Expose' (Born Bratva Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

baleful stare so he knows I’m in no mood for jokes. But, I’ll be damned, he’s serious. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. With that last name, the kid must have gotten the shit kicked out of him on a daily basis growing up.” Suddenly I have a thought that makes my next question practically a growl, “Are they together?”
    “No, no, you don’t have anything to worry about there. She took him under her wing because he’s incredibly shy and, yes, is something of an easy target for some of the kids around here. Being an asshole has no age limit, apparently. Anyway, he’s a smart kid; the boy can hack into anything with a keyboard. He doesn’t talk about it, though. Probably doesn’t want to be taken advantage of by all the opportunists around here. The kid’s a genius. It says a lot for his character that he isn’t using his abilities to be in with the cool kids .”
    Though I’m relieved to hear that, a tinge of something I’m not accustomed to washes over me—compassion for a kid who got and probably still gets picked on. Even though I have a strong, supportive family, I know all too well what it feels like to feel like an outsider. I can’t imagine what it’s like for a kid who has no backup.
    The house fire that took my first father when I was five left scars that have nothing to do with the mild burns I received. But even though I lost a father that day, I consider myself lucky. Growing up adopted would have been much harder on me had my Glazov family not treated me as blood from the very first day. My father made sure of that, honoring his fallen friend by presenting me to his wife and children as his son while I was still covered in soot, practically catatonic from shock. From that moment, they have seen no difference in me and, if anything, they’re more protective of me because of it.
    “Where does this Gilbert stay?” I ask impatiently.
    “In the dorm. They each have their own dorm room on the same floor, I believe.” He pauses and clears his throat when he hears the low growl that I can’t quite suppress. “Um, yes, I think he’s in the same boat Logan when it comes to family ties -- parents who don’t give a shit. He was probably glad to get out of his parents’ house.”
    “Do you know if she ever takes guys back to her room?” Fuck me, why am I asking this?
    “I wouldn’t think so. Logan opted for one of those incredibly small, single dorm rooms. There’s barely enough room for one person to move around in there as it is. I think she’s a loner except for Gilbert, of course.” That isn’t a good enough answer for me. I feel the sharp sting of rage at the thought of her hooking up with some jock. I want details and I’ll have them before I leave this room.
    “Does she ever bring guys back there, yes or no?!?” Yeah, I’m fucking repeating myself and now I’m raising my voice. Jesus. What the fuck is up with that? This isn’t like me.
    He laughs but abruptly stops when I give him a cold stare.
    “I’m sorry, Kodiak. I’m only laughing because that just isn’t the girl’s style at all. She has two things on the brain: running and school. I’ve heard a few guys ask her out after class but she always turns them down. I think some of the guys think of her as a challenge, but Logan is utterly focused on being successful academically during her time here. She just doesn’t seem interested in having a social life.”
    “Good, very good.” I turn to go but stop and glance back over my shoulder when Ostrom clears his throat as if he has more to say. Wow. The good professor has grown a pair of balls.
    “Kodiak, if I may be so bold…I can see that you’re intrigued with this girl. I hope you know I’ll never be less than honest with you. So what I’m about to say, I say with all due respect. Logan isn’t a one night stand kind of girl. She’s been through a lot but somehow she still manages to be…innocent. Don’t hurt her.”
    I stare him down, a sneer