by Mia Watts
Leo’s confusion seemed to grow. Parker mentally cheered, waiting for an opening to run, even it if meant streaking down the hall of an all male dorm wearing nothing but her birthday suit.
The tip of her tongue stung, yet she arched to reach Leo, presenting herself for his kiss. He did, and she winced through her disgust.
He didn’t trust her to release her arms, but his grip loosened. Her fingers tingled with renewed feeling.
Good, one step closer, she thought. Kiss him a little longer, stay pliant, until he lets go.
Several moments passed. She ignored the dick on her belly, putting all her attention on kissing him senseless. If he let go of her arms for a fraction of a second, she’d take it.
“I see it didn’t take you long, Sakura.”
Leo’s hands tightened on her wrists as he lifted his head.
Parker felt the tears spill. “Kei!” she said with relief.
“I thought you had better taste than to take Leo. I thought you had better sense than to fuck him on my bed.” Kei spun around.
“No, Kei! Come back.”
“I’ll share you with the others, but not him, Parker. Never Leo.” His hand clasped the doorknob. “I’ll come back in a little while to help you move.”
“Kei! No!” Parker yelled after him.
Oh, God! Her heart slammed in her chest, breaking into a thousand pieces. First, that he’d believed she’d move on from loving him. Second and tumbling into third, fourth, fifth were all the reasons he’d left her alone with Leo, that he’d left her alone and pinned, that he’d found her on his bed like this, believing what he did about her intensions. And oh, God, all the way back to thinking so little of her that he thought she’d sleep with anyone at all. It all crashed together in her gut with pain so intense she could have sworn she’d been physically stabbed.
She didn’t care anymore how much Leo hurt her. Kei had struck far deeper, wounded her far more than anything remotely physical. Leo was still distracted. With a sharp scream, Parker failed her arms, freeing them as she wrenched from his grip. His nails scored the skin, but her full effort surprised him and gave her the advantage.
Parker bucked, kicked and clawed her way from beneath him, throwing him on his ass in the process. Scrambling to her feet, she wielded a desk chair at him. “Get out! Get out! Get out!”
Leo leaped to his feet and tore out of the room.
She held the chair up for a few more moments, shaking, fearful he’d come back. Then edging to the phone, a wary eye on the door, she lowered the chair and dialed nine-one-one.
“Hello? I’ve been assaulted,” she began, keeping her gaze locked on the only way into the room. Parker slid down the wall, keeping her knees tight against her chest and the chair within reach.
Someone on the other end asked questions. They must have because her mouth moved, sound came out, and she kept making sounds until a policewoman came and draped a blanket around her.
But all she could think was that she’d fucked up. Messed things up for everyone and lost Kei. God help her, she’d lost Kei.
Chapter Eleven
Kei walked in, five minutes late. He’d planned it that way so there wouldn’t be any time to talk to Parker. Or for her to talk to him. He felt like a fool. He’d honestly believed she was different, but the truth had struck him square between the eyes. Wouldn’t his father be proud of the legacy Kei left behind? He’d always warned Kei against falling for an American woman.
Parker, Jaxon, Henry and Dan were already seated in front of the desk where the Housing Director waited.
“Have a seat, Kei,” she said.
He did, glad that the only open chair wasn’t next to Parker’s. He knew it was childish, but he needed space. He didn’t trust himself not to touch her. Touching her would lead to holding, and holding would only strengthen the tie she had to his heart.
She still bore the marks and scratches of her lovemaking with Leo. It was clear she didn’t want Kei’s hands on her. That she liked rough sex felt wrong to him. He couldn’t imagine bringing himself to hurting her, marking her, the way Leo had. It sickened him almost as much for the affront to her body as to his pride. She wasn’t his. Isn’t that what having multiple partners meant? She didn’t belong to one, but to many?
It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t have believed it, but she hadn’t denied it. She’d deny it if Leo had forced her, wouldn’t she? Kei shot her a sideways look. Parker lifted her chin as though sensing he searched her face for answers. His gaze dropped to the scratches on her wrists, the bruises. She didn’t even try to hide them.
“Now that you’re all here, we can get started.” The director looked pointedly at Kei. “My name is Margery Baxter. I already know Parker’s situation from my discussion with Lillian, and I’ve pulled the files on the rest of you boys. Your academics speak well for your scholastic standing, and it’s the only reason we’re giving any leniency to the decision we’ve made on behalf of Fullerton University.”
No one else said anything.
Margery continued. “Parker came straight away to clear up the housing mix up, although the university stands behind its position that there was no initial contest in the housing arrangements when time would have allowed a replacement to a female dorm. Since that didn’t occur, and the spot was filled after that time period, the onus still falls on you, dear.” Margery directly addressed Parker.
Parker nodded, though she didn’t look up.
“You and I have been over the details, the communication difficulties while you were overseas. Coming to us as soon as you were on campus and realized the mix up puts you in a favorable light. What doesn’t is staying on at the male dormitory after you’d been told to vacate and had informed Housing that you had until new arrangements could be made.”
From the corner of his eye, he did see her look up this time. “I had nowhere to go.”
