Page 21 of The Unbecoming

When he finally leaves, I look down at my phone and see I have a text. I’d been hoping to see this soon.

Unknown

The cameras are in place.

I close out of my messages and go into the newest app on my phone. When I bring it up, it shows eight camera feeds—Every possible angle of Nora Bennett’s apartment.

Oh, how pretty she is when she thinks she is alone. She will never be alone, not as long as I live.

Chapter Fourteen

Nora

Three Days Later

I have avoided Professor Asshole since my encounter with him in the stairwell. Well… I haven’t seen him, but I know he’s been around. Every time I am out of my apartment, I have this overwhelming feeling like I am being watched. Although that may just be paranoia.

I really don’t want to continue this interview with Gabriel, but it’s worth so much of my grade. I’ll handle that Monday, because tonight I just need to be in control of my life for a moment. There is a party after the game, and it’s likely already in full swing, so I think I will go. I usually don’t attend shit like this, but I will if it means I get laid on my terms and not with the fucking handle of a knife.

Maybe all I need is a reminder that my body still belongs to me.

I am dressed up in a tight, long-sleeved black dress with black heels. I have my hair down, and I look great.

No.

I look sexy as fuck.

I’ll own it.

I check that my licenses, debit card, and student ID are in my case behind my phone. Without anything else needed, I walk out of my apartment. I lock it with an app before sticking my phone in my bra.

When I get across campus to the street full of fraternity and sorority houses, I go to the end where Alex Hessmen and his roommates are throwing their usual weekend drinking marathon party. Alex has been trying to get me to go to one of his parties for years now, so why not now?

By the time I get inside, I have been noticed by several people. I am rarely caught socializing, so people are rightfully shocked. It doesn’t take but a few minutes for Alex to find me.

“Hey, Nora,” he says with a sweet smile. “You just couldn’t help but stalk me, huh?”

“Oh, right,” I laugh. “I figured you’ve asked me before to come by one of your parties, so I may as well go to at least one.”

“You look good,” he says, scanning me. “Where’s Liam?”

“Ah… Yeah… We broke up,” I say.

“That’s a shame. He was really into you,” Alex says, and he seems genuine.

“Mmm, but now I think I want someone else really into me,” I say, batting my eyes at him. His grin grows wicked. “That’s what I thought.”

“So needy. Gosh,” he says, throwing his arm around my shoulders. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Hmm. I suppose,” I say, looking up at him with a sweet smile.

Alex leads me through the growing crowd of people. Some are already drunk. Some are sober and loving it. No one pays us any attention as he gets us a beer and we go outside.

“You invite me to your party just to take me outside away from everyone?” I ask as he lifts me to sit on the tailgate of his truck.

“Think maybe I just wanted to see you?” he asks, sipping his beer.

“Right, the popular Alex Hessman is just chomping at the bit to hang out with social outcast introvert, Nora Bennett. That sounds believable.”