AllFreeNovel
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The past week has been my best since coming to Trinity. I didn’t expect for a second that the guys would give me my week of peace, but they not only adhered to the rules by leaving me alone, I didn’t even see them around campus. And I looked, believe me.
I spent the whole of this week studying in the library, attending my lectures and working out in the gym. I wanted to take Hector up on his offer of training, but I didn’t see him once all week. I was oddly disappointed by that, but I distracted myself by exploring all that the campus has to offer. Namely, its nightlife.
I’ve never been a big party girl, but it turns out that some of the girls in the flat above mine are, and they sure know how to have a good time. I thought they’d just party on the weekends – and maybe Thirsty Thursday too – but those bitches had me out dancing and drinking every single night.
Unbelievably, it was a whole week without drama, and just what I needed.
Unfortunately, as I walk back into my room after my final lecture for the week, the sight of my mobile phone and watch lying on my bed remind me that it’s sadly over.
Sighing, I dump my bag at the foot of my bed and reach for my phone. I’m surprised when I catch the screen and it lights up, showing a fully charged battery.
A second later a text comes through.
Axel: Second challenge is tomorrow night. Someone will pick you up at nine. Dress for somewhere hot and a long night on your feet.
I guess being picked up at nine is better than being abducted and dragged off to a forest at midnight, but I have no idea what to expect. Somewhere hot? A long night? I hope not all of the challenges involve me fleeing for my life under the cover of darkness, whatever the weather.
Deciding that I won’t spend half of my weekend stressing about what’s to come, I pull the girls’ numbers from my purse. They were incredulous when I explained that I’d misplaced my phone but that I was sure it would turn up, and had written their numbers on paper for me. They didn’t expect me to see it again, assuring me that a lost phone on campus was a meal ticket for anyone in the right mind.
I pointed out that everyone here was supposed to be crazy rich, but their argument was ‘free is free’ and that’s how rich people stay rich. Whatever. I couldn’t say the three most feared and respected guys on campus had my phone for the week without answering all kinds of awkward questions, so I just gave them a pragmatic little hop of my shoulder and a mysterious smile.
Now, with my phone returned to me, I take a minute to input all of their numbers into my phone and set up a group message.
Odile: Hey, got my phone back. Are we out, out tonight?
Their replies are instantaneous, making me smile. This is what I need. Some girlfriends.
Lou: Absolutely!
Steph: Fuck yeah!
Lucy: I’ll be the one in black.
Jess: I could come out for a drink or two but I have to finish this essay first.
After some back and forth messaging, a plan is hatched that we’re going to get the bus into town and party off campus tonight. I’m excited to see what Black Hallows has to offer, and I’m glad that I’ll be away from the watchful eyes of The Father, Son and Spirit. Clearly them returning my phone is a message that my time alone is over.
But they haven’t summoned me until tomorrow, so I’m going to finish the week with a bang.
Determined to look and feel amazing, I take my time getting ready. I choose a high necked, long sleeved black bodycon dress which is short and backless. There’s a slight shimmer to the slinky material that will catch the lights in the club. My tattoo is safely hidden, and I’m happy about it. The girls from the flat upstairs know who I am, but we’ve not talked about it. I’ve caught their curious gazes throughout the week, but none of them have been brave enough to ask, and I’ve not volunteered any information on the topic of The Doe tattoo. I pin my long, curled locks up to show off the back of the dress better, and slip my feet into strappy black sandals.
Earlier, I even took the time to paint my nails a shocking blood red that matches my lipstick. It’s a fierce shade, aptly named Fuck You and it makes me feel all kinds of badass.
More so than the blade strapped to my thigh.
No more hesitating. If I need to use it, I will.
Which also reminds me to ask at the gym if they run any sort of self-defence classes. I want to keep up my training. Maybe I can ask Hector for some one-on-one lessons. I wouldn’t mind grappling with him. He’s cute.
Okay, that’s a lie. He’s absolutely panty-meltingly smoking hot, and the first guy I’ve really been attracted to since…well, in a long time. But I definitely wouldn’t go there. Not with all my baggage and unresolved history. Probably. Maybe. If I’d had a few drinks.
Frantic banging on the main door to my dorm announces the girls from upstairs’ arrival. I grab my wristlet bag, which is just big enough to hold my bank card and cash as well as my room key and lipstick, then make my way out.
“Hurry up!” The girls scream through the door when they see me coming down the hallway through the glass. I grin at them.
“Alright, alright! Don’t get your knickers in a twist!” I grumble back with a smile on my face.
“Not wearing any!” Steph yells with a wink as I open the door.
