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“Ha-ha,” I retort, but his laughter follows me inside, along with the invisible eyes I feel lurking around every corner.
I shake it off. It’s probably me just freaking out over Stanley drugging me.
An hour later, shuffling into English Lit, my mind clinging to the last threads of Advanced Poetry and Metaphor from the class I just left, I smile and finally feel myself again. I’m in my element, and no one can touch me here.
“Shakespeare’s sonnets,” the Professor drones as I sit quickly and drag my books out. Feeling eyes on my back, I turn before I can stop myself.
Benedict.
He’s a few rows back, his eyes fixed on the front,pen scribbling across his notebook like he’s actually into it. My brain stalls. Has he always been here?
I try to focus on the lecture, but my thoughts keep snagging on Benedict. He’s the quiet storm, the deep waters you don’t see coming until you’re drowning, and I never knew he was in this class with me until now. I guess my head is totally on my work when I’m in here, soaking up the knowledge like a sponge, eager for the words.
When we are dismissed, I practically bolt from the room. The campus cafe promises caffeine and normalcy, two things I’m desperate for.
“Ever!” Lila catches up to me as I push through the door.
“Hey,” I breathe out as we fall into the long queue. “How was home? Did you figure something out?”
“Same old.” She shrugs, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Yeah. I found a new place with Hardy and his mates.”
My stomach drops. “Lila, those guys non-stop party central.”
She rolls her eyes, hands digging into her pockets. “Needs must. It’s cheap, and I won’t be there much anyway. I’m going to commute a few times a week and go home on weekends or when there are exams. It’s fine.”
“Okay, sounds like a plan,” I mutter, because what else can I say?
We shuffle forward in line, the scent of roasted coffee beans almost enough to ease the knots growing in my stomach again now that I’m out inthe open. I reach for a stir stick, twirling it between my fingers as I peer over at the pastry display.
Something makes me turn around and I see Alistair, lounging at a table across the room, his designer jacket thrown over the chair beside him with careless elegance.
“Alistair the hot Duke,” Lila murmurs, following my gaze.
“Hard to miss,” I mutter back.
“How goes things at their abode?”
“Weird, but okay,” I mutter fixated on his dark hair and blue-eyed intensity, sipping an espresso like it’s nectar of the gods. Our eyes lock, and his lips curve into a luscious half-smile. He doesn’t drop his gaze, so I’m the one to do it as I turn back to order my coffee.
“Ever, you okay?” Lila asks, nudging me with her elbow as we collect our drinks. “I heard about everything.”
“Yep. Fine,” I lie again. It’s like a thing now.
“You sure? I know you told us what happened at the clinic, but this has got to be freaking you out.”
“Honestly, it’s fine. I’m good. Just want to forget, you know?”
“Yeah.”
Catching Alistair’s gaze again as we head out into the late morning, I wonder why I never really noticed these guys before. I knew vaguely who they were, who doesn’t? But now they’re like ghosts, haunting every corner I turn. Did I just not notice them before?Or is this a game, creeping closer until I can’t ignore them anymore?
Lila chats about her classes, but I’m only half-listening. My mind races, trying to piece together the why behind their sudden omnipresence. It feels like a puzzle I’m not smart enough to solve. Not yet, anyway.
“Ever, seriously, are you sure you’re good?” Lila presses, concern etching her features.
“Promise, I’m good,” I reassure her.
I take a long gulp of my coffee, wishing it could wash away the unease that’s settled in my chest. I meet Alistair’s stare one more time through the café window before turning away. He’s still there, still watching, and I wonder what move he’ll make next.
