CHAPTER 35 The Gamble

　　If you like music while you write, try “Sledgehammer” by The Veer Union. It’s what I was listening to while writing this CHAPTER!

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　　~ RIG ~

　　I stood in the middle of my room, arms folded, glaring, as Natalie greeted Charlie, then walked in like she owned the place.

　　I closed the door—the only way to be certain our conversation wouldn’t be overheard. I’d had the room soundproofed before we moved in so I could have privacy—then turned to face her, my back to the door.

　　“What?” I bit the word off.

　　Natalie raised an eyebrow. “It’s nice to see you too.”

　　“Cut with the crap, Natalie, why are you here?”

　　“Your dad is getting suspicious,” she said promptly. “At the party this weekend we have to make it look like there’s something going on between us. Otherwise my dad is making me mate that pervert, Hall.”

　　Even I wanted to shudder at that idea, but I knew I couldn’t show an ounce of weakness with her. She’d just twist it into something to benefit herself.