Page 63 of Web of Lies
But I’m Kaycee fucking Cole, and I will not idly stand by and let these people try to ruin me for whatever sick game they’re playing. They can take my paperwork and shove it up their asses.
I make it through the rest of the day without incident, floating through the halls like the ghost I wish I were. A black streak still sits on my forehead, almost like the redApinned to my top. I raise my chin in their faces and focus on what I need to do.
By the time classes are over, and food is in my belly, it’s tutoring time again. When I walk into the library, Seger immediately pulls me into the biggest hug I’ve ever felt. His arms squeeze around my body, my face resting on his hard chest. A deep breath expands his chest, inhaling the scent of my hair.
“Happy to see me?” I quip into his shirt.
His chuckle vibrates through my body, and any ounce of anxiety disappears. I lean into him, maybe needing the closeness he’s offering right now. Even I need hugs occasionally, and Seger’s hug is the best I’ve felt in a long time. I never want to leave this solid embrace.
“Fuck, New Girl,” he whispers, holding me closer, concern lurking in his voice. My nose tingles with protest from the crushing he’s giving my face, but I can’t bring myself to step away. “First off,” he says, finally pulling away, his eyes examining my bruised face with sadness, “I hope you kick that bitch’s ass, and second off, I got a fucking A on a pop quiz today. All thanks to you.” He smiles down at me with joy and appreciation. My heart leaps from my chest.
“I’m so happy for you,” I whisper, returning his infectious smile, “I suppose you won’t need me now, will you?” I ask playfully as his eyes roll up to the ceiling.
“Don’t fucking say that. You know, I need you more than ever now. You got me a fucking A! Where have you been all my life?” he teases as we make our way toward our study table.
The library falls into silence as he takes his paper out. There aren’t many study groups in the library today. In fact, there aren’t many people around. I think most study groups have met somewhere else, leaving Seger and me to study, just the two of us.
My heart sputters in my chest at the thought. The two of us—his warm body, my warm body. Man, that hug. I want to slip back into his comfortable embrace, just for today. He looks good today with his tattoos peeking out from under his sleeves. The small set of white wings has the letter A on display on his wrist. Huh. I wonder what the ‘A’ stands for? At least I can see the encryption now.
“So, an A, that’s amazing,” I say, taking my books out, putting them on the table.
“Here,” Seger says, pushing over the most delicious-looking cupcake I’ve ever seen. With purple frosting stacked on the chocolate goodness, it even has sprinkles. Ugh. My stomach turns at the thought of sprinkles. “It’s cupcake day in the dining hall, and I thought you might want a treat since….” His voice trails off as he runs a hand down his falling features.
“These sprinkles aren’t laxatives, are they?” I ask, my eyebrows furrowing at the devastating thought of Seger slipping laxatives into a perfect cupcake. What a tragedy that would be. No one should mess with cupcakes like that.
His head jerks back like I’ve slapped him, lips popping open. “Laxatives? In the fucking sprinkles? That’s a fucking crime. Did—oh no.” His voice drops off a cliff, nose-diving into a low rumbling. “They didn’t? Please tell me…” I frown.
“In my pancakes.” My hand instantly goes to my gurgling stomach. It turns like a tidal wave, thinking about the hours I spent wasting away on the toilet.
Seger really, really tries to hold back. And I do mean, really tries. Even with his fist covering the grin peeking out from behind it, a laugh bubbles out of his throat. He turns his head, trying to stop it from coming out more. His cheeks flame, and finally, a throaty laugh fills the library, accompanied by his fist slamming into the table.
“Oh, oh, no,” he wheezes, “they did not. Oh, oh, God. I’m so sorry, New Girl. Oh, fuck.” I cross my arms over my chest, leaning back into the seat.
I am trying to show him my frown and deep wrinkles on my forehead, how unfunny this is. But the more he laughs and pounds into the table, the more I want to join in. Finally, I can’t hold it in any longer, and the first laugh I’ve let out in a week comes bursting out.
“It’s not that funny, you know?” I chuckle, looking at the cupcake again. “Seriously, though, no laxatives, right?”
He shakes his head, coughing into his fist, coming down from his fit of laughter. “Fuck no. I just wanted to bring you something nice since, you know?” He straightens in his seat, all signs of laughter leaving. He waves a hand toward it, gesturing for me to eat it.
I stare down at the daunting sprinkles. They mock me with their innocence and deliciousness. “Fine.” I narrow my eyes on his innocent-looking face. “But if I die in the bathroom later….” He snorts, covering his face again.
“Scout’s honor, New Girl.” He puts three fingers in the air, and the other covers his heart.
I unwrap the paper from the cupcake and take a teeny tiny bite, but I can’t help the small moan that escapes. The sweetness fills my mouth like a mind-altering orgasm spilling onto my tastebuds.
Seger groans from across from me. “Fucking hell, noises like that, coming from you, should be fucking illegal.” He bites into his fist, gazing at me. My tongue darts out, licking the purple frosting from my lips, teasing him, secretly loving the lustful reaction he’s giving me.
I smile, licking more frosting from the cupcake. Letting the tip of my tongue scoop the purple frosting straight into my mouth. All the while, Seger watches with lust dripping from his eyes.
I giggle, covering my mouth with my hand. “Do they have these every day?”
He nods, eyes locked on my lips. “Yeah,” he says through a breath, hands balling into fists on the table.
“Will you bring me one every day?” I ask with pleading eyes, batting my eyelashes at him.
His eyes narrow instantly as he leans forward on his elbows. “Only if you make those noises for me,” his voice dips an octave below his normal voice.
My cheeks heat under his scrutiny, but I just nod. Because let’s face it, I enjoy his attention. Before the bullying shit started, we were getting somewhere in that department. Actually, with all of them, I was getting somewhere. Chase was chasing me, sending me gifts, and sharing his music. Seger and I had a connection. Even Zepp and I had a connection. Although they were the prime suspects on my list, the more I got to know them, the less I thought they were capable. It’s just a shame someone is holding something over their heads.
