Page 3 of Innocent Princess

I peak at my watch and check the time.

You're going to be late.

I focus back on him; he straightens and walks around his desk and out of the office.

About time.

I locate the blue sticky note, and sure enough, the ten-digit code is written in legible scribble.

Bingo.

I pull my phone out of my back pocket with my free hand and slide open the camera app. Bringing the phone up to the monocular, I steady my hand and have the perfect shot of the code.

Voices right outside the door cause me to pause.

Looking over my shoulder at the door, I see the door handle move, and the door opens slightly.

Shiiit!

I snap the picture, hoping it's not blurry and shove my phone back into my pocket. I take two steps to the desk and shove the monocular into my bag.

The door opens wider, and the voices filter in.

"Dude, I get it. You really don't want to see Mel, but the library is huge. I feel confident we can study there and not run into her."

"I don't want to risk it. She's clingy— too clingy—and I really need to study. I'm pretty sure she knows my schedule by heart. She's probably stalking the library, waiting for me."

The first dude laughs, and I bite back my own. Poor schmuck has himself a stalker.

"Let's just study in here." Schmuck proceeds to push the door all the way open, and I suck in a breath. Honestly, it doesn't look like I'm up to something, but the fact that the lights are off could set off suspicion. Then again, it's just two dudes hiding from a chick, so it's probably not a big deal.

"Yo! What are you two up to?" a third voice asks.

Shit, I know that voice. Unfortunately, it belongs to my roommate, Warrick Wells., who I lovingly refer to as Wells; he isn't my biggest fan.

Wells and I used to be pretty tight, but we've gone down separate paths since freshman year. Wells got himself a part-time job with on-campus security. Me? I honed my computer technology skills and engaged inslightlyillegal projects in my spare time.

He'd take one look at me and my computer in a dark classroom and know exactly what I'm up to.

I slowly and quietly push my laptop into my bag as Wells continues the conversation.

"Forget the classroom. There's a nice little study room down on the second floor. Let’s head down there; at least we’ll be comfortable in hiding." They all laugh, and the door closes.

That was a close fucking call.I sigh with relief but decide its best if I get out of here. I lift my bag up and over my head, so it hangs across my body, and walk to the door and listen for movement.

Silence.

I open the door and poke my head out. The coast is clear.

Slipping out of the room, I head for the exit right down the hall. Pushing out into the steamy August day, I yank out my phone.

Damn it.The image is blurry. I can only make out about six of the numbers, but the letters are lost to me. Is that an ‘o’ or a ‘d’?

I stop and look up at The Castle across the courtyard.

Think, think.

Ah! That tower. It's angled out from the building enough. I would be able to get a better view of Cannon's office. The tower wasn't utilized anymore, at least that’s Wells told me freshman year. How the hell he knew that I have no flipping clue.

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