“Dude, what the fuck are you doing manhandling her?” Malik booms.
Shit, I need to tell Malik goodbye. He doesn’t need to get caught up in me and Nico’s bullshit.
Malik grabs Nico’s arm. “Release her.”
A sick smile curls Nico’s lips. “If you want to see the next day, you’ll get your fucking hands off me.”
There’s promise in his eyes. He’s seriously getting ready to end him.
“It’s your friend,” Pera says as she and the girls approach.
I slap Nico’s hand away, and he releases me. Malik nods, backing off.
“Hello ladies, my name’s Nico.”
Each of my friends introduce themselves to him.
“The look in your eyes when you whispered in Serenity’s ear appeared seductive.” Nila points out.
I turn to face the group. “Malik and Levi, Nico can be a little territorial for no reason.”
“It’s not for nothing,” Nico spits.
I know he’s talking about what happened with Chris.
“He’s my ex. We haven’t been a couple since high school,” I tell them.
Laneesha taps her chin, and a devilish smirk lifts her pretty green painted lips. “He touches you like he owns you.”
“I fucking do,” he grits out at my back.
“You’re with him?” Malik asks. Hurt pools in his amber eyes.
“No. We aren’t a couple.”
Malik’s gaze moves to my waist. “He’s holding you like you are.”
I don’t realize Nico’s caressing my hip. The way my skin heats under his touch just feels like second nature.
He’s your ex-boyfriend, Serenity. He shouldn’t touch you like this in public.
I step out of his grip.
“The point is, I’m not tied down to anyone. So I don’t owe anyone an explanation.”
Malik nods in agreement, and Nico lets out a chuckle.
Levi grabs Laneesha’s hand and guides her toward the center of the dance floor. Just then, a woman steps into Malik’s line of sight, pulling his attention away.
I look up at Nico. “Go back to Penn State.”
He ignores me, glancing to his right. “Fred, what’s up?”
“Nico!” Fred calls out.
Fred is one of the frat boys hosting this party. He’s well-known on campus, handsome and popular. Being a baller only boosts his status. He’s clearly soaking in the college experience, just as he should.
Nico approaches and pulls Fred into a bro hug. “It’s been a minute.”
