students go to fuck, far back in the stacks.
“Oh, Palmer.” I grin, grabbing her phone and swiping the screen. If she’s dumb enough to leave it unprotected with no passcode, then I’m going to take what I want. It’s not like this girl would willingly hand over her phone number to a guy like me. Putting it back onto the table, I check my surroundings. “Come on out, Palmer. You owe me what I’ve won.”
“Not a chance.” Her voice carries through the tall building. She could be anywhere.
I search for a minute or two, to no avail. This girl is practically a ghost. I ascend the staircase, stalking her like a killer does his victim. It wraps up on both sides, like the grand one in my childhood home. My phone vibrates in my pocket as I hit the top step, and I dig it out and click accept.
“What’s up, man?” I say. “I’m busy studying.”
“Sure you are, but I thought you might want to know she isn’t up there,” Dixon says, laughing. I search the corners until spotting the camera. “Say cheese, mother fucker.”
“Can you see her?” I whisper, hoping not to give my position away in case she’s close.
“She’s on the move,” Dixon explains. “How about we make this game a little more fun?” At his words, the lights turn off, casting the entire library in the dark.
“How the hell did you do that?” I glance around, amazed at this guy’s talents.
“Skill. Time and energy. A willingness to learn.” Dixon’s voice drips with pride. “Now, are we going to catch her or not?”
“Which way?” I ask. It’s been a while since Dixon and I’ve messed with someone together.
He gives me specific instructions, sends me up and down certain aisles, but I always come up short. It isn’t until I’ve gone up and down the stairs two times that I realize Dixon has played me.
“You’ve been sending me on a wild goose chase, haven’t you?” I pull the phone from my ear, growling my anger, before bringing it back.
“Just proving my point.” Dixon snickers. “She’s on the bottom floor, third row in non-fiction. Hasn’t moved this whole time, asshole. Go bat her around for a little while and come home when you’ve quenched your thirst.”
“You’re a dick.” I shake my head and hold up my middle finger, knowing damn well he is watching. He’s always watching.
“Should I turn off the monitors, or can I watch?”
“Do whatever the fuck you want.” I hang up and stalk right over to where I’ll find her.
Hidden in plain sight, she is tucked into the back corner. Her thighs are flush to her chest, like she’s afraid she’ll be hurt by my hands. Some have been in the past, but never her.
“Stand up,” I demand, reaching out to help her.
“And why should I, huh?” She stares at my offering.
“Because you’re in no position to argue, Palmer. Now, stand the fuck up.” I jerk my hand forward, damn willing her to grip it.
When she does, a smile warms my face, and I yank her to her feet. She crashes into my chest, pretending to be disgusted by my very existence, but it’s obvious from the way her fingers grip my shirt, she’s not.
“If I were to guess, I’d bet you’re imagining me with my clothes off.” I tuck strands of her hair behind her ear. Her eyes dilate as she watches my tongue slip across my lips. “All you have to do is ask, and you can get the full show.”
“You’d be wrong.” She tries to push me back. Unfortunately for her, she’s trapped between the stacks and my body.
“Nowhere to go, baby.” I apply enough pressure, forcing her small frame to pinch against the metal. “What’s it going to be?”
“I know what you’re trying to do, Marek, and it won’t work.”
“And what is it you think I’m trying to do?” I step back and rest against the stacks across from Palmer. I half expect her to start running. To my surprise, she stays put.
“Intimidate me. Make me squirm, but I’m curious.” She places a finger to her mouth like she’s debating something. “Why now? We’ve gone to school with each other for as long as I can remember, and I’ve never been on your radar.”
“What do you want me to say?” I shrug, dismissing her accusation. “I’m bored.”
“You and Byron aren’t so different, you know?” She spins on her heels and sways her hips as she leaves. Over her shoulder, a wicked gleam startles