Page 30 of Deadly Secrets

“It wasn’t a question. What time do you want me to pick you up?”

Sienna paused for a moment before replying, “Okay. Pick me up at seven o’clock. But you better take me somewhere with amazing food, or you’ll regret it.”

“Anything for you,” I told her, kissing her cheek. I wanted to kiss her lips, but I didn’t know where she stood about me, about us. I’d find out tonight.

“I know the perfect place. Nothing fancy, so no need to dress up. I hope you like Mexican food.”

Her face lit up with a wide smile. “Yes, I do.”

* * *

Zayn and I were seated in the main cafeteria when Ander approached us carrying a tray filled with food. While discussing the imminent start date of the NHL season, we tactfully avoided addressing the elephant in the room. Apparently, not for too long.

“Why have you been avoiding my calls? I’ve been calling you nonstop,” Ander exclaimed as he sat in front of us.

“Take a guess.” If he was going to play the stupid card with me, he should have picked another day. I wasn’t willing to tolerate any more of his bullshit today.

“Look, I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

Zayn sniggered.

“If you want to get something off your chest, go ahead and say it,” Ander said.

With a raised eyebrow, Zayn bit into his pizza and remarked, “I don’t think it’s Noah to whom you owe an apology.”

“You fuck the girl once, and now you are her knight in shining armor, or what?” Ander blurted.

I placed my sandwich back on the plate and stared at him.

“Why are you such an asshole? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re jealous…”

Ander grinned tightly, clenching his jaw.

“Did she do something to you?” Zayn asked.

Ander stayed silent, looking down at his tray and moving the food around with the fork.

“Alright, if you’re not up for sharing what happened, that’s on you. But she’s with me now, and Zayn, the same rule applies to you. Stay the fuck away,” I stated.

Zayn flashed me a sly smile.

I knew he always loved a challenge, and dread filled my stomach for some reason. I knew that he had become fixated on the girl he met in New York the moment he couldn’t stop talking about her. He went on and on for days. But he was my friend, right? He wouldn’t go after her, would he?

I stood, lifting my bag from the floor.

“I mean it, Zayn. Forget about her. She’s mine.”

Chapter 12. THE BREAK-IN

(Sienna)

As Reed dismissed the class, I began to gather my belongings. Maggie had left in a rush, already being late for her next class. Just as I was about to exit the classroom, Reed’s voice called out, catching my attention.

“Miss Moore. Can you stay for a minute? I’d like to have a word with you.”

“Sure,” I responded.

He knew my name. Was that a good or a bad thing?

---