Page 86 of Ink & Stardust

“Then what is it?” He abandons his sandwich, pushing his tray to the side. “You’ve barely said ten words to me since I satdown.” He gestures around the cafeteria, which is oddly empty given the time of day. “And you were uncharacteristically quiet last night. And let’s not forget about the fact that you snuck out of my room after I fell asleep after you told me you would stay.”

“I was having trouble sleeping.” Not a complete lie. “Thought maybe I’d have better luck in my own bed.”

“And did you?” He arches a brow.

“No,” I grumble softly.

“Something’s up with you.” It’s not a question. “You’ve been acting weird since you got back from visiting your family. Did somethingelsehappen that you’re not telling me about?”

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he actually looks worried.

“No. I told you everything.”

“Then something happened after that? Is that it?”

“Kai.” I shake my head.

“Just tell me what it is.”

“I spoke with Claire.” I deflate my chest in a quick puff of air.

“Okay... Well, clearly whatever she said has upset you, so why don’t you tell me what she said so I can set the record straight.”

“You assume she lied to me.” It’s not a question.

“With Claire, that’s usually the safest assumption.”

“If that’s true, if she’s such an awful person that she goes around spreading lies, why were you sleeping with her?”

“Do you want me to answer that question honestly?”

Shit.Do I?

“So, then she was lying when she told me you slept with several other women from my building?”

“This is my fourth year on campus. I’ve slept with a lot of women from a lot of different buildings.”

The casual way he says it feels like a sucker punch straight to my stomach, emptying all the air in my lungs in an instant.

“And are they all like this?” I gesture between the two of us.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, are they one-time flings or do they last a while?”

“Depends on the person and the situation. Why are you acting like this is some big secret? I’ve never lied to you about my past.”

“I guess I just didn’t realize that this was kind of your thing.”

“What ismything?” He has this bizarre look on his face, like maybe he thinks I’ve gone off the deep end or something.

“Using women until you’re done with them and then moving on to the next.” Which is a lie because I absolutely knew it was his thing. I didn’t need Claire to tell me that. “I just... I guess I’m just wondering how much longer you’re going to keep me around before I’m just another part of the past you’re so unapologetic about.”

He straightens, his expression turning hard.

“I’m unapologetic about it because every relationship I’ve been in has been mutually beneficial. We both get what we need until we don’t need it anymore. I don’tuseanyone. And I sure as fuck have not used you if that’s what you’re trying to imply.”

“I’m nottryingto imply anything. I’m simply asking a question,” I fire back.

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