"You get straight to the point."

"By all means," he replies.

"I'm investigating your friend's death, and I was told he was part of the Heathens' first initiation for this year. You're one of the leaders and surely have access to records, camera footage, and stuff like that?"

"What if I do?" he asks.

"If you provide me with those, I'll be your ally against Killian."

"How do I know you won't turn against me? In fact, how do I know this isn't another one of Killer's sick games?"

You shake your head. "I would never use my friend's life as a game." You fumble for your phone and scroll to one of the last pictures you have with Devlin—a selfie in the car. You're smiling. He's not. You show it to Gareth. "Surely you remember him."

He pauses, lips thinning in a line. "Devlin."

"Yes," you breathe. "He died after the initiation."

"Didn't the police rule it as a suicide?"

"Yes, but..."

"You don't believe it."

You slowly shake your head. "Like you, I don't believe in the existence of too many coincidences."

"Fine."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'll help you gather whatever we have on the night before his death."

"Thank you. I'll be forever grateful."

"Your gratitude has no value to me. In return, you'll be my weapon against Killer."

"I wouldn't call myself a weapon..."

"Believe me." A slight smirk curves his lips. "You are."

That's totally not true, but you let it go when you notice the men—probably guards—slowly retreating to the shadows.

"How well did you know your friend?" Gareth asks out of nowhere.

You respond, "I knew him better than anyone."

"Did he ever mention us?"

"No... not really." Just in passing conversation and gossip like everyone on campus would glorify, glamorize, worship at the feet of The King's Us exclusive clubs.

"Then I doubt you knew him at all," Gareth says.

"Can you stop speaking in riddles?"

"Let's just say Devlin was a lot more than you think. I knew him personally and I don't know many people personally."

"That's impossible. He was shy and introverted."

"That's not true. But he was a fucking genius, I'll give you that." Gareth stares to the side, then smiles. "Time to hold your end of the bargain."

He slides into your space before you can blink. His fingers lift your chin, and your eyes widen as he lowers his head.

The moment his lips touch yours, he's wrenched off you in a flash.

You stare in complete disbelief as Killian sends his brother flying against the wall.