“No. She pulled some strings and got Europe fitted into the tour schedule, so all is forgiven now.”

“That’s awesome!” I swallowed against the pain in my throat while trying to hide the anxiety I felt over having her leave. What if she never came back like they did? I shook it off and headed for the stairs, thinking to get a head start on my homework assignments. Bainbridge gave out syllabi with pre-planned assignments and readings to prepare us for college. This was pretty much my routine since I didn’t have a social life.

When I reached the landing I made a beeline for the shower, deciding to wash the day away first. After showering, I wrapped a towel around my body and headed for my room, flipping the light switch on as I entered. I immediately saw him lounging on my bed and felt my heart leap out of my chest. Thankfully, I didn’t scream or it would have alerted my aunt.

“Close the door,” he said. I tensed at the angry and predatory tone of his voice. As I shut the door, I couldn’t help but feel as if I was locking myself in with the devil himself. “Lock it.” The sound of the click as I turned the lock was deafening as it echoed throughout the room. “Come here.”

I faltered. I couldn’t get that close to Keiran with only a towel between us for protection. My gaze shifted around the room as I tried to think of a way out of this. I was hoping by now that he would have gotten over the cafeteria. I definitely didn't expect to find him in my room.

“There are no second chances with me, Monroe. We both know what will happen if I have to come get you.”

My feet carried me toward him while my mind was screaming and clawing the floor for the door. You can do this. Maybe he just wants to talk…yeah and bears don’t shit in the woods.

I stopped at the foot of the bed and tried not to think of what seeing him sprawled across my bed was doing to me. His dark hair and skin contrasted deeply with the pale yellow blankets on my bed. He also made my queen sized bed seem incredibly small. He slowly sat up straight and planted his booted feet on the carpet. The look he gave me next could almost be mistaken for seductive but I knew better.

“Closer,” he whispered and then gestured to the space between his legs. Breathing was nearly impossible now as I inched the rest of the way over, clutching my towel tighter around my body. He looked relaxed but I knew he was ready to pounce at any moment.

“Ho—how did you get in here?” I stumbled over my question when he drew his legs in forcing me to step closer within his legs.

“You have sixty seconds to tell me everything about Jesse Fitzgerald and what the fuck you were doing with him.”

He completely caught me off guard and I stuttered out, “I’m not sure what you mean…”

I was happy that my relationship with Jesse was something that Keiran would never be able to take away or taint because he was already gone. He also didn't have the right to question me about him or even sound…jealous. “He’s a friend.”

“Did you fuck him?”

“And if I had?”

“I would kill him—and you.”

The room grew silent as I searched for words, a reaction, something. Whatever I’d been expecting him to say, it wasn’t that. The angry possessiveness in his voice was unexpected along with the tingle I felt low in my belly. Not only that, but Keiran had just threatened my life again. Did he really hate me so much that he would actually kill me?

“We never did anything. We were friends. I’m entitled to have them.”

“Only for as long as I am willing to let you. I think you seem to forget who it is that controls you. I can fix that.”

“How exactly do you plan to fix it? You can’t control someone.” I was bluffing and I knew it. He did control me. He has for ten years but I wouldn’t let him see that he’d already won.

“Simple,” he shrugged. “You’re going to stop being friends with Willow.”

Complete and utter desolation spread through me like a wild fire. My temperature rose until I was on the verge of passing out again. I continued to back away until my back was against the wall, literally and figuratively. He rose from my bed and stalked after me like a predator would stalk its prey.

“But she’s my best friend. She’s all I have.”

“Precisely.”

“Why are you doing this?” I whispered in defeat. “I thought you wanted…”

“Oh I want and I will take…” He toyed with the corner of my towel and my trembling increased until I was visibly shaking. “This is only the beginning. I told you I would make you pay but it’s going to be slow. I want to take my time with you.”

Before I could say anything a knock sounded on the door, breaking us out of the moment. Keiran’s head turned towards the door before slowly turning back with a cold look on his face.

“Keiran, no, please don't,” I whispered in dismay. He would hurt my aunt if she interfered.

“Lake, are you okay? I thought I heard something.” I stared at Keiran, begging him with my eyes. .

“Get rid of her,” he ordered but didn't move from his position in front of me.

“Uh, yes, Aunt Carissa,” I called out, willing her away from the door. “I—I’m fine. The window blew the door shut.” I looked over at the window that was tightly shut. The white curtains looked undisturbed making me question how Keiran got into the house.

“Are you sure you’re okay, honey?”