Shuffle (Ruby Riot #2) (14 page)

“The things you said… The kiss. Why do that when I thought you were somebody else? You made me feel like a joke and that hurts!”

“I didn’t just say them. You felt them. When I kissed you.”

I want to retort no, but he’s right. The kiss was different to any I’ve experienced before, a pull to this guy I never expected, which hasn’t totally left. I shake sense in. “Doesn’t change the fact you lied.”

Will sighs and rubs his hands on his legs. “Can I say the things I was going to that night?”

“If you want. I doubt the words will make any difference.”

“Yeah. Well. At least I’ll have said them. And every word I’m about to tell you is the truth. I have no reason to bullshit you.”

“And I know you’re Will now.” I gesture at his hair. “Image change?”

He pushes his fringe back. “I didn’t want anybody to confuse me with Nate again. Ever.”

The intense look he gives me confirms my earlier suspicion. Will did change how he looks because of me. “Three facts: one, I have wanted to get to know you for two years. Two, I regret lying to you more than you can imagine. Three, you are an incredible girl with a big heart, which I wanted a piece of.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Nice, you wanted a piece of me.”

“No, I wanted a piece of your heart. Yeah, the first reason I told you I was Nate was to join the group. But the fact is, I spent time with the girl I’ve obsessed about for a long time and she got under my skin.”

I set the box on the stair next to me. “How could I ever trust you?”

Will points at his head. “I changed because of you. Not just my hair. Even before, I realised how shit I was being with chicks and how I was doing it to keep up with my brother. When I saw you with Shaun that night, something hit home; disgust over how guys can treat girls like Shaun does.”

I shake my head. “Are you trying to tell me you’ve transformed into a sensitive, loving guy?”

He peers at me from under his fringe. “Why not find out?”

“The self-assured aspect hasn’t left then?”

“Give me a chance, Fleur. Something was building between us; now I have a different name, that’s all.”

I look past him, fighting the part of me who’s missed the guy’s humour and attentiveness. The girl who, even though she didn’t want to, adored his protective nature and the affection in his eyes. I believe he never deliberately played games; the only thing he hid was his name. But that’s a huge hurdle to me.

“I remember that night after the concert, when Nate was rude. Your reaction surprised me and for a split second, I thought you’d switched that evening. I thought maybe Nate was the Will I met at the first party.”

“No, that was all me. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I genuinely wanted to talk to you.”

“Uh huh.”

Somebody pushes through the bodies between us and the lounge, in an attempt to reach the stairs. Nate stops and looks between us.

“Whoa, you never give up, do you?” he says to his brother.

“Why else do you think I wanted to come to her birthday party?”

“Birthday?” He blinks. “Didn’t know.”

“Twenty-first,” I say.

“Cool. I don’t remember ours. Happy birthday.”

“Thanks.”

Nate leans against the stair bannister and peers down at his brother. If I’d known the pair better at the time of Will’s deceit, I’m positive I’d have been aware. Nate’s attitude toward me is indifferent; his scrutiny holds an edge of disdain.

“You told her everything?” Nate asks.

“Like what?”

“Like the chick last week.”

I straighten and move my leg from Will’s.

“What chick?”

“The journalist.”

“Nothing happened!”

“Dude, she practically pinned you to the wall.”

“Yeah, and I told her to leave me alone.”

Nate snorts. “Sure, man.”

“I’m not interested in other girls! I want Fleur,” blurts Will.

Nate’s face doesn’t match the shock in mine. “Yeah, I know. ‘Til you get her; then you’ll become bored of waiting for what you really want. I doubt she’ll give it up so easily.”

“Why the fuck is it your business?” replies Will.

Nate makes a derisive noise and pulls himself from the bannister. He edges around and squeezes past before pausing to look at me. “It may’ve been me who said the words to you that night after the gig, Fleur, but I was only telling you what Will wouldn’t.”

“What does that mean?” I ask.

“He wants to fuck you. And I saw the look on your face when you thought I was him with the girls, that night after the gig. You were jealous. Fuck the rock star already, if that’s what you want, Fleur, and we can get this shit over with. You won’t mean anything soon. We’re heading up and there’s no room for chicks there.” Nate points at the ceiling, stumbles, and then walks up the remaining stairs.

I’d definitely never mistake that guy for Will.

I study my shoes, focusing on the scuffmark at the edge of my toes, as I tune out the twins. Almost. I almost believed Will for a moment there. They’re experts at sweet-talking. Did Nate just call his brother out?

