Hey people. It's been a long time since I've uploaded and I apologize. I had writer's block for a while, then I had finals and final papers, and then the holidays, but here is Chapter 5. Hope you enjoy it!

I hope everyone had a nice holiday season and Happy New Year! See you all in 2017

xoxo Evie

5.

"I may have to kill him," Hailee grumbled as we shuffled to the common room.

"It's a little early in the night for a homicide, Hales," Maeve chuckled. Her hair was still damp from the shower. She'd just gotten back from practice fifteen minutes before the floor meeting.

"He's interrupting my study time," Hailee whined, crossing her arms over her chest.

I snorted. "Study time my ass. You were watching 10 Things I Hate About You on Netflix."

Hailee didn't bother denying it. "Exactly! He's denying me my Heath study time." She continued to ramble on, cursing our R.A., Jim - I liked to call him Ra Jim - as we walked into the common room. Said R.A. was thankfully not present yet.

We chatted with a few other people from the sixth floor. Ra Jim was the R.A. for both the sixth and seventh floors; there were only two apartment on the seventh, so I guess admin didn't think there was a need for another R.A.

"Where's Mads?" Maeve asked as she scanned the room. The common room was a small niche just off the main hallway. There were three walls made entirely of windows overlooking the commons. Two old couches, probably new in 1995, sat against one of those walls facing a flat screen television. I seldom ever used the common room, but I knew people used it occasionally when they got sexiled.

"With Ray," I replied, wiggling my eyebrows. Maeve rolled her eyes. Madison and Ray had practically been glued at the hip ever since they started dating.

Sure enough, not five minutes later, Ray, Madison, and Patrick walked into the common room. "Oh, hello," Hailee said loudly, walking up to Madison with her hand extended. "My name is Hailee Johnson. Nice to meet you. And you are?"

Madison flushed slightly, leaning into Ray's side as she rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Hales."

Hailee made her eyes go wide. "Oh. My. Goodness. Maeve, Ro! Look! I do believe it's out formerly sweet and innocent roommate and friend, Madison Morton!"

Madison rolled her eyes yet again as we all moved to sit on the couches. They were lumpy and sagged drastically under the weight of so many people. "You are one to talk about innocence," Madison retorted.

"Ooooh! Shots fired!" Patrick cried, delighted. As Madison and Hailee continued to bicker, Patrick narrating like the announcer at a WWE match, I turned to Ray. "How have you been? I feel like I haven't seen either of you in ages."

"I'm good," Ray responded, cheeks reddening. "Whether you believe it or not, Mads and I have been busy studying… most of the time."

"Most of the time," I grinned.

"There's this big exam coming up, so we've basically been living in the library."

"They're just teasing," I told him. "We're all thrilled you guys are together. Madison's been so happy."

Ra Jim finally walked in, arms filled with forms and clipboards. As he started to explain procedures for staying on campus over Thanksgiving and Winter breaks, handing out forms as he went, I heard Hailee ask Ray, "Where are Bas and Tuck?" and felt my stomach drop.

"Who knows," Ray rolled his eyes.

Twenty minutes later, the two idiots showed up. Ra Jim kept up his spiel, shooting the two of them nasty looks.

"Sorry we're late, Jimmy," Bas said, interrupting Ra Jim and sounding out of breath.

"We tried really hard to get here on time, Jimmy," Tuck said, just barely holding back a smirk. "We would never want disrespect you."

"Just sit down and shut up. And fill out a form," Ra Jim snapped.

The two grabbed clipboards and forms, and went to stand in the corner. As he bent to pick up a form, Tuck looked up at me. I met his gaze for a second before quickly looking away. I'd been avoiding the dark haired boy, and had succeeded so far. Suddenly, Hailee was not the only one cursing Ra Jim. Our conversation from two nights ago still echoed in my ears. Wouldn't be able to handle it, my ass.

Ra Jim blabbed on about something or other for the rest of the meeting - only about five minutes or so - then dismissed us. I could feel Tuck watching me the whole time, but I pointedly ignored him.

"Should we leave the door unlocked for you tonight, Madison, or should we just prepare to see you when you need clean clothes in the morning?" Hailee asked as the eight of us trudged up the stairs.

"Hales," I hissed, elbowing her in the side.

"What?" she said, giving me an angelic smile. "It's a valid question."

"I don't want her to come back," Maeve smirked. "I like having a room all to myself."

"Hey!" Madison cried, looking offended. Ray rubbed her back.

"Sometimes I wish I had a room to myself," I said, giving Hailee a pointed look. She stuck her tongue out at me.

"Why Everson?" came Bas's taunting tone. I looked back at him, biting back a groan. "Need privacy for when you screw Dodge?"

"I am not screwing Atticus," I said, frowning at Bas. "We've been on one date."

"Yeah, and he was a crappy date anyway, so of course Everson isn't going to invite him to bed," Tuck chimed in.

"Atticus was not a crappy date," I hissed, spinning around to face Tuck.

"But he wasn't a good date," Tuck pointed out, stopping just in front of me.

