It’s 7:30. Almost time to meet Heath. I stuff the papers in my bag, moving past Callan then out the door. I haven’t been to fraternity row yet so I need time to find AAA.
My stomach grumbles as I reach the bottom step. But I’m so fucking hungry. I need something until I can get something for dinner.
I eye the vending machine in the corner and race over. My credit card is accepted and I choose a bag of kettle corn. I’ll have to eat this on the way.
It’s a long trek to Fraternity Row. When I get there, I ignore the hoots and hollers from both sides, only paying attention to the greek signs on each house.
Finally, I come across AAA. I stop in my tracks. What am I supposed to say? Heath asked me to come. Yes. That will work.
I twist the knob and open the door to hear a bunch of yelling and cheering. This is the first floor so the door for the basement has to be around here somewhere. Walking away from the increasing noise from the group of guys, I start down the only hallway. I peek through every open door.
A laundry room that made me want to cover my nose.
An equipment room.
A bathroom.
Another bathroom.
I turn the corner and come across a closed door with a window that looks out to the outside.
Finally, at the end of the hall, I come to a locked door. If this isn’t it, I don’t know what is. I’m proven correct though when I reach above the door to find a lone key. After opening it, I put the key back in place and take a step inside. No lights on so Heath must not be in here.
I think there’s still a few minutes until it’s 8.
I check the phone to find it’s 7:55. Oh crap, my phone’s at 1%. I should’ve charged it before Art class. Now I can’t even use it to find the light switch.
After putting my phone back in my pocket, I move my hands over the walls for a switch. Maybe it’s down a little more? Stepping down, I keep moving my hand against the walls, searching for the switch, but find none. And when there’s no stairs left, I stop in place and look around. Complete darkness. Not even a sliver of light from a window.
God I hope there aren’t any bugs in here. It doesn’t smell particularly dusty at least. Stepping around in the dark, I put my hands on the walls, until I bump into something. What is this? The soft and firmness of it tells me it’s either a leather couch or loveseat.
I don’t feel like stumbling around in the dark anymore. I’ll just wait here for him. Sitting at the edge, I keep my bag on my lap, and hopefully avoid any spiders waiting for their next victim.
The dark is so incredibly quiet it’s a tiny bit unnerving. I can only hear the sound of my own breathing.
Wait. I hold my breath for a second and listen carefully.
It’s faint, and so quiet it’s easy to miss under the sound of my own breathing. But now, it’s easy to hear. There’s someone else down here. And even creepier, I can hear their even breathing which means they’re close by. They’re either at the other end of the couch or maybe across from me.
Maybe everyone in AAA knows there’s an extra key above the door and they come down here to…oh shit, I don’t know. Why would someone just sit in the dark without saying anything?
After a deep breath, I mutter, “I know someone’s there.”
Silence.
“What about turning on the lights? Did you enjoy hearing me fumbling around for the switch?”
More silence.
“Heath is going to be here soon. Are you waiting for him?” Highly unlikely since Heath himself told me to be here for what I’m pretty sure is a personal conversation
My heart starts to pound a little faster at the continued silence. It’s starting to unnerve me.
Suddenly, I hear it. The sliding of something. Something sliding on the leather?
And then, I feel it. A large rough hand grips my left leg. I jump instantly off the couch.
“Stop. What the fuck are you doing?”
That hand is joined by another one as they grab me by the hips and yank me back down. Instead of the soft coolness of the leather, I land on something warm.
Is this the creep’s lap?
One hand quickly grabs my wrist in a tight, threatening grip.
I gasp and the blood starts rushing quickly to my head. This guy is determined to keep me here. For what reason? I need to get out of here. Think, Mera.
“Let me go,” I say in a low tone as my mind races.
I use my nice pair of flats to step on his foot. He grunts when my foot connects, but his grip doesn’t loosen.
His breathing is no longer even, in fact, it’s coming out so quickly. Is he…angry? With my eyes starting to adjust, I can finally make out a pair of wide shoulders and a fit arm.
