Page 15 of Stay Toxic

Mother and I have sat on opposite sides of a chessboard for years, and I’m not winning.

But I’m safe for the moment. Away from home. If only my mind had gotten the memo.

A glance across the dark room tells me I haven’t woken up Ari, which means it wasn’t so bad I screamed—this time. It probably will be eventually. Maybe that’s why I’m so accommodating of her socializing; I know I’m not the easiest roommate either.

It takes a while, but I manage to settle down and get back to sleep faster than usual, likely because Iamno longer within Senator Cole’s direct reach.With a little luck, and some cunning on my part, I never will be again.

The second dream is most definitely not a nightmare, but it shocks me to the core—far more than the distressing memory.

It starts in darkness, too, and there are hands on me, touching me, pushing past my clothing. Strong hands. Defined arms. A soft shirt. A distinctive scent, warm and spicy and fucking delicious.

“Is this what you want, pervert?”

Fuck. I’d recognize that voice anywhere.

The light’s suddenly on, and he’s everywhere, one hand palming my breasts, the other sliding up my skirt, that sexy mouth on my neck as he grunts and?—

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I groan, reaching for my phone to turn off the alarm.

Triplefuck. That’s most definitely not cool! Sebastian’s with my super-nice, bubbly roommate. I get along with her perfectly—hell, we’re going to the ballet together. The last thing I need is to be lusting over her man.

“What time is it?” Ari grumbles sleepily, straightening up, as I get out of bed and start to make my bed.

“Six.”

“Ugh. Fucking six? In themorning?”She sounds outraged.

I wince. “Sorry, that’s just my normal alarm. I can put it on vibrate in the future.”

“Pretty please.” She leans back down, burying her head under the covers.

I’m not used to sharing my space. It never occurred to me to check with her about alarm times. I didn’t have class Monday or Tuesday, and my first one was at ten yesterday, so I didn’t bother with an alarm because I knew I’d be up a lot sooner, but typically, I’m up at six on school nights. One ofherrules, but not one I mind. I’m an early bird by nature.

Glad I prepped last night, since I don’t need to make any more noise while Ari sleeps, I grab my swimming bag, and head out as silently as I can, only stopping by the bathroom to pee and take my toothbrush—I’ll use it in the gym.

I head to The Dome, and make my way to the state-of-the-art pool I haven’t had the pleasure to try yet. I booked a slot from six-thirty to seven-thirty through the club app, and to my surprise, I am completely alone.

I don’t mind swimming. It started out as a necessity, to ensure my weight remained within Loretta Cole’s acceptable range, but I actually am pretty good at it, and I miss it when I don’t do it for a while.

The university team starts at seven-thirty, so I leave them to it, although they keep a lane for club members, heading to the sauna instead. Between the library and this pool, the college isridiculous. Although the facilities explain the tuition.

Thursdays are mostly my actual law classes, which means that I want to poke my eyeball with my pencil through it all, but thankfully, studying comes easy to me. I take extensive notes, to ensure I retain the stupid information I don’t want to know in the first place.

I only have an hour for lunch so I try the cafeteria, rather than losing myself in the library again. The buffet’s better than an average gastronomic restaurant, but there’s also an a la carte menu completely included in the meal plan. Naturally.

I check my phone through the meal, to have something to do.

Tanya confirms she’s booked two tickets for me, and tells me to request them at the box office.

Me: You’re the best. Break a leg. Or don’t. You kinda need those for dancing.

It’s her first show with this company; I know she’s stressing out.

Tanya: Wait for me after? I’ll take, like, twenty minutes to get changed, and there’s a bar.

Me: You bet. We can celebrate your success!