"No! He was a-"

"- great date," we finished together, me defensively, Tuck mockingly. I glared up at him, hands in fists at my side as he frowned down at me.

"Um," Patrick cleared his throat uncomfortably. I became keenly aware of the fact that we had an audience.

"Just… butt out and leave me alone," I muttered, turning back around, the door to the apartment just down the hallway. So close, yet so far. I could feel the others watching me, but I tried hard to ignore them.

"I will when you admit the truth," Tuck continued stubbornly. He grabbed my elbow and spun me around.

"Admit what?" I cried, exasperated.

"Admit you didn't have a good time."

"Why?" I was beyond annoyed at that point. "Why do you care so much?"

The awkwardness in the hallway had reached a maximum. Tuck and I continued to glare at each other, while our friends shifted around, moving toward their respective apartments.

"If it has something to do with your stupid feud, keep me out of it," I hissed.

Tuck rolled his eyes, one hand on his hip, the other running through his hair. "No, it's not about the 'feud'," he muttered.

"Then what the fuck is your problem?" I yelled. "It's none of your business who I do or do not date. You are not my keeper, and you do not own me. If anything, you get even less of an opinion since we're not even friends! So leave me the fuck alone!"

Tuck stared at me unblinkingly. I thought I'd shocked him with my temper, and to be honest, I shocked even myself, though I didn't show it. I shot him a dirty look and turned away. Then, out of nowhere, "This is because you're still thinking about kissing me."

My head fell back as I let out a loud groan. "Not this again."

I felt him come up behind me, close enough that I could feel his body heat against my back. "It's all you can focus on, all you can think about." He came closer, his head bent so I could feel his breath against my ear. "Isn't it?"

To an extent, he was right. I had spent much of the past two nights trying not to think about what it would be like to kiss Tuck. I hadn't been too successful.

But I couldn't let Tuck know that. I braced myself and spun around, knowing he'd only believe me if I looked him in the eye.

He was close, but I'd prepared myself for that. His eyes were bright with challenge, his lips pulled up in a cocky smirk. I worked hard to hide how flustered I was, keeping my face carefully blank as I tried to catch my breath. "No." I marveled at how steady and sure my voice sounded, not even a hint of a quiver. "It's not."

His eyes flashed with doubt and his smirk faltered slightly, but as his eyes traveled over my features, some sort of reassured conviction set in. "You're lying."

"No, I'm not." Ah. There's the waver. He looked triumphant, his smirk even more confident now.

"Prove it."

What? "What?" I asked confusedly.

He took a step toward me. I took one back. "Ask him out," he said.

Another step forward, another back. "Ask him out?" My back hit a wall and Tuck took another step forward, placing his hands on either side of my head, arms boxing me in. Trapped.

"Yes. Ask Dodge on a date."

"That's the proof you want?" I asked.

His eyes sparkled with malicious triumph. "You won't do it. You don't want to."

I lifted my chin, meeting his challenge. He was right though. Despite what I'd told the girls a couple nights ago, when I'd woken up the next morning, any desire I'd had to see Atticus was minimal at most. I didn't relish the idea of another awkward date. But I also couldn't let Tuck win. He needed to be taken down about ten levels, he was so fucking cocky all the time. Plus, my mind argued, did I not owe Atticus a second chance? I couldn't make a judgement on the boy after just one date.

I looked at the handsome face above me, filled with mirth, and my decision was made. "Fine," I said loftily, pulling my phone from my back pocket.

Tuck's hand covered the screen once I'd unlocked it. "Call him. No text."

"You want me to call him? Now?"

Tuck nodded, leaning forward on his hands like he was doing a push-up. Alright, you bastard. I pulled up Atticus's contact and dialed his number.

I stared at Tuck as I listened to the dial tone, his pupils dilating as the look on his face changed, intensified. The look on my face changed as a result, though to something like panic.

He leaned forward even more, his chest mere centimeters from mine. His right hand moved from the wall, and he reached down, briefly intertwining his fingers with the ones on my left hand. Then he dragged his hand up, fingers brushing my knuckles, and trailing across my wrist. Slowly, slowly, up my arm to my shoulder. My heart pounded in my chest.

"Hello?" It took me a second to realize Atticus had answered. "Ro? Are you there?"

"Atticus! Hey! Hi," I stumbled over my words as Tuck carefully brushed aside my hair, fingers trailing up the side of my neck, across my collarbone. "Um, how are you?"

"I'm good. Just leaving the gym now," Atticus replied. I could hear music playing in the background.

"Good. That's good." I felt like a complete idiot, making an absolute fool of myself in front of Tuck, but he was too busy dragging his index finger down my nose, his knuckles brushing my cheekbone.

"Is there a reason you called?" Atticus asked after a moment of silence.

"Oh, um, yes. There was…" I was having a hard time concentrating as Tuck smoothed his thumb over my lower lip. The way he stared at it… I involuntarily shivered. "I was… wondering… if you wanted… to meet for… coffee," I was practically wheezing as Tuck bent his head, nose tracing my jaw.

