Could I call Wilder? Maybe. I don’t think he’d take my call or even call me back. Definitely wouldn’t answer a text. He’d want to know my angle. That’s what I would do.
While I was lying in bed last night watching Harper toss and turn, I kept considering how I could get the information and not give Ashley what she wants. The reason Ashley and I worked well together is she’s as cold and calculating as I am.
She’d never give me anything without something in return. Not even if Harper’s life was in danger. If she knew though, she’d tell me, expecting a favor in the future.
If I can get Wilder on board, then the trade will be equal. I give her what she needs and I get what I want.
When I reach Crowne Mawr University, I park in the visitor lot and walk onto campus. I’ve been to football camps once or twice here. We’ve all applied to Crowne because it’s a decent school with a Division I football team. They offered Luke a full ride to play with them.
It’s just a little too close to our families for comfort. But it’s definitely under consideration.
The campus has that college gothic vibe with stone buildings and the odd gargoyle on the corners of roofs. It’s an academically challenging school. It could be perfect for us.
I had Jack pull up Wilder’s schedule during lunch, so I know he should be getting out of Econ 101 in about ten minutes. There’s a bench outside the building, so I sit and watch the door.
Wilder was on the hockey team, but we hung out occasionally at parties. He’s a chill guy. We never compared notes on women. But from what I understand from a couple of girls, he’s into domination and punishment. Maybe even a little degradation.
Just the guy to take care of Ashley and hopefully get her out of my sphere.
The doors open to the building and students flood out into the courtyard. I wait because Wilder is taller than me. He’s noticeable even in a crowd.
When I notice his dark hair, I stand. He’s talking to a couple of guys I don’t recognize. They’re big guys like him. His green eyes meet mine and he says something to his friends before they head off.
“Campus tour?” Wilder asks as he stops in front of me.
I glance around. “Nah, I’m good.”
He smirks. “Wasn’t offering, asshole. Why are you here?”
“You got a few minutes?”
Wilder looks around and then nods. “Let’s head to the library. There’s a coffee cart there I like to frequent.”
I follow him through campus as people greet him and smile. He was a big name at Sherman High, but I always figured you would have to start over in college. Build a name again. Prove yourself.
We stop at the cart and I pay the cute girl for the coffee. She drew little hearts on Wilder’s cup.
“Are you seeing someone?” I nod toward his cup as we sit down outside.
He smirks. “Nah. But I’m definitely collecting numbers.”
Him dating someone could have been a problem for what I need to ask him to do.
“So why is Eli Jacobs visiting me at college? You run out of pussy at school?” Wilder leans his elbows on the table and gives me a knowing grin. “You could make out like a bandit here.”
I chuckle. “I’m sure you’re taking care of the population.”
Wilder smiles knowingly and leans back, waiting for me to tell him why I’m here.
“What I require is sensitive.” I drink some of my coffee. “Some girls have mentioned you and I are very similar.”
Wilder laughs. “Are you coming on to me? Fuck, man, I mean, you’re pretty, but I like softer playmates.”
“Similar in dominance and punishment. We’d be horrible together. We’d have to take turns beating each other up and that’s just not me living my best life.” I smile. “Besides, I have a woman and I’m not offering to share.”
Wilder’s eyes widen with interest. “Okay, so, how does this involve you driving to see me?”
“You know Ashley Kim?”
