Falling for the Rival

Ch. 3: A Lovers' Quarrel

Juliet

It took two cups of coffee, an extra-long, hot shower, and an ungodly amount of concealer for me to look like the usual Juliet this morning.

Put together. Confident. Relaxed.

I don't feel like myself. Professor Blake drones on about corporate responsibility while I'm still trying to make sense of last night's events. I don't know what rattles me more—the fact that Romeo Carrington has been taking part in illegal fights, or that he saved me from dying in the stampede.

Grandpa never talks about what spawned the bitter rivalry between our families, but whatever Romeo's family did decades ago still affects him. He taught me that business and emotions aren't a good mix, but his reaction is visceral whenever someone brings up the Carringtons.

That's why he can never know Romeo Carrington carried me out of a seedy warehouse and had me pressed against the wall in the dark alley.

My skin tingles at the memory of his strong arms, solid chest, and masculine scent I couldn't get enough of. I hate myself for noticing how gorgeous he looked, and I can only hope he doesn't realize he's been on my mind when I see him in Finance and pay him back.

I can't stand the thought of owing him anything.

Everyone around me rises to their feet. Chatter fills the lecture hall, and I shove my laptop in its bag before making my way out of the room. The hallway is teeming with students hurrying to their next class. I skirt a group of girls in the middle of it when a familiar voice rises over dozens of others.

"Juliet!"

I can't help but smile. Ezra struts toward me with his arms wide open and a grin that mirrors mine on his breathtaking face.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming today?" I ask, stepping into his hug.

He squeezes me, chuckling. "I tried to. Your phone's off."

Right. I make a mental note to get a new cell in the afternoon and inch away so I can take a better look at one of my best friends. "You look great. How was Paris?"

"Amazing. Rainy. Coffee?"

"I've got one more class, and so do you." I'd rather chat with Ezra over coffee and sandwiches than struggle to keep my eyes open in Finance, but I need to see Romeo—something my friend can't know.

"I really can't skip, but we can chat on our way to the Science Building," I say. "There's still time before class."

He slings an arm over my shoulders as we step outside. It's surprisingly warm for November, and the fresh air instantly improves my mood.

"So," Ezra says as we cross the sun-soaked quad. "What's up with your phone? I've been trying to reach you since last night."

I wrap my arms around my middle. "Stolen. I went to an illegal fight with Nova and Cass. There was a stampede, and someone took advantage of the panic to steal my purse."

My purse, my wallet, and Dotty—the stuffed ladybug my grandma gave me when I was ten. Grandma Eveline passed two years ago, and I've been carrying my tiny stuffed lucky charm with me since.

Sadness covers me like a blanket. There's no way to get my things back, because setting foot in the warehouse again is too risky. What would I do, anyway? Ask one of those shady guys if they saw a Hermès purse that costs twenty grand?

That would probably be less ridiculous than asking them if they saw a ladybug called Dotty, but still.

Ezra's blue eyes widen. "Whoa. Juliet, honey, I don't know you."