"Are you okay? You sound really out of breath," Atticus said. Tuck chuckled against my throat, close enough to hear my and Atticus's conversation.

"Yeah," I cleared my throat. "Just walking up some stairs." I could feel his smirk against my skin.

"Sure!" Atticus sounded thrilled. "I can meet up tomorrow. What time's good for you?"

"How… how about 2:00?" I just barely held back a pleased hum as, ever so lightly, I felt Tuck's lips brush against the base of my throat. I closed my eyes, my free hand gripping uselessly at the wall.

"Yeah. I have practice at 3:30, so 2:00 is perfect," was Atticus's response.

"Great!" It came out as a squeak. "I'll see you then."

"See you then," he responded. I was relieved when I could finally hang up.

Tuck pulled back then, slowly, oh so slowly, till he was standing as he was before, both arms caging me in. We stared at each other in silence while I found my voice again. Tuck's pupils slowly retracted to normal size, the brown, green, and gold becoming more dominant than black. "There," I said, my voice soft, distant, hoarse. "It's done."

"Hmmm," Tuck hummed. We didn't speak for another few breathless moments, moments while my mind filled with images of all sorts of things Tuck could potentially start to do to me. I knew if he tried anything at this moment, I would put up no fight. But instead of doing what I imagined he'd do, Tuck backed away. "You should probably go pick out your outfit then. And maybe take a cold shower; you're looking a bit flushed."

I stared at him, my mouth most likely gaping. That's it? "That's it? That's all you have to say?"

Tuck shrugged, giving me a queer look, as though he thought I'd lost my mind. "What do you want me to say? Give you my blessing?"

What the fuck? Did that not just happen? Were you not just kissing my neck and touching my lips and tracing my collarbone? "What… and you just… and I…" I didn't know how to put what I was feeling into words.

Tuck chuckled. "Okay there, Everson?"

My temper exploded like Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii. "What the fuck is wrong with you? You think this is funny?" He chuckled again in response. "You are such an asshole. You pull shit like this and then you wonder why I don't like you." I took a step toward him, ignoring the way my nerves hummed at being so near to him, and lowered my voice threateningly. "Stay away from me. Don't talk to me, don't look at me, don't touch me." I gave him a dirty look, then turned to my apartment. I was so embarrassed. I had let Tuck get to me, let him play me like he played every other girl. I felt ashamed and dirty and kind of… well, kind of disappointed. Not to mention like the worst female on the planet, as images of Brooke popped up in my mind.

Tuck had followed me. "You liked it." His voice was low, enticing, but he'd pushed me over the edge, and I was not going to fall for the same tricks twice.

"You. Have. A. Girlfriend!" I wrenched the door open and slammed it in his face.

I dragged my charcoal pencil across the paper, smudging it with my pinky to create some shadowing. I paused, tilting my head as I contemplated my sketch of the coffee bar. I glanced up at the real life bar and found Matías watching me. I stuck out my tongue at him as he made a face at me.

I had arrived an hour early for my coffee date with Atticus. I was still feeling out of sorts from my… I wasn't sure what to call it. Encounter, I guess. My encounter with Tuck last night.

The girls had given me strange looks when I walked into the apartment, and I knew they'd at least heard the end of everything that had happened in the hallway. But I wasn't in the mood to talk about it. I felt all out of balance, my whole body feeling electrified while my chest felt weighed down with a heaviness. I couldn't understand it. I knew Tuck was a prize asshole; I'd figured that out within a week of meeting him. Still, there were times when he caught me off guard. Like when he'd made me promise to let him know if I thought I was being followed. And in the hallway, there'd been a moment when he'd looked at me and I thought…But clearly I was wrong. This was all a game to him, some sick, twisted game, and I refused to be a player.

I hid myself away in mine and Hailee's room for the rest of the night, pretending to be asleep when Hailee finally came to bed. I could feel her eyes on me, as though she was debating whether or not to wake me up, before she sighed and climbed under the covers. I had a feeling my roommates weren't going to let this go.

This morning, when I'd woken up, I wasn't quite sure how I felt about meeting Atticus, but now I was looking forward to it. At the least, it would take my mind off last night.

"Need a refill?" Matías said, breaking me out of my thoughts. "You look exhausted."

I nodded, holding out my cup to him. "I didn't get much sleep last night," I sighed. It felt like I never did anymore.

"I heard the Halloways are pressing charges," he said.

"What?" I hadn't about this.

Matías looked surprised that I didn't know. "Yeah. It was in the paper this morning," he said as if it was super obvious.

"Oh, well, sorry grandpa. I don't read the newspaper," I retorted.

Matías rolled his eyes. "There was a small article about it. Not a whole lot of details, but they mentioned the… attack, and said the family is taking the matter to court. Apparently, Mr. Halloway is a big time lawyer, so he's getting one of his friends to be their attorney. Still, the Alvarez family… they're not people you mess with. For that poor girl's sake, I hope her father's friend is a really kick ass lawyer." He gave me a grim smile, and walked away to refill my drink.

