Page 7 of Ruthless Ambition
The guy turned at the sound of my voice, his height dwarfing my smaller build. He looked completely different without the hoodie and the bandana. A five o’clock shadow, what looked like a previously broken nose, and an easy smile as he looked me over.
“Who’s asking?”
“I’m Angel. We weren’t properly introduced last time.”
Frowning, he looked at me as though he were trying to place me. “Do I know you?”
“Um,” I hesitated. I had expected instant recognition. “You helped me out of a car a few weeks ago.” Was that vague enough? I didn’t want to blurt it out in case he wasn’t who I thought he was.
“I helped you out of a . . .” A flash of understanding crossed his face. Looking around self-consciously, he took a step closer. “What do you need?”
That took me by surprise. He thought I needed help. I did, but not the help he probably wanted to give me. “To say thanks?”
Tension left him as I watched his shoulders relax. “No need. Happy to be of service.” Giving me a smile, he went to move past me, the conversation obviously done.
When my hand reached out to grab his arm, stopping him from passing me, he frowned at me. “Can we talk?” I asked him.
“Not much to say . . .”
“Angel,” I reminded him. “Angel Balan.”
Jeremy stepped back and once again considered me from head to foot. “You want a date or something?”
“Excuse me?”
“I have a girlfriend, so I’m not interested.”
Blinking rapidly, I quickly considered my options. “Eh, no.” I couldn’t fight my bemused smile. “I just wanted to talk to you about the night and, um, Dave.”
“Don’t know any Dave.”
Tilting my head back to meet his eyes, I raised an eyebrow. “That’s what you’re going with?”
Jeremy grinned at me and half shrugged. “Let it go, Angel. Ain’t nothing for you to worry about or know.” He started to leave again, and I knew I had almost run out of time.
“It’s just, I’m scared, you know? I don’t know who to trust, and I can’t even enjoy this college because I’m worried about what’s going to happen at parties and . . .” I quickly glanced at him to see if he was listening, and I felt guilty when he looked concerned. “I’m being silly, don’t worry about it.”
My bet paid off, Jeremy moved closer to me, and again checked to make sure no one was listening. “You’re okay. They were dealt with —allof them.”
“Honest?”
Rubbing my arm soothingly, he nodded. “Hey, tell you what, there’s a party at the house later this week. You should come. You’ll be safe. Ain’t no shit like that happens in that house to be worried about.”
“Oh, I don’t know . . .” I hesitated while I internally danced a jig.
“Trust me, the safest place for you on this campus is in the football house.” With a smile and a reassurance I would be welcome, he left me in the hall.
Safest place, my ass.
