Page 81 of The Assist
33
Blair
My alarm wakesme at the usual time, but instead of jumping right out of bed, I lie there and play back the last year of my life like a highlight reel. Surprisingly, the most painful memories aren’t of David, but of Wes. David humiliated me, but his betrayal was expected and skin deep. Wes’s dismissal cuts at the very core of me.
When I finally step outside to head to class, he’s the last person I expect to see sitting on the front steps. Bags under his eyes, clothes rumpled, he’s still the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. “What are you doing here?”
“I called last night. I—”
“I heard what you did. Thank you for standing up for me, but really, I’m fine. Go home.”
Of all the times I wished he’d show up for me, he picks the moment I feel the least beautiful, the least deserving of him.
“Can’t do that until I apologize and make up for how I acted. I’m so sorry, Blair.”
“Apology accepted. Now go home.”
I take off down the sidewalk toward campus, and Wes follows beside me. Wordlessly, he walks me all the way to Stanley Hall.
“See you in fifty-five.”
I sigh. “Do you even have class right now?”
“Nope. My morning is wide open.”
“Gohome, Reynolds. You aren’t doing me any favors by sitting outside my class like some sort of security guard.”
He challenges me with a determined set to his jaw. “You’re right. I’m coming in with you.”
“That’s not—”
“Up for discussion.” He pushes past me and holds the door open. Whatever, Wes wants to waste his day, then so be it. I have no more secrets to be used against me, and I’m more determined than ever to rock my classes.
Most people don’t even look up as I take a seat in the large auditorium, and the few guys who act like maybe they want to say or do something turn away when they see Wes glowering behind me.
I slump into my seat and breathe deeply as I pull out my phone and sit back in my chair, waiting for class to start. Wes silently does the same, and as I scroll through Reddit, a text flashes on my screen.
Wes: I want names of anyone who participated in what went down last night.
I roll my eyes as I respond.
Me: I don’t need you to protect me. Let it go.
Wes: Not a chance.
When class is over, Wes stands and blocks me from leaving before he’s stared down every single classmate. It’s so obvious he’s trying to make some sort of statement that I’m not to be messed with, and as annoying as it is, it’s also so ridiculous that my heart betrays my resolve. The struggle is real when it comes to hardening my heart against this man.
And so goes the rest of my day. Wes walks me to every class and even back to the sorority house. He’s limping and, as frustrated as I am, I’m touched too. But this is insanity. I don’t need him acting as my bodyguard. He didn’t want anything to do with me before, so why act like he cares now? I get that his loyalty makes him feel somehow responsible, but I don’t want him around out of loyalty alone.
“Okay, as you can see. I’m safe and sound. No one said a word to me all day. I relieve you from your duty.”
“They didn’t say anything because I was with you.”
That’s probably true.
“Seriously, Wes. You don’t need to do this. I’m fine. I can take care of myself. I don’t need your pity.”
“Pity? You think I’m doing this because I feel sorry for you? Fuck, Blair, this whole thing is my fault. I should have stopped him. I was supposed to protect you, and I didn’t.”
