Page 5 of Kalix
I nod my head to show my acknowledgement, biting my tongue because I immediately want to call dibs.
“That’s Lainey. Smoke show, ain’t she?”
My molars grind as I try to keep my mouth shut to get more information. If I flip out now, they’ll know how obsessed I already am and I don’twantanyone. That’s not who I normally am.
“Sophomore, stupid smart, kind of just keeps to herself.”
I take in the little bits of information I can, storing it away into the back of my head for later.
She stops and talks to another woman, and I take the opportunity to pull a pack of cigarettes out of my pocket. Lighting one up, I inhale and hold it allowing the smoke to penetrate my lungs. We stop walking, my friends carrying a conversation, but I drown them out. They joke and carry on, which only makes me more pissed that I don’t have her next to me to whisper dirty promises in her ear. I wonder just how pink I can make her skin.
She talks animatedly, using her hands to talk aboutwhatever the conversation is about, and I would do anything to be a fly on the wall right now.
Fuck, this woman is in my veins like no other has been before.
My body aches to publicly claim her so everyone knows that she is off limits.
I’m on the move as she walks through campus, the guys following along behind me as I train my eyes on her. She exits campus, walks about a block to an apartment complex, and I watch as she disappears behind the door to what I can only assume is her place. She has a key, so she either lives there by herself or with someone else, but these are all things that I can wisely use my time later to figure out.
You’re mine, little rabbit.
CHAPTER 6
LAINEY
It’s finally the weekend.While my classes might be over, I still need to study and dedicate time to work on my art. Creating art is how I support myself while in school. I plan to work on a piece that I truly love and then post it online for sale.
When I first started, I didn’t expect to gain much traction, but to my surprise, I started to get a huge following. Which is amazing, because it means I don’t have to take on a part-time job that requires me to work set hours. I have the freedom to create my own schedule and set my own prices. Occasionally, I also take on commission pieces, mostly for authors who want NSFW prints to go with their romance books.
But before I start on my next project, I need to do some studying. Instead of studying in my room like I usually do, I’ve decided to go to the university library. I need some fresh air too.
First, I stop by The Dark Roast to grab my usual.With my drink in hand, I make my way to the library, taking my time to enjoy the scenery of the school. The building was built in the 1800s and has a gothic Victorian vibe to it. The beautifully manicured lawns are surrounded by towering evergreens. Every time I walk through the campus, it feels like I’ve stepped back in time.
I toss my cup in the trash can outside the library door. Then, I find a table near the back to set up my computer and books, ensuring there’s an outlet nearby in case my computer runs out of battery. I put my headphones on and start myRelaxing Classical Musicplaylist before I begin working.
I get so immersed in what I’m doing that when I finally look up, I jump at the sight of Alex sitting across from me. “Holy shit! How long have you been sitting there?” I whisper as I take off my headphones and glance at the clock on my screen. I’ve been here for at least two hours now.
He chuckles lightly, “Only about fifteen minutes. I’m sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt you, you seemed really focused.”
The beating in my chest starts to slow down, “It’s okay.”
“You should’ve texted me. I would’ve come to help you.” He smirks.
I shrug, “I’m sorry, I didn’t even think about it. I’m so used to studying alone.”
He nods, “That’s understandable. I usually study by myself, too.” He stands up and leans over to seewhat I’m working on, crowding my personal space. It makes me feel a bit uneasy. He seems nice enough, but I don’t know him well yet.
“Is there anything I can help you with right now?” He asks.
I swallow hard. “No, I’m almost done. I-Is there anything I can help you with?” I ask, trying to be polite.
He stands up and walks over to his backpack, pulling out a stack of flashcards. “Actually, if you don’t mind,” he says as he holds them up, “Could you ask me these questions to see if I know the answers?”
I chew on the skin on my bottom lip for a moment, contemplating before answering, “Yeah, sure.”
He smiles and replies, “Great,” before handing me the stack of cards.
The first half of the stack is fairly easy, and he moves through them quickly. I start to feel antsy and realize I need to stretch my legs, so I ask, “Can we take a quick break? I need to go to the restroom.”