I felt like ice had been shot through my veins. Why hadn't anyone told me the Halloways had decided to press charges? Wasn't I supposed to be their star witness or something? I had the overwhelming urge to bang my head repeatedly against the table, but I refrained. So much for sorting out my feelings. If anything, my emotions were even more frayed now then they had been before.

Matías dropped off my latte, and a lemon poppyseed scone on a plate. He gave me an apologetic shrug, obviously able to tell his news had upset me. I gave him a weak smile in return and picked at my scone.

"Hey!" I looked up as the door opened and Atticus burst in, bringing the cool air with him. "Sorry I'm late. Sean just…"

I paid no attention to his excuse. I hadn't even realized Atticus was late. Instead, I tried to focus on his appearance instead. He was dressed in his practice jersey, a Nike duffel hanging on his shoulder with a pair of muddy cleats peaking out. "I would offer to get you something, but I see you're already situated," Atticus said, gesturing to my food. He seemed a little annoyed that I hadn't waited for him to order, but I ignored it.

"Yeah. I've been here for the last hour, just doing some sketching," I said, gesturing to my sketch pad before quickly closing it and putting it in my bag. Atticus nodded and went up to the bar to order.

"Aurora," I looked up again at the sound of my name. Only one person used my full name.

"Hey, Chryssi," I said. I grinned widely as I took in her navy dress with a Peter Pan collar and pink, star patterned tights.

She cocked her head as she looked at me. "You look sad. What's wrong?" she asked.

"I'm just tired, Chryssi. That's all," I tired to brush it off. If anyone could dissect my emotions, it was Chryssi.

She stared at me, big light grey eyes unblinking, and shook her head. "No, you're upset. Your eyes are like the ocean during a storm, a dull green. But I won't bother you if you don't want to talk about it."

I smiled at her. Chryssi might be the only person I couldn't fool when it came to my emotions, but she was also the most tactful about it. "Thanks, Chryssi," I said, quickly changing the subject. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see Matías," she said, pointing her thumb back at the barista.

"Came to hear some gossip?" I teased but Chryssi shook her head.

"No. I'm helping him with his astronomy homework."

Atticus came back then, carrying a large cup of coffee and some tea cookies. He looked back and forth between the two of us and I made introductions. "Atticus Dodge, this is Chyrssi. Chryssi Danler, Atticus."

Atticus gave Chryssi his fifty watt grin. "Hey," he said, holding out a hand for her to shake.

Chryssi shook his hand, though she was looking at him in that way that made me grimace slightly. "You play soccer with Tucker Parkington, correct?"

Oh gods. I held back a face slap. I could see Matías behind the bar, somewhere between laughing and shaking his head. Atticus frowned. "Yeah. He's captain." He said it all bitterly, like it burnt his tongue to admit.

"He has pretty eyes," Chryssi said, and I saw her turn to me slightly. "Brown, gold, and just the slightest bit of emerald green."

I gave Chyrssi a weird look. What the hell? Matías thankfully called her attention away, and Atticus sat down. "Sorry about Chryssi," I said. "She's a bit eccentric, but she's a good person. She just takes little bit of time getting used to."

Atticus nodded, his lips pursed as he bit into a cookie. Oooookayyyy. "So, how have you been?" I asked, twirling a strand of hair in my ponytail.

Atticus took a minute, pointing to his mouth, swallowed, then answered. "Good. Classes have been bit hectic. I've been meaning to call you."

"I know what you mean," I replied. "With the semester ending soon, I've been getting endless amounts of essay assignments."

We spent the next few minutes making pointless small talk, and I had to remind myself why I was here again. Of course, that meant thinking about what had gone down in the hallway, and thinking about what had gone down in the hallway meant thinking about Tuck, and Tuck's body so close to mine, and Tuck's lips brushing delicately against my neck, and how intense his eyes had been…

"I had a great time on Saturday," Atticus was saying as I forced myself to focus back on him. "I can't stop thinking about it."

I grinned at him. "Yeah, it was fun. I've been dreaming about that meal. Mmmmm."

I forced myself to remain active and pleasant through the rest of our coffee date. We didn't talk of anything of note that I can remember, but it was still a good conversation. I found myself disappointed when he had to go to practice. Atticus was proving to be a good conversationalist, and a great distraction. "I'll walk you," I said, standing up and slipping on my jacket.

I waved goodbye to Chryssi and Matías, both of whom were watching us with curious looks. Chryssi frowned ever so slightly, but I had already walked outside. I pulled my jacket tighter around me, wishing I'd grabbed a sweater for extra protection against the cool air. "So, how are things going with the team?" I asked.

Atticus rubbed his hands together. "It's good. We have the playoffs soon. You should come to a game. You'd be my good luck charm," he winked.

I grinned up at him. "You should know, I'm not that lucky."

"I sincerely doubt that. You've already brought me luck just by being you," he said. His grin was so big, I just had to forgive him for his terrible cheesiness, though internally, I winced.

We walked onto the soccer field, and stood on the track. A few of Atticus's other teammates had shown up, and they were all standing by some benches, stretching and talking. I didn't notice Tuck among them. I turned to face Atticus. "Soooo… have a good practice!" Gods, I'm lame.

