Page 141 of His Reckless Freshman

I place the cup in the sink. “Anytime.” And I really mean that.

Jimmy’s a good guy, and he deserves to get the life he wants. A life he chooses. We all do, don’t we?

Which is why I stood up for Jolie when Caroline was trying to boss her around, and it’s why I’ll do whatever it takes to set her free from this asshole.

I just need to figure out a way of doing it without putting her in harm’s way.

47

JOLIE

So, Ben told me about his late-night conversation with Jimmy.

At first, I was horrified that he spilled, but then I understood, and I guess Jimmy’s idea of gathering girls to speak up against Kieran is kind of solid. If we all go to the police en masse, it might have more of an effect.

But that’s going to take ages.

And I’m just not willing to wait.

Crossing my arms, I hunch my shoulders against the rain, splashing through puddles as I run across campus. It’s dark already, and streetlights flash above me as I head for the one place Ben doesn’t want me to go.

It’s early evening, the sun having set about twenty minutes ago, but because of this rain, it feels like midnight already.

My phone has been buzzing in my pocket, and once I get under the shelter of the eave, I pull it out. I don’t really want to check it and am about to turn it off, because I want zero distractions right now.

But then I see the text from my cousin.

Cinnamon: I’m sorry. Can we please meet up and smooth things over? I hate this. I’m at Offside. Do you want to join me for a drink so we can talk it out?

I sniff, grateful that she’s wanting to initiate reconciliation.

I hate being out of contact with her too, and although it’s only been like a day, it’s been eating away at me. If Caroline’s willing to concede that Ben’s a good guy and an amazing boyfriend, and that she really has zero say on who I date, then I’m totally open to having a drink with her at Offside.

So, I text her back.

Me: Yeah, we should talk. As long as you don’t spend that time trying to convince me to break up with Ben. That’s not going to happen!

Cinnamon: I know. I know. I promise I won’t do that.

Me: Okay then. I’m just in the middle of something, but I’ll finish up in the next fifteen minutes or so, and then I’ll be right over.

Cinnamon: Okay, cool. I’ll see you soon!

She adds a few smiley face emojis, and I can sense her relief. I don’t know if I’m feeling that just yet. She did make a promise, but I’m still not sure if I believe her.

Turning off my phone, I slip it back into my pocket and feel my heart rate triple as I pull on a pair of disposable gloves, then swipe my card and open the door of the office building.

It’s Saturday evening, and no one seems to be around. I stood in the rain, staring up at the second floor for a good five minutes to make sure none of the lights were on.

This is my chance.

Kieran’s probably out on a date, wooing another girl to his sicko bed so he can add to his collection.

I can’t wait to expose this jerk!

Taking the stairs, I quietly creep up to the second floor and swipe the card I got after my article was published. It was such a triumphant feeling getting it… and now I’m battling major anxiety as I use it once again to let myself into the Nolan U Star space.

It’s eerily quiet, and when the door clicks shut behind me, I actually flinch.