I half-listen to a nearby group who talk over each other in their drunk state. The box Will brought rests on the step next to me and adds to my confusion. Buying something, which took thought, is a bizarre gesture and not one of somebody looking for a quick fuck.

Separate him from what I’ve heard and read. See him as Will and not a Ruby Riot twin
.

“Is Nate right? Is that what you want?” I ask after a couple minutes.

How do I interpret his expression? His dark eyes hold a mix of anger and concern, hands clenched over his knees. Will doesn’t speak, and his steady gaze has a familiar effect on my heart rate. Why can’t I dislike this man after everything he did?

“Do I want to fuck you?” he asks in a low voice.

“Yes.”

“No. I told you the other night.”

I switch my scrutiny to the half-empty beer cup, to the froth edging the sides.

“Fleur, I want to take you out, talk to you, listen to you. I want to share my free time with you. Be with you.” He reaches out and touches my hand; and instead of recoiling, I let him curl his fingers around mine. “I want us. Of course, I want to kiss, touch, and everything else you can imagine. Maybe some things you can’t imagine too.” He bites his lip. “Sorry. But, fuck you? No.”

“You use girls,” I whisper.

“I’m not going to try to excuse myself; but I swear I would not use you.” Will loosens his hand from mine and reaches out. His fingers hover at the edge of my face, until he strokes a strand of hair away. I shiver against the sensation of his fingertips against my skin. “Give me a chance to show you I mean this?”

“My head hurts. This is too much.” I catch his hand and move it away. “Call me tomorrow. I need to think about what you’re saying.”

Will’s eyes brighten. “Tomorrow?”

“Yes.” I stand. “I’m too tired. I’ve had enough of all this.” I gesture around me.

“You’re going to bed?”

“I’m going to my room.”

Will looks up at me. “Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

That’s it? No suggestive comment about accompanying me? I guess the guy knows when to cut his losses.

“Sure.”

Will stands too, and we’re crammed together on the stairs, my back close to the wall. Somebody bumps Will and he knocks into me, steadying himself by placing an arm behind. I hold my breath and attempt to disconnect my heightened senses. Will moves and his chest no longer touches mine, but remains close and my mind fogs as I struggle to keep a handle on the blood rushing to my face.

His green eyes are framed by dark lashes, a silver piercing through his brow, and with his hair in a different style, Will looks different to Nate. I want him to kiss me almost as much as I need him to walk away.

Will stumbles to one side as somebody knocks into him again. Nate. Will looks after him as he passes on his way downstairs and I take the chance to step away.

“Night, Will.”

Will purses his lips then picks the box up from the stairs. “Don’t forget this.”

As he passes me the box, Will catches my fingers. “I’ll call.”

I nod.

With a small shake of his head, Will walks away into the throng of the party. Should I go too?

I head upstairs and shut the bedroom door. If I stay at the party and drink anymore, I’ll end up with my lips locked to Will’s in no time. Despite the fact that’s exactly what I want, I am not making a public display with one of the Campbell twins anytime soon. There’ve been enough of those.

Chapter Twenty-Five

FLEUR

I’ve avoided meeting with Shaun for weeks, but I can’t hold off forever. The last part of my dissertation I sent to him for critique, he ripped apart to the extent I almost scrapped the whole paper. Permanently. Then I showed my work to Steph and she persuaded me not to. I haven’t told her – or anybody – what the sleaze did. Is Shaun really doing this because I rejected him?

My palms sweat as I head into his office and I steel myself. I will not let him see how nervous I am. I will not let him talk down to me. I’ve repeated the mantra for the last hour, and I’m almost convinced.

Shaun sits at the desk, leaning back in his chair, and he looks up from the paper he’s reading. Strange how a person’s behaviour can remove the attraction; how his good looks are soured by his treatment of me.

Yet my attraction to Will isn’t; what lies beneath his lies is a world away from what Shaun attempted. Will already called me. Twice. I didn’t answer; I’m yet to make my mind up. Instead, I sent an ‘I’ll see you later’ text.

“Fleur.”

“Hey.”

He gestures at the chair opposite; and as I sit, I focus on controlling my breathing. Shaun stares at me without speaking, eyes hard. My heart skips. Could this be any more uncomfortable? I hold his gaze, refusing to back down.

“What did you want?” he asks.

“We were booked to meet today.”

“I’m not sure this is going to work out, Fleur.”

“I was going to say the same thing.”

Shaun sits forward and places his hands beneath his chin. “I don’t want to waste my time.”

