Page 10 of The Hunt

Once he’d finally left, Ev whirled around, eyes narrowed. “You’re not actually walking me to my dorm,” she hissed, grabbing her suitcase handle. “You know that, right?”

“I sure as hell am,” I said, smirking. “You heard the guy. It’s not safe for little ladies like you to walk alone at night.”

“Yeah, mostly because of assholes likeyou,” she shot back. “Anyway, as we already established, I can look after myself, remember?”

“Ah, yes. Little Miss Rebel with her illegal tactical gear.”

She huffed and took off, suitcase wheels squeaking behind her. I followed her, easily catching up in under three seconds. Her little legs could never outwalk—or outrun—me. I’d certainly love to see her try, though…

Fuck.

I had to stop thinking with my dick or I actuallywouldstart to have trouble walking, courtesy of the raging hard-on in my pants. No twisted ankle necessary.

“So what’s Ev short for?” I asked, raising a brow.

“Electric vehicle,” she said flatly.

“Ha-fucking-ha. Is it Evelyn? Evangeline?”

“None of your damn business.” She halted, fished the Taser out of her jacket again, and waved it in my face. “In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re alone again, so if you’re not careful, I’m gonna use this. Right on your crotch.”

Well, that would certainly take care of my boner issue.

I took a step closer. “Tell me your name and I’ll leave you alone.”

“You obviously only want to know my full name because you have no intention of leaving me alone at all,” she said, rolling my eyes. “So let me be clear. I’m not interested in dating or hooking up with anyone right now, and I’m especially not interested in doing either of those things with a guy who never mentally graduated past junior high.”

“You just assume I want to hook up with you? Or date you?” My smirk widened. “Bit arrogant, no?”

Another eyeroll. “I’m not arrogant. I just can’t think of any other reason to explain why you’re still following me and demanding to know my name.” She hesitated and tilted her head. “Unless you’re planning on stalking me and jumping me in a tunnel, like you did with that guy back there.”

My face hardened at the mention of Ryan. “You have no idea about all the things I could do to you, princess,” I said in a low voice.

Ev snorted. “Ooh, I’m so scared,” she said, sarcasm practically dripping off her tongue.

“You can pretend to be unbothered all you want, but deep down, youarescared. I can see it in your eyes, as much as you try to hide it,” I said, leaning down to let my breath fan across her throat. “Besides, why else would you be carrying a Taser around wherever you go? You’re obviously only pretending to be fearless. But really, you’re just a scared little girl. This big, bad world terrifies you.”

I could tell from the way her face instantly fell that I’d struck a nerve. “Fuck off, psycho,” she muttered, jerking away before turning around and setting off along the path again.

I didn’t follow her this time. She wasn’t far from the main part of campus, where there were bound to be more people hanging around, even at this time of night. Besides, she’d already made it clear she could take care of herself.

For now, anyway. But not for much longer. This game between us was only beginning, and the idea of being the one to slowly unravel her and break her down was far too enticing to let pass by.

I turned and strode over to the parking lot. Once I was in my car, I headed for the Wilder house—my home for the last few years, which I shared with many of my society brothers. The hulking mansion stood a mile off campus, hidden behind iron gates and a line of towering oaks. Its dark stone walls were worn and pitted, but those marks of age only added to its imposing presence.

I parked and went inside, lips twitching in a ghost of a smile as I considered the evening’s happenings. Four of my society brothers—Nick, Jake, Ari, and JJ—were sprawled on the couch in the main living room, watching a game on the massive TV.

“Hey, man,” JJ called out. “Did you deal with Ryan?”

I shook my head. “Not yet. I’ll do it tomorrow instead. He’s not gonna say anything to anyone in the meantime. He knows what’s coming if he does.”

“True.”

Jake’s forehead wrinkled. “So you couldn’t find him?”

“I did find him.” I crossed my arms, brows slowly rising. “But then I found something even better.”

“What?”

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