Chapter 5 Harper
Two days I’ve been locked in this room. Nic has brought me every meal and even dropped off most of my things, though for some reason he gave me different shampoo and body wash.
He frowned at me when all I wrote on the notepad was the amount that is automatically taken out of my bank account every month.
These guys kidnapped me and while I appreciate them paying my expenses it’s none of their business what I spend my money on.
If they have an issue paying for it, I will have no issue working to pay for it myself.
On the bright side, I have had nothing better to do than to study for the test today.
I’m more than prepared for it. When Nic comes to unlock my door, I’m already dressed and ready for the day.
I’ve got my backpack over my shoulder with everything but my laptop, which is being held hostage somewhere else in the house.
I’m only allowed to use it while Nic is in the room with me, per Vin’s orders.
I’m really starting to despise that man. One of these days I’m going to pull the stick out of his ass and then beat him unconscious with it. When Nic sees me ready to go, he looks mildly surprised. “Do we have time for breakfast?”
I glare at him. Yes, we did have time for breakfast, but I wanted to get out of this house. He puts his hands up in the air. “We can grab something on the way.”
I relax, happy with that option, because I can’t take any more of his gourmet food, or I might literally never want to eat anything else again.
He made French toast yesterday morning with brioche bread and some kind of creamy custard sauce.
I’m about to say screw being kidnapped and put a damn ring on it.
I don’t even do relationships, but it might be worth it just for his cooking.
I rush him out of the house. Thankfully, he’s wearing a hoodie and jeans, so he won’t stick out on campus.
Though he’s definitely older than most of the other students there are some that started college late, so it won’t be that out of the ordinary.
We stop at a fast-food restaurant for breakfast burritos.
I enjoy the feeling of being outside that damn house for the first time in two days. It feels freeing.
Nic is my personal shadow as I make my way through campus. When I get to the Econ class, we’re the first ones there since we’re almost forty minutes early. Sitting down in my normal seat near the back, I pull out my study guide to get some last-minute cramming in. Nic just sits beside me quietly.
By the time the professor gets here, the class is mostly filled in. Right before Dr. Johnston closes the door, Duncan rushes in like always. Johnston sighs, “One of these days you’re not going to make it, Mr. Cox.”
Duncan gives him a confident grin before taking his seat. His eyes snag on me, and he sends me a wink. Then his eyes swing to Nic, and his brows furrow.
“Okay, class. Put the study guides away. It’s the moment of truth.” He passes out papers and takes a moment to stare at Nic before his face pales slightly, but he recovers quickly.
What the hell is that about? Seriously, what have I gotten myself into?
The second my test is laid out in front of me, I black everything out as my pencil moves over the paper.
I cannot afford to fail here. I give the test my all, just like I always do.
When I’m done, I flip my paper over and sit quietly as the others finish theirs as well.
When everyone’s pencils are down, the professor walks around to collect our tests.
He looks around the room. “I’ll have these graded and posted by the end of the week. You’re all free to leave.”
It’s like he’s said the magic words, because everyone rushes to gather their things and make a mass exodus. I take my time before slinging my bag over my shoulder. I’d completely forgotten there was something I had to do today. “Hey, Peterson. What’s the verdict on our date?”
I sigh internally. Getting fucked and free dinner sounds perfect after the weekend I’ve had, but I’m currently a little indisposed. I can’t really tell Duncan that I need to take a rain check because I’ve been kidnapped.
He can tell by the look on my face what I’m going to say. “Awe, come on, Harper. We’ll have a good time.”
I give him a small shake of my head. “I’m sorry. I just really can’t do dinner anytime soon.”
“What’s your excuse this time?” he asks with a grin. “Washing your hair? Gotta break some other poor soul’s heart?” He places his palm over his chest like he’s been wounded.
I actually laugh at his joke, but before I can answer, there’s an arm wrapping around my shoulders and pulling me into a firm chest. “She’s actually got plans with me. Her boyfriend.”
My mouth gapes open at the same time all the humor leeches from Duncan’s face.
He actually looks crushed. I’ve never seen the football player with anything less than a cocksure grin on his face.
“Oh, I didn’t realize.” He’s quick to recover, though his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Sorry for bothering you.”
He turns and walks out of the room. I turn a glare on Nic. He’s too busy glaring at the doorway to notice at first. When his eyes meet mine, his brows rise. “What?”
I shake my head at him and storm away. Fury burns deep in my belly.
I’m so mad I just storm back to the car not even considering running away.
I slam the door when I get in. When Nic gets into the driver’s side, I turn toward the window when he tries to talk to me again.
I just stew in my anger as we drive back to my prison.