“Totally understand.”

“I was prepared to help you, but your work isn’t at a level I can.”

He’s lying.
“What? What do you mean?”

“To be honest, you’re deluding yourself that you could match the level of the academic staff here.”

The back of my neck prickles at his criticism. “That’s not true, you said...”

He gives a tight-lipped smile. “Sometimes I’m a little too encouraging when I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings.”

“Encouraging of girls in particular?” I ask in a low voice.

“If I think they’re worth my time and have the respect to pay me in kind.”

“Pay you... This is about the other night!”

“I’ve no idea what you mean,” he says and stands. “It’s a shame I’ll have to report back to the department about my concerns.”

I stand too. “Do what you like, my work speaks for itself.”

“Uh huh.” He smiles to himself, a private joke that triggers unease down my spine. “We’ll see about that.”

I focus on controlling my response; he will not intimidate me, and if Shaun says or does anything to threaten my chances, I’ll have a report of my own to make.

But what? What did he do? Nothing. Took me for a meal and kissed me; a kiss I wanted. Shaun stopped when I asked, never forced himself once I told him no. He saved his abuse for now – through our power imbalance.

No. Shaun hasn’t that much influence. He’s doing this deliberately to confuse and worry me.

What a snide bastard.

“Thanks for the help, Shaun. Shame we couldn’t keep things professional.”

“And I’m sorry I rejected your attempts to have sex with me.”

“What?” My voice rises. “What the hell?”

“It’s okay, Fleur. You weren’t the first to offer yourself in the hope I could influence your grades. Your maturity about the rejection sucks, but I’m prepared to draw a line.” Shaun strides to the door and pulls it open. “See you around.”

Numbly, I walk to the door and leave without speaking. I had many retorts in my head, prepared to bite back; but the sardonic look on Shaun’s face suggests that reaction is what he wants.

I leave the building and head across campus, and my body tingles with nerves as I play over his words. I jump to a hundred conclusions over what he’ll do.

Nothing. He can’t do anything.

Chapter Twenty-Six

WILL

Fleur’s distracted this evening. I responded to her earlier text, to let her know I’m busy, but will be at group; keen for Fleur to realise I’m sticking to my word. There’s no real point in me attending the group. I’m sure she knows as well as I do it’s an excuse. This exchange of texts suggests she’s letting me edge back in. Tonight, we talk and from there, see where we go. Her reply this time was an okay with a smiley face.

Fleur doesn’t have a smiley face when we’re in the group tonight. At first, I’m convinced it’s because of me; but her shortness applies to everybody else, and she makes mistakes over names and dates. Things Fleur never makes mistakes over.

An hour later, the rest of the group leave, and I sit on the desk with my feet on a chair, watching as Fleur avoids my eyes. Great. Are we back to this? I like the chick; but if I’m wasting my time, I’m not wasting my energy.

“You okay?” I ask her.

“Stressful day.” She finally looks at me, and her eyes shine. This girl is fighting tears.

The familiar spike of anger pushes me to stand. “What happened?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Yeah, it does, if somebody upset you. Who was it?”

Fleur touches beneath her eye, catching a tear. I pretend I don’t see. “Nobody. It’s fine.”

I grab my bag from the table. “Liar. Tell me who. I’ll speak to them and –”

“Jesus,” Fleur interrupts. “You don’t need to protect me from anybody. Besides, it’s not as if me and you are... something.”

“Yeah, about that. When are we going out? Tonight?”

“I’m not in the mood, Will.”

I’ve spent the last hour watching Fleur’s every move, itching to push hair from her face, remembering how close her mouth was to mine at the party. Now, I have an excuse to touch her. I place my bag on the tiled floor.

Fleur stiffens as I place a hand on her arm and looks back at me with wide eyes. “Come on, let’s do something to take your mind off whatever this shit is,” I say.

“How do you propose to do that?” she asks in a low voice.

How? By touching you and kissing and undressing you and... Yeah. “A drink?”

“Alcoholic drink?”

I smile. “If you like.”

“Not a good idea, I’ll probably drink too much as I’m in this mood.”

I’ve seen this expression before. “Was it Ethan again?” My stomach plummets south. I’ve been away, after what happened maybe Fleur went elsewhere. She bloody hated me two days ago. “Are you guys back together? Is that why you’ve avoided talking about this? Fleur, be upfront with me.”

“No!” she snaps back. “Not Ethan. But I am over men screwing around with me!” When she drags her arm away and steps back, I step forward.

“What the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing!”

