His eyes narrow into slits. “Are you a lesbian?”
Talk about a big head. I’m not interested in fucking him, so I must be into women? Asshole. “No, I’m not a lesbian. Nor would it be any of your business whether I was or not. I’m trying to get into a Ph.D. program, and I can’t afford distractions. That means–no dating. No parties. All study. That’s what I was discussing with my father on the phone.”
I wish I was the kind of girl that could tell him to kiss my ass, but I’m not. We’ll still have class together for the rest of the semester, and he can make my life miserable. “It has nothing to do with you.”God, I’m going to throw up.
The redhead with freckles steps back with his hands in the air. “I don’t want any trouble. We were just getting out of here.”
One of the security staff inches closer but doesn’t interfere. His black T-shirt is stretched taut over his chest and biceps. The man oozes testosterone and sex appeal. Where do they get these guys?
“Dude, a doctor.” Another of his friends whistles and shoves him in the upper arm, causing Tripp to tip sideways. “Leave her be so she can get her degree. Then you can get your freak on. She’s going to make a killing. Once your football career is over, you’ll need an old lady who makes bank.”
The one with blond hair snickers. “Yeah, that would be epic. You could play video games all day.”
“You’re right.” He nods. “I’ll catch you later.” And then he disappears with his friends to the other side of the bar.
“Are you okay?” Alexander asks without touching me. The crowd that was gawking at our exchange returns their attention to their tables.
“Yes, I’m fine.” A waitress collects the empty bottles from Tripp’s table and swipes over the hard wood. Out with one group of customers and onto the next.
“You can go on.” He nods to the security staff member standing on the periphery but doesn’t move.
“It’s fine.”
“As long as you’re okay.”
“I’m good. Thank you.” I guess I wasn’t as alone as I thought. The security staff probably run into this type of thing a hundred times a night.
“Thank you.” I clutch my purse under my arm as my knees wobble.
“Go to the back.” His jaw flexes as the low gravel of his voice sends a shockwave through my system.
“What?”
“Go to the back. Sean will get you outside. He’s the owner’s son and my best friend. He’ll get you to your car. Drive straight to your place. You have fifteen minutes.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s the one standing at the edge of the bar. When you turn around, you’ll see him. Dark hair. Tattoos. White button-down shirt with rolled up sleeves.”
“Okay.” I lick my lips and turn to find the guy he’s describing. Yeah, that was easy to find. The guy is imposing and hot AF.
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
He growls under his breath as his eyes fill with heat. “You have fifteen minutes and forty seconds.” The cords of his neck pulsate as blood drums under his skin. “Go!”
Chapter Twenty-One
Daisy
Jesus.My hands are shaking. I clasp them together. I was less nervous when Rick jumped me in the parking lot outside of the shelter than when Tripp was hitting on me. Rick wasn’t looking for me. I was a means to an end. His anger was directed at his wife and not being able to find her. With Tripp, somehow, I’m the object of his attention.
What happens if I run into him tomorrow? Alexander won’t be there outside of class, and I’ll be on my own to face him. Would he do anything if he’s sober? Let’s hope not.
Five minutes later, the banging starts, matching the drumbeat in my head. Dealing with Tripp was bad enough. Now I have to put up with Alexander in my house. Where I’m resigned to looking and not touching. Again.
I yank open the door. “What?”