Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
SERENITY
COLLEGE LIFE
My father is moving our family back to Delaware.
He built a new mansion. A new place to call home.
Luckily, I’m going away to college. Our devastating past in Newark, Delaware makes me never want to return to my home state.
My father may have moved our family to New Jersey, but he had returned to Delaware almost every day to ensure his remaining territories were running properly.
Four years ago, Dad decided it was safest to move us to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Our lives had been completely upended. In that new house we called home, my brother and I spent the summer grappling with the trauma before starting at our new schools.
Stopping in my tracks on the Creekwood University campus, I wring my hands nervously.
Should I call Mom and check on her and Krew again?
“Serenity, what’s wrong?” Fitz’s blue eyes drill into me from ten steps back. He’s six-two, built like he lives at the gym, with that perfectly moussed brown hair. His olive skin is tanned from following me around campus.
He was twenty when Dad assigned him to me, all pretty-boy swagger.
Javier’s different. Twenty-five, ex-military, with that stoic intensity that comes from somewhere deeper than basic training.
His brown eyes track everything, and his jet-black hair is cropped military-short. Built like a tank at six-four.
Breaking Nico’s arm hadn’t even winded him.
I clear my throat. “Yes.”
Not surprised Javier said nothing. He’s too busy watching my surroundings.
Continuing my steps, I think about making an emergency appointment to see my therapist.
A few students pass on either side of me as I peek at my phone screen, contemplating if I should call Mom.
“Hey Serenity,” a familiar voice says.
I peek up and smile. He stands at about six-two. His beautiful smile lifts his mahogany cheeks. His dark dreads are tied down in neat braids.
“Chris, it’s good to see you again.”
“I’ll walk you to class,” he says.
Not sure what makes me do it, but I check my surroundings like Nico is going to jump out of the bushes and attack.
“I’d like that,” I admit.
“How are you settling into your classes?” he asks.
“I had a rigorous schedule in high school, so I’m ready for the workload.”
I’d considered attending Penn State with all my friends, but I didn’t want to go to school where I’d party more than study.
I’m happy I’d decided to attend a different college, especially after learning Nico planned to break my heart.
I would’ve had to transfer schools, anyway.
I couldn’t bear being in the same place as him.
Still, I like popping up from time to time.
“How are you adjusting?” I ask as he holds the door open to the English building.
“Can’t really complain. Balancing homework with football practice is tough,” he says, flashing his bright white smile again.
We stop outside my classroom.
“I’d like to take you out on Wednesday evening.”
I meet his gaze. “I don’t know.”
Was I ready to date another athlete? Not at this moment.
“We can grab ice cream. I just want to chill and kick it with you.” He flashes a devilish smirk.
I giggle. “Okay. How about we meet at Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlor down the street?”
Smiling, he walks backwards. “I’d love that. Wednesday at seven, okay?”
“Yes, see you then.”
It’s a nice feeling knowing another guy finds me attractive. I mean, I know Nico and Rod are attracted to me. But it’s nice having someone outside my old high school be interested in me.
I glance at my bodyguards near the entrance. Fitz appears angry and Javier’s fingers are flying across his phone screen. He’s probably updating my dad about Chris. I can’t go out with a guy without my security detail obtaining a background check.
We’re just going out for ice cream. He and I might date from time to time, but once he learns I’m a mafia princess, he’ll run for the hills.