Page 5 of Eternal

“How does he not notice?”

“Notice what?” Declan asks, and I realize I asked my question out loud.

I roll my shoulders back. “That she isn’t even enjoying herself.”

“Because he’s a fucking idiot.” Declan chuckles. “But if you’d like to show them how it’s done…”

He bites his lower lip, dropping his gaze to my chest.

“Gross. Like I’d ever touch you.” I shake my head, pulling out my phone to change the song.

The music is all wrong now that the mood has changed.

The air is warmer.

Thicker.

Harder to breathe.

Across the courtyard, the guy pistons his hips faster, and when he comes, it’s clear from the disappointment on his girlfriend’s face that she didn’t.

“Well, that’s just rude.” Declan frowns. “He left her hanging.”

“Didn’t take you as someone who cared about orgasm equality in the bedroom.”

“You’d be surprised by what I care about behind closed doors.”

“I doubt you could shock me with anything, Declan. You forget your reputation precedes you.”

He shrugs, not bothered by my insult because why would he be? Declan’s the most popular guy on campus. President of Sigma House. Untouchable. People fear him as much as they worship him, and he bathes in their admiration.

While I’m a girl who barely leaves her studio and avoids socializing as much as I can. My opinion doesn’t matter. It never has.

The couple adjusts their clothes, and the boyfriend wraps his arm around her shoulders as they leave the courtyard. Then it’s just me, Declan, and words to a song I wish I couldn’t relate to ringing in my ear.

“On that note…” I stand up and pull my bag up my shoulder. “I haveanywhereelse to be right now.”

But as I start to take a step, Declan jumps up and grabs my arm, stopping me.

“What?” I snap, turning to face him.

It’s never a good idea to look the devil in the face, but that’s what I do.

“NF?” Declan asks, and it takes me a moment to piece together he’s talking about the music I’m listening to.

“Give me back my earbud.” I hold out my hand.

“I like this song.”

I do too, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of saying that.

“You like this song?” I roll my eyes. “Why are you even here, Declan? I’m too tired for this.”

I’m not tired at all. My medication is kicking in, and I’m starting to buzz. But I can’t let him know that.

“I was looking for you.”

“Well, you found me.” I scowl.

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