood. I will call each of your names and you will answer with the name of the person for whom you wish to vote.”

Ariana gripped the sides of her robe with both hands. Open voting? So she’d know who voted for her and who didn’t. She’d be able to keep track. Suddenly her pulse throbbed so loudly she could hardly hear herself think. What was she supposed to say at her turn? Should she vote for herself, or do the mature, valiant thing and vote for Palmer?

She stared at her former love from across the circle. His jaw was set in a babyish pout, his fists stuffed under his arms. She remembered the way he’d attacked her in the hospital, in front of everyone, and then again in the common room. She suddenly felt so disgusted that she wasn’t certain she’d be able to utter his name if she tried. There was a good possibility she’d gag on it first.

“We start with the newest members so that they can’t be influenced by the votes of their elders,” April continued, looking at Jasper. “So let’s begin. Brother Amory Blaine?”

Jasper cleared his throat. “Sister Portia.”

Palmer stared flaming daggers across the circle at Jasper. Ariana was certain he had been counting on the male vote the same way she was counting on the female vote.

“Brother Oliver Twist?”