Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98000 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
And just like every time we see each other, one of us walks away, leaving the other standing there, wondering what the fuck is happening.
And I fucking like it, more than I can remember liking anything in a long time, maybe ever.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dean
I stare at my phone in disbelief when it shows Aislin calling me. What happened to texting? Do people actually talk on the phone anymore? I thought that was reserved for bill collectors and spam calls.
“What?” I say instead of hello.
Aislin chuckles. “God, I swear you remind me of my brother sometimes.”
“Well, that’s definitely not a compliment.”
My response earns another laugh from her. “He’s not so bad. Life hasn’t always been the easiest for us.”
My teeth practically break because of how tightly I tense my jaw. Being the prince and princess of a Mafia boss must have been so hard for them. They have their parents, family, money, and we had nothing. And now, I’m becoming friends with her and let Tiernan make me come. My nails press into my palm, but even the biting pain can’t distract me from those thoughts.
“Dean, did you hear me?” she asks, making me realize she’s been speaking. I haven’t heard a word.
“Sorry. Doing homework. What did you say?”
“I’m meeting Will tonight—that guy I showed you a photo of? We’re going to the Bar, and I wanted to see if you would go too. Your drinks will go on my tab, and hell, you don’t even have to hang out with me, but better safe than sorry the first time you go out with someone, ya know?”
It’s a good lesson for everyone to follow, but I have a feeling that’s something she’s learned because of her family’s lifestyle. And also because Tiernan would probably lose his shit if she went without protection.
“How are you getting into the bar?”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Is twenty-one not the age to drink alcohol is Massachusetts?” Plus, I don’t have a fake ID.
“Ha-ha, funny guy. Yeah, but as I said, it won’t be an issue. I promise. This is a college town.” She uses that as an excuse, but it all probably leads back to the O’Sheas and their power.
And though going to the bar is the last thing I want to do tonight, she’s right. It’s not safe to meet some random guy in a bar. “Yeah, I’ll go. What’s the name of the place?”
“The Bar,” she reiterates.
“Creative.”
“It works. How about we meet at nine by the library and I’ll order us a car?”
“Sounds good.”
“Man of few words.”
What she doesn’t get is that I’ve been speaking to her, hell, speaking at Ashford in general, more than I usually do. Wild that for the first time in my life, I have what could almost be considered a friend—something Mom always wanted—only it’s Aislin O’Shea.
“See you tonight.” I end the call before she can say anything else.
I do have schoolwork to do, so I sit on my bed, back against the wall, and get it done. I’m just finishing up when Ollie comes in with a pizza box in his hand.
“Hey. You hungry?” He grins.
I am. I haven’t eaten since this morning. Even though it was outside that I saw him, I’ve been avoiding the café since my run-in with Tiernan a couple of days ago. He and his crew end up in the café often, and I haven’t figured out how to approach him next time. The incident at the picnic table wasn’t it. And eating three meals a day at the café isn’t in my budget either.
Still, I tell Ollie, “I’m good.”
“Eat a slice of pizza, Dean.” He sets it on his desk. “We’re roommates. This year will go much better if we’re chill with each other.”
“I’m chill with you.”
“Yeah, but you hardly talk to me either.”
He pulls out paper plates from the cabinet. I take the one he passes to me, then grab two slices.
“Where did you say you’re from?” he asks.
“Arizona.”
“And your major is computer science?”
Jesus, is this an inquisition or what? “Yep.” But then because I’m supposed to be trying to get better at this, I ask, “You?”
“Pre-law.”
He rambles on, and I listen, engaging only as much as I have to.
“Thanks for this.” The trash can makes a squeaking noise when I step on the pedal to open it, tossing my trash inside. “I need to take a shower.”
Ollie nods, already at his desk, digging into his schoolbooks.
Clothes in hand, I lock the bathroom door behind me and turn the shower on. The water doesn’t help wash away my anger and worry about…well, everything. Strangely, I feel more like shit when I get out, but still, I get dressed to go hang out with Aislin.
She’s waiting outside the library when I arrive, wearing a short black skirt, a red sparkly top, and heels.
“Hot.” I give her a grin, and she responds with a playful curtsy.