Page 94 of Under the Bed

“On my life.”

“Awesome. T-thanks.” He moves aside, gesturing for me to head inside the clinic through the main door. The volunteers enter through a separate entrance to avoid passing through the other students. They’re aware they’re there, it’s just that there’s no need to make them feel weird about it. “He’s waiting for you. The volunteer’s name is Jakob White. With a K.”

He emphasizes the name, giving me a meaningful look. He’s sending me a message, one I would decipher. If I had the time and desire to do so.

Since I never heard of this person in my life and I’m anxious to get in, I nod at a trembling Eddy.

“Jakob White with a K, gotcha.” I’m headed to the door, walking past Eddy, who starts backing up toward the doorleading to the hallway. “Hey,” I whisper. “I said I wouldn’t hurt you.”

“Stomach bug.” He wraps one arm around it. His free hand grips his shoulder bag tight. “Sorry. Tell Joe—Professor Dempsey—tell him I’m off for the night.”

“Um. Okay.” The responsible thing would be to tell him himself, but I’m not Eddy’s keeper.

The students behind me huddle and murmur things to each other as I put my hand on the handle. I hearLuckyandIs she seriously his taste?

They think I slept my way to the top to get where I am today. They believe I haven’t worked my ass off for years.

Assholes.

It’s a comforting thought, knowing that I could ask Kaleb to kill them. That he’d do it in a heartbeat.

He could get caught.

Because of me. Again.

Over my dead body.

Ignoring their hateful comments, I push the door open.

Professor Dempsey gets up from his gray armchair. His light gray slacks and white dress shirt aren’t what he typically wears to class.

He’s going for the therapist look.

An impression he has to ruin with a slimy smile that has my stomach roiling.

“Miss Talbot.” He clasps his hands in front of him. “I saved the best for last.”

The best patient, you mean. Stop staring at me like that.

“Hi.” I stare right into his blue eyes. “Thank you for having me.”

“Of course. I’ll get Mr. White.” He twists to the other door, and in a few steps, he’s there, pulling it open. “Come in, Mr. White.”

“Thanks,” the other man says.

You have got to be kidding me.

That voice.

No. No, no, no.

I must be imagining this.

I have to be imagining this.

Professor Dempsey steps aside, gesturing for the volunteer to come in.

A volunteer who happens to be my stepbrother.

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