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Joy and desire surge through my veins like liquid fire. I lean in to capture Elliot’s lips in a searing kiss that leaves us both breathless. When we finally break apart, I rest my forehead against his and savor the sweet scent of his cologne.

“Oh, I have some idea,” I murmur with a playful grin. “A pretty big one. And it’s all because of you.”

27

ELLIOT

Know that saying, “The walls have ears?” Well, as it turns out, they also have bitches with phones.

I’m trying to reshelve books in the psychology section, but it’s hard to concentrate with all the whispering and giggling happening behind me. I glance over my shoulder and see a gaggle of Gerard’s groupies huddled together and staring at me.Real subtle.

“God, what does Gerard even see in him?” one of them stage whispers. “He has no muscle tone.”

My face flushes with anger and humiliation. It’s not my fault I don’t have a hockey player’s physique. We can’t all spend every day in the gym sculpting our glutes. Some of us have jobs—important jobs—like putting away books so ungrateful twits can find the latest pop psychology bestseller to validate their vapid little lives.

I straighten up and turn around, crossing my arms. “Can I help you ladies with something? This is a library, not an art gallery. The book stacks are for browsing titles, not my backside.”

They titter and elbow each other.

“Ooh, kitty’s got claws!” The ringleader smirks. She’s a platinum blond in designer clothes and reeks of entitlement. “Betterbe careful, or we’ll have to tell Gerard his little boy toy is nothing more than a child.”

Her cronies snort and guffaw.

“Laugh it up all you want, but nothing you say or do will make Gerard dump me. He’s not shallow. Now, if you’re not going to check anything out, I suggest you leave before I call security and have you escorted out.”

The queen bee rolls her eyes. “Whatever. This place is lame, anyway. Come on, girls, let’s get frappés and think up some more hashtags for the Ice Queen’s next post about Gerard.”

They flounce out in a cloud of perfume and disdain, but I know they’ll be back. Theyalwayscome back. Ever since Gerard told the world I was his boyfriend, my life has become a reality show for his obsessed fans.

I’m constantly being watched, photographed, and gossiped about. My every move is dissected for hidden meaning. What does it say about my relationship with Gerard that I wore that shirt today? Why did I order a salad for lunch—am I secretly an anorexic? Who was that guy I was talking to—am I cheating on him? It’s exhausting and infuriating.

But what’s even worse is knowing that it’s tearing Gerard up inside to see me harassed. He thinks he’s responsible—as if it’s all his fault for being too famous and popular. But in his defense, he can’t help being so gorgeous and talented that he has legions of rabid fans willing to do anything to get his attention.

Last night, after a particularly nasty comment on the Ice Queen’s blog speculating that I must be blackmailing him into dating me, Gerard was beside himself with guilt and anger. He paced around his bedroom, his massive hands clenched into fists and his chiseled jaw tight with tension.

“That’s it, I’ve had enough,” he growled. “I’m going online right now and telling those losers to back off. They need to leave you alone and mind their own business.”

He reached for his phone, but I stopped him, placing my hand on his bulging bicep. “Don’t, Gerard. It’s not worth it.”

“Not worth it?” he exclaimed incredulously. “Elliot, they’re making your life miserable! They’re spreading lies and attacking your character. I can’t sit back and let that happen to the man I care about.”

My heart fluttered at his passionate declaration, but I stood my ground. “I appreciate you wanting to defend my honor, but please, think about it. If you engage with them, it’ll only make things worse.”

“So, what? I’m supposed to do nothing while they rip you to shreds?”

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “I know it sucks, but eventually, they’ll get bored and move on to the next scandal. Then I’ll be old news. We just have to wait it out.”

Gerard’s shoulders slumped in defeat. “I hate that this is happening to you because of me. I’m so sorry.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my cheek against his firm pecs. “You have nothing to apologize for. I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to date the hottest hockey player on campus. I can handle a few mean girls and gays with too much time on their hands.”

He laughed and pulled me closer, enveloping me in his warmth and strength. “Have I mentioned lately how amazing you are? I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

I tilted my head back and smirked up at him. “You’re not too bad yourself, superstar. Now, what do you say we stop worrying about stupid gossip blogs and put your king-size bed to good use?”

His eyes darkened with desire, and he growled playfully. But I knew that wouldn’t be the end of it. Not by a long shot.

“Hey, Elliot.”