I shudder wildly.
“You’re cold.” He removes his jacket and covers my shoulders. “Come on, let’s get you inside.”
My feet move. “Okay.”
“Lucky I knew where you’d be.”
“Yeah.” My mouth is dry.
We walk. His arm is heavy and familiar, and I watch the path ahead of us. The sun is almost gone now, shadows deepening into solid patterns along the path and grass and trees. Is it pretty or scary? I can’t decide.
“This way.” Erik stops and points to a pathway that angles off into the dark between the buildings. I don’t know where it goes. I don’t move.
My head shakes before my mind says no. My hands tremble.What the fuck is going on?I don’t want to go— I hiccup on theemotion in my throat. “No,” I breathe. “I don’t go that way. How did you know?”
He frowns. “Know what?”
“Where I was.”
A reluctant smile slides across his face, a face that is undeniably handsome.Isn’t it?That’s what Dad always says. “I got a copy of your schedule from the reception.” He shrugs. “Don’t be angry. I’m just trying to take care of you.”
I stare at him. “Oh…”
“I’ll pick you up from classes when it’s getting late. Okay? Walk you back to your dorm.”
I am still staring. I can’t think of a reason to decline his offer, given I just shed a layer of skin frightening myself over literally nothing.
“Um. Sure. Thanks.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
konnor
Blesk is in a girls-only dorm, one of the last original dormitories on campus. It’s smaller than most, but it’s been renovated nicely. New lockers. New lounge. I’m glad she is here instead of at the mixed dorms, and I realise how fucking caveman-esque that makes me sound. Having been in one myself a few years ago, I know exactly what goes on in them.
I approach room twenty-three.
I knock, then smooth my shirt and drag my hands through my hair twice. I give a shit about the way I look, and I’ve not had a drink, so my hands need something to do.
The door swings open and a pair of stern blue eyes hit mine. A petite brunette is staring at me in the same fashion someone who knows all my secrets might.
“Hey,” I say with a nod.
“Konnor?” she queries, lifting a brow.
“In the flesh.”
She hums, stepping back to size me up, her eyes scanning me from sneakers to hair. I can’t help but laugh at that. Holding my arms out to the sides, I grin and do a little spin for her. “All in check? Do I pass?”
“Do I need to give Blesk ones?”
“I, ah...” I frown. “One-dollar coins?”
“Yes.” She’s dead serious. “To throw.”
I laugh once. “At who?”
“Whom.” She smirks.“Blesk,” she calls out. “Konnor’s here.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m Elise.”
