Page 63

Cloe and I had claimed one of the quieter spots in the library, a small alcove nestled between towering bookcases.

It offered just enough isolation to feel like you were in your own private bubble.

She was deep into her work, MacBook open, fingers tapping steadily across the keyboard.

Her notebook was flipped to a half-filled page, and she barely glanced up when I stood.

“You okay if I go grab what I need?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

She gave a nod, still typing, not missing a beat.

I slipped away quietly, passing by the open room that held chess tables.

There was a guy who used to play by his lonesome religiously.

I couldn’t remember his name, and come to think of it, I hadn’t seen him in days.

I briefly wondered where he’d been as I made my way up to the second floor, mentally repeating the call number I’d scribbled down from Mrs. Addams’ scrawl.

Behavioral Research his dad saw to that.

Years had passed without me having to resort to violence to defend myself.

No one ever really bothered me. The last time it happened was during the senior year of high school, when Jason Michaels grabbed Ari’s wrist at a bonfire and wouldn’t let go.

I was the first one to snap. Once the guys pulled him away, he was dragged into the woods.

He transferred the next day, went to online classes, and no one saw him again.

Even knowing how to fight, I used to think I didn’t have that in me.

I wasn’t a confrontational person by any means.

Turns out, I just needed the right push.

“I don’t know you,” I replied evenly, picking up my pace.

He laughed lightly. “That’s no reason to be scared.”

I wanted to tell this idiot I was more uncomfortable than afraid, but a small voice in my head cautioned me.

He obviously wasn’t wrapped too tight, and I had come across one too many stories about women getting hurt from men who didn’t know how to handle rejection of any sort.

Come to think of it, this was what the girls were worried about when I met up with Ashton.

I reached the end of the aisle, and my heart jumped straight to my throat as an arm curled around my waist. In one smooth motion, I was guided backward into a chest I recognized without having to turn, his comforting scent wrapping around me like a security blanket.

“Is there some reason why she should be afraid of you, Vincent?” His voice was low, dangerously calm.

Vincent’s expression faltered for the first time. “I wasn’t—she just looked like she needed help finding something.”

“That’s funny. I just got here and can see she doesn’t want anything from you.”

Vincent hesitated. “Voss, you know I wouldn’t--.”

“Stop while you’re ahead,” Ryder cut him off, “Don’t speak to her. Don’t look at her. Turn around and walk away. You’ve got about three seconds.”

Vincent defensively raised his hands. “No problem, Voss. I was just being polite.”

He turned and disappeared down the aisle, taking a left, most likely heading for the doors that led to the university’s bridgeways. Ryder stared after him, his expression giving nothing away. I reached up and patted his chest, my voice light to try and loosen him up.

“You always show up on time.”

That did it. His eyes seemed to sweep over every inch of my face. “Did he touch you?”

“He didn’t do anything but be weirdly persistent.”

“He won’t bother you again.”

Of that, I had no doubt. I let myself relax, right there in the curve of his arms.

I liked to think of myself as strong and independent, not needing to rely on anyone else to feel steady, but that wasn’t remotely true, and tucked between those towering shelves, Ryder was still the safest place I knew.

He held me close, running a hand through my hair. “Did he say anything to you I should know about?”

I lingered a second longer, letting myself breathe him in, before slowly stepping out of his arms.

I cleared my throat. “He’s partial to the redhead, but Cloe was gorgeous in person. Like I said, it was weird. Although Cici is gorgeous. What do you think he meant?”

“It means he’s a fucking fool,” he replied coolly, something dark flashing behind his eyes. “And I’ll handle it.”

“Ryder.” I wasn’t sure if I was more exasperated or secretly relieved.

He grinned, unapologetic. “I love when you warn me like a leashed pet.”

A breath of laughter escaped me. “You are not a pet.”

His eyes gleamed, voice dropping just enough to stir heat beneath my skin. “You could leash me if you wanted.”

“You’re so kinky sometimes,” I shook my head at him with a smile.

His grin widened, mischief lighting up his eyes. “You bring it out of me, Sass. I told you before, I’d let you do anything to me. Anything.”

Heat exploded under my skin so fast it made me dizzy. I could’ve climbed him like a tree right then and there, but knowing me, I’d probably slip and take us both down in the least sexy way possible. Thankfully, I still had a shred of restraint left.

I cleared my throat, trying to steady my voice. “How did you know I was up here? Did Cloe tell you?”

“Haven’t you figured it out by now?”

“Figured what out?” I turned back toward the row I needed and walked toward it.

“That I can always find you. It’s like some internal homing system, knowing where the other part of me is at all hours of the day.”