Page 63 of They Are Mine

A month. I smile, suppressing the slow curl of satisfaction in my chest. A full month to prepare. To watch him. To track him. To make sure he’s worth the effort. To see what he likes.

I scan the papers, already planning.

“So,” I murmur, keeping my tone light. “How safe is campus at night?”

She blinks. “We have security that patrols regularly.”

I perk up, all innocent interest. “Really? That’s good. I’d probably be here in the evenings.”

Her nod is quick, dismissive. She’s already moving to her next task.

I tuck the papers into my bag, my mind already a mile ahead and give the woman one last sweet smile before stepping back into the night.

A month.

It’ll be more than enough time.

And when class starts?

He won’t stand a chance.

Chapter Eleven

Juliet

Noah is absolutely perfect.

He never complains when I stay out late, never asks where I’ve been, never pries when I get home with ink smudged on my fingers and someone else’s secrets tucked away in my notebook.

He listens intently as I tell him everything I’ve found out about Orion Grayson.

Orion Grayson.

The name fits. Strong. Heavy. Solid.

Like him.

I set the mac and cheese on the table, baked, golden, crispy burnt corners. Just the way Noah likes it.

“You know he likes mac too?” I hum, settling into my seat. “But he never makes it this good. Just rushed, store-bought crap because he’s always too busy, at the gym or at work.” I shake my head, sliding the serving spoon toward Noah. “You men really need to be taken care of.”

Noah watches me, his fork poised midair. There’s something behind his eyes. Something creeping closer every day.

The question.

I know he wants to ask it.

Did you study me too?

Did I track him? Take notes? Learn every little habit, every tiny flaw, before I made my move?

Of course I did. He knows that without asking.

Noah is sweet, but he’s not stupid.

I don’t like stupid men.

But he doesn’t ask.

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