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“No. Really, I'm okay,” I reply, but it doesn't sound convincing. Not even to me.
Blade gives me a knowing look, and I know I'm busted. Kennedy was right. If I don't want this to affect us, I need to tell him. Figuring out how, though, is a whole different issue.
“Do you remember Zayn from the party last night?” I start and he nods. “Well, he's been friends with my brother for as long as I can remember, so our families are close. And this morning he came by my dorm to tell me that I need to stay away from you.”
His brows raise. “Did he now?”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “He said that you're dangerous.”
“Oh, I am,” he answers, and my heart drops until he smiles. “I steal things.”
Swallowing down the lump in my throat, my mouth goes dry. “Y-you do?”
“Mm-hm, yeah.” He sticks his tongue in his cheek for a second, and leans in. “Beautiful girls from guys who don't deserve them, a few hearts here and there, a candy bar when I was seven. Oh, and once, I even took some batteries from the remote in one of my classes.”
I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding and elbow him. “Such a rebel.”
“You know it, baby.” He winks.
“I'm sorry. I shouldn't have even listened to anything he said.”
A small smile stretches across his face, reassuring me he's not mad. “It's all right.” He looks down at his phone. “But if I'm such a monster, why is he calling me right now?”
What? “He is?”
As he holds up his phone, I see it—Zayn's name is saved and he's really calling him. Blade shrugs and hits answer before putting it on speaker.
“Yo,” he greets him.
“Hey. Where are you?” The gravelly voice that comes through is unmistakably Zayn.
Blade looks over at me. “Still on campus. Why?”
He huffs. “Because we were supposed to meet at six. It's six-thirty.”
“Okay,” Blade replies. “Don't get your panties in a twist. I'll meet you at Ray's in ten.”
“Rays? But what about—”
He's cut off. “Ray's is easier for me to get to.”
“Whatever.” Based on the tone of his voice, Zayn is obviously annoyed, but they get off the phone before he has a chance to express why.
My blood turns molten hot as I realize he tried to play me. If Blade was honestly such a horrible person, why would Zayn have anything to do with him? He's such a fucking asshole, and I'm not standing for it anymore. He doesn't get to control my life any more than Easton thinks he can.
“Sorry, babe.” Blade leans in and presses a quick kiss to my lips. “That's my cue.”
“Wait,” I stop him as soon as he stands up. “Mind if I come with you?”
He looks unsure. “I don't know. Zayn is going to be there. Are you sure that's a good idea?”
I get up from the bench and lace my fingers with his. “Definitely.”
PULLING UP TO RAY'S, I can see Zayn's motorcycle sitting outside, but he must already be inside. The house is all right. A little more run down than I was expecting, but I've always been taught not to judge anyone by their belongings. Besides, most college kids rent these places, not own them.
I climb out of the car and let Blade lead me up the front porch steps. We walk through the door and some of the guys I met at the party last night nod their hellos at Blade and me. A few seconds later, I hear Zayn's voice echoing through the house.
“Good. You’re here. I—”