This guy could easily do something to me if he wants to and I’m not strong enough to stop him.
Heath should be here soon. The panic slowly rises in me as the minutes seem to tick by, when suddenly, that one hand of his leaves my wrist, moving past my back to around my waist. Before I can open my mouth to tell him to stop, his other hand is underneath my legs pulling them so my feet land on the other cushion.
“Stop touching me. Let me go.”
He only lets my legs go. His right hand is securely gripping the right side of my waist still, with no give in it.
I stare into the face of the man harassing me, thankful to finally make out the details.
His breathing evens out again and that’s when I see it. That damn cold glint in his eye. The smirk on his face.
“Callan,” I breathe.
“I told you we’d play a game, princess.”
“Why?” I exclaim,
“I don’t owe you an explanation.”
I push at his chest and squirm around trying to get out of his lap. “I wouldn’t keep doing that if I were you, princess.”
I freeze and lock eyes with him. He leans forward slightly, bringing his face so close to mine I can feel his hot breath on my cheek.
“What are you doing?”
Flinching, I feel his lips ghost over mine. “I wonder who’s a better kisser. Heath or me? Let’s find out.”
I couldn’t move if I tried so I close my eyes quickly and wait for it to be over. He’ll probably just do what Heath did this morning. A small peck and he’ll get whatever satisfaction he wanted and be done with this stupid game. I just need to–
His lips come down hard on mine, moving so fast I gasp, accidentally giving him access to my mouth. He thrusts his tongue inside, immediately moving against my tongue.
Oh God. A small sound escapes my throat and I bite down, nicking his tongue as my mouth closes.
He chuckles and grabs my throat, dragging my face to eye level. “Do you like the taste of blood, princess?”
The hand around my throat pulls me in and his lips meet mine once more. His hand tightens so hard I have no choice but to gasp for air. He uses that opportunity to thrust his tongue past my lips. The coppery taste is strong as his blood is spread across my tongue. As my eyes start to water, I hear a resounding click.
My eyes pop open and I take in the brightness of the light in the room. In a hurry, I push against Callan’s chest who immediately lets me go. Scrambling off his lap, I quickly fall to the floor. My cheeks heat up as I avoid his eyes, wiping the tears away from the corners. I can still feel the ghost of his lips on mine and his warm tongue in my mouth.
I use the table to pull myself up just in time as Heath steps off the last stair. He gives me a small smile. “Hey, sorry I’m a little late. I had to…Callan? What are you doing here?”
Crossing my arms, I eye him. He meets my eyes and moves his finger over his lips. “I was just playing a game.” My stomach rolls a little as I remember how I was completely under his control. He could’ve done whatever he wanted to me.
Heath’s smile falls. “Get out, Callan.”
“Actually, now that I’m here, I think I’d like to know what’s so important you had to bring her down here to talk to you? I’ve nev
er even been down here before.”
Heath’s mouth twitches a bit at the ends. “It’s solely meant for the president and his company only. And right now, she’s my company. Leave.”
Callan’s signature frown is back as he stares Heath down, until his gaze slides toward me. “So, Wil, what’s the verdict?”
“Don’t call me that,” I retort. Anything but that. It makes me sound like a man. Whatever, I’ll answer so he’ll leave. It’s getting late and I’m still starving. I stare directly into his eyes as I remember how insistent his tongue was. How warm his lips were. How come I can’t remember how warm Heath’s were? “Heath.”
His eyes brighten at that and he chuckles a bit. “I know you’re lying, but it’s okay. We’ll play this game again.”
He moves past Heath to the stairs. “Later, bro.”
Heath eyes him until the door clicks behind him.
He strides toward me and looks me up and down. “What was that? Why did you say my name?”
Clearing my throat, I move my hair behind my ear. “Um. He wanted me to tell him who I liked more, you or him.”
His worried eyes close with relief and he sighs. “Good. That means he’s not playing one of those games. I know he likes to play with people. I’ve seen him go after guys for going against our family. He plays mind games until they’re at their breaking point and by then they’ll do whatever he asks.”