She sounded…broken. Kei watched her closely, noted the uncharacteristic downturn of her lips.
“I know. I spoke on your behalf and the board is choosing to overlook the deception, for the most part.” Margery turned her attention to the men then. “None of you came forward to object to Parker’s residence with you, and you should have. It doesn’t help your case.”
“If we had, are you saying we wouldn’t have been kicked out of the scholarship program?” Jaxon asked.
“Not for telling Housing,” Margery answered.
“But after telling you then continuing to house a fellow scholarship earner would have,” Kei said, completing the unspoken thought.
“Well, yes, and that’s why we’re here isn’t it?” Margery said.
She folded her hands and leaned her forearms on the desktop. Her earnest eyes and lifted brows seemed more kind than admonishing.
Margery continued, “I’ve located students in town who are looking for roommates. If you all move out of the dorm immediately, there’s room for negotiation with the University.”
“What kind of negotiation?” Kei asked.
“The university will provide you a stipend for housing off campus. On record, it’ll appear that you’ve lost your scholarships,” Margery said.
“I don’t like the way this is going,” Henry mumbled.
“Your names will be kept anonymous, but your dorm already knows who you are, and we can’t keep you in the scholarship suite without answering to the board. The suite will free up some needed space for our students. If you agree to the terms, the university will not only provide you a stipend, but you’ll continue to study here throughout the term of your scholarship. The university will divert funds to reopen the scholarship so that it appears free, taking the expense of sponsoring you upon itself because of the housing difficulties you’ve faced.”
“Can I still play ball?” Dan asked.
“Yes. You’ll maintain your grade point average and your expected behaviors of a sponsored student. All the rules and requirements apply. Fullerton must uphold the standards specified in the scholarship co
ntract, yet it recognizes a slip in the system. So long as you take responsibility for not coming forward, you may finish your term as planned. Fight this, and you’ll be expelled.”
“Can we room together off campus?” Jaxon asked.
“What you do off campus is of no concern to the university. Technically, the scholarship is revoked, and that’s how it’ll appear to the board and the other students,” Margery answered.
“We just have to maintain our grades and behave according to the scholarship contract while on campus?” Parker asked.
“That’s correct.”
“Hot damn,” Dan said enthusiastically.
“I have another year after these guys. What about my term?” Henry asked.
“Your scholarship was a full ride. As long as you follow the requirements, you’ll retain that privilege,” Margery clarified.
“I sense a but,” Jaxon noted.
Margery nodded, her eyes dropping. “Yes, well, it has to be formalized.”
“What does that mean?” Dan asked.
“It means we have to sign something,” Parker said. “In any corporation where an employee holds an executive position, you sign a non-compete clause when you’re terminated. My guess is, they want us to say they aren’t at fault, and we agree that they can revoke the scholarship at any time if we don’t abide by their rules.”
“Very good, Ms. Galloway.”
“I’m a good student,” she said.
“We want you to sign a waiver of liability. You’ll need to sign confirmation that you’ve violated the terms of your scholarship and are willfully releasing Fullerton from further sponsorship through the trust. Then you’ll sign the informal contract stating that you accept the university terms in exchange for anonymity on the official report and continued support throughout the duration of your term here.”
“My hand is cramping just thinking about it,” Dan said, sinking in his chair.
“It’s the only option you’re being given. You all have to accept it or none of you will continue here. Do you accept the terms?” Margery asked.
They looked at each other. To Kei’s mind, their eyes all looked resigned. Parker’s gaze skipped away from his.
“I accept,” Kei said first. What choice did they have? None of them had the funds to pay for their courses or living expenses without the offer.
“Me too,” Jaxon seconded.
“Yeah,” Dan said, then sighed.
“What about cafeteria meals and books?” Henry asked.
“The same as you have now—a limited amount placed on your card,” Margery said. She leaned further forward. “I did the best I could for you.”
“Bus fare?” Henry asked.
Margery shook her head. “Sorry.”
“I’m in,” Parker answered.
“I guess I am, too,” Henry said, finally.
“Good!” Margery pulled opened a folder from her desk and made five stacks. “Let’s go through them then, shall we?”
* * * *
Parker had no doubt that if Kei could have afforded living alone, he would have. Taking the rental as a five-some had saved them all money. Kei hadn’t specifically asked her to leave, he’d just chosen to avoid her at every turn. She’d done some avoiding, too. His suspicions about her had hurt.
After the meeting with Margery, the news had come out on campus about Leo’s assault against an unnamed coed. She knew Kei must’ve put together the pieces because of the shadow of guilt he wore, and the way he tried to disappear, had been evident. His reaction was the only reason she wanted to talk to him. Because he’d believed what he’d seen and it had hurt him. And to hurt him, he had to care about her first.
None of her roommates seemed to have time anymore. The bus ride in and staying on campus between classes or for study groups didn’t leave a lot of time to hang out in the rental unit. When they did all come back, they still had to work around the other tenant who’d been in the property when they’d arrived.
Maya was nice enough, but she hadn’t been with them through the past several weeks of school, didn’t know about the ménage sex the five of them had begun. Parker was relieved to see Maya flirting with Jaxon. It took some of the pressure off when Parker didn’t initiate sex with the roommates any longer.
