Mercy (Somerset University #3) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,55

hours early to shoot the shit. Sofia and I will find a spot to lay low and when you arrive, you’ll be alone as he demands.”

Gripping her shoulders, I steered her away from Adam’s room and propped her against the wall, staring hard into those flinty green eyes. “This is my last-ditch attempt to get you to stay here.”

“Go for it.”

“I love you and I promise nothing will happen to me. You trust me, don’t you?”

Her lip quirked up at the edges. “I do, and well done whipping out the trust card.”

“Thank you. I’ve got more.”

“Please, continue.”

“Aiden has no reason to come for me. I’m not a Sam and he knows I’ve got nothing on him. The book he gave you mentioned an initiation to get into the club. There’s no reason to think this is anything other than what he says it is.”

“The logical approach. I like it.”

“One more.”

“Let’s hear it,” she said.

“Sex.”

“What?” Val burst out laughing. “Expound.”

“Nonstop. Every sexual favor you can think of is yours on demand, and for this tempting offer, all you have to do is grab your best friend, head down to the theater and watch a couple of your favorites until I get back. What do you think?”

Val slid her hands up my shoulders, bringing me down to her height. Her kiss was a sweet gift on my lips.

“I think that I trust you absolutely but I don’t trust Aiden or his friends. I think that just because an initiation is standard, it doesn’t mean it’s safe or something any sane person would choose to do. And I think all sexual favors are already available to me on demand.” She popped another kiss on my cheek. “I heard your offer, considered it, and now it’s time to go. See you soon, baby. I’ll text you when we find a good spot.”

With that, Valentina met Sofia at the top of the stairs and together they left. I considered going after her and then I considered I may be overreacting. The logic I gave Val held up. Aiden had no reason to snatch me off the street or murder me in a deserted field.

This is exactly what Aiden says it is.

CAMPUS WAS OPPRESSIVELY quiet. First night of school and this late, students hadn’t reached the point of slacking off. Drinking on shadowed park benches or searching for somewhere to hook up that wasn’t five feet from their roommates.

No. All the good little Somerset kids were safely tucked in their beds. And I was alone.

I arrived at the stadium and a locked gate.

Me: I’m here. How do I get in?

Aiden: East entrance service door. It’s open.

Ever been in a football stadium at night? No. Why would you? Why would anyone wish to enter the place like this? Forgotten echoes of cheering fans whispering through the gloom. Flickers out of the corner of your eyes that turn out to be another trick of a mind searching for someone. Anyone. And the sole beings those eyes find are six still figures in the middle of the field. Waiting for you.

Far enough away, I chanced a look where Val and Sofia were hiding. Section 22A. Ducked behind row 12. They got in without a problem and assured me Aiden and the guys didn’t suspect a thing when they arrived.

“Maverick.”

Aiden dropped his hood. He gave me a smile that didn’t reach his eyes as he folded his hands in front of him. He adopted the same pose as the men standing silent. On his left side, Winston and Nasir fanned out. Rowen, Sawyer, and Hayes stood on his right.

Slowly, I clapped, drawing their eyes up their foreheads. “Well done. You’re missing the hooded robes and burning torches, though. Might’ve pumped in some eerie music for the full effect.”

“Funny,” Aiden said tonelessly.

“Why am I here?”

“You know why you’re here,” Winston spoke up. “It’s time you became one of us.”

“Just how do I do that? Got another question for me. You looking for a rematch, Aiden?”

That same empty smile only grew. “A match is right, but not in football.”

Before I opened my mouth to ask what that meant his hands flashed. Aiden unzipped his jacket and tossed it. Crossing his arms, he grabbed the hem of his shirt.

“Woah,” I cried. “Let’s keep our clothes on.”

“I would,” Aiden said, “but I like this shirt.” He stripped it off and shoved it on Rowen. “Wouldn’t want to get blood on it.”

My hands curled into fists. That sickly amused smile was spreading, lighting on the