25. The River

25

The River

Teal

Mila pulls the car into an empty space at the end of the Sigma House roundabout. Cars spill out from the driveway in all directions. Sigma House is on the outskirts of town, but it feels like the center of it when Sigma Sin hosts a party.

She cuts the engine, and I climb out, fixing my skirt.

I never wear skirts, but Mila talked me into it tonight. She’s made it her mission to make me over, and I’m regretting that she convinced me this was a good idea the second the crisp night air breezes over my legs.

Goosebumps flurry across my skin as I shiver.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this outfit.”

“You look hot, Teal. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.”

“I doubt it.” I tug at the hem of my skirt, but it doesn’t do me any good. “How mad is Patience that we’re going to this party tonight? I heard you two arguing when I was doing my hair.”

“She’ll get over it.” Mila rolls her eyes, fixing her ponytail.

Her red dress is shorter than mine, barely covering her ass. She’s paired it with a black leather jacket, but it’s unzipped, showing off her cleavage.

“I don’t think Patience will ever just get over it when it comes to this place.” I circle the car to meet Mila in the driveway.

She loops her arm through mine. “Well, then that’s on her.”

“She hates me for talking to Declan.”

“She can’t hold Declan against you any more than she holds Kole against Violet.”

“It doesn’t seem to stop her.”

Mila frowns. “Declan represents the House to her since he’s the president. But she’ll work it out. Just give her time and try not to let it get to you. We both know how Patience processes things when she’s angry.”

“She has a right to be.” I sigh. “After what they did to Alex, her feelings are valid.”

“What happened to him is wrong, yes. But it doesn’t mean she should let it destroy all her friendships. Do you think Alex would want that? He’s already suffered enough without his sister voluntarily adding herself to the victim list. Besides… karma. The people responsible will get what’s coming to them.”

“And who’s really responsible? Patience seems to think it’s Declan.”

Mila shrugs. “Only Alex knows, I guess.”

“Speaking of Alex…” I smirk at her. “Does Patience know how many times you’ve gone to see her brother this past week?”

I’m not usually at Montgomery Psychiatric Ward more than twice a month, but with the recent adjustments to my prescriptions, I’ve been there three times this week. And each time I’ve gone to wait in Alex’s room for my appointment, Mila’s already been there, talking to him or reading a book.

It’s not unusual for her to tag along when Patience visits, but Patience has been nowhere in sight.

“Not exactly.” Mila purses her lips, attempting to bury a smile. “But he deserves company, and I know Patience has been busy studying for finals, so I figured I might as well check in. He needs to know people haven’t just forgotten about him.”

“He doesn’t seem to mind your visits.” I smile.

“Who knows—”

“Mila, I visit him multiple times a month, and he’s never so much as looked at me. And I’ve known him since we were kids. But with you… it’s different. I can’t explain it, but trust me, it is.”

Mila tugs her lower lip between her teeth. “I talk a lot. For all I know, he’s staring at me, wondering when I’m going to leave him alone.”

“Doubt it.”

We pass through the main gate to Sigma House, and I glance up at the large iron skulls. They’re a dare to anyone who enters that they might not make it out with their soul.

“Don’t say anything to Patience, okay?” Mila grabs my hand and squeezes. “She’s protective of him, and I don’t want her thinking anything.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

With Patience already frustrated with me and Violet, the last thing I want to do is throw Mila under the bus. She needs a friend before she isolates herself completely, and Mila’s doing her best to be that no matter how much Patience pushes.

I just hope someday Patience remembers the girl she was before her brother was admitted to the psychiatric ward. Every day he spends there, she gets colder and more closed off.

If she doesn’t loosen up soon, she won’t have any more friends.

“Let’s go find Violet,” Mila says when we finally reach the fraternity’s front door.

She grabs my hand so we don’t lose each other as we push our way inside. Smoke clouds around us, making my head swim with an instantaneous contact high. The air is thick and hazy from people smoking, and the floor is sticky with how much booze has been spilled.

We push our way into the main foyer, and it’s packed with people. Almost the entire school shows up for Sigma Sin parties, so it’s absolute chaos.

