Havyn by Piper James

Author:Piper James [James, Piper]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

twenty-two

Havyn

The ride from the frat house to my apartment is a quiet one. Rico volunteered to drive me so I could pack a bag, and apparently, he’s not much for small talk. It’s good, though. My mind is still spinning from the events of last night and this morning, so I’m not much for conversation right now, either.

All I have is my phone––my license tucked inside the case––so I have to knock when I get back to the apartment. I left my keys in my room, so I hope Mallory is home to let me in.

A few seconds later, the door flies open and my sobbing, snotty roommate launches herself into me. I stumble back a step as I catch her, wincing as fresh pain spears through my skull.

“I’m so sorry, Havyn,” she cries into my shoulder as she hugs me. “I didn’t know what happened until you were already gone, and the guys wouldn’t let me come to the frat to be with you.”

“It’s okay, Mal,” I say, rubbing my palm up and down her back. “It’s not your fault.”

She cries even harder at that, holding me so tightly, I can barely breathe. Then she seems to catch herself and releases me. Stepping back, she wipes the sleeve of her oversized cardigan across her eyes and beneath her nose.

“Sorry. I know it’s gross,” she says with a teary chuckle. Then her eyes focus on something behind me, and she stiffens. “What is he doing here?”

I look over my shoulder to see Rico standing behind me, an inscrutable expression on his gorgeous, stoic face.

“Let’s go inside so we can talk,” I say, ushering her through the door.

Rico follows us in, then closes the door before standing in front of it like a bouncer at a bar. Mallory watches him suspiciously as she follows me over to the couch. We sit, and I reach out to take one of her hands.

“Gage has invited me to stay at the frat for a while.”

“What? I mean, Arnie said as much to me last night, but I didn’t believe him. Why would you agree?” she all but screeches, her tears replaced with something that looks suspiciously like anger.

“They know about Spencer Ashford’s threats. And the other texts we’ve been getting. Gage thinks it’s best if I stay with them until we get all this under control.”

“Oh,” she says, drawing out the word with a generous helping of sarcasm. “Gage thinks it’s best.”

“Mallory.”

“What, Havyn? Am I being ridiculous?” she snaps. “One might think you’re the ridiculous one, deciding to hide out in a den of snakes.”

My eyes flash to Rico, but he seems wholly unaffected by her insult. I meet Mallory’s heated gaze and try to speak with calm patience.

“They’ve offered to protect me, and I’ve agreed to accept their help.”

“And who’s going to protect you from them?” she asks, her voice deep with frustration.

I push myself to my feet and look down at her. “It will only be for a little while, then I’ll be back.

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