Wicked (Somerset University #2) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,34

of the candidates?”

The ladies looked around but didn’t offer up a hand. We’d been talking, campaigning, and deliberating over this for a week. We made up our minds on who we wanted. No point in delaying it.

“Alright then,” said Kessler. “Let’s start the voting. The way we’ll do this is I’ll hand you each a sheet with the names of the candidates. You’ll check the box next to the one you choose. Since no one opted to run for the vice president, I’ll give the runner-up the option to take the position. Of course, you can refuse. Any questions?”

We shook our heads.

“All right.” Kessler reached in her handbag and pulled out the ballots. “When you’re done, turn your sheet over and I’ll collect it. Miss Ortega and I will count the votes and announce your new president.”

Simple and straightforward was right. I got my paper, ticked my name, and flipped it over. All the other girls did the same. Everyone’s paper was wrong side up in two minutes. Like I said, we knew who we wanted.

Kessler collected them and then sent us out. Sofia and I gathered at the door to the living room. “What’s the first thing you’ll do, Madam President?”

I chuckled. “If I win, the first thing I’d do is organize something for the house. Maybe another barbecue by the pool.”

“Oooh.” She snapped her fingers. “I wish I voted for you now.”

I shoved her away, both of us cracking up.

We fell into talk about our boyfriends while we waited for the tally. I snuck peeks at Blair—brimming with confidence—and the junior hopefuls—also secure in their victory.

I lingered on Heather. She steadfastly refused to consider making changes, and no doubt if she won, the chosen pledges would start their first day as sisters exposed before the entire sorority.

The real question is if she’s fighting to keep tradition because it’s what we’ve always done. Or if she knows the true purpose behind what the Sallys put the girls through and Heather’s got a vested interest in seeing it continue.

I shook myself. Come on, Moon, my rational side voiced. You’re seeking kidnappers and plots everywhere. Heather isn’t interested in change. Plenty of people feel the same.

“All right, ladies.” Kessler poked her head out. “Join us in the dining room.”

“That was quick,” said Sofia.

The sisters retook their seats, waiting with hushed breath. I glanced at the other candidates and they looked back at me. I could tell what they were thinking because the same thoughts were running through my head.

“Zeta Rho Sigma,” Kessler began, “please stand and clap for your new president... Valentina Moon.”

“Woot!” Sofia shot up, clapping and hooting her head off. The other girls weren’t much quieter.

I sat there stunned. I won? I really won?

Sofia hauled me to my feet, hugging me, jumping up and down, and rattling my bones. Her shouts in my ear deafened me, and still I stood there.

I won, my mind supplied, driving the thought home.

I was the president of the Sallys, and if all went to plan, I would find out what that truly meant.

MAVERICK LOOKED UP just in time to shove his laptop aside.

I jumped on his lap. Giggling, I straddled him, pushing him back onto the couch.

“Hmm.” His hands traveled up my thighs. “If you’re down to break the no-sex-on-the-couch rule, so am I.”

I nipped his nose. “I’m down for all the sex you want—in our bedroom. Adam likes to pop up at the uncanniest times.”

Maverick heaved a sigh like he wasn’t getting it on the regular.

“Did you get on the robotics team?” I asked. I wiggled on his lap, getting comfortable.

“They let me on before I opened my mouth. Could just be me, but I’m thinking the last name had something to do with it.”

I pulled him close, pecking his lips. “Your name may get you in the door but your genius does the rest. You never have to worry about if you’ve earned it. Talent drips from those naughty fingers.”

Maverick paused in his attempt to unbutton my pants, smirking away. “Thanks.”

“Want to hear my good news?”

He popped the button. “Always.”

“Riding your lap is the new president of Zeta Rho Sigma.”

Maverick dropped his hands. “What? Val, you seriously went through with that?”

“Of course I did. I told you I would run. But the actual winning came as a surprise.”

“Val, this is dangerous.” He lifted me off and placed me next to him. “We still don’t know who ran you off the road, covered up Leighton’s crime, or where the former president of