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“That is fascinating, dear. You have an extensive schedule. Are you sure you’ll be able to keep up with work-study plus have your grades where they need to be?”
It didn’t offend me that she asked. So far, it seemed like everyone I met here wanted me to do well. I was so happy I chose HBCU, otherwise known as a historically black college and university, like my dad had before me.
“Yes, I know it seems like a lot for a new student at your university,” I replied, “but this is my literal dream. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else or doing anything else. I’ve always wanted to go to an HBCU.”
An image of my father appeared in my mind’s eye, I almost choked. It felt so fresh in my mind, the loss of him. An ache spread across my chest, and I knew I needed to shut it down before I fell too far into my grief. It would not look good if I started bawling in front of Adelaide on our first meeting.
I took a deep breath for fortitude as if I hadn’t just been mentally assaulted with an onslaught of depressive emotions. “So here I am!” I chirped, blinking away the moisture.
Adelaide grabbed both my hands in her wrinkled ones and looked deep into my eyes. I felt like she could see the pain stemming from me. I guess I wasn’t doing that great of a job hiding it after all.
“If you need anything, I meananythingat all, don’t be afraid to reach out to me. I’m here to listen and help you if you need me. I’m sure you’re going to be here to study as well, so we have all year to get to know each other.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly, hating that my voice cracked a bit.
She winked. “I’m headed to put these books back in the basement, so keep an eye on things for me and take a look around. If there’s anything you can’t find, we’ll get to it when I head back up.”
I nodded, and she dropped my hands, making me miss their warmth and comfort already. It was nice to have such a supportive staff on campus, especially as a boss. I wished every school was like that.
There was a chime. Adelaide pulled out her phone, frowned, then turned on a small television sitting across from the entryway desk.
“Tragic news coming in from the local authorities,” a handsome news reporter stood somber on the screen, “confirming that a third woman is missing, and believed to be in imminent danger. If you live or work near the HBCU campus, police are advising that students be mindful of their surroundings, and if possible, travel in groups—”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Wow, the world is going crazy isn’t it?” Adelaide shook her head.
“Yeah. Crazy…”
I trailed off as the photos of the missing victims crossed the screen, somewhat resembling each other in size and coloring. My adrenaline rushed because I fit the profile for the kidnapper as well. Was that why I felt like I was being stalked? Could I be next?
“Well, keep your cell nearby, just in case. I believe all these women were taken from parking lots, but you never know.”
I nodded, pulled my cell out to show her I had it, and suppressed a shiver. The library was quiet tonight. Where was everyone? Probably safe in their rooms, studying behind locked doors, out of the reach of serial rapists and killers.
Adelaide strolled off toward the basement staircase, leaving me to stare dumbstruck at the screen as crying family members pleaded with the kidnapper to release their loved ones.
I jumped when I heard the click of a door. “Hello? Is someone here?” There was no answer, but I felt the energy shift in the library, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“Just a draft,” I muttered, rubbing up and down my arms. I was spooking myself in this echoey old building. I wished I had brought a light jacket. I wasn’t in Jacksonville, Florida anymore. I was going to need to dress more appropriately for the fall weather. That meant buying jackets, thicker stockings, maybe even snow boots. I wasn’t sure if it snowed here, but it would be smart of me to find out.
“Hey there, neighbor,” came the low breath behind my ear.
I nearly fainted, my silent scream strangling in my tight throat.
He caught me before I fell and lowered me into the chair. “Hey, hey,” he murmured. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I blinked hard as I looked up into his concerned gaze. God, he was hot. His dark hair was tousled like he had run his fingers through it a million times.
“Wow,” I whispered.
My own fingers itched to run through it and see if it was as soft as it looked. He had a slight five o’clock shadow that I wouldn’t mind if he grew out. My eyes drifted lower to look at his hands, noticing the tattoos on his knuckles. For some reason, it made my thighs tremble. Each digit was long and thick, perfect for rubbing my clit or driving inside of me. I squeezed my legs closed, remembering that same voice groaning as he chased his orgasm on the other side of the wall every night.
Forcing my eyes back up, he seemed impossibly tall now that I was sitting in a chair, and he was looming over me. He had the build of an athlete. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth.
He smirked knowingly. “Are you okay, Ms. Johnson?”
“Hey, uh…” I realized I didn’t know his name, and my cheeks warmed with embarrassment. He knew my name. How did he know my name?
