Making my way down the hallway, I hear him and Noah out front talking, but have to stop at the bathroom first. Looks aren’t even on the agenda this morning; it’s the screaming bladder yelling at me. As soon as my knees bend, I feel the sting and crack of my fall in the parking lot yesterday. Two Band-Aids cover each of my kneecaps where the torn flesh lies. Resting my elbows on my thighs, I bury my face in my hands and cry for how I’ve fucked up this whole situation. I’m going to lose Tuck.

I pull up his boxers quickly, rolling over the top band so they stay in place, and rush down the hall.

Words fly out of my mouth before anything comes into view. “I’m sorry, Tuck, I’m so sorry.”

I don’t wait for his reaction before bounding smack dab in the middle of him on the couch.

“Please forgive me. I’m sorry.”

“Shhhh, it’s all right, baby.”

He pulls me into a tight hug, and I find that place that feels like home against his chest. Soon his hands are running through my hair as he offers up a constant string of reassurance.

When I realize Noah is in the room, I finally lift my head and offer him a weak smile, and then focus back on Tuck’s gorgeous face.

“Thank you for the Band-Aids, and I know it was an accident. You’d never hurt me, and I do trust you.” I settle myself on the couch facing both men. “I know with my whole heart the guy who was arrested and charged with the rapes and murders wasn’t my attacker. I’d recognize the eyes anywhere, and it’s not him.”

Noah stands and rubs his hands through his hair, with a pissed off look on his face. “And exactly when were you going to share this information with us?”

“Stop,” Tuck roars, and I jump. He wraps me tight to his side. “We went through all this yesterday. The point is Blue tried to block it out and it didn’t work. We think it was the asshole soccer player. He came to the gym yesterday.”

“I’m not sure if it’s him or not. I just don’t know.”

I keep the tears at bay. I refuse to break down at every fucking corner of this story.

“C’mon, I made breakfast. Let’s eat and enjoy this day. I’ll figure something out, Blue.” Tuck pulls me from the couch and drags me into the kitchen. He sure wasn’t lying about the spread on the table. It’s covered with all sorts of breakfast foods, from pastries, to eggs, and all sorts of meat.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“I can tell.” I slide out the dining room chair and take a seat. “Tuck, I really am sorry. I just don’t know how to act anymore.”

“It’s okay, Blue, we’ll get through this.” He ruffles the top of my hair, picks me up, and then sits with me in his lap. I pluck a strawberry from the table, making sure to lather it in the fruit dip he’s prepared, and plop it in his mouth.

“Is that a promise, Tuck?”

“I don’t do promises, I just do me.”

“I know.” This time I wipe some of the cream on the tip of his nose and giggle at his reaction.

“You little shit.”

I squeal as he rubs it into my chest, and then relax back into him.

“I just want to run away with you, Tuck, and start over.”

“I know, Blue, I know.”

***

A week passes with no more threats or sightings of any dangerous eyes. It’s taken seven long days to finally not jump out of my skin at every corner. Tuck’s tried his damnedest to stick right next to me, but with our hectic schedules, it’s never easy. I finally gave in and talked to Trainer Jay and Steve about all my issues. To say Jay was pissed would be the understatement of the century, but thank goodness I have Steve, who has reassured me over and over. He checked the campus surveillance and found nothing. He’s about the only peace of mind I have.

Tuck’s been on a manhunt for the soccer player, but nothing has surfaced. He knows any mention of it puts me straight over the edge, so he keeps it all in hushed tones with Noah. And I can handle that.

“Blue, what are you wearing tonight?” My gaze goes from the cracked tile on the floor up to a damn near naked Sophie.

The football team is having a little get-together at Noah and Tuck’s place. Actually, it will more than likely turn into a rager, but their parties always start out small. I overheard Tuck and Noah talking last night about needing a distraction.

“This.” I gesture with my hands.

“Seriously, Blue.”

“It’s not like I’m trying to land a guy or anything.”

“No, but you could at least dress up for Tuck once in a while and get out of those damn gym clothes.”

“He likes gym clothes.”

“He’d probably like a little sexy dress too. Just saying.”

“I’m not a whore like you.”

Sophie cringes and sends me an offensive glare, but then softens.

“Point taken.”

“Some things never change, Sophie. Let’s get moving. Wear this.” I toss a lacy dress her way, then make my way to the mirror to fix my hair up a bit and slap on some of Sophie’s make-up since pretty much all my stuff is at Tuck’s.

It was a damn battle letting me come here with Sophie. I’m pretty sure he stalked us all the way until we walked into the front doors. I thought it was quite odd when Steve waved to someone behind me, and then I only caught a glimpse of a black hoodie walking away.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

I turn to look at Sophie with her amazing thighs showing, the crest of her ass peeking out of the bottom of her dress, and her tits on high alert.

“Yes, you are, slut biscuit.”

Walking through the halls of the dorm sends chills through me. I know my attacker has been here lurking these halls, waiting for the perfect time to slip notes under my door. As I push the elevator button, I recoil before I touch it.

“Blue.” Sophie stares down at me and I freeze. “What’s going on?”

His finger has touched this very button. The finger attached to his hand that he beat me with before trying to rape me. My stomach lurches and I feel the bile begin to rise.

“Blue.”

Sophie’s voice is louder this time, and the elevator doors slowly glide open. Two men waltz by, and one of them brushes against my shoulder, snapping me back to reality. Mentally I scold myself for being so damn paranoid.

“I’m fine. Just thought I forgot something.”

“Well, if I’m a slut biscuit, you, my friend, are sure as hell a shitty liar. Let’s go.”

My stomach drops once again as the elevator descends, whirling and spinning all my emotions together in one massive lump of confusion. I listen to Sophie ramble on the short walk over to Tuck’s. I don’t even try to add to her conversation and block most of it since the size and power of Lane’s cock holds none of my interest.

Several vehicles already swarm Tuck’s small house, but I don’t see his truck, so I grab my phone.

Me: Where are you, lover?

Tuck: Running a few behind. Had to talk with coach.

Me: Everything okay?

Tuck: Couldn’t be better.

Me: Okay, walking in.

The small gathering is more a frat party on steroids with bodies everywhere. Tuck is going to shit when he see all the people. I spot Noah standing in the kitchen with a herd of girls swarming him. He could have his pick out of the whole freaking university, but I’ve never seen him with anyone.

“I need a drink,” I mouth to him over the heads of the girls.

He pushes up off the counter and stretches out his full glass to me. I take it and begin drinking it without a second thought. What I wouldn’t give for just a quiet night at home with Tuck. Well, it wouldn’t be quiet, but we’d be at home together, naked in bed, sweaty, and satisfied. That’s it, I talked myself into it, and I’m jumping the man as soon as he walks in that front door.

I find a place on the edge of the couch near some of Tuck’s teammates and sit watching the people moving about the house. Soon the living room is full, the front door is left open, and people start spilling outside. The fresh, cool breeze is welcoming, whirling around in the living room. Noah passed by once and handed me a new beverage. I’d expected Tuck way before this, and have checked my phone several times.