She only wanted Kei. She’d known it all along. Losing him to the emotional distance he’d taken up made wanting him throb like a dull ache in her chest. If he’d even look at her, she thought she could hang on. If he’d give her some sign that he knew she hadn’t fucked Leo or wanted Leo to fuck her, but he didn’t.
“You look down,” Henry said, breaking the silence.
Parker started. She hadn’t realized she wasn’t alone. “I’m okay. Mostly, thinking about the dissertation. The second deadline is due at the end of the week.”
“Right before break,” Henry said, nodding sagely.
“Yeah.”
“I was wondering if you—do you think you could—man, I’m such a dork,” he finished on a sputter.
Why did she think this had something to do with sex? “Spit it out, sweetie.”
He blushed to the roots. “I’d like to try a blow job, with you, I mean. I mean, with you blowing my job.” Henry hung his head, shaking it.
“Wow, did Henry just ask you for oral sex?” Maya said, striding into the small living room.
“Never mind,” Henry rushed to add, spinning his chair around and quickly clacking words out on his keyboard.
“Oh my gosh, that’s adorable,” Maya gushed.
“Forget it,” Henry blurted.
Maya didn’t look as shocked as she sounded. Then again, there was a lot about Maya that led Parker to think Maya would be up for some multi-layered fun. There was always the chance she could fill in once Parker got Kei back. And she’d get him back. She only wanted him and he needed to know it, she decided.
“Actually, I would, but I have my mind set on someone and I don’t think he’s into multiple partners,” Parker said.
Henry swiveled around again, clearly more concerned for Parker than he was about his own embarrassment. “Yeah? What did Kei say?”
It was Parker’s turn to blush. “Why would he say anything?”
Henry’s lips twisted into a rueful smile. “C’mon, Parker. We’ve known from day one that you and Kei had chemistry.”
“He doesn’t know what happened with Leo,” Parker confessed.
“Leo? That guy who was expelled and cuffed for sexual assault, Leo?” Maya asked.
“That’s the guy,” Parker said.
“That prick!” Maya yelled.
“That prick is doing time. Another victim came forward.” Parker didn’t curb the smile that accompanied her words.
“Kei knows. He’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard what Leo did,” Henry asserted.
“You wouldn’t know it to talk to him,” Parker muttered. “He won’t even look at me.”
Maya shrugged. “He’s in love with you, and he didn’t protect you. He probably feels like shit.”
“Especially because he walked in on Leo and accused you of screwing around,” Henry said.
“You know about that?” Parker asked.
“Yeah, he said something about it to Jaxon. Besides, he had to stain treat the pillowcase because of blood droplets. You wouldn’t think so, but lemon juice works great on biological stains that—never mind. That’s not the point. He knows, and he had the evidence to prove it. You should talk to him,” Henry urged.
“If it helps, I saw him checking out your ass when you got up from the table last night,” Maya offered.
It did help. Parker grinned. She knew his schedule top to bottom, and he should have been home already, unless he had a final to study for. Maybe she’d wait up for him and make sure she left him no doubt about her feelings for him.
And what exactly are those? There were a million and one of them floating through her at any given moment when it came to Kei. All of them homed in on permanence. Sh
e loved him, though he didn’t seem to believe it. Well, she’d have to fix that. Maybe give him a reason to check out her ass, she thought, her smile broadening.
Chapter Twelve
Kei twirled the cherry blossom between his first finger and thumb. The pale pink center blurred against white petals as he stepped through the front door. The house muted the outside sounds, and though he could hear the jovial laughter of others in the house, the low volume of the television set, and the lingering scents of a long past supper, there was peace here.
Parker would be asleep upstairs in the room she shared with Maya. He’d counted on that before wandering home. He didn’t know how to face her after what he’d said. How could he? How could she look at him?
A man would face his fears and get the confrontation over with. Avoidance seemed easier at first, but it only got harder with each day. His grandfather had warned him of poisoning the spirit with delays like the one he created. He’d talk to her. Perhaps tomorrow before her morning class. Then she’d have time to think about her answer before she saw him at the end of the day. Hopefully, she’d be in too big a rush to blast him for his stupidity.
Kei took measured steps, softening his tread when the old boards creaked. He caught a flurry of whispering from Dan’s and Henry’s room. He moved on, going for the door at the end of the hall where he and Jaxon slept. He listened briefly at Parker’s door, but heard nothing. Kei wanted nothing more than to curl against her back and cover her breast with his hand as they fell asleep. He didn’t think she’d be agreeable to that given the way he’d treated her.
He’d make her understand tomorrow. He’d take the blame due to him and beg her forgiveness. Grandfather wouldn’t understand him choosing an American woman, but if she’d have him, Kei would see to it that his family accepted her.
A faint glow illuminated the room from the desk he and Jaxon shared. Jaxon wasn’t there, but his heart skipped when he saw Parker stretched out on his bed. She wore that Star Wars t-shirt. Lying on her back, one arm bent up by her head with her palm facing up, the hemline had risen to the top of her thighs.
