I glance around for Ava, needing to hurry in my escape, but she’s not close in sight. She’s probably enjoying the bonfire with Nick and hopefully making a few new friends. I sure as shit can’t stay here another minute. Julien tracks me like I’m his prey from the top step, his eyes glued to me. So when I narrow my eyes, give him a sarcastic smile and flip him the bird, it’s no surprise a devious smirk graces his lips.
The cool night air chills my overheated skin as I slam the front door behind me, texting Ava on my way back to the dorms so she doesn’t worry. I figure Nick will make sure she gets home safe, or if not her, then Zander.
SEVEN
ZANDER
Julien stands at the top of the stairs, eyes trained on Riley. I’m not sure I heard him correctly over the noise of the crowd and music that’s pumping from a speaker nearby. He has a lazy, carefree smile on his face, but I notice the rigid way he’s holding his body. He’s angry. At himself…or at her? Julien might be a bastard sometimes, but he’s not careless. He only breaks things when it serves a purpose.
You’d better not touch that pussy, Riley. It’s not punishment if you finish the job I started.Her face flames as she smiles sweetly before flipping him off. Yup. I heard him correctly. What exactly went on between the two of them up there? My hand almost moves—instinct, maybe—as she brushes past. But she doesn’t stop. Doesn’t even look. Just keeps walking toward the door like I’m not even there.
Julien locks eyes with me, a silent agreement passing between us, and I nod, knowing he needs me to follow her. It does us no good if she ends up hurt or dead before the year even starts. Yes.Dead. It’s a possibility. Although not one that has happened in many years—before our time here. No one needs a repeat of that situation. The student’s death is the reason Pointebreak is as private as it is. I don’t know the entirestory, but I know the student was a first-year, when my father was a fourth-year student here. Things changed drastically after that. The administration did not allow younger students to leave campus, and they installed more barriers and cameras around campus to enhance security.
Riley tries to slam the front door behind her, but I catch it as she hurries down the steps, typing away on her phone. A few guys whistle and laugh as she walks by. Her eyes flicker toward them, then away again, choosing to ignore the catcall. When one of them tries to follow, I curl my lip in disgust as I stare daggers at them. The cocky asshole that’s leading the pact holds his hands up and murmurs a pathetic “sorry” as I pass. Don’t worry, you will be once I find out who you are, I think as I continue after her.
I follow behind, keeping enough distance that she hardly notices I’m here. She really should pay more attention to her surroundings. I assumed all women were taught that. I know my mom and I taught Ava at a young age, so she can protect herself. Riley walks fast and the skirt of her pink dress sways pleasantly around her hips. I rake my eyes down and up her form, definitely appreciating everything she offers.
Jesus, this girl is a wet dream come to life.
Not that I would ever admit that to anyone. It’s better if people wonder about my sexuality. It keeps them on their toes. I can tell you, without a doubt, I am one hundred percent straight, but may have dabbled in some secret play once or twice.
She’s nothing like her idiot father. He’s a coward and compulsive liar, doing anything he needs to grapple his way to the top. I’ve never liked assholes like that. He’s cocky and thinks he’s untouchable; but that’s what’s going to fuck him over. Riley is pure. She has a strong desire to be well-liked, yet based on my limited observations, she refuses to be walked on. She’s exactlythe type of woman I need—weneed. I’ll watch her. It’s what I’m best at.
Watching. Listening. Analyzing.
If you observe someone long enough, they always show their hand. Riley though…I don’t understand.Yet. I know she’s pissed at Julien tonight, and I’m sure he’ll tell me what went down later, so we are all on the same page. But the confidence she exuded as she stormed out of there was uncanny. Full grown-ass men don’t dare disrespect Julien the way she did and not piss themselves in fear. I like her. She won’t let him fuck with her.
Her stride slows when she's out of sight from the house, and I do the same. She’s on a path in the middle of the woods, one the students have created over the years. The dirt is soft under our footfalls, muffling the sounds of my feet. Animals rustle in the dry leaves around us and her steps falter before she stops and looks to the right and left of her. Searching. She rubs her arms despite the air still having a touch of warmth in the late summer evening. A small, involuntary smile touches my lips when I figure out what she’s doing. She’s listening. I can almost feel her attention on me, but I know she can’t see me. Staying hidden is second nature. The shadows don’t just cover me; they protect me. She knows she’s not alone.Smart girl. Trust your gut.
The moonlight shines down on her as the clouds above us drift by. She walks again, but cocks her head slightly every few steps. The urge to grab her from behind and hold her there, chest to back, until she stops running, consumes me. Hold her…restrain her. Teach her a lesson on why she should never be alone. There are enough men in this school that will do whatever they want to a beautiful woman without a care in the world—even with rules in place that are supposed to stop that. She shouldn’t trust anyone.
Especiallyme.
I’m not a safe option. When Julien told me the plan for her a year ago, I told myself I didn’t have to be involved any more than necessary. Just enough to keep her in line. Then she’s Julien’s problem. Wesley, I’m sure will want his fun, but she’s a pawn in a much bigger game.
My mind continues to wander. What would it be like to feel her against me? Her curves are unbelievable. Long light hair that’s perfect for pulling, perky tits, and a nice round ass. Since she got out of the car this morning, I've been picturing the feeling of sliding past her legs and entering her heat. I growl internally at the thought that’s consumed me. I can’t take my eyes off the sway of her hips and I harden in my parts. My Luna needs to be taught a lesson, one only I’m fit to give. Just thinking about taking her over my knee, lifting that skirt, and smacking her bare ass until it’s a beautiful red color has me losing myself to need.
I want to feel her squirm under me.I want her to beg for me and I want her to come on my cock when I finally decide to give it to her.
Suddenly, she spins and stares me down. It’s easy enough to keep my face neutral, and not act surprised she caught me off guard, but damn, I’m impressed. People usually can’t get a jump on me. I’ve had far too many years of training myself to let them, but here I stand. Fantasies of Riley under and on top of me made me forget where I am and what I’m doing. Shit. I can’t be making mistakes like that. Although I’m impressed and as much as I want to smile at her and praise her, I don’t react. My lips press into a tight line, and I cock my brow at her.
“What do you want, Zander?” She pulls her crossed arms tighter against her chest. I notice her hand tucked tight into a fist like she’s ready to use it if she has to. Good form. At least she won’t break her thumb if she were to swing at me. Not that I’d let her get that far. I’d restrain her under me before she knewit. I won’t pick a fight, but I sure as hell won’t stand by and let someone try to hurt me.
I cock my head to the side and look at her like the puzzle she is. “You shouldn’t be alone in the dark.”
“I’m not, am I? You’re following me like a creep.”
My lips twitch. She called me a creep like it’s an insult. Like I wouldn’t drag her into the dark and make her do depraved things she’d crave afterwards. She has no idea what I’m capable of.
I jerk my chin at her. “What happened at the house with Julien?”
“None of your business.” She snaps as she narrows her eyes at me and turns on her heel, giving me her back, walking away.
No.
Not happening.
Only one of us is in charge here, and it sure as hell isn’t Riley Whittier.