I turned to go, figuring there was nothing I could say that could make my terrible comment go away, but Atticus caught my right hand. "Ro, wait," I stopped moving and stood still. He took a few steps towards me, closing the distance between us. "I've been thinking…"

He was almost as close as Tuck had been last night, yet I didn't have the nervous butterflies fluttering in my stomach the way I had last night. I didn't feel overwhelmed by Atticus's clean scent or the determined look in his eyes. "About what?" I asked, my voice soft.

"I've been thinking about our kiss," he said, and he took yet another step closer. I tipped my head back to look up at him. Atticus was tall, not nearly as tall as Tuck, who I had to practically tip my head all the back just to look at, but his chin came to about my forehead. "I think we can do better," he finished.

Oh. I hesitated for a fraction of a second before closing my eyes and waiting. I felt one hand move up to cup my cheek and I felt his breath on my face, then, with no hesitation, he kissed me. It was definitely a different kiss from Saturday night's. That one had been hesitant and chaste, the perfect first date kiss. From the start, Atticus was aggressive. His hands tilted my face as he adjusted for better angles, his mouth working to open mine. I obliged him after a few seconds, resting my hands on his shoulders. I don't know if I can say it was a good kiss, but it wasn't bad. It was similar to our first kiss in that way. It was definitely better than our first kiss; no one could say Atticus Dodge didn't know what he was doing, but I just kept waiting for something to happen to make me lose my mind. But I never got hit with that overwhelming wave of lust had I experienced when I kissed previous boys. It was almost like kissing Hailee.

His hands moved from my face, down to my hips. They rested there for a moment before moving toward my backside. I moved to pull away, not really in the mood to get felt up in front of the whole men's soccer team. I gripped his wrists, and tried to pull his hands away from my body. "Atticus, wait," I said, trying to catch my breath, but he was already leaning down to kiss me again.

"Dodge! The field is for playing soccer, not for screwing Everson." Fuck! I quickly pulled away from Atticus, feeling my cheeks go bright red at the sound of a familiar harsh voice. I looked over to see Tuck standing three feet from Atticus and me, arms crossed over his chest, impassive look on his face. His eyes though, they burned with an anger brighter than the sun.

"Practice hasn't started yet, Parkington," Atticus said, his voice filled with annoyance. I could only stare at Tuck, trying to read for some kind of reaction on his face.

"It starts when the captain gets here, and since I'm obviously here, practice has started," Tuck's voice was so cold, so distant. He turned to his other teammates, who had been whistling and catcalling only seconds before and were now hesitantly watching the three of us. "Four laps! Then shooting drills. Joey, go gear up! Now!" He barely said the words above a shout, but he said it with such authority, I wasn't surprised to see his teammates scramble to do as they were told. "You too Dodge."

Atticus glared at Tuck, looking like a petulant child. He turned to me. "Want to catch a movie Friday night?" Atticus asked. I looked back and forth, from blonde to midnight hair, from an open to a closed face. They were literally night and day. I simply nodded, afraid to open my mouth. "Good," Atticus said, bending down and kissing me again, completely ignoring Tuck's "Now Dodge."

Atticus pulled away and grinned at me, twisting my ponytail around his hand playfully before dropping his things and running after his teammates. "Bye, Ro."

I limply waved after him, then immediately turned my gaze to the ground. Wait a second. You haven't done anything wrong. Why are you acting like the bad child when Tuck was the asshole last night? Chin up girl! I looked up at him, glaring fiercely as he continued to look at me passively. "Get the fuck off my field, Princess," Tuck said, shaking his head and walking away.

I couldn't let it go. "What is your fucking problem? Why are you always such an asshole to me?"

"I don't have time for you," he said dismissively, tying on his cleats. Hell no!

"No. You explain to me right now why you have such a problem with me." I stepped up to him, my body remembering what it was like to have him so close last night. The skin on my neck tingled with memory.

Tuck looked up. "I don't have to explain anything to you. If you want to fuck one of my players, fine, but do it on your own time, and stop wasting mine." His eyes were so intense, pupils dilated, but not in the way they had been last night. And yet, I still found myself overwhelmed by the green, brown, and gold.

"Yes, you do owe me an explanation. You barely even know me; how can you hate me so much?" I cried.

"I thought we weren't even friends. Just two people who tolerated each other?" Tuck said, stretching his calves. "Isn't that what you said?"

I blinked, hating that he was using my own words against me. "Exactly! There's-"

"Just go away, Princess, and don't come back. Trust me, you'll be doing everyone a favor." He straightened out of his stretch. "Didn't mama ever teach you when to quit it?" I winced, but he ignored it.

I was scrambling for a response, but Tuck didn't wait around to hear it. I stood on the turf for another five minutes unable to find the muscles in my legs to move. Then, I couldn't get far enough away.

I had left the field in a daze, trying to fight back tears. I couldn't understand why Tuck had acted the way he had. Sure, in the past his teasing had been annoying and sometimes his reactions had revealed that there was a darker side underneath the carefree facade but he'd never been outright cruel with his comments.

