Page 146 of Glutton for Punishment

“No,” I admit. “They never worked when we were trapped in Greed.”

Holly’s face falls, though she probably expected the answer. “So, she needs Maddox.”

The name of that emotionally constipated dick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Unfortunately, she’s right.

Jealousy flashes hot and ugly through me before I crush it down. This isn’t about me. It’s about her safety. And whether or not I like it, Maddox is part of that.

Holly studies me. “I know you two hate each other.”

I sigh before she continues. “Arwen needs him,” Holly says. “And she’s never going to ask herself.”

Sitting down, I lean back against the chair, staring at the ceiling. The idea of helping Maddox get closer to her feels a little like volunteering to be stabbed repeatedly. But the thought of Arwen defenseless feels worse.

Much worse.

Finally, I nod. “I’ll handle it.”

Relief floods Holly’s face. “Thank you.”

She slips out first after checking the hallway. I give myself another minute before forcing myself back into the role of calm, composed heir to Pride while my thoughts spiral underneath.

I pull out my phone, and the call connects on the first ring. “What?” Maddox says. Straight to charming as always.

“We need to talk.”

Chapter 44

Arwen

An arm links through mine, jerking my attention to Tabby as I walk down the hall.

“Surprise! I’m escorting you to class today. Which one are we headed to again?”

I shake my head at her antics, coming to a stop outside the classroom door. “Behold. My second least favorite class, potions. Thank you for the 5-foot escort.”

She pouts at the door. “I’m assuming your least favorite is your sin power training class, which makes no sense at all considering you don’t even have to do anything.”

Mocking outrage, I shove her shoulder playfully. “What did you need, anyway?”

“Extremely important intel. I wanted to discuss dates for the Sinful Sinfall Gala!”

I look at her in disgust.

“Why would I need a date? I figured we’d avoid it like last year and binge on candy and margaritas in our room.” I respond.

Her face crumples into a theatrical pout. “Um, hello? Last year we were basically the lepers of the social scene. But this year is our year! The Sinfall Gala is, like, the pinnacle of the academy experience. It’s supposed to be epic. Please, Arwen? For me?”

I groan. I should do this for them. My friends deserve a bit of fun after all the stress I put through them last year… and probably this year.

“Fine,” I say, pointing at her. “But this is entirely your fault for what happens, and I want that on record. Go have your fun grinding up against the entire male population of this academy. I’ll be there. In the corner. Alone. Judging everyone.”

“Booooo. I’m putting you on the market, whether you like it or not.” She breaks off with a theatrical gasp, her eyes widening as they lock onto something behind me. A slow, wicked grin spreads across her face. “Scratch that. Looks like you already have a date.”

“What are you—”

I follow her gaze behind me to find a very sexy Maddox West standing with his arms crossed. The ink curling over the hard lines of his forearms disappears beneath the tight stretch of his white sleeves.

“Well, he looks… displeased.” Tabby gulps next to me as I force my eyes from his pecs to his face.