Glancing up, I can’t help searching the second-story balcony to see if Declan’s at his usual perch, but he’s not there. Jase and Maddox lean on the railing, talking, and Jase is watching me. He says something, and then Maddox glances in my direction as well.

I still don’t know enough about Jase to properly judge him, but I get an uneasy feeling every time I look into his eyes. He’s the reminder of what I’ll always be to my father. A chip in his poker game. A pawn.

Tearing my stare from Jase, I look to the staircase and spot Declan. Kole and Violet trail behind him, and Kole’s arm is wrapped around her shoulders. Violet stayed the night with Kole last night, so she’s been here since the party started.

Declan watches me with every step. His cool-gray eyes peek through his black strands of hair. He shouldn’t look this good without trying, but he does, and it pisses me off. Everything about him is impossible to resist.

Declan’s jaw clenches as he takes in my outfit, showing off his strong, square jawline. And even if I’ll never admit it to Mila, his appreciation makes me thankful she talked me into wearing it.

“There she is.” Mila points to Violet.

But I can’t break my staring contest with Declan. Ever since that day in his studio, things have changed. I’ve seen another side to him, and in return, he saw me at my most vulnerable.

I’m used to fighting him, but what I want now is something else, and I’m still trying to reconcile that as he walks up to me. His mouth tilts in a smirk, and I want him to pin me to the wall and fuck me. I want to open myself up to him completely. He looks at me like I matter.

How ?

I’m more work than I’m worth.

More confusion than clarity.

But what if Decan was right? What if our constant battle was a mask for feelings we didn’t know how to explain? What if Jase was our wake-up call? What if Declan really does want me?

How does this end?

I wait for Declan to break from the group, but he doesn’t. He walks straight up to me and grabs the back of my hair in his hand, tipping my chin up to claim me in a deep kiss.

My fingers sink into the front of his T-shirt. I can’t help pulling him to me as he cups my jaw and holds my beating heart in his hands. His tongue tangles with mine, and I float so high I’m above us, looking down on us standing here.

The throbbing music dulls, and all I see, feel, and hear is Declan kissing me in front of all our friends.

Publicly marking me as his. Officially, even if they’ve already suspected.

When he breaks the kiss, he doesn’t immediately pull away, brushing his lips back and forth over mine.

“What are you doing?” I’m out of breath. “Everyone’s watching. We can’t—”

“You’re my girlfriend, right?”

I nod.

He smirks. “Then accept it.”

Declan turns to glance over at Kole, and I realize Mila and Violet are staring at me with wide eyes. It’s official now; there’s no more hiding it .

“So…” Declan glances back at me. “Kole and I need to take care of something. But I’ll find you when I’m done.”

“You invited me here just to disappear on me?”

“Disappointed?”

I glare at him. “No.”

“Mm-hmm.” He steps back, grinning as he watches me. “I’ll be back. Don’t worry.”

“I never do.” I cross my arms over my chest.

Kole pulls Violet closer. “Stay with your friends until we return.”

I can’t tell whether it’s a threat or concern, but when he follows it up by whispering something in her ear that makes her cheeks turn bright red, I assume she isn’t bothered by it.

When he pulls away, he and Declan disappear into the crowd. And the moment they’re gone, Mila pulls Violet and me into a huddle.

“Umm, what the fuck was that, Teal?” Mila’s eyes are wide. “I know there’s a fine line between love and hate, but you are aware you just kissed Declan, aren’t you? As in Declan Pierce, your archnemesis.”

“Are we superheroes now?”

“Don’t try and change the subject.” She rests the back of her hand on my forehead. “Are you feeling okay? Feverish? Hallucinating?”

She pats my cheek like she’s checking on me.

“I’m fine.” I brush her off. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” Mila’s eyebrows pinch. “That’s one way to explain it. At least now I understand why Patience is so mad at you. I thought you and Declan were just becoming friends for Violet’s sake or something. But she found out about this, didn’t she?”

“More or less.”

“Forget Patience.” Violet reaches for my hand. “But seriously, Teal, what’s going on? Last time I talked to you about Declan, you threw up a giant warning sign and told me to stay away.”

