11. Chapter 11
Chapter eleven
Katie
M y back rests against a tree in front of the main building. I try to focus on the essay in front of me, the words blurring together as my mind drifts. It’s late afternoon, and I should be concentrating—this paper won’t write itself—but something’s off, a low hum beneath everything.
I look up, squinting against the golden light of the setting sun, and see him. Dan. He’s across the quad, waving frantically as if he’s been waiting for me.
I groan inwardly.
Not now.
I just want to get through this day without any more complications. I can’t seem to shake him. My bag is tightly nudged against my side and I start packing up my books. If I move fast enough, maybe I can avoid him. But as usual, he’s quicker than I am.
“Hey, Katie!” His voice is too loud.
A wave of dread washes over me. I don’t stop to look at him, but I know he’s getting closer. I don’t have time for this.
I force a tight smile as I glance up, trying to be polite, but it’s a struggle. “Hi, Dan.”
I sling my bag over my shoulder, making a show of gathering up my things faster than necessary. Sweat builds on the back of my neck. I need to leave before this conversation goes any further. Carter made it clear. I need to stop leaving any doubt. I either need to tell him I’m seeing someone or cut him off without wiggle room.
But Dan isn’t having it. He steps right in front of me, blocking my path. He’s grinning like this is all some game. I notice a bruise on his cheek, another on his jaw. It looks like his lip was split too. That makes his grin even more menacing. Fresh from a fight and he’s acting like nothing has happened at all.
“You headed out?” he asks casually, like we’re friends.
“I—yeah, I have to get going.” I force my voice to sound normal, but my pulse is already starting to race. I don’t want to anger Brad further.
He doesn’t move. “I was thinking… maybe we could grab coffee later? I’ve been meaning to talk to you. We could hang out, you know?”
I take a small step back, trying to create some space. “I’m really busy,” I say. “I have a lot of stuff to do.”
He doesn’t take the hint. Instead, he closes the distance I just created, blocking my way. “Come on. Just one coffee. You deserve a break, don’t you think?”
I shake my head. “Dan, I’m not interested.”
Still, he doesn’t back off. Instead, he looks at me with this strange, almost pitying expression, like he thinks I’m playing hard to get. His words don’t match that ‘too happy’, sweet air I’d pegged him with either. “You sure about that?”
A flash of irritation rises up in me. What the hell does this guy think? Am I sure about what I’m saying? The fact that he thinks that he knows what’s going on in my head pisses me off so much that I almost get why Brad’s been pissed.
I wanted Dan to prove me right. To prove that not all guys approach girls just to date them or fuck them. I wanted to believe that one clear ‘no’ would be enough. I’m twice as mad that Dan isn’t doing me that meager favor.
“I’m seeing someone,” I say.
The second I say it, a strange sense of relief settles my mind, like I’ve finally established a boundary. But Dan doesn’t seem to care.
“You have a boyfriend?” He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused.
“Yes, I do. So whatever this is, just leave me alone. Okay?” I try to move past him, but his hand catches my arm.
His voice drops an octave, becoming more serious, almost predatory. “You don’t have to act like you don’t like me. I can tell you do.”
The words make my skin crawl, but I’m stuck, rooted to the spot with his grip. My pulse pounds in my ears as the urge to run claws at me.
“Get your hands off me,” I order with a forced grin.
His touch slowly peels away, but that dark threat in his eyes lingers. I hate that I missed it. I hate that I assumed the best of him. I didn’t want Brad to be right. I wanted to prove that people are good at heart, that not everyone is a threat. I’m just about to say that when that sense of being watched pricks the back of my neck again.
And then, in the distance, I see him. Brad. He’s standing by the fountain, arms crossed over his chest, eyes locked on us. His expression is unreadable, but I can sense the anger radiating off him from here. I don’t know how long he’s been standing there, but he’s watching us—watching me.
My breath catches, and I take a step back from Dan, the words spilling out before I can stop them. “I really have to go.”
Dan doesn’t seem to hear me. His gaze follows mine and flicks between me and Brad. He’s putting the pieces together but clearly doesn’t believe whatever he’s thinking.
“Is that him?” he asks, and I nod.
“Bye, Dan,” I say and take off. But the closer I get to Brad, the more nerves crawl up. Will he disappear again or will he finally talk to me?
He’s either going to fight with me or… or something else, something naughty and overwhelming and punishing in a way I don’t entirely feel ready for. Not with anger still nipping at my heels and the threat of another headache teasing my temples.
No matter what he chooses, the public eye isn’t going to do me any favors.
As I’m coming closer, Brad only shakes his head before I hear his voice.
“Go home, wait for me.” His voice is low and dark, but he won’t say more as he walks past me toward Dan.
I should stop him, right? Tell him to come with me?
But it is really the best way to disobey him again.
I follow him with my gaze, his strides heavy with purpose, but I don’t dare to look and turn to head home.
Obeying him like he wants me to.