Page 32 of His Ruin
“I applied for bag service. My mentor should be here any minute to help me unload.” She says, flicking down the visor before applying her sparkly lipgloss to her lips.
I watch her, so enraptured by the bounce of her plump bottom lip that I almost miss what she said. “Bag service?”
On cue, a tall, thin brunette bounces in front of the car. She holds up a homemade sign with my sister’s name on it, pointing at Melody excitedly.
“Thank you for driving me,” Sunny beams before throwing her door open.
She greets the brunette brightly, wrapping her arms around her as if she’s known the woman her whole life. Meanwhile, my hands are gripping the steering wheel so hard I could crack the leather.
She doesn’t want me to know which dorm she’s staying in.
Too bad that won’t stop me.
They unload the trunk, slinging bags over their shoulders, before my sister stops by my window and I roll it down for her. She leans in, giving me a quick, cordial peck on the cheek. “Bye!”
My gaze sears her, and I lower my voice into a threatening whisper that only she can hear. “I’ll be seeing you.”
She blinks, stepping back. She pulls her mask on quickly, shielding her fear well. “Drive safe.”
Chapter nineteen
Melody
Collegeisawhirlwindand everything I could have hoped for. It’s long hours studying in the library, working in the greenhouse as my professor rambles about ecosystems and soil, and freedom.
I hit the roommate jackpot with Kodi. She was able to wiggle her way in, breezing through our RAs and convincing them to put us together. While our majors couldn’t be anymore different, I’m glad to have a friendly face on campus. Having her close doesn’t make me feel so alone…
I try not to think about it, but Kaden and I haven’t spoken since he dropped me off a month ago. I’ve left his messages on read, and when Mom questioned me about it, I told her I was too busy studying for my first round of exams. Every time my phone pings with a new alert, I get flustered and my heart hammers. Seeing his name pop up opens a whole new window of complicated thoughts I shouldn’t be thinking of.
Like if he’s missing me or if he’s finding little ways to fill his time…
What if he gets a girlfriend?
What if he’s asking her for the same kisses that have kept me up late at night, my hands trailing down until a finger slicks through my arousal?
I don’t like the rock that settles in the pit of my stomach at that thought. I shouldn’t be doing this to myself. I got away to clear my head, but all I can do when I’m alone is think of what Kaden is doing right now.
As I step out of the lecture hall, the evening rays of light slowly begin to fade. I stayed late to ask questions and utilize the tutoring offered by a professor’s aide. There’s hardly anyone out at this hour as silence blankets the campus. I spot a few peers on theother side of the path, their heads tucked as they shuffle back to the East dorms, but other than that, I’m alone.
I pull my cardigan over my chest, curling my arms around myself to block the slight wind chill. My dorm is only a few blocks away, and I stare at the brick path beneath my feet as the street lamps flicker on, providing warm yellow light. The sounds of the other students fade in the distance as they reach their destination, and I’m left to walk the campus.
I try to distract myself with the overload of information explained during tutoring—my brain flipping through physical characteristics to identify the plants we’re learning. I’m so busy with my mental work that at first I don’t notice the creeping sensation at the back of my neck. It starts like a wandering note, something barely there and easy to ignore, before it turns into a full shiver, and awareness pings down my spine.
I turn quickly, my heart stammering as I squint into the night. My eyes gloss over every discernible spot that someone could be hiding, but there’s nothing there. I shake my head, continuing on my path. “I’m sleep deprived. That’s all—”
A sound echoes from behind me—a boot scuffing across the cement. I stare unseeingly at the ground in front of me, afraid to turn around as my nape crawls. I can feel that there’s a presence there now, and I can’t bring myself to turn around.
I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, hoping that it doesn’t give away how terrified I am. I don’t want this person to know they’ve cornered me. My hand gently roots around in the pocket of my cardigan, and I grip the pepper spray tightly. I’ve never had to use it before, but after Kodi gifted it to me the first day of class, I’ve carried it ever since.
I rotate my body slowly, holding my weapon that’s shielded by my pocket as I try to put on a brave face that probably seems strained. At first, I don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. The walkway is clear, and I have a direct line of sight to the lecture hall I exited from. And then I scan further along the path, and my heart drops.
Three streetlamps down, a tall, daunting figure lurks. He’s wide, obviously male, with a dark hoodie and black jeans. There’s something over his face, obscuring his nose and mouth, but he’s too far away for me to see his eyes.
My initial thought is Kaden. Until I realize Mom said he’s been taking night classes online and hasn’t been around much. Something about his friend Ivan roping him into helping with a business proposal. He’s been busy lately, and he texted me a few hours ago.
Why would he text only to end up on the campus I’m currently staying at? That doesn’t make any sense.
The figure’s legs are spread wide, and his hands are tucked into the pockets of his hoodie. He doesn’t move an inch as we stare at each other.