Is that what this is? He’s trying to break me down.
“If I had to guess, Collette must have egged him on after what I did at breakfast. When I left them, the two of them were still talking.”
I bite my lip and finally ask the question I’ve been wondering. “Why did you do that, by the way?”
He sighs and rubs a hand over the back of his head. “I clearly remember what you told me yesterday. You said you wanted a fresh start. And if you do want that start, you can’t afford to piss off my sister. The moment you spilled that orange juice, you were fucked. Zero chance of getting into Zeta Delta Beta.”
“So you kissed me?”
He sheepishly grins. “Sorry, I’m a terrible kisser, right?”
I’ve only ever had two kisses in my life, so I can’t really say. Well if I compared it to Callan’s–
“It wasn’t bad,” I blurt. It really wasn’t. It was quick and gentle, and sweet. The complete opposite of Callan’s. It was nice. Like Heath.
“Good, because we’ll have to do a whole lot more to be convincing as boyfriend and girlfriend. And don’t worry, this isn’t all for you. You’ll help me keep the girls from clinging to me.”
I snort and laugh. Some girls will be discouraged, but not all. “Fair enough. But how did you manage this?”
“The three of us have this rule where we can ask each other a favor for our significant others. A once in a lifetime thing. This is my favor.”
He digs in the back pocket of his jeans, pulling out a folded paper. Before he even unfolds it, I know what it is.
My jaw drops as my eyes widen and focus on the paper in his hand. “Heath, you shouldn’t have done this. You’re too nice to me. What did I do to deserve this? We barely know each other.”
He nods. “That’s true, but I also know what it’s like to want a fresh start and be denied it.” His green eyes darken and he glances away. “Just take it.”
I reach for his outstretched hand and grasp the paper. I open it up to find an invitation to Zeta Delta Beta. Wait, this isn’t an application?
“You don’t need to fill one out. All you have to do is complete the hazing rounds and you’ll be in. If you fail them, I can’t help you, I’m sorry.”
My pulse quickens as I stare at the paper with my name on it. “No, Heath. This is plenty of help. I really appreciate this. Whatever it takes to get in, I’ll do.”
He smiles widely. “Good. Show everyone who you really are. And, I guess this means you accept.”
“You spent your one and only favor. Of course, I accept. This isn’t like it’s forever.”
“Not at all. In a few months we can break up. I’ll even let you dump me.”
I giggle. “Me? Dump the incomparable Heath Goldsworthy? I could never. No, I think you should dump me.”
Out of nowhere, my stomach makes its emptiness known with a grumble.
“God, I’m hungry. Is there anything else you wanted to say before I go, Heath?”
His green eyes stare into mine and he shakes his head. “Yes. Do me a favor and don’t tell anyone this is fake. Not even your friends.”
I move toward him and give him a quick hug that he returns. “Got it.” It’s a simple thing to ask of me for something big like this. “Thank you, again. And I’m sorry if this inconveniences you. I promise this won’t all be for nothing.”
He nods and I take the stairs up to the door and walk out.
I can’t let Heath down.
By the time I get to the dining hall, most places are closed. Only a few are still open, but there are still a lot of people sitting around, eating and talking. I get in line at the pizza place with only four people in front of me.
“Piggy getting back in line for more?”
Piggy?
I gaze around and lock eyes on the closest table to the pizza counter. A trio of guys, all snickering. Following their eyes, I spot a girl with her arms crossed with large glasses and short bangs headed toward me. She kind of looks familiar.
“Oink oink.” The guys make piggy noises at her, snorting obnoxiously and laughing.
Fucking assholes.
So what if she’s heavier? And so what if she wants more? Hell, I go and get seconds of food all the time.
I step up to the counter when it’s my turn and get two large slices of pepperoni and ham.
When I’m done, I linger at the side of the counter where the napkins and condiments are. Glancing out of the side of my eye, I watch as she comes away from the counter with only a cup and approaches the area I’m in.