“Is it that Shaun guy? Seriously?”

“Shut the hell up, Will!”

Ah, shit. Semi-hysterical woman making no sense. Walk away? “Fleur, calm down.”

Wrong move. Her eyes flash with anger. “Don’t tell me to calm down!”

“I don’t want you to be upset!”

“Hypocrite! You’re on the list!”

“What list?”

“Of men who screw me around.”

I push a hand into my hair. “Don’t compare me to them.”

“What makes you different?”

“I’m not about to fuck you around. I want to be part of your life, instead of using you like Ethan and Shaun did!”

“Why?”

“Because I do! Why does this shit have to be analysed?”

“Because I was fooled by them, I won’t be fooled by you!”

I step closer and look down at Fleur whose breathing grows heavier, face pinker. “Do you think I ever trick any girl into thinking she’s worth more unless she is? Why would I do that? Chicks know what they’re getting into with me –”

“Exactly!” she says. “And I’m not ‘getting into it’ with you!”

“It?”

“Being your fun for a few days.”

“A few days? How many days have I spent with you, fighting this? Both of us fighting whatever this… this is between us.”

“Not both of us.”

“The kiss?”

“One kiss.”

“One mind-blowing kiss,” I correct.

“Wasn’t that special,” she mutters.

“Now who’s lying?”

The volume in the room grows as the evening darkens outside. “You’re confusing me! Leave me alone!”

“Fuck this,” I mutter under my breath, grab Fleur’s head firmly in both hands and kiss her.

Immediately, she presses her mouth back on mine, hands going to my chest. She pushes her tongue into my mouth and I stumble. Fleur tastes as she does in my memories; sweet, intoxicating. I pull her towards me, her soft breasts squashing against my chest, and I’m gone. I’ve no way of controlling my need for her now. She’s about to discover how much I’ve held back.

Judging by the way her tongue’s exploring mine, and how she presses herself against me, Fleur’s as desperate for this kiss as I am. Mind. Blown. Maybe it’s the ability to kiss her as Will and not Nate, no holds barred, but I want her. Bad.

Fleur staggers backwards as I move and I pull my face away, leaving the tiniest of gaps between our lips. “Want me to stop?”

She doesn’t answer and pulls my head to hers again. I back up and lift Fleur onto the desk. Fleur’s darkened eyes tell me all I need to know, her own self-control is rapidly leaving too. I did not expect this reaction, but it’s bloody awesome.

The room is quiet, besides our breathing and Fleur drags me by the shirt, until I’m lying on her. Her top rides up and I slide my hand along her belly, upwards. Her skin’s velvet smoothness is beyond what I imagined: warm, soft, kissable. Although I couldn’t put my mouth on her if I tried, her lips are locked on mine, kissing as if she never wants to stop.

I press myself between her legs, and she makes a small noise in her throat, which doesn’t help my hardening cock. When she slides her hand beneath my shirt and across my back, I retaliate by moving mine to her breasts.

Too much? No. Fleur pushes herself into me and wriggles as I rub my thumb across her hardened nipple, hidden behind her bra. She pulls her mouth away and looks me directly in the face, mouth parted.

“What are you doing?” Fleur asks.

“Taking your mind off shit.”

Her mouth twitches into a smile. “It’s working.”

“Good.” I run kisses beneath her ear, trailing my tongue along Fleur’s neck until I reach her collarbone. She wraps one leg around mine and slides her hands around to my stomach, fingers playing across my abs, driving more blood from my brain, south.

I groan and nip her skin, pushing her top higher and higher until... Black bra. Lacey. Hiding the tits, I’ve pictured in my dreams, over and over.

Confident she’ll kick my ass if she doesn’t want me to, I pull down one edge of her bra and close my mouth round her peaked nipple. Her breath rushes out and nails on my stomach dig in. Fleur’s skirt rides up, but she’s wearing leggings. Bloody good job that barrier’s there, because I’m on the brink of trying my luck in discovering how wet she is.

“Will,” she murmurs.

“Mmm?” I continue to run my tongue around her nipple.

“Will!”

I look up into her pink face, her smooth hair tangled. “What?”

“We shouldn’t do this here.”

“No?” I hitch her onto the desk and drag my t-shirt upwards. Our skin meets, her softness against my hard, and I close my mouth over hers again.

I want her. Here. So fucking bad. She yields and wraps her legs around my waist.

The metallic noise of Fleur undoing my belt arrests me and I place my hands either side of her on the desk, attempting to keep control.

