The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, #1)

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

“A teacher who designs tests most of his students can’t pass?”

Right on cue, Libby’s on-again, off-again boyfriend—who had a fondness for punching walls and extolling his own virtues for not punching Libby—strolled in. He snagged a cupcake off the counter and let his gaze rake over me. “Hey, jailbait.”

ew

“Half sister,” Drake corrected, and then he smiled again. “Joking.”

die

“I’m everyone’s favorite!” Xander grinned.

“You must be Mystery Girl,” he said.

He smiled in my direction and gave a little salute.

need that

“The remainder of my estate,” Mr. Ortega read, “including all properties, monetary assets, and worldly possessions not otherwise specified, I leave to Avery Kylie Grambs.”

insane

“Technically…” Alisa Ortega sounded like she’d just swallowed arsenic. “It’s her house.”

She’d told Drake everything—about the will, the conditions on my inheritance, where we were staying. Everything.

girl

Hey, Mystery Girl. You’re officially famous.

“I told you she was special,” Jameson murmured as Grayson continued closing in on him.

idk guys i need him

even if you thought that you’d manipulated our grandfather into this, I guarantee that he’d be the one manipulating you.”

this is why i hate grayson bc it’s like you know DAMN WELL this seventeen year old girl did not outsmart your grandfather so why are you attacking her at every turn

I shrugged. “My house, my rules.”

LMAO

“Pull the candlestick on the fireplace, Heiress. Unless you want me stuck back here?”

HEHE

“It would be a shame,” Jameson commented, “if we were related.” He spared another smile for me, slow and sharp-edged. “Don’t you think?”

he wants herrrrrrr

He took one last step, forcing my palm to his chest.

“Gotta say. He’s faxable.”

real

Very good, Heiress.

The last thing my brother needs is you and whatever this is.”

hush

I’d lay money that you’re gone within the week.”

what money BROKIE

“Avery doesn’t bite.” For once, Jameson referred to me by my actual name. “Frankly, now that the issue of relatedness has been settled in the negative, I’d be game if she did.”

HEHEEHE

“Good.” He reached out, grabbed my hand, and pulled me close. “Hold on.”

“I need you.” Jameson knew exactly what he was doing—the way he was looking at me, the tilt of his lips. “I don’t know why yet, but I do.”

Nothing except Jameson Winchester Hawthorne and me.

Grayson Hawthorne is not for you.

correct

I will make it my mission in life to ensure that you never, ever find out.”

ate

“Yes, ma’am.” Nash smiled, wide and slow. I wondered how long he’d been with her—why he’d been with her.

Them

“We will, Heiress.”

He brushed against me. I tried not to feel anything and expected him to pull back, but instead, his fingers slid between mine, weaving our hands together, flat on the board.

“To you, Heiress,” Jameson murmured to my left.

“From me.”

okay then bye

“It’s okay, Heiress,” Jameson murmured. “I’ve got you.”

Something gave inside of me, and I pushed him gently back against the bathroom wall. I need this. His deep green eyes met mine. He needs it, too. “Yes?” I asked him hoarsely. “Yes, Heiress.” My lips closed over his. He kissed me back, gentle at first, then not gently at all.

YAAAAAA

“I’m doing just fine,” she said. “Everything here is just peachy. Thanks for asking.” “Asking about what?” “Exactly.”

she literally asked you two days ago and YOU didn’t say anything.

“You’re injured.” Grayson didn’t phrase that as a question. “You will tell me what happened.” “Oh, I will, will I?” I gave him a look. “Please.” Grayson seemed to find the word painful or distasteful—or both.

this is unfortunately giving draco

I need Jameson.

me too

“I’m done, Jameson.” My words echoed in the white room. “With you. With whatever this was.” I turned to walk away.

well no

“You don’t have to kiss me.

well she should

“I hope I’m not interrupting.”

you are.

“Did Jameson tell you that I killed her?”

oh boy

“We did it, Heiress.” He stopped right in front of me, lifting his hands, palm up. Drunk on the high of the helicopter, I did the same, and his fingers locked through mine.

Emily wasn’t even in the water anymore. She was just lying on the shoreline. Dead.” He closed his eyes. “Her heart.”

as much as i don’t like him, that is genuinely so fucking traumatizing for a teenager to witness

“Their mother.”

riiiiiight

“Don’t I always do what I’m told?”

need to call him a good boy fr

I’ve seen the way Jameson looks at you.”

amen