"Just go away, Princess, and don't come back. Trust me, you'll be doing everyone a favor. Didn't mama ever teach you when to quit it?"

I was currently hidden away in the library, finding safety among the stacks. Books had always provided sanctity for me, but for some reason, I couldn't get out of my head. I just kept picturing Tuck's aloof and emotionless face, his furious eyes. He was acting like I'd done something to personally offend him, but how could I?

Was he upset about last night? Because if he was, he had no right to be. He had been the one to press me up against a wall, to make me feel all flustered when he was dating the most beautiful girl on campus. Maybe I had been right in my earlier thoughts. Perhaps this was all just a game to him. A sick game.

I didn't want to head back to the apartment. What if I saw Tuck on his way back from practice? I wasn't sure if I would cry or blow up in anger if I saw him. So, I stayed in the library for a few hours, half-heartedly doing my homework. I debated heading to Rodigue's, and maybe hanging with Chryssi and Matías for a while, but I felt physically exhausted and I didn't really want to be around people at the moment.

Around 10:30, I gave up on trying to do anymore homework. I longed for a long shower, for a warm drink, for the comfort of my bed. I gathered my stuff and walked out into the darkness. It was pitch black outside, and the wind blew through the trees, rustling the few leaves left on the branches. The moon was out, a full, glowing orb. Clouds drifted across the sky, blocking out the stars. I zipped up my jacket and started back to Belmont.

Have you ever had the feeling that someone's watching you? It's not even like you can pinpoint the exact moment you realized it was happening but those ancient, animal instincts from when primates lived in the trees come out and let you know you're being looked at. Even if it's just a glance, but somehow you still know it's happening?

That's how I felt in the next few minutes after I left the library. One moment totally fine, just walking back in the dark, thoughts jumbled, and trying to get to the warmth of Belmont. The next…

I glanced around, trying to figure out where the feeling was coming from, but there were only a few other people out and about. I had wandered some distance, about halfway between the apartment and the library. I was in an area that wasn't too well lit due to an abundance of trees. There was a single lamp about ten feet from where I was. Needless to say, it was a creepy area.

I shook my head and continued on. I thought the feeling would pass if I kept going, but if anything the feeling grew stronger. I stopped again and looked around. I had passed the lamp at this point and I noticed a person leaning against it, smoking a cigarette. I felt relieved for a short moment but as I kept going, it stuck with me.

I shoved my hand in my pocket and clutched my keys. I remembered my father telling me and Hera to always have our keys ready when we went to our cars at night. It was a form of defense, he explained to us, so this way, if someone came up behind us, we could stab at them with the key. I figured his logic would work well now. In my left hand, I clutched my phone.

I tried to keep my pace as it had been before, trying not to show my panic. I paused at a bench, pretending to tie the laces on my boots as I looked back discretely. Cigarette guy was still there and he had a friend now. They weren't even trying to be subtle as they stared at me. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise as I realized that they were following.

I started walking again at a much brisker pace. I took mental stock:

Boots: Slightly heeled but should still be able to run in

Bag: Switch to cross body so it doesn't get in my way if I need to run. Also, filled with heavy books, and can be used as a weapon if necessary

Keys: Firmly in my hand, ready to go

Hands: Left still sore but left hooks are possible

Scream: Good and loud

I strained my ears, trying to listen to their footsteps behind me. I could hear them muttering to each other. It sounded like a disagreement. Can't decide which way they want to kill me.

I could just make out Belmont in the distance and I picked up my pace again, trying not to let my emotions overwhelm me. Getting too emotional was likely to get me hurt. When I was about five yards from Belmont's steps, I realized I couldn't hear their voices anymore. I spun and they were gone. At the moment, I didn't think anything of it, just sprinted to the safety and warmth of Belmont lobby.

Walking up the stairs, I finally let my emotions loose. I clutched the railing as they bombarded me. But out of the mess I was - a mix of paranoia and relief and a ton of fear and adrenaline - only one clear thought broke through: Tuck.

Without realizing it, my legs had carried me to his apartment. I stopped outside his door. My hand was fisted and ready to knock, but I hesitated.

"Just go away, Princess…"

Should I even bother? He probably won't even open the door. Or he'll open it and slam it in my face.

"You'll tell me if this happens again?"

I paused for another second longer before giving in and knocking. I waited a couple of minutes but there was no answer. I knocked a second time. Just when I was certain no one was coming, the door opened.

Bas stood there in front of me in a pair of plaid boxers and a blue bathrobe open to reveal his bare chest. We stared at each other in shock for a few seconds. I'm not sure who was more surprised, but Bas recovered first.

"Everson! To what do we owe this great pleasure?" He opened his arms wide, like a king welcoming guests to his kingdom.

"I… uh," I heard a thump from farther in the apartment, like someone bumped into something. "Um… I'm, uh… Is Tuck here?" I finally managed, feeling like an absolute imbecile.

Bas cocked an eyebrow. "Why are you looking for Tucker at this time of night?" His tone was filled with innuendo.