Nope. That’s left the room.

I run a hand between her thighs, to the heat between her legs and push my thumb against her.

Fleur’s unbuttons the top button of my jeans and slides a hand downwards, towards where my cock strains against my jeans.

Yes. No. Yes. Shit.

I pull my mouth away and swallow hard. “Fleur, I –”

“Whoa! Is this some kind of private biology study group too?” Sam’s voice comes from behind and I close my eyes, picturing him in the doorway.

Shock crosses Fleur’s face and then she giggles at me as I readjust her clothes. If he sees me fastening my belt, Sam will have the wrong impression and I don’t want to embarrass Fleur again.

“Go away, man,” I say without looking around.

“Not staying. No way! Jesus, man. I knew you two want to rip each other’s clothes off, but here?”

I stand back and fasten my jeans before turning. Sam’s gaze drops to my unbuckled belt and he shakes his head.

“Don’t tell anybody,” I say in a low voice.

“Not my business; but if you don’t want anybody finding out, maybe choose somewhere more private.” He heads to a nearby table, the one we congregate around as a group, and grabs a book. “I came back for this. Wish I hadn’t. Some things can never be unseen.”

“Funny, man.”

He tips his fingers from his head in a salute. “Have fun!”

Sam closes the door on his way out and his footsteps echo along the quiet corridor.

“Shit.” I look back to Fleur whose face has switched back to unimpressed again. “Sorry.”

She stands and straightens her clothes. “Bastard.”

What the...? “Me or him?”

“You!”

“I would’ve stopped! You seemed okay with what we were doing.”

“Not that.” She takes a deep breath and narrows her eyes. “Don’t tell anybody, huh?”

“What? You want Sam to tell everybody he caught us at it in a study room? Seriously?”

“No, you don’t want people to know you were caught with
me
.”

“Jesus, Fleur! No! I’m trying to stop people talking about you! You’ve been pissed off in the past about me humiliating you; I don’t want that to happen again.”

Her shoulders and expression relax. “Not because you’re too cool to be seen with me?”

“What the fuck is your complex about this?” I fasten my belt and Fleur watches, smoothing her hair. “Right. You. Come with me.”

I pick up her bag, and she catches as I throw it at her. Then I grab her hand and drag her out of the room.

FLEUR             

What the hell did I just do? I allow Will to lead me out of the building and across campus. The cold wind cools my heated cheeks, but my body throbs with the desire that spilled out for Will. How did he trip the switch, which unleashed a lust I’ve never experienced before, one which almost led me to sex with a member of Ruby Riot on a desk in the history department? My cheeks flare again at the thought. Holding Will’s hand maintains the desire to drag him somewhere and finish what we started.

I have clearly gone insane.

Will wraps and arm around my shoulders. “You’re amazing.”

Dazed, I continue alongside him aware of little but Will’s closeness. “Where are we going?”

“Out.”

“Out where?”

“Out.” Will kisses the top of my head.

A group of people hang together outside the student union and Will marches us over. In the dark evening, they’re hard to make out, but the tall guy in the centre of the group matches the height and build of the one holding me. Nate looks over in surprise, and a couple of girls wearing leather jackets over short dresses scrutinise me.

“Hey guys, this is Fleur,” Will says.

The silent staring continues.

“You not coming tonight?” asks Nate.

“Yeah, we are,” replies Will.

He arches a brow. “Fleur wants to go?”

“Go where?” I ask.

Will looks at me. “Blue Room.”

I blink. “Blue Room?”

Nate laughs. “See. Not her scene, are we?”

“I don’t think I want to, Will.”

“You sure?” he asks.

“Nate’s right, not my thing. I’d feel uncomfortable there.”

An awkward silence between the brothers isn’t noticed by the girls chatting, but I’m aware of a tension between them.

“C’mon, man. Please tell me you’re not gonna bail. We’ve planned this for weeks.”

I angle my body away from the group; and when Will notices, he moves in front of me. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t feel comfortable with these people,” I say in a low voice. “Sorry.”

“Right. Should’ve thought. I wanted to show them you were my girl, prove what you thought back there is wrong.”

“Your girl?” I fight a smile. “I think you have a bit more work to do before you can give me that title.”

“Uh.” He drags a hand through his hair. “But we kissed and... stuff.”

I bury my hands into my coat pockets and grip the rough material, confirming I’m in reality and not a dream. Will is the strangest person. First the lies, but then the bizarre gift and then... well.
That
. My immunity to his Campbell charms fails; always will.