Page 12 of Fatal Scheme

Rummaging through her things only raises more questions, as she only has a handful of items, none of them personal or offering a clue to her real identity.

I’m more convinced than ever that she’s not who she says she is, and her lack of connection to the life she’s currently living proves that to be fact.

My curiosity has morphed into a mission, to figure out who this girl is, why she’s here, and more importantly, her employer.

Leaving everything exactly as I found it, I slowly retreat out of the apartment, not wanting her to know that I’m onto her just yet, but for good measure, I snag a lacy pair of black panties from her suitcase, shoving them in my pocket.

My head is spinning with possibilities as I trek back to my car, but I’m convinced that my gut instinct was right, and Carter – or whatever her name is – will definitely be a problem for us going forward.

Now more than ever, I need to keep a close eye on her, not letting her take a single step that I don’t know about.

Nobody bothers me, or Tyson, and that’s exactly the way we like it.

The benefit of belonging to the Family that runs this town ensures that people don’t approach us, or crowd our space, and usually, we’re left to do whatever we please without intervention.

So color me surprised when I see a petite blonde walking straight toward me, her eyes locked on mine as if she wants my attention.

Immediately I recognize her as Carter’s roommate, and I’ll say, the courage she carries is impressive.

“Hi, um, I’m Ellie,” she says softly, stopping a few feet before me, my eyes not meeting hers, instead scanning the crowd for my ice princess.

“Okay, Ellie. What do you want?” I ask, my tone cold as her presence is already beginning to annoy me.

“Can you like, not park outside our house every morning? It’s creepy,” she practically whispers, her voice shaking as she speaks.

“Sure, sweetheart, whatever you want. Now get the hell out of here,” I growl, her eyes widening with fear as she runs in the opposite direction.

By the time she’s gone, the crowd of students exiting the building has dispersed, but I don’t see Carter amongst them. I turn back around, thinking I missed her, but those dark curls I’d recognize anywhere are nowhere to be found.

Fuck.

She used her little friend to distract me, to slip out of my sight, and I jump back in my car, punching the steering wheel as I realize just how good this girl is, possibly even meeting my match in terms of quick wit and elusiveness.

Throwing the gear in reverse, I silently curse myself for being played as I head back to the frat house to regroup, grab Ty, and find her.

Whatever her assignment is, it’s happening now, and I’ve never been so sure of something in my life.

By the time I reach the frat, I’m practically shaking with anger, slamming the car door as I race toward the entrance, my feet pounding the pavement while my hands curl into fists.

Before I reach the steps, a tuft of dark hair catches my eye, and that’s when I spot Carter, sitting across from the house, looking like my personal goddamn nightmare as she offers me a wave from her spot on the grass.

Breaking into a full sprint, a million things run through my mind, unsure if I want to throw her over my shoulder and punish her, or take her to the basement and get every detail out of her, pushing the limits until she snaps.

“What’s the matter, Jasper? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she teases, biting her lower lip as she looks up at me, her icy-blue eyes shimmering in the sunlight.

Dragging a hand down my face, I can’t hide my utter irritation at how badly she got one over on me, but even worse, how fucking adorable she is when she has the upper hand.

“Get up, Carter.” I command, and she smirks, staying put without saying a word. “I will throw you over my shoulder, Principessina, don’t fucking test me.”

Finally, she sighs, pulling herself to a standing position and I wrap my hand around her arm, literally dragging her toward the house.

“Let go of me, Jasper. I swear to god I’ll fucking scream!” She yells, her attempts at unlatching my hand unsuccessful.

“Scream all you want. Nobody is going to hear you,” I warn, a devilish grin forming on my face as I catch the moment her eyes sparkle, almost like my threatening words make her excited.

She plays well, I’ll give her that, but we’re on different levels, and I can’t wait to bring out the worst in me to get to those pieces she hides from the world.

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