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“You didn’t meet her first,” Sebastian says.

What is he talking about? I did meet Brandon first. Didn’t I?

Brandon regards me. “At least help me win at beer pong, Lil? I could use a good luck charm like you.”

Sebastian’s arm sneaks around my waist in a possessive gesture. “Knock it off.”

“No need to get territorial. So are you two a thing now or what?” Brandon asks.

I open my mouth to say we’re not together—

“I won’t say it again. Get lost.” Sebastian’s tone leaves no room for argument.

Why doesn’t he answer it? It’s as if he’s lumping me in with all the other girls he’s been with, and that stings more than I care to admit.

“I should find Gemma and Mary,” I say.

Sebastian squeezes my hand. “I’ll come find you later.”

At last I lift my head, offering him a weak smile. “Sure. Later.”

I make my way down the stairs, keeping my eyes peeled for Gemma and Mary. I reach the bottom, and movement in the corner catches my eye. Two guys are kissing and groping a stumbling girl. My steps falter. Is that Blake?

Her head lolls from side to side as the guys maneuver her limp body down the hall. Bile rises in my throat, and I clench my fists. I can’t ignore this.

“Hey!” My voice comes out shaky. I clear my throat and try again, louder this time. “Stop!”

The two guys pause and look over at me, annoyed.

Please let me sound more confident than I feel. “Let her go.”

They laugh. “Mind your own business, sweetheart.”

One of them resumes tugging Blake along. She moans something incoherent, head sagging.

Anger wells up in me, hot and fierce. That’s it. I march over and shove the nearest guy away from her. “I said let her go!”

He stumbles back, and his friend steps toward me, puffing out his chest. “Back off, bitch.”

I stand my ground between them and Blake’s crumpled form. “Leave her alone, or I’m calling campus security.”

They size me up for a moment, and then the first guy spits at my feet. “Whatever. You’re probably saving us from getting any STDs from that bitch.”

With that, they slink off down the hall. My whole body is shaking as I turn to Blake. She’s collapsed on the floor, eyes glassy and unfocused. Mascara tracks stain her cheeks.

“Blake?” I kneel beside her. “Are you okay?”

She peers at me blearily. “Fuck off. Just leave me alone.”

“I’m not going to do that. Here, let me help you.” I slide an arm under hers, hoisting her up.

She sags against me, mumbling incoherently. Slowly, I half-carry her down the hall to the bathroom. Once inside, I ease her down beside the toilet. She hunches over it, retching, and I pull her hair back from her face, rubbing her back.

After some minutes, she slumps against the wall, eyes half-closed. “Why are you helping me?” Her words come out garbled. “You hate me.”

I wet a paper towel and dab at the smeared mascara on her cheeks. “I don’t hate you. We’re not exactly friends, but that doesn’t mean I would let that happen.”

She snorts, then winces. “Saint Lilian to the rescue, huh? Must be nice up there on your high horse.”

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