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Holden is very much giving off alpha vibes.
The guy hesitates, like he’s realizing the same.
“Walk away,” Holden advises. “If you want to know what bet to make next week, go check my stats.”
Nelson hesitates, then nods. “Let’s go, guys.”
I exhale a sigh of relief as they retreat, headed back in the same direction they came from.
Holden’s hand lands on my lower back on top of his jacket, which I’m still wearing. He guides me along the rest of the dirt path and onto the sidewalk, both of our steps faster than they were on the way to the water tower.
“Are you okay?” he asks me quietly.
I nod. “Yeah.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah…just…” I exhale a laugh. “Uh, wow. That was crazy. Who was that?”
“Jimmy Nelson.”
I shake my head. “Never heard of him.”
Holden smiles. “Good.”
“Who is he?”
“He considers himself an entrepreneur. Drugs and—”
“Gambling?”
“Apparently, yeah. Finn crossed paths with him a few times.”
“Finn does drugs?”
“He experimented some. And I’ve heard about Nelson from a few other guys. He has a reputation for bottom-feeding. Trying to talk guys into point-shaving. Shit like that.”
“What if he bothers you again?”
He shrugs as we reach the car, appearing unbothered by the prospect. “What if he does?”
“He seems…I don’t know. Shady. Slimy.”
Holden smirks. “I wasn’t going to start anything just now. But I can take care of myself, flower. They were lucky you were there. If they bother me again, they’ll regret it.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
HOLDEN
Finn is standing out on the front porch when we walk up the path toward the front door of his frat house.
“Hey, you guys made it!” He grins like he didn’t just call me five times and text me ten, asking how soon we were showing up.
“Just happened to be in the neighborhood,” I say.
The front door opens again, and Harrison steps out.
I had no idea he’d be here, and I’m not sure how to feel about it.
