The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football #1) - Ilsa Madden-Mills Page 0,69

the elevator with us, I plastered myself next to Anastasia, a line of defense against them.

I’m on her side.

“What’s up with you?” Audrey asks.

My nerves are stretched thin is what’s up. “I take care of my people. She’s one of them.”

“We get it, River. She was a little sister, and you’re trying to smooth things over for the frat,” Harper says, her eyes hard. “But she never fit in with the Kappas—”

“He’s done with you, isn’t he?” I say curtly. “He ran to you, but it didn’t mean jack. He used you to cut her off.” I’m not sure if it’s true, but it’s what I suspect.

Her lips tighten as she tugs her sweater around her shoulders. “Stay out of it.”

Ha. Too fucking late for that.

If she only knew the dark strings I pulled at the party…

My finger twists my ring, pushing that guilt away.

And Donovan?

He found me at the house on Monday afternoon, right before I met Anastasia in the library for the first time—which I didn’t tell him about.

I said horrible things to her, River. I hate it. So much. Did I make a mistake, did I, what if I did? How can I fix this—

I kick down those thoughts.

“Yo! River!” comes Benji’s voice as I pivot in the opposite direction of the Deltas. Donovan is with him and they jog over to me. Tension rolls over me and I clench my fists.

Jesus! Not now.

Donovan looks like crap, face drawn, his eyes flitting between me and the Deltas as they walk past us. Harper acts as if she might join us, even taking a step toward us, but he frowns, and she doesn’t.

Called it.

After they’ve gone, he licks his lips and looks at me. “I meant to ask…did you see Anastasia in class yesterday? How was she?”

My jaw tightens.

Yeah. I sat next to her. I smiled at her. Then, I walked her to her next class.

“The usual.” Lie.

“She didn’t seem…upset?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t pay attention.” Second lie. I barely noticed anything but her.

He rubs his forehead. “I’ve tried to call. She won’t pick up.”

“Hmmm.” I look away. I’m going to see her tonight, and you don’t even know.

Benji slaps me on the back, clearly trying to change the topic. “You headed home, to the house, or to work out?”

A long breath comes from me. “I’m taking a shower then working out.”

Benji laughs. “Most people would reverse that order.”

“Most people aren’t me.” I start walking.

“True that. You’re one of a kind,” Donovan says as he matches his steps with mine. He blows out a breath and sticks his hands in his pockets. “Hey, um, I’ve been kind of all over the place for the past few days. Just trying to figure it all out…”

“Mhmm.”

He dips his head and stares at the ground as we walk. “I’m sorry I got up in your face backstage. You were right. I was trashed and didn’t know what I was doing. I’m glad you came back there and stopped me from getting on stage. You’re the best, man. Really. You always jump in when things go sideways.”

Remorse gnaws at me. I am not the best. He has no clue the things I’ve done.

“I wish none of it had happened, wish I hadn’t announced our drama for everyone to hear…” His voice trails off, a frown furrowing his forehead.

My teeth grit.

“Hey, you’ll see her in class tomorrow. Could you, ah, maybe test the waters, see where she is?”

I sigh. “No, man. I need to stay out of it.”

Donovan grimaces. “But you kind of are in it. You took her home after the party so you must have a feel for her thoughts.” There’s a hopeful look on his face, and my jaw pops. “Just maybe talk to her? Tell her I…” Donovan swallows, not finishing.

“You saw her at the bar Sunday. Why didn’t you talk to her then?” I say tightly.

“I wasn’t ready. It felt too fresh. Wasn’t sure she’d let me.”

“You asked for your pin back. And Harper was with you.”

“I asked to get a reaction, but it didn’t work. She ignored me. And Harper tagged along. I’m not with her,” he adds vehemently. “You, though, you talked to Ana.”

“I visited with Carl,” I snap. “And then I went home. I didn’t stick around. Don’t drag me into this.”

He lets out a heavy breath. “Right. Sorry. It’s just…you’re easy to talk to, and she might open up to you. I’m just trying to figure out if I can get a loan for