Devoted 2 : Where the Ivy Grows Read Online Free PDF Page B

charismatic,’ I say. ‘I could see why he was a big star. But ... maybe he seemed a little arrogant, too.’
    ‘Marc Blackwell? Arrogant.’ Arabella is smiling now. ‘Never!’
    I notice Marc has a quiet smile on his face.
    ‘He’s not arrogant, though,’ I say. ‘Bossy, yes. He thinks he knows what’s best for everyone. But he’s not full of himself. I’m not sure he thinks very much of himself at all, deep down.’
    Marc turns to me, and our eyes meet. There’s that lost look again. That confusion. And I know what I just said is true. Beneath that cool, cold exterior, there’s much more to Marc Blackwell than meets the eye.
    ‘I’d say you’re right on the money.’
    Oh? Jealousy rears its ugly head. What does she know of Marc?
    ‘So tell me,’ Arabella continues. ‘When did you fall for him?’
    ‘I can’t pinpoint it exactly,’ I say. ‘Just little by little, I started seeing more of him. And of course I got a crush, just like every other student. I never thought in a million years he’d be interested in me.’ I smile, thinking of the time he rescued me from the lake. ‘Maybe he took pity on me.’
    ‘Nothing could be further from the truth,’ says Marc. ‘Believe me, Arabella. None of this was planned. If it had been anyone other than Sophia, I would have left the college, or just ... ignored my feelings.’
    Arabella is watching him closely. ‘My, my. Marc Blackwell, you’ve got it bad, haven’t you?’ She’s teasing him.
    ‘Have it bad doesn’t come close to describing it,’ Marc says, his voice quiet.
    ‘I’ve never seen you this way,’ says Arabella, cocking her head. ‘Your eyes look all mushy.’ She leans forward. ‘So what is it about our lovely Sophia that has the famously cold Marc Blackwell head over heels?’
    ‘I’m sure I’m not the only person to have fallen head over heels for her,’ says Marc. ‘Sophia is so natural. So genuine. A beaut iful person, inside and out. The whole world will love her, given the chance.’
    ‘I’ve never heard you talk about anyone this way,’ says Arabella. ‘And I must say, it’s rather lovely. And unexpected.’
    ‘Don’t get used to it,’ Marc snaps. ‘I’m doing this interview for Sophia. So that we can set the record straight, and hopefully at least some of the mongrels will leave her alone.’ He jumps up from the sofa. ‘Getty was at the college gates this morning.’
    Arabella puts a hand to her mouth. She glances at me. ‘Oh no.’

 
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    ‘What?’ I ask.
    ‘He’s dangerous,’ say Marc. ‘Everyone in the industry knows the lengths Giles Getty will go to get a story. He’ll stop at nothing. He hires actors to set people up. Alters pictures. The man is a criminal. But as long as he sells papers, no one stops him.’ He glances at me. ‘And there’s more. Where women are concerned. I’ve known him a long time.’
    ‘We’re not all like Giles Getty,’ says Arabella, her eyes going watery and nervous. ‘Some of us are decent. Some of us just want to tell the truth.’
    ‘That’s what I’d like you to do,’ I say. ‘I want you to tell our story how you see it.’
    ‘The truth?’ Arabella smiles. ‘Well, there’s a word I don’t hear very often in this business. I’d be delighted to write the truth about you. Tell me more about how you two met. I’m guessing ... on campus?’
    ‘Actually , it was at Sophia’s audition,’ says Marc.
    ‘Do tell,’ says Arabella, putting her palm under her chin.
    ‘When I saw Sophia perform, there was something about her that just ... shone.’
    ‘She’s a beautiful girl,’ says Arabella.
    ‘There are lots of beautiful girls,’ says Marc. ‘Especially on drama courses. It wasn’t to do with what she looked like. It was ... something else.’
    ‘Love at first sight?’ Arabella raises an eyebrow.
    ‘ Perhaps. She was ... quite something.’
    ‘Did you think it would be a problem?’ asks Arabella.
    ‘The only thing I allowed myself to think