Page 51 of Study Buddies

Lucas spoke softly to Tori as I opened my door. “As soon as we get out, lock the doors, okay? We’ll just be a few minutes.”

When there was no answer, I turned back to look at her. Her face was pale as she stared at the small house. “I want to come.”

That wasn’t a good idea. In fact, it was a very bad one. There was no way I could fuck up that guy as much as I wanted to if she was there.

Lucas and I again exchanged a glance. When the fuck had we ever been on the same page like this? Probably never.

“I really think you should stay here, Tori.”

“I’m coming.” For the first time all night, her voice sounded firm. Since Lucas hadn’t moved, she scooted over to my side, and I willed myself to ignore the way it made her dress ride up high on her thighs. Instead, I held my hand out to her so she could hop down.

“Are you sure, Tori?”

She stared up at me from behind those dark lashes. “I think that’s the first time you’ve called me Tori.”

It wasn’t an answer, but I took her hand as we walked up the path. Lucas joined us as we reached the front door.

“Stay back, okay?” he told her. I hoped to hell she listened.

I pounded on the door, but not as hard as I wanted to because I didn’t want to scare this asshat so fucking badly that he wouldn’t open up.

After the second knock, I heard footsteps on the other side of the door. “Who is it?”

There was no peephole. I glanced back at Tori, my eyebrow raised in a question. She nodded and moved forward. “It’s me, Tori.”

“Tori?” That motherfucker probably came in his pants just from the sound of her voice.

“Can I come in, please, Todd?”

I admired the steadiness of her voice. This wasn’t the girl who’d been so quiet on the drive out here.

The sound of the deadbolt turning reached my ears, and then the door opened a crack.

That was all I needed. With both hands, I shoved the door, knocking the guy backwards into the entryway. “What the hell?—”

“Shut up,” I growled, as Tori and Lucas entered behind me. The man who’d hit the floor was older than us, maybe late twenties. He had a weak chin and narrow-set eyes—eyes that were currently wide in fear. I grabbed him by the front of his shirt and hauled him to his feet.

“Who the fuck are?—”

I slammed him against the nearest wall, pressing hard on his chest to pin him there. Behind me, Tori gasped.

“We’re asking the questions,” I snarled. “So shut the fuck up and listen. Tori had a gold necklace, a gift from her mother. You and I are going to go get it, right fucking now.”

“I don’t know what you’re?—”

I yanked him forward and threw him against the wall again. His body hit it with a thud. “Wrong answer, asshole.” My temper flared, but I tried to keep myself in check. At least while Tori was watching.

I dragged Todd into the living room, Lucas and Tori following at a safe distance. Tori was clutching Lucas’s arm, and though he wouldn’t be much use in a fight, I knew he’d do what he could to defend her.

“Where’s the necklace?” I barked.

The fuckwad stared at me, his face white, but he closed his mouth tight, not saying anything.

“Where’s his bedroom?” I turned to Tori.

“Down the hall and to the left.”

He shot her a nasty look, and I pushed him toward the hall. “Don’t you fucking look at her.”

---