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everyone was used to hearing all sorts of noises emanating from neighboring rooms. If anyone even
heard anything over their music, televisions and video games, they d likely think nothing of it.
We emerged into the hallway, and I evaluated the people I was about to depend on. My room
was six doors from the stairwell. Two guys at the opposite end of the hall were practicing kick-flips
on a skateboard. Olivia stood in the middle of the hall, talking to Joe, a guy from the fourth floor.
When she spotted us, her mouth dropped open before she snapped it closed, and Joe looked over his
shoulder, lifted his chin at Buck, and turned back to her with a low chuckle. This was bad.
Kimber, who roomed two doors down, came into the hallway with her laundry. I stopped. It was
now or never. Buck took a step forward before realizing I was holding my ground. He turned back
toward me. C mon, J, he coaxed.
No. You aren t going into my room, Buck. I want you to leave now.
The shock registered on his face. Kimber, Olivia and Joe froze, waiting to witness firsthand
whatever was about to go down.
Buck s hand was at my elbow. That s not what you said a few minutes ago, babe. Let s have
this talk in private. He tried to pull me forward, but I wrenched my arm from his meaty hand.
I want you to leave. Now. I glared, my chest heaving.
Indecision played across his features. Five people were watching. He put both hands up, palms
out. Don t be mad, okay? I tried to tell you that brick would be cold and rough. It s not my fault you
couldn t wait five minutes. Tossing the bag over my shoulder, he said, Call me later when you cool
down, pretty girl. He bumped fists with Joe and sauntered to the stairwell, and I waited until he
disappeared through the door to move.
My face burning, I unlocked my door while Olivia whispered not-so-discreetly behind me.
Ohmygod, they just did it in the stairwell? She had some other guy in her room like, Friday night! I
wonder if she was screwing around on Kennedy and that s why he
I shut my door, leaned against it, and slid to the floor, quaking. Tears skated in tracks down my
face and my breath shuddered out, leaving my chest aching. I wanted to run away. To go home. To be
ignorant of getting dumped, of having my dreams dashed, of constantly feeling too inexperienced and
stupid to deal with my own life.
I d outwitted Buck this time, making it twice that he d not gotten what he wanted, and he was
pissed. Popular and good-looking, he could almost take his pick of girls, and from what I d heard and
witnessed, he used that advantage to the fullest. I was no prettier than girls like Olivia, who constantly
threw themselves in his path. There was no reason for him to fixate on me.
There had been some early rivalry between Buck and Kennedy, but I couldn t remember what it
was. Something that happened when they were pledges. Would he harass me like this because of some
grudge against my ex?
He might, if he thought he could get under Kennedy s skin by doing it.
I was going to have to tell Erin. She would be furious with me for keeping this to myself, and I
dreaded her reaction, but I had no choice. Not anymore.
Me: I need to talk to you.
Erin: I need to talk to you too! Meet me in our room after your class.
Jacqueline, did you hook up with Buck last night? Erin hissed as the door to our room shut
behind her.
I imagined I could feel the blood draining from my face. Where did you hear that?
She made a noise pshh. Where did I not hear it? Why didn t you tell me this morning during
astronomy? And why Buck of all people? I mean he s hot and all
I didn t. I swallowed with difficulty, and my eyes were filling. I didn t, Erin.
She blinked at my expression and crossed the room in three strides, grabbing my arms. J,
what s the matter? What happened?
I sunk onto my bed and she sat with me, her eyes wide.
I& have to tell you something.
Okay& I m listening&
Where to start? Last night? Two weeks ago?
When I left the Halloween party early a couple of weeks ago? Buck followed me. I chewed
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