Page 44 of Loving the Liar

Chris leans against the wall, making sure he’s too far back for Megan to see the slight smile curving his mouth. “It does, doesn’t it?”

“Are you guys still together?”

Does the woman ever mind her own business? She’s worse than Hermes.

I shake my head as pieces fall into place. “We only had one date, and he didn’t contact me again after his incident.”

And that small smile turns into a full smirk as Chris crosses his strong arms over his chest. Look at those muscles. The damage they could do if they were swinging a bat with full strength… I feel sick.

“Aw, Ella. I’m so sorry.” Megan puts a hand on my arm in a fake reassuring gesture. But her fingers are as cold as her eyes.

“It’s all for the best,” Chris says with a slight shrug. “Ella is very…selective. Some people she wouldn’t date if they were her last option on earth.”

My dark gaze goes to his mocking one as Megan laughs. “Damn. You’re a tough one to please, aren’t you?”

I scratch my throat, feeling myself losing composure. “Right,” I agree numbly. “Anyway…class.” I point behind me with my thumb, completely unaware of where I am in the building.

That’s the only goodbye they get from me.

And I skip class. I feel too sick to even be in the same building as Chris.

A bat to the knee. My imagination flashes images of Enzo walking home alone. The shadow I had seen until now when I thought about it fades into Chris.

He’s insane.

Completely, utterly…

Obsessed?

Alex is at the house she shares with Xi tonight, and when Peach texts me begging me to go to our sorority’s party with her, I simply answer that I think I’ve got a stomach bug.

I don’t. I spent the whole day letting my anxiety get the best of me. I threw up so many times I’ve lost count. I lie in bed, checking my university emails, and my heart falls as I see something from campus security.

Dear Students,

We regret to inform you of recent accidents and unfortunate attacks on campus. Your safety is our top priority, and we are enhancing security measures to prevent further incidents.

While we are working to make our campus safer, we advise you to follow these safety guidelines:

Travel in groups, especially at night.

Stay in well-lit areas.

Report suspicious activity to campus security.

Use campus escort services during late hours.

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

We have increased patrols and are working with local law enforcement. If you need assistance, contact the University Security Office.

Thank you for your cooperation.

I know of the attack on Enzo, but I go on my search engine right away, typing ‘accident at SFU campus.’

The picture of a car that crashed into a tree comes up.

Two students from Silver Falls University in urgent care, following DUI crash after sorority party.

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