“It was a really hot day, wasn’t it?” I ask, striking up a conversation.
She pauses for a moment, moving her cup in her hand. “Yes.” She fills it up with ice first and then the pink lemonade.
Whirling around, she leaves quickly without another word.
The loud jarring from the guys continues. “Piggy got thirsty. Look at her gulping it down.”
Just ignore it. She’s ignoring it.
I grab my plate of pizza in my hand and leave to search for a table. There’s plenty of open ones so I decide to take an empty one with two chairs.
My eyes move off my plate to watch as the guys change tables to her empty one. One of them leans down to her ear, whispering something and wraps a gangly arm around her shoulder. “Well, how about it?” he yells loud enough to capture the attention of everyone in the near vicinity.
“How about you go shove that tiny dick of yours in a light socket? How about that?”
“You bitch,” he yells and moves to slap her.
Somehow I find myself right in front of their table and slap my hands down before he can reach her cheek. “Slap her, and I’ll slap you.”
“And who the fuck are you?” he asks narrowing his eyes at me.
Another one of them mutters, “Dude, is this that princess chick?”
“Shit…isn’t this Heath Goldsworthy’s girl?”
A sly smile creeps on my face. “That’s right. Now I suggest you leave my friend and I alone.”
“If she’s your friend, how come you weren’t sitting with her?” The guy who went to slap her asks.
I glance at her completely neutral face and shrug. “Friends argue.”
He grimaces and nods to the other two guys. “Let’s go.”
As soon as they’re gone, I go back to grab my pizza and then sit in the chair directly across from her. After making sure there’s no one in earshot, I lean forward. “Hey, just in case they come back, what’s your name?”
She blinks at me. “Gemma.”
“Well, Gemma. I’m Mera.�
�
“I know. So, how did you do it?”
“How did I do what?”
She sighs and pushes her glasses up her nose. “How did you pull Heath Goldsworthy in less than 24 hours?”
“I…uh…well. It was love at first sight really. For the both of us.”
She glances down at her hands and then back at me. “Well, then I feel it’s my responsibility to tell you that you should do whatever it takes to get Collette on your good side. A bad relationship with your future sister-in-law would be disastrous, right?”
Just nod and agree. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll start by getting into Zeta Delta Beta and go from there. Maybe she’ll let me be one of her officers.” Now that’s a stretch. I’ll just be lucky to fucking get in.
“Well, there’s only one spot. The chances of you getting that spot after what happened today and considering the amount of women applying for that position, I’d say your chances are slim to none. But hey, good luck. I’ll put in a good word for you.”
She stands up from her chair and I stand up with her. “Wait, how can you put in a good word?”
She smiles. “I’m their treasurer of course. Math and science are what I’m good at. I enjoy it, and that’s why Collette is letting me join whether I complete the hazing or not.” She laughs a little. “Anyway, I have to get back. Thanks for your generosity, Mera. In situations like these, I never really know what to do. See you again soon.”
She grabs her bag off the floor and leaves with a wave. She’s kind of strange, different?
I shove a pizza slice in my mouth and chew it slowly.
Oh shit, I should have asked her about the hazing. Oh well. It’s been a long fucking day and I can think about it tomorrow. There’s four days until then. I have to get through the rest of this week first.
Chapter Four
Callan
Every day it’s the same damn thing. They come to the dining hall in the morning holding hands, almost unable to keep their eyes off of each other. He doesn’t even sit with the group of guys he usually sits with. No, now he’s sitting with her, Red, and Tall Boy.
A few of the girls have even come around saying how perfect he looks with her. Like he’s her Prince Charming or some shit. No one can touch her on campus with him on her arm. Just how did she sink her claws into him so quickly? Whatever she’s planning for my brother, he’s completely clueless. If this were last year I know he wouldn’t let someone like her around him. He’d intentionally hang around the brainless ones. She’s nowhere near brainless.
The Princess and the Bully (Goldsworthy University Book 1) Page 5
