Page 27 of Lords of the Campus

My eyes lock with hers and I feel the shuddering pulse of my orgasm hit. It’s over almost before it started as she swallows me down and I pull away, needing space.

“Thanks,” I say, trying to pretend like that didn’t affect me as deeply as it did. Lyric stands there for a moment and I wave her off.

“You can go now,” I tell her. “I got what I needed.”

She stares at me before slowly moving toward the door. My heart aches, but I can’t stand to be around her anymore.

Whatever that was, it was nothing. So what if I felt comforted by her presence? So what if I nearly melted under her gaze and broke down, telling her everything that was going on in my mind?

It doesn’t matter anyway. Lyric can’t be trusted and I did the right thing by keeping my mouth shut.

Still, the ache lingers the rest of the day, no matter how hard I try to forget it.

15

LYRIC

Istand in the bustling hallway, clutching my books tightly to my chest, trying to make myself as small as possible. The past few days have been a living nightmare with Archer, Zane, and Levi taking out their frustrations on me more than ever. I can feel their eyes on me even now, a heavy, oppressive weight that makes it hard to breathe.

Just as I turn the corner, I bump into Levi. My books go flying, scattering across the floor. “Watch where you're going, Shaw,” he snaps, his voice dripping with irritation.

“Sorry,” I mumble, bending down to pick up my things.

Before I can reach for my books, Archer's foot comes down hard on the nearest one, pinning it to the ground. “Is that all you've got to say?” he taunts, leaning down so his face is level with mine. “Sorry isn’t going to cut it.”

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the burning humiliation in my cheeks. “What do you want me to say?”

Zane steps up behind me, his presence looming. “How about, ‘I’m a pathetic loser and a liar,’ for starters?” he suggests with a cruel smirk.

I can feel the sting of their words, each one like a dagger to my already wounded pride. I stand up slowly, my knees trembling. “I’m a pathetic loser and a liar,” I repeat quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Archer's eyes gleam with satisfaction. “Come on, Lyric, I know you can be louder than that. Let everyone hear you.”

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding. “I’m a pathetic loser, and a liar,” I say louder, the words echoing in the hallway.

The students around us snicker and whisper, their eyes darting between me and the boys. I bite my lip, fighting back tears. This is what they want, to see me broken and humiliated.

“Good girl,” Archer says, his tone mocking as he finally lifts his foot off my book. “Now, pick up your stuff and get out of our sight.”

I quickly gather my things, my hands shaking. As I stand up, Zane leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. “You’ll have to do better than that in the future,” he warns me.

I nod, unable to trust my voice and I turn away, forcing myself to walk down the hall with my head held high, even though every step feels like a battle. I know they’re watching me, waiting for me to crack, but I won’t give them the satisfaction.

But as I leave them behind, I can't help but wonder how much longer I can keep this up. How much more can I endure before I finally break?

As I hurry away, the sting of their words fresh in my mind, I try to shake it off, but it feels impossible. Every time I think I’ve hit rock bottom with them, they find a way to dig the hole deeper.

Heading for the library, I find a quiet corner and sink into a chair as I attempt to steady my breathing. The silence feels like a respite, but I know it won’t last.

A few hours pass as I cram for an upcoming exam and as I begin to feel the tension drain from my body, a shadow falls over me.

I look up to see Zane standing there, his eyes focused on me. “Get up,” he orders, voice low but firm.

“I’m studying,” I protest weakly, knowing it’s futile.

“Now,” he repeats, grabbing my arm as he hauls me to my feet. He drags me to a nearby bathroom, shutting the door behind us and locking it. Before I can react, he presses me against the wall, his body trapping mine.

“I need you, Lyric,” he whispers harshly, hands roaming over my body. “You’re a drug to me. I can’t get you out of my head.”

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