I grabbed it out of his hands and tore off the rubber band. I was pissed as fuck and only seeing red.
Bright. Fucking. Red.
Face to face with the words…
I’m going to kill her first while I make you watch.
Twenty-One
Paige
Then
As soon as I walked into the library at my university, there was a warm, welcoming aroma in the air. Books were always my happy place. Their smell and feel were such a comforting experience for me. I could count on stories to yank me out of whatever funk I was in.
Currently, his name was Adrian Drake.
For the last few weeks, we’d been sneaking around. However, the guilt I felt on the daily was pushed aside whenever we were together, like it was never there to begin with. It was hard to find alone time together. Both of our homes were easy targets for Cade to find out about us.
Although, we did manage to spend most of our time in Adrian’s bedroom with the door locked. It wasn’t like they chilled in each other’s rooms. But it was a good thing Hayley was keeping Cade busy, giving us leeway to be together. Plus, their bedrooms were on the opposite side of their big apartment.
Things were going great. Except for one small detail, anytime I tried to initiate anything intimate with him, I wouldn’t get very far. We’d flirt, play around, and cuddle. His favorite spot to fall asleep on me was with his head on my stomach as I scratched his head and back.
We acted like we were dating, but we weren’t kissing.
At all.
I was confused.
Annoyed.
Frustrated.
My part time tutoring gig started at school and some of my time was filled with tutoring students in the library a couple times a week. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, it helped keep my mind busy and off Adrian Drake.
Which was an extremely hard task since he’d pretty much taken up residence in my brain.
That particular morning, I was helping the quarterback, Tom, study for an upcoming test in his economics class.
After finding a private room in the back, I decided to wait for him in there. It was easier to study with the soundproof rooms versus the busy library, but it wasn’t as crowded that day.
Once I was situated, I texted him what room I was in.
When he showed up a few minutes late, bringing me coffee, I teased, “Is this the reason you’re late?”
He smiled, taking a seat. “I figure it’s better than an apple.”
“Apples are a little dated. How did you know I love vanilla lattes?”
“Doesn’t every girl?”
“And here I thought I was one in a million.”
He grinned, leaning back into his chair. “You could be my one in a million if you’d like?”
“First rule, Tom.” I smirked back at him. “No flirting with your tutor.”
“Tell that to my last five.”
I giggled. “Okay, how about no flirting with this tutor?”
“That’s a shame. You’re the hottest one so far.”
“Gee,” I sarcastically stated. “How lucky am I?”
“What can I say? I do aim to please. Every single time.” He winked at me.
“You’re horrible.”
“And you’re beautiful.”
“Again, with the flirting, Tom.”
“That’s not flirting, Paige. That’s honesty.”
“Why do I find that hard to believe?”
“Go on a date with me and I’ll show you it’s not hard.” He paused for a second. “At least not yet.”
“Wow.” I shook my head. “This is how you get laid? Like this really works with girls?”
“Hasn’t failed me yet.”
“I think your lettermen jacket might help in that department.”
“You think it’s just my jacket?”
“Speaking of.” I trembled a bit. “Why do they make libraries so freaking cold all the time? I forgot to bring my sweater.”
He pulled off his jacket, tossing it over the table to me.
I caught it. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Let’s see how well my jacket works for you.”
I rolled my eyes, sliding it on. “It’s heavier than I expected.”
“I mean you weigh what? A buck, five?”
“Hey! I have muscles.”
“It looks good on you.”
The image of Adrian stirred in my head.
“So, Paige, what exactly are you going to be teaching me today? Because I can think of a few things I could instruct you on. Beginning on how to get on your knees for me.”
I was about to tell him to eat shit, but before the last word left his mouth, a fist was crashing into his jaw, catching us both off guard.
My eyes flew from Tom to the door being slammed shut, back to Tom, who’s head was whooshing to the side. The impact knocked him out of his chair and onto the ground.
I shrieked, standing. My stunned stare landing right on the man responsible.
“Are you out of your mind?”
Adrian didn’t look my way, roaring, “You don’t talk to her like that ever!”
Tom lifted his arms in a surrendering gesture. “I’m sorry, man! I didn’t know she had a boyfrie—”