Page 13 of Stay Toxic

He checks my book out by 11:03 and I make my way across campus with all seven volumes in my arm, wishing I’d taken my car. The dorm, on the other side of the road, is only a ten– to twenty-minute walk, depending on where I am on campus; from the library, it would normally take me about fifteen, but with my cumbersome load, I’m slow, and almost trip on my feet twice on the way. I can barely see a thing above the seven books.

I’m not gonna lie: it’s not comfortable to walk alone, in the dark at this time. I glance over the pile of books and back over my shoulder quite a few times, my insides tight. But no one’s following me; the only people I encounter are groups of laughing, tipsy students who completely ignore me.

I struggle to open the door of the dorm, balancing the pile of books on one hand to twist the handle.

When I walk in the room, there’s music, which isn’t a surprise, and voices. That, I expected less. At least, I can’t hear any sex noises, so whatever’s going on, it’s likely not a repeat of Sunday.

I’ve only just managed to shut the door, when my burden’s suddenly lifted from my hands. I yelp in surprise, losing my balance at the sudden loss of some twenty pounds, but a strong arm holds me into place. A toned arm in a soft gray shirt, rolled up to the elbow.

I know who it belongs to before my gaze finds those impossibly blue eyes and that smirk.

And god why does he smell so,sogood?

“Christ, you’re a menace,” Sebastian says with a chuckle. “Someone should revoke your walking license.”

“Leave her alone,” Ari retorts. “I’ve had one or two too-many-book accidents in my day.”

The staunch paperback loverwouldtake my side on this.

“Thank you,” I tell Sebastian, a beat too late, as he puts my books on my desk.

He joins Ari, a dark-haired petite girl, and two other guys seated on my rug right between my side of the room and hers, cards in hand.

“Hey, did you get my text?” my roommate asks. “I never got a reply, so I figured we could play a few hands and ask you if you were cool with that when you came back.”

“Sorry, I didn’t pay attention to my phone.” I flush. “I completely lost track of time in the library. But I don’t mind.”

I don’t need notification for card games—orgies are another story.

“That happens,” she says with a knowing nod. “This is Lucy.” The brunette waves. “Ben and Lawrence.” The guys look nothing alike, and definitely don’t resemble her, so I’m surprised when she adds, “My little brothers. Everyone, this is Tia. She provides delicious chocolate and has the best tastes in rugs.”

But now I pay attention, despite the coloring, and general built, there’s something similar in their faces, especially their eyes.

“You bought this?” Lucy says, patting the wool under her ass. “It’s so comfortable!”

“Yeah, I did. And nice to meet you all.”

I’m a little lost as to what to do; leave them to their game? Join them?

“Hey, do you drink beer?” one of the boys asks, holding up a bottle to me.

Beer isn’t my beverage of choice, but I take it all the same, glad to be included. “What are you guys playing?”

“Poker. We play for favors rather than money. Right now, the stakes are washing Mom’s car.”

“If I win, they washmytruck, which is full of horse manure,” Lucy says with a grin. “And I’msowinning.”

I smile as I approach the rug, grabbing the bottle offered to me.

With or without the sex fest, this room is obviously going to be pretty social, and I don’t truly mind—so far everyone has made me feel welcome. I bring the beer to my lips and wince as I take a swig.

“Ancient literature?” Sebastian asks.

I turn to find him still standing near my desk, peeking at the title of the first book on the pile.

For some reason, that makes me smile.

“I thought you were in law school?” he asks.