Page 54 of Hide and Keep

I return to my previous stance of my left side facing away from the elitist group, grateful I don’t have friends because what the fuck are these people?

After that, the discussion turns to fashion, specifically what everyone’s going to wear to the gala, so I zone out until Ever passes me, then I’m hustling to keep up with her again.

She stops in front of the tallest building to face me. “You’re not going into my class with me, are you?”

I shake my head. I wasn’t planning on it.

“Are you just gonna sit out here and wait?” Her tone isn’t as cunty as when she was around her friends, but it’s still got a superior note to it.

“I’ll be right here when you get out, miss,” I assure her.

Her face screws up in irritation.

“This class is three hours long.”

I nod, already aware.

“So, what are you going to do the whole time?”

“I’ll figure something out, miss.”

More annoyance.

It’s ironic, how worried she is about public perception when her disregard for it is what led to me being here in the first place. What does she think, I’m going to be out here holding up a goddamn sign broadcasting who I’m here for? I may be new to this gig, but I’m not that fucking inept.

“Here.” She hands me a keycard without making eye contact. “This is for the library. You can go in there and stay warm.”

One of my eyebrows cocks all on its own. Is Ever Munreaux concerned about my wellbeing? After shitting on me for caring about hers?

“Thank—”

She disappears through the double doors before I can finish thanking her. I wait until the line of students heading inside thins out to ask someone where the library is.

Two and a half hours later, I’m just leaving the library when I spot Ever coming right at me.

“What are you doing? Why are you here?”

She jerks a thumb over her shoulder. “I got let out early.”

“I said I’d meet you where I left you.”

“Yeah, but you weren’t there. I checked the parking lot first, and when I didn’t find you there either, I figured you took my suggestion.”

She walked all over campus without me? What the fuck? She could’ve just left. Or been fucked in a broom closet. There’re probably hundreds of guys around here wanting a taste of Queen Ever.

“You should’ve called me.” My voice comes out more strained than I intended.

She studies me carefully before shrugging. “Next time I will.”

I open my mouth to argue, then realize she didn’t fight me. She…agreed…with me.

“What?” I ask, needing her to repeat it to be sure.

“Next time I get out early, I’ll text you.”

“I said call me,” I argue because it feels right. Better than us getting along. Are we getting along right now?

She rolls her eyes and chuckles, the sound light and twinkly as she approaches. I open the door wider for her, spinning to follow her back inside.

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