“He puts on this—sweet act for the girls. Like he wouldn’t harm a fly. Very aw shucks of him, you know? He works his wholesome act on an unsuspecting girl, and the next thing she knows, she finds herself on her knees with his dick in her mouth while he secretly records the entire transaction,” Crew explains.
I physically recoil at his words. That sounds absolutely awful. And Crew makes it sound so clinical with his use of the word ‘transaction.’
Is that all sex is to him? A transaction? An exchange of bodily fluids?
Gross.
“He records it?” I ask, my voice hushed. I don’t want anyone else to hear me say that. Too many people pay attention to me and Crew when we talk already, and I have no clue why.
Crew nods, his expression grim. “Then he sells it to his friends.”
A gasp leaves me. “What? Why?”
“For beat-off material? Come on, Birdy. You don’t think every guy in this place would love to see you on your knees for someone?” The look he gives me makes me think he might want to see me in such a—vulnerable position as well. “If Larsen was able to capture that, he’d be the hero of Lancaster Prep.”
“That is so—disgusting.” I stare down at my desk. Crew’s words are on repeat in my brain. I don’t know if I believe him. He thinks the worst of everyone. I’ve never heard of Larsen doing anything like that before. While I make sure I’m not involved in any scandalous gossip, I do occasionally hear tidbits, and that is one story I’ve never come across.
Ever.
“Watch out for him,” Crew says, his tone ominous. “I’ve warned you.”
Skov comes into class, just before the bell rings, launching straight into taking attendance. I sit there lost in thought, hating how Crew ruined my upcoming Saturday night dinner with a few choice words.
He has a way of doing that. Ruining my life.
Dramatic but true.
When Skov releases us to continue working on our project with our partners, I watch as Crew scoots his desk and chair closer to mine, which surprises me. Why is he coming closer?
I don’t want him to. I’d rather he keeps his distance. Having him so close makes me uncomfortable—and not in a bad way. Which isn’t good.
Not at all.
“I’ve been thinking about what you said,” I start.
“And?”
“I don’t believe it.”
An exasperated sigh leaves him. “Why am I not surprised.”
“He doesn’t seem like that kind of guy.”
“Isn’t that how it always starts? ‘Oh, he was the nicest guy. I can’t believe he’s a serial killer.’” The look Crew sends me almost makes me laugh. “Get real, Birdy.”
“I just think I would’ve heard about this from other girls. Ones who’ve been—recorded by him, you know?” I make a disgusted face at the thought of it happening—and what I would do if it actually happened to me.
Talk about humiliating. I’d never recover from it.
“You really think any of them actually talk about it? They’d rather forget the moment ever existed. And if they were to say something to you, you’d probably give them a nice little speech about their bad choices,” Crew says.
My heart aches, only because what he says is, unfortunately, true.
I’ve given plenty of lectures in my time to girls who’ve made bad decisions. No wonder people think I’m judgmental.
“I probably should stop doing that,” I admit, my voice soft.
Crew leans in closer, his shoulder brushing mine, making me tingle. “Stop doing what?”