Mercy (Somerset University #3) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,35

kept us alive to become what we are today. But when we measure the cost—weigh the genocide, chattel slavery, disenfranchisement, hate groups, terrorism, and poverty. To conclude that this has hurt society almost goes without explanation.”

“Well said,” Teagan praised. “Rowen. What do you got for us?”

“Ricky makes an excellent point and I don’t disagree with a word of it. Tribalism is at the root of all of those issues and, of course, it has hurt our society. But despite the bad that’s come with it, I say the good still outweighs, and it comes back to what Maverick said. Without those early humans coming together to feed and protect each other, Homo sapiens would’ve ended their short time on earth in a sabretooth’s stomach.

“But tribalism isn’t just community. It’s the smartest minds coming together to advance science, technology, and medicine. Rarely is a discovery made in a vacuum. It’s done through collaboration. We’ve committed terrible acts in the name of ‘us’ versus ‘them’ but we’ve also achieved new heights while working together to right those wrongs. How can we say the root of all we’ve become is bad, when nothing good would exist without it?”

Rowen punctuated his speech with a bow, soaking in the congratulations from Teagan.

“Thank you, gentlemen,” she continued. “Now I get the fun task of reading these answers. Yay or nay. Let’s see who is walking away with all of it.”

One by one by one, Teagan read the scribbled thoughts of my other five opponents. They each had plenty of examples in both directions, but their final decision was clear. Teagan announced the winner to applause from everyone in the room. Rowen and I stood up to shake.

“Does this mean your little game is over?” asked Phillipa. She sidled into Winston’s arm. “I believe I’m owed a lot more attention than you’ve been giving me.”

“You’re going to get more attention than you can stand.” Winston lifted a squealing Phillipa and tossed her on the table. He whipped her dress over her head with a speed that rivaled roadrunner, and flung it on the tower of chips.

I sprung back mid-shake and nearly slipped on one. My first instinct to rip the man-handling asshole off of her died in the fiery heat of her moan. Phillipa undid her own bra and tossed it in the direction of her dress.

“Finally.” The other girls slinked off the couch, rising up to meet the boys coming for them. In Sawyer’s case, Teagan swung around, straddled him, and began making quick work of his shirt and belt.

And finally I understand what these guys are about.

I hit the bottom step of the staircase as Winston’s pants hit the floor.

“Leaving?” Sawyer asked.

“Yes.”

“Course you are.” Aiden carried his naked date to the pool table. “Committed relationship. A kid, cat, and possible dog. This part isn’t for you, Ricky. But I like you.” He tried to point at me and his date snagged his hand and put it between her legs. “You’re in, man. See you next wee—”

That’s all he got out before she captured his lips. I got the gist.

Booking it upstairs, I sprinted out of the house like Val was hopping on a plane at that moment to come after me.

Thirty minutes later, I trudged through the front door. It was early enough that Jaxson was right where I left him—watching Die Hard in the living room. John McClane froze mid-shout.

“What’s up? How’d it go?”

“I lost over one hundred and forty grand in ten minutes is how it went. How was your night?”

“How’d the fuck you lose that kind of money?”

I flopped on the couch. “I’m not even sure myself. These guys— These guys are— They’re Sams.”

“Am I supposed to know what that means?”

“No,” I said honestly. “I’m certain that no one is.”

Chapter Five

Valentina

“Let me get this straight,” I began. “You’ve been playing poker with public enemy number one behind my back—”

“I was letting you enjoy your vacation.”

“You lost over one hundred grand—”

“When you think about it, I only lost ten grand. I didn’t have the rest of the money long enough to get attached.”

My eyes narrowed to slits. “And now you’re in their gambling and fucking club.”

“I think they... call them orgy clubs.”

“Maverick!” Romeo stirred on my lap, awoken by the noise. The puppy crawled higher up and I cuddled him under my chin. “At least you behaved yourself while I was away.”

“Actually, he peed in your shoe.” Maverick climbed onto the bed and rested his head on the spot Romeo vacated. “I’m sorry,”