Page 12 of Lords of the Campus

Archer and I exchange glances. Levi is playing a video game on the big screen television in the living room while we sit on the couch on our phones.

“Nah,” Archer says, a smirk on his face. “I have a better idea. There’s a party at one of the other frats tonight. You’re coming with us.”

“Why?” Lyric bursts out, throwing her hands up. “You made sure no one on campus likes me, so why would you even want me there?”

“I want everyone to see that you’re nothing but our bitch,” Archer declares. “Also, you don’t get a night off, not from us.”

Lyric’s hands clench by her sides but her shoulders slump in defeat. “What time?” she asks, looking downcast.

“Meet back here in two hours,” I order. “Wear something better than that,” I add, pointing to her jeans-and-flannel outfit.

“I have to go,” Lyric mumbles.

We watch her leave, exchanging high-fives. Levi gets up and runs a hand through his hair.

“What’s the plan for the night, then?” he asks.

“Gonna play it by ear.” I shrug. “Right?”

Archer nods. “I’m sure we’ll find a way to entertain ourselves with her assistance,” he says, a smirk rising from the corners of his lips.

Two hours later, Lyric shows up again, this time wearing the same jeans but with a halter top and a pair of low-heeled sandals. Something twists inside me at the sight of her, a flush traveling through my body as I take her in.

“Better,” Archer says, nodding approvingly. “Now come on, we’re walking over together.” He pushes her in front of us, forcing her to lead the way.

Lyric shivers in the cool fall air as we make our way down Greek Row to the party. It’s dark out already, with a crisp chill. Raucous music blares from the frat where the party is being held and people are crowded around, already hanging out on the lawn with beers in hand or sitting on the porch while taking shots.

As soon as we enter the house, I grab a couple of cups of beer and press one into Lyric’s hands. She looks down at it with a frown.

“I don’t drink,” she says in a low voice.

“You are tonight,” I tell her, pushing it toward her face and tipping the cup so it spills into her mouth, a little trickle running down the side and trailing its way down her bare neck. I watch the droplet’s path, swallowing hard to keep my composure.

“Drink up,” I say, voice coming out huskier than I intended.

Lyric obeys, eyes never leaving mine as she drains the cup faster than I expected. I want to warn her to slow down, but part of me wants to see what happens when the alcohol hits her.

Once she’s done with the first cup, she seems to mellow out, the tension leaving her shoulders. She follows us around, waiting for orders from us as she drinks a second and then a third, beer.

I’m talking to one of my fraternity brothers when she comes up behind me, her arms snaking around my waist as she leans her head against me. It makes me stiffen up and I pull her arms away as she slips around my front.

“Hey, Zane,” she says, her words a little slurred. “I miss being this close to you. You always gave such great hugs.” She sways, rubbing her cheek on my chest.

All the blood in my body rushes south, an erection starting to strain at my jeans. Her fingers come up and toy with the leather cord around my neck. “I want to touch you. I want you to touch me,” she says, reaching up to bring her lips to mine.

If I weren’t a few beers in myself, I might have pushed her away, but instead, I find myself drawing closer, letting her lips brush over mine. A spark of electricity zings through me as our lips touch, and I kiss her deeply, hungry for more.

Levi walks up and she breaks away. “Levi!” she calls, her voice a little too loud in the space. “I missed you too,” she says, pulling him close and tracing a hand over his angular jaw. “My sexy emo boy.”

“Lyric, don’t,” Levi says, taking her hands off him.

“No, don’t push me away,” Lyric whines. “Let me take care of you.” She fumbles for his belt buckle, but he takes her wrists in his hand and lifts them over her head, so she responds by pressing her body up against his.

“I want this,” she says, biting her lip. “Please? Just one night? You can use me to feel better. I won’t even mind.”

Archer has silently been watching this entire thing from the corner, clutching a bottle of beer in his hands. He pushes off the wall and walks over.

“You’re willing to let us take you, right here and now?” he offers in a whisper. He’s not quite as far gone as the rest of us yet.

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