A group of girls to our right are watching me, and I don’t like how their gazes are mocking as one whispers in another’s ear.

“Can we talk somewhere else?” I turn back to my friends. “ Anywhere else , preferably.”

“Come.” Mila grabs both our hands and pulls us through the crowd, pushing through a group coming out of a bathroom.

She shoves both Violet and me inside and then locks the door behind us.

Violet props herself against the sink while Mila turns her back to the door, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Spill.” Mila looks from me to Violet. “I want to know everything.”

“Everything…” I glance at Violet, who is biting her lip.

“Wait, you have news too?” Mila throws her hands up. “That’s it. You’re both being cagey. Tell me what’s going on, or we’re never leaving this bathroom.”

“Don’t look at me,” Violet says defensively. “I’m not the one dating Declan.”

“Obviously, considering he’s your brother.” I cross my arms over my chest, throwing it back at her when she tries to toss me under the bus .

“Your brother?” Mila gasps. “Seriously?”

“Yes.” Violet sighs, lifting off the sink. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’m still processing the news. I haven’t even talked to Declan about it.”

“I shouldn’t have said that.” I instantly feel guilty when that wasn’t my secret to tell.

“It’s okay.” Violet offers a soft smile. “It feels good to finally be getting it out. After all, it’s the truth. Declan is my brother.”

Her face winces, and it’s clear she’s still not thrilled.

“If it makes you feel better, my dad is trying to marry me off to Jase Ivans,” I admit.

“He can’t do that.” Mila’s eyes widen. “What century does he think this is?”

“I don’t know, but he’s not giving me a choice. That’s why Declan offered to help. So long as we’re fake dating, my father can’t do anything about it.”

“Sigma House rules?” Violet asks, and I nod. “I still don’t get why they’re so devoted to this place.”

“No one does.” Mila shakes her head. “But back up, Teal… Fake ? It sure didn’t look fake when Declan basically peed on you in front of the entire party.”

“Peed on me?”

“Peed… claimed… whatever.” She shrugs. “That man was not faking that kiss just now.”

“It started off fake.” I sigh. “But then, I don’t know…”

“I do.” Mila smiles. “Thin line between love and hate, right?”

“I guess. I don’t know what we are. But he’s been here for me lately when I’ve needed it. That’s something. ”

“That’s big.” Violet grabs my hand. “Is everything okay, Teal?”

“I’ve just been struggling a bit.” I look from one to the other. “Nothing I can’t keep under control.”

“If you’re having a hard time, you can come to us,” Mila says. “Even Patience. I know she’s been stressed, but it’s the four of us through thick and thin. Always.”

Violet nods. “We’re here for you.”

“I appreciate it.” If only it was that easy to let people in.

“Let’s make a pact,” Mila says, planting a hand on each of our shoulders. “No more secrets.”

“No more secrets,” Violet agrees, looking at me.

“I’ll try.” I nod. “No more secrets.”

“Good.” Mila releases us and rolls her shoulders back. “Now it sounds like we could all use a little fun right now. We’re at Sigma House, so let’s save these problems for tomorrow. Who wants to party, dance, and drink the night away?”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Sober fun for Teal,” Mila offers instead.

“Fine.”

I’m not going to sit in a corner waiting for Declan all night. I deserve a little fun too.

Mila fixes her hair in the mirror one final time, then opens the bathroom door. There’s a line of girls waiting outside it, and a group of five dips inside as we leave. One of them is Cora, and she glares when she recognizes me.

Luckily, she doesn’t say anything.

Mila walks ahead of us, leading the way, while Violet hooks her arm through mine .

“So, you and Declan, huh?” she says quietly.

“Yeah.” I glance at her. “Sorry I scared you with everything I said about him, only to become the biggest hypocrite. I guess there really is more to Declan Pierce than meets the eye.”

At least, I hope.

“Don’t worry about me, Teal. I’ve lived nineteen years fine without a brother. But you be careful, okay?” Violet pats my arm. “Be safe.”

“I will.”

But as we step into the crowd, I don’t know if that’s the truth or a lie. Being safe would mean keeping these mountains around my heart so no one can break through. While Declan is the river, slowly weaving a path straight to the center.