22. The Beginning Of The End

I try not to fall asleep as the professor blabbers on about something totally irrelevant. I pay way too much to have to hear him go on about what he's going to be doing during the break. I feel like yelling at him and telling him to shut the fuck up, but also that would probably get me kicked out of the class, and I don't want to have to repeat this subject.

Waking up this morning in a bed that wasn't my own was weird. I still can't believe I live in a sky rise on the upper east side. It feels unreal and as I was walking out to get the class, I couldn't help but notice the stares I was getting. I hardly look like I can afford a place to live, let alone a place like that. Leon was right when he said I need to dress the part. No one would ever believe I was his girlfriend looking the way I do. Regardless, it isn't any less insulting when he says it.

I glance at my phone. Only five more minutes of this and then I'm free for the rest of the afternoon. After Rory texted me earlier today, I couldn't help but bubble with excitement to tell her about everything that's happened. She won't believe that I'm now living in luxury. Plus I can't wait to hear everything that went down with her and the guys. I'm a little jealous of her.

Finally the class is dismissed and I have to try not to look like I'm glad it's over. I shove my stuff into my bag before speeding for the door and starting down the hall. It's not too busy at this time of day since no one ever wants to do afternoon classes, so I don't have to dodge many people to get out of the building. And once I am, I scramble towards the bus stop, hoping to get the 4:30 one. But my hopes are dwindled when I crash into someone.

They drop their book and phone, and I crouch down to help them pick their things up, but when I meet their eyes, I take a step backwards. "Holland," I breathe. "What are you doing here?"

He looks at me with that boyishly handsome look he carries. His glasses are slightly tipped over her nose and his hair is a mess of curls. "I'm going to class, what does it look like?" He asks playfully, gesturing to his book bag and laptop case in his hands.

I laugh awkwardly. "Of course, haha. That makes sense, we're on campus and you go to the same university." What the fuck am I saying and why am I rambling like a schoolgirl with a crush. It's embarrassing and I need to shut the hell up before I say something I'm going to regret.

"We should catch up again, I liked hanging out with you the other night." He suggests. Oh lord, why is he bringing this up? "Are you free tomorrow night?"

"Ummmm, yeah sure." I say. Idiot, absolute fool. Why would you agree to go on another date with the little brother of the man you are supposed to be fake dating for the foreseeable future? Will Leon tell him what's happening or will he pretend like he will be doing for everyone else. I don't want to have to lie to Holland, and I don't want him to think I don't like him, because I do. I like him much more than any of the other guys I've gone on dates with.

What is wrong with me?

"Awesome, I'll pick you up from yours? Six o'clock for real this time." He smiles. "I won't let my brother get in the way this time." If only he knew it was a little too late for that.

I nod my head and we say our goodbyes. Stupid, stupid, stupid. That means I'm going to have to avoid him at all costs in the apartment complex. I can't let him know I'm living just a floor below him.

Thankfully I manage to make the 4:30 bus and get to Rory's soon after. She's there waiting for me on the couch when I open the door and squeals as I enter. "Bitch, omg it's been forever."

"It's been a day," I remind her.

"Yeah, and that's too long!" We both laugh and I jump onto the couch, getting nice and comfy to listen to all the tea she has to offer.

"Okay, spill."

Rory gives me a sheepish look and her cheeks blush. "They asked me to move in with them."

"What?" I almost yell. I didn't think Rory was being serious when she'd mentioned earlier about moving in with them. I thought it was just something they said, men say things all the time. It doesn't mean they mean it or telling the truth. But now...They want her to move in with them?

"Don't do it." I say. "Look, I know you're caught up in this and everything but you only just met the guys and they could be some sketchy criminals for all you know. Sure they've got money and fancy cars, but do you know anything more than the business they run? It's been a week, give it more time. I'm not saying to tell them no, but—"

"I've already said yes, Bee." Rory looks at me with an expression I can't quite decipher. Is she being serious? She did not.

"Take it back then."

Now she looks at me like I'm crazy, but how could she think I'm the crazy one in this situation? I'm being completely reasonable, she needs to realise that moving in with two guys a week after you meet them is not normal. "I'm not going to take it back. I want to move in with them. They are the sweetest guys I've ever met and I don't think they would ever do anything to intentionally harm me. I thought you'd be happy for me." She says the last part sadly, which creates a pit inside me.

I don't ever want to be the reason for her sadness, but she has to reaslie this is madness. "Look, I think it's wonderful you found these guys and are happy, but you need to think about this more. You need to..." I don't know what else to say without repeating myself, but it seems no matter what I say, she's not going to listen to reason.

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. I wasn't asking for your approval. I just wanted you to be the first one to know." She stands from the couch and moves to go to her room. I stand to follow her and grab her arm but she snatches it away from me. "Let me be,"

I don't push her as she walks off, leaving my line of sight. How did this happen? Why did I have to open my mouth, why couldn't I just be happy for her? I didn't even get to tell her my good news.

I need to learn when to shut my mouth. It's always getting me into trouble.

I lie back on the couch, hoping my problems will drift away when my phone buzzes and I lift it to my face. It's a text from Leon telling me he has something he needs to speak to me about. I shoot a quick message telling him I'll be home at seven and we can talk then. As much as I want to ignore him, I don't want to stir any more trouble especially after what happened yesterday.

He messages back quickly saying he'll be round then.

Great, something to look forward to.

Another text comes in only a few seconds later, and I can tell from the message who it is immediately.

Unknown: I know what you took. And I'm coming to get it.

My heart catches in my throat. The last time I spoke to him, it was at the dinner with Holland when the paparazzi took my picture with Leon. When my life started spiralling downhill. He's obsessed with finding whatever he thinks I took, and I know he's not lying when he says he's coming for it. Which means I'm in a lot more trouble than I would've thought.

If he doesn't know where I am now, he sure as hell will when my relationship with Leon is announced to the public. And I know he won't be the only one looking for me.

No. And they won't stop until they have what they're looking for.

I need to hide it.

I need to hide.

I can't let them find me, because if they find me, then they'll find her and... I don't know if I could live with myself if they did anything to her.

And I won't go back to that hell hole. I won't go back to the life I did so much to get away from. From the life she did so much to get away from.

Perhaps this is the beginning of the end.