Page 114 of Shadow

“Think about it. I’m serious. And take care of my Rinny. I’ll be pissed and really will fuck your ass with a carrot before I beat you to death with it if anything happens to her.”

I gave him a sour look before promising she was safe.

He bounded off, disappearing around the corner to the elevators. He was just as crazy as the fucking voices in his head.

Sighing. I returned to the dorm room to find Sirena sitting on the bed. I sat beside her and took her hand in mine.

“He’ll be OK,” I said. “He’s just going to go run through the woods for a bit before going to the sanctuary. He wants to clear his head.”

She gave me a sad smile but nodded.

I exhaled. “We can go hang out with Devon and everyone tonight. Take our minds off things. Plus, strength in numbers and all that.”

She seemed to be contemplating it before she gave me a nod. I kissed the tip of her nose, making her smile.

“Go change, cupcake. You won’t want to sit around in your uniform and play video games. Get something comfortable on.”

She squeezed my hand before she went to the closet and rummaged around. She seemed to have found what she wanted because she disappeared into the bathroom, the items in her hands, before closing the door behind her.

I quickly changed into jeans and a black button-down before sitting on the bed. Maybe Mirage was right about the jerking off thing. It could build a tolerance. Maybe. I just didn’t want a carrot in my ass.Fucking weirdo.But I was just as weird because here I was, considering it. I wanted to be the best for her when the time came. I knew I’d be competing with the watchers. They were experienced and clearly knew what they were doing with her. Watching Church fuck her today had nearly made me come before I’d even gotten my dick in my hand. The last damn thing I wanted was to make a fool of myself in front of them and her.

I was lucky they’d even let me in. If I couldn’t fuck her good enough, they’d probably boot my ass out.

I sighed and raked my fingers through my curls.

I’d take the night to think shit over. For now, I wanted to focus on the time I had with Sirena.

* * *

Drinking was forbidden on campus.So was drug use and fucking, but people did it all the time. Like tonight, I was on my fourth beer as we gamed in Devon’s room. I was owning my friends, and was unstoppable. I knew it was because Sirena was my good luck charm. She kept giving me bright, encouraging smiles from her spot on the floor. She stayed away from the action, which was fine. I knew she didn’t like to surround herself with a lot of it, but I was grateful she was willing to entertain hanging out in Devon’s dorm with all my friends.

There were a few girls here, which wasn’t new. Devon typically had girls over. Lucy sat off to the side, chatting with them.

“Fucking hell, Bryce!” Jack groaned and let his head fall back. “When the hell did you get so good?”

I chuckled at him and put my controller down.

It was break time.

I went over to Sirena and pulled her to her feet before taking up an empty chair and settling back in it. Typically, I’d overthink shit, but this time I pulled her down onto my lap. She smelled so damn good and looked even better. Having such a beautiful woman interested in me made me feel like a million dollars.

Her pretty pink dress made me desperate to touch her all over.

“Are you having a good time?” I asked, nuzzling into her neck and breathing her in. She relaxed against me. She didn’t answer, but she didn’t need to. I knew my cupcake.

My buzz made me feel good. She made me feel better.

“Hey, man.” Jack took up a seat across from us.

“Mm?” I pulled away from Sirena and stared back at him. Devon and Vic joined him and grabbed seats. The girls were still giggling in their group, and some other guys had joined them.

“It’s been too long,” Jack continued. “I’m glad you guys are back together.”

“Thanks,” I said, smiling at Sirena. Her cheeks stained crimson as she ducked her head.

“Aren’t you scared of the watchers? Dante Church is a scary motherfucker. And don’t get me started on Malachi and Sinclair. Asher is the only one who doesn’t completely scare the shit out of me, but I’m pretty sure he’s just as crazy as they are,” Devon said.

“And Bryce is shacked up with fucking Seth Cain. Shit’s wild.” Vic gave a low whistle. “Aren’t you scared he’ll gut you in your sleep?”

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