I felt my cheeks heat up, but I tried my best to glare at Bas. "I'm here to talk to him," I said.

"Oh, yes. Talk," Bas smirked, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorframe. There was another thump. Must be Pat. Poor boy is always so clumsy.

"Yes, talk," I snapped. At least I could rely on Bas to piss me off. Anger was better than anything else I was feeling. "Is he here?"

At that moment there was a loud moan followed by another thump. I glanced at Bas who suddenly looked rather uncomfortable. "Is someone hurt?" I asked, my mind still thinking of Patrick.

"Um…" Bas scratched the back of his neck.

"Oh, god!" I listened more closely and realized the voice was female. More moaning followed. "Mmmmm, uhhh, faster!" The thumping grew louder and more constant and I felt my stomach sink and all the color bleach from my face. I stared at Bas, eyes wide with realization and horror. "Yes, Tuck, yes!"

My thighs felt numb and my whole body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, and yet, somehow, I managed to find the ability to run. I spun on my heel and sprinted for the stairwell.

I sat in the stairwell somewhere between the fourth and fifth floors. The thought of going to the apartment seemed inconceivable, not when Brooke's moans were still echoing in my ears. Nausea and dizziness were hitting me hard now that the adrenaline was leaving my body.

I had always assumed Brooke and Tuck had a sex life. Of course I did; this was Tucker Parkington, one of the biggest players on campus. But I'd never really thought about their sex life before. I'd never wanted nor had reason to.

I felt confused and a little violated, though it wasn't like they knew I was going to come over. There was still some lingering fear and adrenaline, but mostly I felt betrayed. I couldn't understand why I felt betrayed, except that maybe I was angry because Tuck had promised to be there for me if I thought I was being followed again, and when I'd finally needed him, he'd been… busy.

I couldn't make myself move from the steps I was sitting on. The concrete was cool and covered in suspicious stains, but it was a place without humans. I leaned back against the railing, letting the cold metal cool my overheated neck, and closed my eyes.

My brain assaulted me with images of Tuck pressing me into the wall one minute, and him looking at me with cold indifference on the turf the next. How was it possible he was those two guys? How could he be both genuinely concerned, yet totally cold and unaffected? Whatever Tuck was, I was now more certain than ever that I was in this alone. Just like you've always been.

I debated calling Hera, as I was desperate to talk to someone, but I knew she'd be pissed if I woke her up in the middle of the night, so I refrained. I debated telling Hailee, but I knew she'd be upset I hadn't told her about my being followed in the first place and insist we go to Dean Rodgers, but I definitely did not want to do that.

I heard the sound of a door opening a few levels above me and I tensed. I crouched, trying to figure out whether the person was going up or coming down, but by the time I realized they were coming down, it was too late.

"Why the stairwell?" Bas asked. He stood on the landing above me, looking down.

I sighed, looking away. It made my neck ache to stare up at him. "Usually it's devoid of people," I replied, my tone full of accusation.

"But that's not quite true," he said, his voice echoing. "You're here, so technically, it's not devoid of people."

I snorted, not in the mood for jokes and teasing, and started to stand up. "No, don't move," he sighed. "I s'pose you're right. College students are rather lazy." He slid down the railing, landing next to where I was sitting. He plopped down next to me, still in his bathrobe and boxers get-up. "Still, not exactly the most private place to hide."

I wasn't really thinking about creative hiding places," I muttered bitterly, staring down at my boots. They were old and worn, the faux-leather peeling on the toe on my right boot.

"Yeah…" Bas shifted next to me, clearly feeling as uncomfortable as I was.

"Yup."

I continued to stare at my boots as an awkward silence passed over us. I think we were both remembering what I had run from.

"Can I ask you a question?" I said suddenly, glancing over at him. My thoughts were starting to branch off, and had latched onto one specific observation I had made in the past few weeks.

Bas shrugged. "Only if I can ask one in return."

I bit my lip, already knowing what question Bas would ask. I wasn't sure if my question was really worth asking, but it pressed against the walls of my skull and escaped my brain through my mouth before I could truly make up my mind.

"Why don't you like Brooke?" He opened his mouth, possibly to object but I cut him off. "I know you don't," I continued. "It's clear on your face every time she walks in a room or gets brought up in a conversation." I picked at the leather as I looked at the pretty boy.

He sighed, pulling his hair into a bun at the back of his skull. "Yeah, I guess I'm not too subtle when it comes to that bitch." I cocked an eyebrow and he chuckled. "She's… I don't know what word to use. She's just always there, you know? Like, it's never just the four of us anymore. She'll call him and ask where he is and five minutes later, even if he didn't invite her, she'll be there too. Plus, she's just obnoxious. I mean, you heard her for yourself. Imagine having to hear that four out of five times a week. I don't know how Tuck stands it." He gestured with his thumb back up the stairs and I shuddered. "In past relationships, Tuck's always put us first, which I know sounds terrible, but we're his best friends, his brothers. We should always come first."

"How long have you guys known each other?" I asked. I'd just thought the four had met freshman year, but now that I thought about it, they were all closer than four guys who had only met a year ago, especially Tuck and Bas.

