Mercy (Somerset University #3) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,42
started it and why.”
“Tribalism,” I said softly. “That instinctual urge to create an us versus them even within the most exclusive groups. The Sallys and Sams won’t be the first to create a secret collegiate society. Yale had Skull and Bones. The University of Virginia has the Seven Society. Rutgers has several.”
“The book must outline what the criteria are. I bet Aiden hand picks the guys he wants like he picked you. If he went around shouting about it in the Sam house, I would’ve known earlier. Why do you think he wants you?”
I shook my head, brushing my nose along her throat. “I don’t think he did. Sawyer invited me to the game. The whole time I was there, I felt like I was auditioning. Sawyer wanted me in and the guys approved.”
“Are we thinking that this club is behind everything? The disappearances. Aiden’s file.”
“I think we’re finally closer to figuring out the truth.”
She heaved a sigh. “In that case, I better get you upstairs and make my case for why I should join the club too.” Val tilted my head up. “I’m sure you’ll find my arguments very persuasive.”
I lurched to my feat, hoisting a shrieking Val in the air. Apparently that Aiden shit couldn’t ruin everything.
Chapter Six
Valentina
“Val, are you sure about this? An undercover spy, you are not.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I held a pair of Tiffany diamond butterflies to my ears, thought better of it, and reach for the hoops instead. “I’m stealthy.”
Sofia snorted from her comfortable spot on Maverick’s chaise. She had no less than five puppies on her lap and was loving every minute of them. “You are filter-less, my friend. Don’t think I didn’t overhear the throwdowns between you and Aiden in the council meetings. He, or anyone there, will say something that pisses you off and you’ll let them have it right in the ass.”
“Ugh. Don’t give me that visual.” Earrings chosen, I stepped into the closet to pick my shoes. “I’ll be on my best behavior tonight,” I called out to her. “If their guards are down, they’ll tell me everything I need to know about this club.”
“It won’t be that easy, Val. It never is. Didn’t Teagan mention an initiation?”
“She did. How bad would you guess it is?”
“I know a couple of guys that had to shave their heads. These secret societies don’t mess around, boo.”
My Caverley ankle boots winked at me from the other side of the closet. They’d been spared Romeo’s outside-the-pee-pad accidents and begged for a night out before they became the next target.
“Unless they ask me to do something illegal, I’ll stick it out.” I pulled on my boots and stepped out, twirling for Sofia. “How do I look?”
“I’d definitely hop on your ass when the orgy starts.”
“Shut up.” I nabbed a pillow and lobbed it at her head.
“Hey!” She laughed. “You can’t throw things at me when I’m holding puppies.”
“That’s not a rule.” Although a peek in the mirror confirmed I was on the right side of gorgeous.
My black lace dress flirted just above my knee, but the front slit cut higher still. The dress itself was effortlessly beautiful in its simplicity. My finishing touches—diamond choker, classy earrings, and boots—put the entire ensemble over the edge.
“Do you need to get this dressed up to hang out in the Sams’ basement?”
“Maverick says the dress code ranges from Vera Wangs to sneakers and puka shells. I’m falling somewhere in between.”
“Val, seriously. Do you want me to go with you? We’d be outnumbered but between the three of us, we’ll put up a hell of a fight.”
I bunched in next to her, hugging her tight. “Thank you, but we’ll be okay. Besides, your godson is looking forward to baking cakes with you.”
“I can’t leave my date hanging,” she murmured. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“I’m sure. I’ll text you every hour if that’ll make you feel better.”
“It will.”
A knock preceded Maverick entering our bedroom. “Ready to go?”
He opted for somewhere in the middle too. In Maverick’s case, him on the laid-back spectrum was Boris Kodjoe. The suit, cufflinks, and gold tie pin spectrum was Tyson Beckford. The man looked like a supermodel in everything he wore and the blue blazer and black jeans did nothing to tone him down.
If there is an orgy, they’d be hopping on his ass first. Damn. Maybe Sofia’s right about needing backup.
“Maverick, did you get a chance to talk to the owner?” Sofia asked.
“Shit, yeah, I did. They’re giving them all away,