I frowned. “Tell us what you really think.”

“What?” Blaze’s smile never dimmed. “I hate Park Sebastian. Ruby loathes him with the passion of ten thousand fire ants. Whatever you guys want,” he swept his gaze over the entire group, “let me know. You got it. You want pizza? I’ll order it right now.”

“No.” Logan held out a hand, stopping him before he could rush to the phone. “We’re good, but,” he took my beer, “Sam might want another beer.”

“Oh, yeah.” He turned and hollered, “Gus! Get over here. We need the pony ASAP.” He said to Nate, “We’ll get a beer for you, too. Be right back.”

I’d only officially met Kitty ten minutes earlier, but she shoved her way through the group to my side when Blaze went in search of his pony-keg friend. Summer was elbowed to the back. She seemed more startled than offended by the move, but I was elbowed in the side, too.

Kitty said in a loud voice, “Who are your friends, friend?”

Kitty was on a one-man mission.

She seemed hesitant of Logan but warmed right up to Nate, even going to his side as she refused to let go of his hand. Nina replaced Kitty by my side, but she didn’t look inclined for an introduction. She had her arms wrapped around herself and half of a sleeve stuck in her mouth. Summer was watching her too, and as we shared a look, she shook her head. Nina would have to get over her social shyness or whatever her issues were if she was going to enjoy college.

That was exactly what I was going to do—enjoy college.

And still protect Mason.

Logan curved his arm around my neck, hooking me, as he and Nate began to move through the house. I went with him, and trying to peek over his arm, I saw that Summer was following behind us. Kitty and Nina were attached as well since Kitty was right next to Nate’s side. His hands were shoved into his jeans pockets, but she grabbed ahold of his arm. He grimaced, but Kitty was a determined woman.

Going through the dining room and then the kitchen, I was surprised, even though I shouldn’t have been at the amount of people who were already saying hello to Logan. Word about who he was spread fast, and guys were coming over to introduce themselves. The girls were checking out him and then the entire group with interest in their eyes. We were people to know, and I had an understanding to how it must’ve been for Logan growing up.

He was a Kade. The name was known and respected. They were feared by some and wanted by others.

As Logan was saying hello to the guys, the girls were becoming attracted to him. The more he talked, the more they were falling under his spell. I had a moment of sympathy for whoever managed to tame him.

As the night wore on, Logan charmed the majority of people at the party. We took up residence in the basement near the pool table, and I recognized the near-worshipful looks from Kitty and Nina, too.

Even them.

Even Kitty, who had been hesitant and latched on to Nate, had the stirring of lust as she watched Logan bend over the pool table and lined up a shot.

Summer had gone to get a new pitcher of beer, and she came back, placing it next to me. “Man.” She propped her elbows on the counter behind where we were sitting and maneuvered her chair so that her back was to it.

We were both watching Logan and Nate at the table.

“The stories were not exaggerated. I don’t know if half these girls could keep their load in if Mason were here, too. Your boyfriend and your stepbrother?” There was a question attached with the last word before she added, “They’re something else. I don’t think Cain University realized who they were getting when they accepted both of their applications.”

“Technically, they only accepted Logan’s application. They knew Mason and me ahead of time. We both got full scholarships.”

“You did?”

“In track.”

Her perfectly trimmed and outlined eyebrow lifted up. “You’re a runner?”

I nodded. I had gone earlier this morning, but I was feeling the itch to de-stress with an hour-long jog already.

Logan caught my eye. He’d been watching the conversation and holding his pool stick, as he waited for Nate to miss his shot. He lifted his own eyebrow now in a silent question to me. I shook my head, tucking my hands under my legs. I was fine. He didn’t need to save me.

Logan didn’t care. He came over anyway and wedged himself between Summer and me so Summer had to scoot her chair down a bit. It was a subtle move and one that others wouldn’t register, but her eyes narrowed a little bit. Summer got it.

That told me she was smart or at least knowledgeable about the different tactics people could use, like how Logan had her move over but not me. I was protected behind him, as he was half-turned to her. His head swung my way, so I was still included in the conversation, but he put a safe amount of distance between Summer and me.

It was nicely done.

He asked, intently watching her, “Roommate of Sam’s, tell us about yourself.”

She swallowed before replying, “Uh…what do you want to know?”

I poked Logan’s side. “I told you she modeled.”

“Aha, and the intrigue builds.” He grinned, his teasing tone evident. “Seriously though, you’re Sam’s roommate. I know I was a dog before, but I love Sam. She’s family, so that means a few things.”

Summer glanced at me. I was watching Logan.

He added, giving her a smirk, “You need to tell us more of your deepest, darkest secrets.”

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