Chapter 31
Cynthia slapped her thigh. “Come on, do we really need to talk this through? Just say the word if you need anything”
Briar pulled the corner of her mouth and painted to Ronan beside her. She said indifferently, “This is my brother–your company’s artist
“He’s looking to land a role in some movie or something. Think you can make that happen? Consider it a personal favor Lowe you”
“Your brother!” Cynthia leaned in for a closer look at Ronan’s face. Yeah, I can kinda see i
“No kidding! When I went home back then, we ran three DNA tests Briar said.
Cynthia nodded knowingly and made an “OK” sign with her hand. “If I could get a favor from you just for this little thing, I’d be a fool to say no.
Which movie?
Briar glanced at Roman.
“You Ronan looked conflicted, unsure how to start.
Briar had left home when she was a kid. Nobody knew what she’d gone through before she turned fourteen.
Then four years ago, Briar got sent overseas and completely cut ties with the family.
“How how does she end up knowing someone this powerful Roman wondered.
Elijah reacted quickly and jumped in. “It’s Director Walsh’s The Emperor. We’d appreciate it if you could help Renan get a role.”
“Easy enough.” Cynthia smiled.
With that, Cynthia threw an arm around Briar’s shoulders, nodding toward the circle of pretty boys lingering nearby, clearly trying to catch her
attention
Cynthia said, “See anyone you like? Him? If you’ve got your eye on one, just let me know–I’ll lend him to you for a bit
That mocking tone made Ronan’s face darken.
Briar answered flatly, “Nah. I’m good. You keep them?
Briar thought, If any of these guys look even half as good as Cyrus.
“Wait, what the hell? Why am I even thinking about Cyrus right now?
Cynthia added, “Fine. But if you ever change your mind, you better let me kinge. In this industry, there’s no one I can’t get my
“Okay, take it down a notch Briar said. “No one said you’re fat, but you’re already out of breath.”
“You little brat, what do you know? Cynthia shot her a look
hands on
Cynthia had never been one to sit still. After whining for a bit about Atticus not giving her enough anention, she wandered off again to party.
Once Cynthia was gone. Rohan gave Briar a complicated look and didn’t speak for a long moment before finally saying. “Thanks, Briar”
Ronan didn’t ask how she knew Cynthia As her older brother, he hadn’t been part of her life or fulfilled his role. He had no right to ask.
Briar raised her chin and said bluntly. Just remember–you owe me one.”
Ronan nodded. “Get it.”
Briar slumped back on the couch, ignoring the fancy fruit and desserts on the table. She pulled a lollipop from her pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.
Honestly, Briar could’ve talked to Cynthia quietly behind the scenes.
Like Cynthia said, it wasn’t a big deal–just a word and it’d be done.
Briar muttered, ‘But why the hell should I do someone a favor and stay anonymous?
1 finally did something dront, and I want the person to know. I want him to be grateful.
‘Blood ties alone aren’t nearly enough for me to give without expecting anything in return.”
406 PM D
Chapter 31
Cynibu had a lot to drink. As the party wound down, she casually called a driver to take Briar back to school.
Limond University’s dorm lights–out were at 10:30. Briar timed it perfecily, walking through the school gate at 11.200
But right after she entered campus, before she even made it back to her form, Briar felt someone watching her.
Her senses kicked in instantly. Briar twisted to the side and launched herself toward the shadow, landing silently behind them. With one quick motion, the Incked her hand around the back of their neck
With Briar’s strength, even a
ven a little pressure could sa
snap a spine–best case, lifelong paralysis, worst case, instant death
“Help–The man shouted.
“Shut up!” Briar kicked the guy to the ground and stared down at him collly
That’s when Briar realized–it was the same guy who’d been with Inani the other day.
“You.. what do you think you’re doing? This is school! Don’t do anything crazy?” Chris’s voice was shaking.
Chris knew Briar had gotten into a fight at the beginning of the semester.
But Chris had assumed she was just bullying the wwert, delicate Imuni
“A girl especially one this pretty–how dangerous could she really he Chris thought
Now Chris knew just how wrong he was. So, so wrong.
Briar laughed. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking that! You’ve been following me for two days What exactly are you trying to dat
Chris iried to scramble up, but Briar kicked him again. He shouted in a panic, “I just wanirs to tell you to stop messing with Imant?”
–“That’s it!” Briar scoffed. Totally forgot –still owe her sixty–nine slaju. Ill make up for in next tune,
“You” Ronan forced himself to calm down. You’re still a kid. There’s a bot you don’t understand. Just listen to me and come home-
“Wow, ever trash can talk back nose?” Briar smiled sweetly. “Can’t wait to see when you’ll do.”
With that, Briar gave a soft laugh and walked away without looking back
Barthought, ‘College life really is colorful.
Compared to the rookies back at the base, all this so–called schoning between students is downright adorable!
E
