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He smiles. “I know.”
“Who…”
“Doesn’t? It’s not like you can hang around the most popular guy at school, and it doesn’t get around or get people talking.”
“It’s not.” I pause. I thought the dead kid found sitting by the tree was a topic. They haven’t found out who did it. It’s all over the news, but I don’t bring it up.
He opens his book and then his notebook. “I’m not judging. All the girls fall for Valen. He has a way to draw girls into his orbit.” He snorts. “I thought he could get you at first, but you quickly proved me wrong.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Trust me, it’s a compliment. It means…”
“What are you doing?” I look up, and Garret is looking at Jeremy like he wants to cut his head off.
“We’re studying,” Jeremy says slowly, but the tension thickens.
Garret glances at me, his expression inscrutable, and then glares at Jeremy. His voice sinks to a whisper, “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Jeremy smirks. “What am I doing, Garret? Is there a problem?” he presses.
What is Garret’s problem? Am I missing something?
Garret goes quiet, and they have a quiet stare off.
“Is everything alright?” I ask, raising my voice above a whisper.
Jeremy glances at me. “Everything is fine,” he says unconvincingly. “I think Garret is under the impression that it’s wrong for me to sit here with you.” He looks at Garret. “I’m not breaking any rules.”
I look up. Rules?
You’re Prey, Melody.
The picture of Valen and Melissa is fresh in my mind. It’s a game. What he said about me and Valen. He knows I didn’t sleep with Valen. These guys know each other better than anyone. In everyone’s eyes, or who was at Babylon last night, saw the same thing, or rumors are flying around campus. Valen moved on from the new girl. Me being alone in the library instead of the quad solidified it.
“What kind of rules?”
I know what they are talking about, but I need to play dumb. The way they expect me to be oblivious.
Jeremy smiles but doesn’t look at me and says, “It’s a team thing. We respect each other’s girls." He picks up his pen. “And... last time I checked or from what I heard, you’re not with any of the guys on the team.”
I place a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m not,” I admit.
Garret glances at me with a solemn look. “Melody...” Garret pauses. “Be careful,” he says cryptically before walking away.
I watch him leave the library. “What was that all about?” I ask.
Jeremy looks up. “I don’t know. Maybe he thinks I’m going to hurt you or something. I’m not. I’m really a nice guy.”
I snort. “Are you?”
“Why don’t you find out?”
Jeremy is cute, but I know the game he’s playing.
“Where are you from?”
“Upstate Ohio. My parents are lawyers.”