"Tuck and I have known each other since we were about seven or eight," Bas leaned his forearms on his knees. "We used to be neighbors before my family moved, but I always spend summers at his family's lake house and he spends winter break at my family's cabin in Aspen. We met Ray when we were thirteen at summer camp and we met Pat last summer."

I nodded, picturing a young Tuck and Bas on skis racing each other down the slopes.

"Ray and I have seen Tuck go through numerous relationships - girlfriends, friends with benefits, it's complicated bullshit, whatever - and he would always managed to balance both the chick and us. But it's different with Brooke. It's like even when he's with us, a part of him is still with her. She'll text or call him and he'll entertain her for however long and ignore us," Bas glared at the door to the fourth floor. "We're supposed to come first," he grumbled under his breath.

"Maybe she really is different from past relationships," I said, trying to find some excuse for Tuck's behavior. "Maybe he's in love with her." After I said the words, I was hit yet again with nausea. I guess all the adrenaline hadn't left yet.

He glanced at me, his eyes moving over my face like he was considering each feature individually. "No, I don't think he's in love with her. I think I might have an idea…" he trailed off, cocking his head as he continued to look at me. I fidgeted anxiously under his gaze and he blinked and came back to himself. "But you've surpassed your question limit. My turn." He considered me again, his gaze more focused now. "Why did you want to see Tuck? I mean, the way you two fight, it's highly unlikely you were arriving late to a menagé-a-trois."

"You're a pig," I replied, making a face. Bas just smiled roguishly. "No, that's not why I came to see Tuck," I sighed, biting my lip. I stared at my fingers and went to work on my cuticles. I glanced up at Bas. "You have to promise not to tell anyone," I said, trying to convey how serious I was.

Bas nodded, his face devoid of any emotions and I continued. "A few weeks ago, I thought I was being followed-"

"After the attack?"

I nodded. "Yes, after the attack. And I happened to bump into Tuck. He was smoking and he could tell I was all flustered and paranoid, and he calmed me down and told me to tell him if it happened again.

"I don't know if you heard, but the Halloways have decided to press charges." Bas shook his head. "I just found out this morning. You'd think they'd tell me, star witness and all," I snorted bitterly. "I'm their main form of evidence, aside from any DNA they found on Brittany. I'm probably just being paranoid, but as I left the library tonight, I saw two guys following me. There was only one person for a while, but about halfway to Belmont, another one showed up. They were arguing for a bit and then they just disappeared once I got on Belmont's greens."

Bas looked mildly concerned, but he didn't immediately panic the way Hailee would've. That's the good thing about Bas; he's so neutral. Sometimes, it seemed like the only emotions he knew how to express were lust, amusement, boredom, and annoyance. Though I had been unwilling to talk to Bas at first, I was suddenly glad I had told him; I only had to deal with my own frazzled nerves. "Do you think they were going to hurt you?"

"No. If anything they were just trying to scare me. They never got close enough to be a physical threat."

Bas looked thoughtful. "Scare tactics," he muttered.

I glanced back down at my hands, fingers already pink with irritation. My nail beds had been looking decent recently. Oh well. "I s'pose it wouldn't have made a difference if I actually talked to Tuck or not tonight," I said, still staring at my hands.

"Why not?"

I flipped my hands over and stared at the lines on my palms, the blue veins peeking through my pale skin and making their way from my fingertips to my wrist and disappearing beneath my sleeve. I traced my finger over the blue line. "Well, I'm not exactly his favorite person at the moment."

Bas didn't ask why and I guessed Tuck had told him about our argument on the turf. I snorted. "He'd probably encourage them to attack me."

"Don't say that," Bas snapped. "Tuck would never do anything like that."

"He told me everyone was better off without me," I snapped back. "He might as well have said I'd be better off dead." I stared down at the door leading to the fourth floor. There was a slim window in the door, offering a view of the fourth floor common room. Next to the window was a big, block 4. The paint was chipping off in a few places. "He hates me."

"No, he doesn't,"Bas replied, sounding exasperated."

"Then why does he always act like such an asshole?"

"Why do you always get so up-in-arms when he's around?" Bas retorted. "I don't know. You both just ignite something in each other." The words Bas used made me and Tuck sound like star-crossed lovers. More like the Axis and Allied Powers.

"So what are you going to do?" he asked.

I simply shrugged. "What can I do?" I stood up and brushed off my jeans.

"You can't just ignore this, Ro," Bas said. I think it was the first time he'd used my first name. "You need to tell someone."

"I told you, didn't I?" I started up the steps to the seventh floor.

"I mean an authority figure. Someone who'll actually know what to do. Someone who might be able to provide you with protection."

I turned around on the step I was on and was brought eye to eye with Bas. He was nearly as tall as Tuck. "You cannot tell anyone," I hissed. "You promised."

"And I won't, but you need to do something about this. This is your life we're talking about."

"Exactly," I spun back around and continued ascending. I could hear Bas tailing me. "It's my life, so let me handle it."