Page 140 of Tag

“Don’t be.”

“You realize telling me not to be curious is only going to make me want to know more.”

His thumb stilled on my knuckles. “Exactly why I’m telling you now not to dig where you don’t need to. Vincent’s not your problem. I’ll deal with him.”

There was no bravado in his tone, just a quiet certainty that sent a chill down my spine. I wanted to ask how he even knew the guy, but Ryder had triple the number of acquaintances I did. He led me back toward the alcove I’d left Cloe, and as we approached, I heard Xander’s voice, followed by barely stifled laughter from an outside table where three students were struggling to keep it down.

We rounded the last corner, and I spotted everyone who must have come with Ryder.

Nick was seated at a round table like a smug king, Ari’s iPad propped up in front of him like a podium. Flanking him like disciples were Xander, Rook, and Dougie, all of them grinning like they’d just discovered the secrets of the universe. Cloe’s things were neatly set beside her laptop, and she was nowhere in sight. I was so focused on trying to see if I could spother elsewhere that I didn’t immediately catch on to what was happening until I heard Cade react to what Nick was saying.

“Damn, she just fucked the two other dudes like an hour ago.”

Dougie laughed. “I know that cat is hurting.”

“Listen, listen.” Nick held up his hand and leaned forward, voice smooth and theatrical, totally in his element.

“She gasped when his mouth found her thigh, heat curling up her spine like a match striking. He dragged his tongue higher, tasting her with a reverence that made her bones ache.You’re mine, he growled, and she—.’”

“Oh my god,” I whispered, horror dawning as I realized what he was doing. Ryder started to laugh beside me.

“‘—she whimpered, helpless, bound and aching and ready to beg if that’s what he wanted. Anything. She’d give him anything as long as she could have his—.’”

“Why do they keep calling it a length?” Xander interrupted, his brow furrowing.

“Hold this.” I yanked my hand free from Ryder’s and shoved my book into his arms before I stormed toward the group.

“Nick!” I whisper-hissed.

He kept reading as if I hadn’t spoken.

“‘—as long as she could have his length snug inside her.’”

“Give me that right now.” I lunged. He grabbed the tablet and leaned back quickly enough to dodge, flashing a grin.

“Hey, it was getting good. All that quality prose.”

“Nick, I swear.” I snatched the iPad from his hands on my second attempt and clutched it to my chest.

Cade was doubled over in laughter. Dougie was nearly on his knees. Xander grinned, something visibly clicking into place.

“Isn’t that Ari’s iPad?”

“No wonder she’s always got her nose buried in that thing,” Nick joked.

Cade’s eyes met mine. “Think she’s been doing her own extracurricular activities?”

“We are never speaking on this again,” I muttered, hugging the device.

Cloe reappeared, striding toward us with hurried steps. “Are you guys serious? I was gone for five minutes. Five.”

Beside me, Ryder and Cade exchanged one of their silent looks that let them speak without having to say a word. It would be close to imperceptible to anyone who didn’t grow up watching them wordlessly strategize. Rook clearly caught on too, sobering and adjusting his stance like he knew what was coming.

“We have to go,” Ryder said quietly, already reaching for my hand. He pulled me close and side-hugged me with one arm, passing my book back before stepping away, expression unreadable.

Cade moved so he was in front of me next, arms spread wide open like an invitation.

“What-what are you doing?”

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