Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,35

that asylum is. People disappear from those houses and now you’re going to be there every day.”

“Maverick—”

“You don’t know who is involved. What if they all are? They ambushed you with that twisted initiation. You could walk in one day to bake cookies and find them waiting in the kitchen with duct tape, rope, and a sack.”

“That would be scary,” I said mildly.

“And what do you think is going to happen?” Maverick was on a roll and wouldn’t be stopped. “Someone is going to slide up to you one day and say ‘this is the number you call when you need a body taken care of, and by the way, that Blair girl is getting on my nerves. Let’s have the black van pick her up next.’ That’s not going to happen, Val.”

“Does seem far-fetched.”

Maverick cupped my face, drawing me in to the fear etched into the lines of his brow. My teasing dried up.

“I’ll be fine, Maverick.” I placed my hand over his. “We talked about this. Even if I don’t find out what’s going on, I’ll be there to keep the girls safe. And with me close by, Aiden won’t risk pulling something.”

He shook his head. “You won’t be there all the time, Val. If someone is snatched out of their bed while you’re curled up with me, what are you supposed to do?”

“What I won’t do is swallow bullshit explanations about parents picking them up in the middle of the night or family emergencies that stop them from saying goodbye to anyone before they go,” I retorted. “I will stir up such a fuss that no one can ignore me or what happened. If the president of the sorority is saying something is wrong, people will listen a lot better than they did to a pledge.”

“I don’t like this.”

“I know you don’t.” I pressed my forehead to his, eyes fluttering shut. “I don’t like it either. I wish it didn’t have to be this way but someone has to do something.”

“Val—”

Covering his lips with my finger, I said, “Your girlfriend just became the president of the most popular sorority on campus as a sophomore. Congratulate me and then take me upstairs and finish what those wandering hands started.”

Maverick gently pulled my hand away. “I won’t congratulate you on putting yourself in danger.”

My face fell.

“You’re president now—fine. You did what you had to do.” He got to his feet. “And now I’m doing what I have to do.”

“What does that mean?” I snapped around as he walked off. “Maverick, you can’t dig into these people. We don’t know how they found you out the first time!”

“I didn’t cover my tracks well enough,” he tossed over his shoulder, rounding the corner into the hall. “I won’t make that mistake again because it’s you.”

Because it’s you.

Maverick would do whatever he had to do to protect me. I knew it at Evergreen Academy. I knew it the night he went after Logan. And I know nothing I say will stop him protecting me from the threats among the Sallys and Sams.

I dropped my head on the couch. I will need help to find out what’s going on. Like Maverick said, no one will volunteer their secrets.

A beep sounded in my pocket. I fished out my phone and tapped on the message.

Jaxson: I’m outside. Come out for a surprise.

Me: Is it another car?

Jaxson: Would you be disappointed if it was?

Me: That would be incredibly ungrateful. But you’re the one who needs a new car.

Jaxson: Who said it was a car? Not me. Get out here already.

I bounded up and raced out. I may not need all the gifts my guys gave me, but that didn’t mean I didn’t like receiving and then thanking them.

Jaxson’s borrowed car idled in the driveway. He waved through the windshield, flashing that wicked smile through the glass. Jaxson threw open the door and caught me as I jumped in another lap. My gift took up the entire passenger seat.

“A snow cone machine?”

“Yeah.” Jaxson brushed his lips on my neck. “I’ve been slacking on the dad duties. I was thinking you, me, and Adam could spend the day by the pool swimming, grilling, and making snow cones. Do you like it?”

“Oh, baby.” I kissed his cheeks, lips, nose, and everything else. “I love it. This is ten times better than a car.”

Jaxson gripped my hips, rocking me on his hardness. “This is ten times better than a car.” The tugging on my buttons resumed. “Just so you know,