“Shit.” I sank down to the floor, defeated. “Shit, shit, shit.”
Zadie came to sit beside me. “I have a little I could give you—”
“No.” I shook my head. “No. Thank you, though. A little won’t be enough. I need all of it, especially because I’m going to be late. Reno really hates when I’m late.”
One time last summer, my bus was delayed. I showed up an hour late to make my payment, and Reno added an extra thousand to the next one. Just like that, because he could. Because he knew I understood what he would do if I protested.
I glanced at my clock, already knowing what I’d find. Luciana and I had spent the day together. I’d missed her something fierce, more than normal, so I didn’t take her back home until almost four. Then I’d rushed back to my dorm to grab my cash, only to find it gone. I’d spent so much time checking every corner of the suite, it was now the time I should have been at Reno’s, and I was empty-handed.
All day, I’d been having fun with my sister, and now, I was fucked.
“Can you ask Theo? He could probably give you the money,” Zadie suggested.
The idea of asking Theo for money made me sick, especially after my whole speech about him not being good enough for me. I couldn’t bring this to him. We weren’t together. We weren’t even friends anymore. And I had pride. There was no way I’d tuck tail and beg.
“No. I’m not asking Theo. I’m finding Daniel and getting back what he stole. I’m not allowing him to screw me over.” Determined, I hopped up and pulled Zadie with me. “You don’t have to come.”
She looked at me cockeyed. “Uh, yeah I do. I’m not letting you go alone.”
My phone rang, sending my shoulders to my ears. I didn’t look. If it was Reno, he really wouldn't like my answer. If it was anyone else…well, I didn’t have time.
With my bat in hand, Zadie and I charged across campus. My heart thrashed like a wild beast in my chest. It was probably best Zadie was with me because my vision had gone red with images of my bat crashing into Daniel’s head like a walnut.
Crack.
Zadie wouldn’t let me be crazy. Having her by my side would remind me where I was, why I was here, how much was on the line.
It was déjà vu, arriving at the frat house, a few guys drinking beers on the porch. One asked if I needed help, I laughed and told him hell yes I did, then I charged right by him with Zadie at my heels, gunning for the stairs.
Of course, I had no idea which room belonged to Daniel, but I knew someone who did. Deacon’s door was cracked. I pushed it the rest of the way open with my bat. He was on his bed, laptop propped in front of him, the distinct sounds of porn coming from the speakers.
“Oh, gross. Are you seriously jerking off with the door wide open?”
Deacon slammed his laptop shut and stuffed a pillow in his lap. “Who keeps letting you in?”
I flicked his question away with my fingers. “I’m not here for you. One question, then you can fetch that dirty sock from under your bed and continue enjoying your Saturday night festivities.”
He peered over my shoulder at Zadie. “Who’s the fatty? She’s kind of cute.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, I brought my bat down on his footboard, sending splinters of wood flying up. Deacon scrambled to his feet, wild-eyed, flailing his arms around. His erection was still going strong, poking out the top of his sweatpants kind of impressively.
“You’re crazy, bitch!” he cried. “You’re so paying for that.”
I pointed to his crotch with the bat. “What kind of universe gives a dick like that to a medium dude with a losing personality? Is this a joke? If so, I want a refund. It’s not funny.”
“Helen,” Zadie whispered. “We don’t have time.”
I turned to her. “You have all the time in the world, sweet muffin. It’s my time that’s run out.” I swiveled back to Deacon. “All right. Now that I’ve complimented your dick, tell me which room Daniel’s in. He and I need to have a little chat.”
Staring at me with wary eyes, Deacon cupped his cock. “I could tell you, but—”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” I smacked the bat against my palm. “Did it seem like I was giving you a choice? Tell me where he is.”
Deacon licked his lips. “He’s out on his parents’ yacht all day. Incommunicado. I don’t know if he owes you money or whatever, but don’t expect to hear from him before tomorrow.” He got brave and took a couple steps toward me. “Now, you need to fucking leave. Unless you want to help me with mynice dick. Either of you works for me.”
“You are a disgusting person.” I raised my chin. “I need to get inside Daniel’s room.”
He leveled me with a hard stare. “Never going to happen. Even if I had a key, I’d never give it to you.”