“Good. I’ll stay on the phone until you get inside.”
I walk at a brisk pace back to the building, picking up my groceries right as Lindsey opens the door for me. I take my phone off speakerphone as we walk down the hallway, parting to go to our rooms. Once I get inside, I hold the phone to my ear.
“Okay, I’m in my room. I’m sorry, I didn’t know who else to call.”
“You don’t ever have to apologize to me for that. That was really quick thinking on your part.”
“Thanks. I’ve seen those videos that you can play when you’re alone in a rideshare, where a guy has one side of conversation so it sounds like you’re on the phone. It kinda gave me the idea.”
“So what the fuck was that? Who was that guy? Do I need to keep watch outside your door?”
I giggle at the thought of this masked man standing watch outside the dorm at a private Christian college.
“What’s so funny?”
“Would you wear the mask when you act as my bodyguard?”
“Probably.”
My heart sinks a little at his words, wondering if I’ll ever get to know the man underneath. I clear my throat and circle back to his earlier question. “I did date that guy in high school, I wasn’t lying about that. We went to prom together.” I lie back on my bed.
“Did he touch you?”
“Tonight or back then?”
“Actually, don’t answer that, I might want to hurt the fucker if I knew.”
“He got in my face tonight, kept stepping toward me, but he didn’t touch me. Something about his vibe was off, though, I can’t explain it. He was never aggressive like that in high school, but he was part of this group of guys that spread rumors that they got in my pants.”
All I hear in response is a low growl.
“Can you come outside?” he asks after a minute, and I shoot up to a sitting position.
“Are you here?”
“Yes.”
“Gimme a minute,” I say, hanging up the call.
I can’t move fast enough as I slip on my shoes, quickly throw my groceries in their designated places, fridge, shelf, snack drawer, and head down the hallway to give Lindsey a heads-up that I’m stepping outside for a little bit.
“Just text me when you need back in.” She waves me off, and I walk down the hallway. It’s beenmonthssince I’ve seen this man, and I can’t wait to get my hands on him.
When I open the door, he’s leaning against the side of the building, and he pushes off the wall, stalking toward me. If Ididn’t know him, his swagger, combined with the menacing mask, would be terrifying, but my face lights up with a grin as he approaches.
“I need to touch you, pet. Can I?”
I barely get out the “yes” before he’s pulling me against him, leaning down and sliding his arms under my thighs and picking me up as I wrap my legs around his waist and burrow against him.
“How did you get here so fast?” I ask against his shoulder as his strong arms grip me tightly to him.
“I was in the area.” His heart is beating rapidly in his chest, and I smile against his shirt, elated that I have this effect on him.
His answer finally registers, and I pull back, pinching my brows as I look at him dubiously. “But you live in the city, like an hour away from here.”
“You gave the bat signal.” He shrugs, pulling me back into him before dropping his voice. “And I needed to hold you. That's all I can offer right now.”
Something cracks in my chest at the desperation in his tone. If this is all I get from him right now, it’s enough, especially if he’s willing to break his rules for me.
