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appealing.
    On the other side of the room, was Crispin Gentley, also surrounded by bimbos—okay, to be fair they were cheerleaders—and jocks—okay, to be fair they were cheerleaders. I saw Tracy Hardkins and Kimberly Ringsworld. They were at the top of the food chain in Pedlam. I groaned softly. I saw Crispin’s eyes grow wide, falling on me at the same time I saw the person I had been searching the entire house for: Grayley.
    Grayley fit in with anyone—it was one of his gifts. He was a pretty likeable guy and pretty popular. He had become friends with me and Brian years ago; he was also Geezer’s best friend so I knew I could trust him. I knew he wouldn’t say anything to Brian or Crispin, but as I took a step in his direction, I gritted my teeth, finding myself blocked by the Crispin Gentley.
    “Well, well, well,” was all he said, in a tone like I was a mouse caught in a cat’s paw.
    It set my teeth on edge and I knew that Tray was watching intently.
    I didn’t say anything, but just waited for him to finish.
    “Looking good, Rosette.”
    “It’s Matthews now,” I stated.
    “Oh right. I heard that you’d gotten adopted. Good family, I hope?” He chuckled.
    He didn’t give one damn. We both knew it.
    “Get lost, Gentley. I’m not here for you.”
    He laughed outright at that one, tipping his head back, his perfect teeth blinding. “I’ve forgotten this. You and me. Our little…foreplay—”
    I smirked, moving closer a step. “Oh, honey, when it’s foreplay, you’ll know. You’ve never gotten close.”
    Grayley had finally noticed us and I saw him starting to push his way through the crowd towards me, a look of panic on his face. That made me frown slightly…
    “Come now, Rosette…now that you’re free from Lanser, we don’t have to continue this little game,” he coaxed.
    Grayley was almost to us and the pale color on his face was more distracting than Gentley’s repulsive comments.
    I struck out without thinking, taunting him, “Oh, little Crispin, just a poor neglected boy. Always hiding in the closet, his little G.I. Joe clasped tightly in his hands, afraid his abusive, drunk daddy will find out his secret…he wet the bed last night in a long run of nights.” I stepped back. “It explains a lot.”
    Crispin had fallen silent, just watching me, not letting any emotion show.
    So I continued, “At least that’s what your file says about how you developed your over-compensatory behaviors, pretending you’re Mr. Sex God—so full of sexual prowess, when in fact—”
    But I was cut off as Grayley flung himself in between us, pushing me back, facing Crispin and saying urgently, “She’s drunk, Gentley. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”
    Crispin was seething in a tightly controlled rage as his eyes flickered over mine, leaving me cold. “She better remember where to step, Grayley.”
    I leaned over Grayley’s shoulder. “It’s not the only thing I read in your file. Want me to share your other secrets?”
    “Goddamn, you little—” He was cut off as someone launched himself around us and shoved Crispin against the wall, raining punch after punch against his face and stomach.
    It was Brian and I was shocked to see my ex-boyfriend so livid and uncontrollable as he assaulted Crispin savagely.
    “Oh fuck!” Grayley bit out, before launching himself at Brian, desperately trying to get him off Crispin.
    I couldn’t help it, I looked at Tray, pleading.
    Tray had straightened, hearing the exchange, but he saw my look and hesitated for a moment. Watching the two guys fighting, Grayley and a few others tried to get between Crispin and Brian, but then Tray nodded and the rest of his crew rushed the fight and pulled them apart. Tray crossed to stand behind me. He leaned close, one hand splayed on my hip, and murmured in my ear, “This part of your plan?”
    “It was until Brian showed up.”
    “That’s your ex?”
    “Yeah,” I said tightly, unconsciously hugging