10. Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Blake
W ho did he think he was treating me like a damsel in distress? I wasn’t some princess who needed a dashing hero to come save her. He probably thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Well, he isn’t.
I wasn’t attracted to guys like AJ. Tall, muscular guys with penetrating dark brown eyes and dimples that split his cheeks when he grinned. I was a modern, independent woman, and I didn’t need big stupid men doing things for me. And I sure as hell didn’t need him intimidating my friends.
I yanked my laptop and books out of my backpack and tossed them on the couch. I had case studies to read.
Before starting, I pulled out my phone to text an apology to Paige and Danny for what happened earlier. Not that it was my fault, but I had to admit, Danny wouldn’t have tried sneaking up on me if he’d known I had a bodyguard.
Hey guys, sorry about earlier. I should have told you, I have a bodyguard for a few days.
Danny, I hope you’re okay.
Paige: Why do you need a bodyguard?
Danny: Can’t you find someone less violent?
It shouldn’t surprise me that Danny thought of himself first. He was my friend, but he could be selfish.
Someone sent a threatening note to my dad, until they figure out who and why I have protection.
Paige: Is that why you can’t stay on campus?
Yeah, until it’s settled I have to come home at night.
Danny: That sucks. I hope they find him soon so you can get rid of that asshole.
Paige: Danny, he thought you were going to hurt Blake.
Thank you Paige . I didn’t have the energy to deal with Danny’s attitude.
Danny: He didn’t need to be so violent.
Paige: He was excessively violent.
Danny: You should demand someone else.
I wish I could, but I can’t.
Danny: Does he have to go with you everywhere? I’m sure you’re safe at school.
Paige: I doubt anyone would try anything here. Too many witnesses.
After her initial show of concern, I couldn’t help but notice how Paige parroted everything Danny said. It was happening more and more, and I didn’t understand it. Maybe it’s because he’s mean to people who disagree with him . God knew I’d agreed with him to avoid a fight on more than one occasion.
He’ll be with me for a few days {eye roll emoji}
Danny: Can you ditch him for lunch tomorrow?
I can’t. But I won’t let him sit with us.
We made plans to meet at our favorite off campus bar for lunch. I figured the least I could do was buy Danny a beer or two after what happened.
“Hey Princess, how was your day?” my dad asked as I sat down for dinner. Funny how being called Princess only pissed me off when AJ said it.
“It sucked having AJ hovering over me all day. I came home early, so I didn’t have to deal with him.”
Priscilla rolled her eyes, mumbling how I shouldn’t complain because at least I could leave the house without worrying I’d be attacked. I ignored her. Dad patted her hand and consoled her by promising to take her on a vacation when this was all over.
I decided not to share the real reason I came home early. Not because I thought AJ was right or because I didn’t want him to get in trouble; he most definitely deserved to after what he pulled.
It was because Dad had huge, dark bags under his eyes. He looked exhausted and sad. He’d clearly had a bad day at work and Priscilla wasn’t helping. I wasn’t about to add to his stress.
Did they figure out who sent the note ? It’d only been one day, not even a full twenty-four hours, so I doubted they had any answers, but that didn’t stop me from asking.
“Not yet. I’m sure it’ll all be over soon.” Dad kept glancing at his phone. Another sign of his stress—he rarely brought his phone to the dinner table.
“I hope so.” I didn’t think I could handle having AJ around for more than a couple of days.