Page 127 of Betrayed

In four days, I’d have access to my trust fund, making me a millionaire. I'd never hurt for money, but it still felt weird knowing I’d be rich in my own right.

Chapter 58

Blake

AJ insisted on driving me to campus so I could meet with the two professors who’d agreed to see me. After the meetings, I’d pack up my dorm room. I emailed Paige, so she wouldn’t be surprised or think something was wrong, and asked if we could meet for coffee.

She said she’d meet me in our room as soon as her exam was over, then apologized for being a crappy friend.

As we parked, I asked, “Will it be okay if Paige and I go out for coffee?” Then got annoyed at myself for asking.

AJ chuckled. “Of course. Want me to stick close or give you space?”

I didn’t want to admit how shaken up I still felt, so I said, “There’s no reason you can’t get a coffee and wait inside.”

“Done.” He flashed a killer smile in my direction before getting out of the truck.

The professors I met with agreed to let me make up the work I’d missed, including the midterms. Hopefully, the other two would give me extensions to turn in my papers.

At my dorm, AJ insisted on lugging the empty boxes up to my room. We were almost done packing when Paige came in, stopping short and gasping when she saw AJ.

“Hi, Paige,” he said before turning to me. “I’ll be in the hall if you need me.” He slipped out, closing the door behind him.

I closed the distance and hugged Paige. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed her until I saw her again.

“I didn’t think you still needed a bodyguard.” It sounded more like a question than a statement.

“I don’t. He’s here as my…”Is he my boyfriend? I mean, I slept with him and he’d told me he loved me, and I’d be staying with him, but we hadn’t actually talked about it. About ‘us’.

“You slept with him!” she screeched.

I put my hand over her mouth. Was I that obvious? I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as I studied the box on the floor near my feet. I wasn’t prone to discussing my sex life, but Paige was more open than me.

She turned towards the door as if she could see him through it.

I whispered, “I did.” I wouldn’t share more than that.

She turned back to me, a gleam in her eyes. “He might be a big dumb ogre.” She used my words. “But he’s hot. Was it good?”

My cheeks felt like they might spontaneously combust. I wouldn’t answer her question, so I defended him instead. “He’s not dumb.” It was my turn to look at him through the closeddoor. I paused and thought about everything he’d done over the last few days. “He’s actually really sweet.”

Knowing I wouldn’t kiss and tell, she stopped teasing me and asked, “How are you holding up, really?”

I plopped on my bed and sighed. That was the million dollar question. “I’m not really sure. I’m pissed at my dad, and scared more people will come after me. And I’m freaking out about school.” I sighed. “Everything’s a fucking mess right now.”

Paige sat and put her arm around me. “I’m sorry, Bee.” She used the nickname she’d given me at the start of freshman year, but stopped using because Danny didn’t like it. “I haven’t been a great friend, but that changes now. Whatever you need, okay?”

“Thanks.” I hugged her, happy my best friend was back. She sounded more like the Paige she was before Danny worked his way into our group.

When I asked about him, Paige told me they’d parted ways. “I’m sorry. I know he’s your friend, but I couldn’t take it anymore. No one should have to walk on eggshells to hang out with a friend.”

“Seriously, I only put up with him because I thought you liked him.”

We had a good laugh and agreed we didn’t need Danny in our life anymore.

“Let’s call in tall, dark, and handsome, and get you packed up.” She looked around. “Are you moving back home?”

“No, I, uh, I’m staying with Andrew.”

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