#Nerd (Hashtag #1)

by Cambria Hebert

  “He sat on you?” I repeated. Anger so calm rose up in me that if I’d been thinking straight, I would have been scared.

  She nodded. “He told me to ask you about initiation. About rush. About why you’re really with me.”

  What. The. Fuck.

  It was all almost too much to process at once. I went from thinking she was the victim of some stupid prank to realizing she was targeted and basically attacked. She was clearly beyond scared, and now she was looking at me like she didn’t know me at all.

  “Why would he say that?” she asked, her voice small.

  Because he wanted to get to me. To take something he knew I wanted. I would bet my Hellcat it was Zach behind that mask tonight. “I don’t know.” I lied as a new kind of fear came over me.

  I still hadn’t told her about the initiation and that she was the chosen girl for me to get into bed. After she told me about losing her virginity, after everything she’d been through that made her who she was, I couldn’t. I was afraid. Afraid the truth would cost me. Afraid she would realize I was no better than the guy who stole her virginity.

  I knew I had to tell her.

  I wanted to wait for initiation to pass so I could prove to her that she wasn’t just some dare. I figured once she saw I wasn’t a member of Omega, she would believe me.

  Induction into the frat was tomorrow night.

  Zach beat me to the punch.

  “Romeo,” she said, pulling her knees into her chest and looking so small sitting there in the leather seat. “Was I some kind of initiation for Omega?”

  I closed my eyes. It was a direct question.

  “Remember when you told me a while ago that I could ask you anything and you would give it to me straight, even if the answer was something I wouldn’t like?”

  Oh, I remembered. I regretted those words right now.

  I opened my eyes and looked at her. “Yes,” I whispered.

  “Yes, you remember, or yes, I was some kind of initiation?”

  “Rimm—”

  “The truth,” she said, cutting me off.

  “Both.” I admitted.

  Her sharp intake of breath was like a knife to the heart. “So what was it?” Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion. It was the worst sound I’d ever heard. “Were you supposed to date me?”

  “It doesn’t matter because I dropped out of the frat,” I said.

  “What was it?” She pressed.

  My hand curled around the steering wheel and tightened. “To sleep with you.”

  Her body jerked like I slapped her.

  “You gotta understand. It was before I got to know you. I dropped out. I told them I wouldn’t do it.”

  “But you did.” Her voice was so quiet and calm it was chilling. “You did sleep with me.”

  “Not becau—”

  “You used me,” she whispered, pain filling her voice. “Did you laugh with your friends behind my back?” she accused. “Did you give them a play-by-play of everything we did? I shared part of myself with you I’ve never shared with anyone.”

  “I’m sorry.” It was the most pathetic thing to say, but I didn’t know what would make what I did okay.

  Nothing. Nothing would make this okay.

  “Please listen to me, Rimmel,” I said, reaching for her hand. She pulled away. “Please.”

  She just stared at me. I could see the unshed tears shimmering in her eyes.

  “I care about you. I dropped out of rush. You’re more important to me.”

  The silence stretched between us. And then she spoke.

  “I wish I could believe you.” She reached for the handle and pushed open the door.

  “Wait,” I said. She paused but didn’t turn back around. “I swear to God, everything I’ve ever said I feel about you is real. Please believe me.”

  Her shoulders slumped like she was carrying a weight so heavy it was crushing her. “I need time to think.”

  “I can give you that.” I promised, even though everything in me was shouting no.

  She slipped from the car and ran to the dorm. I sat there for a long time even after she went inside.

  I knew I should be angry. I should be full of rage at Zach and what he might have just cost me.

  But I couldn’t summon the anger.

  All I felt was pain.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Rimmel

  I cried myself to sleep that night.

  He hurt me.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Romeo

  She wouldn’t answer my calls.

  Two days without hearing her voice felt like an eternity.

  The hollow feeling in my chest was constant, but even so, the anger came. It lit me up from the inside out. Like fireworks exploding in a night sky. I asked around, called in favors. Rumor was it was Zach who attacked Rimmel, but rumors couldn’t be proved.

  But even if I couldn’t prove what he did, he still had to pay.

  I wasn’t just going to turn my cheek and let him hurt Rimmel and take shots at me.

  I’d told Coach I wasn’t going to handle the corrupt behavior soiling the name of his very own frat. I’d let it fall to the backburner because I’d been too caught up in Rimmel.

  But it was time to end this. It was time to show Zach I wasn’t to be fucked with.

  Using some of the friends I had in convenient places, I set a plan into motion.

  And then I went to the dean.

  He was all too willing to listen to the new information that had come to light. He was even extremely disappointed to learn of such stark disrespect coming from those he still considered his brothers.

  Not more than an hour later, I found myself on the doorstep of Omega, waiting to be let in.

  The shock that registered on Jack’s face when he opened the door made me smile smugly. “Can I come in?”

  “Members only,” he said with a sneer.

  I flattened my palm on the door and shoved, swinging it wide. It slammed against the wall, rattling the old window nearby.

  Footsteps sounded on the stairs as several members came rushing to see where the sound came from. They all stopped when they saw me.

  Zach appeared from the back of the house, and when our eyes locked, he smiled.

  I wanted to knock out his teeth so badly that I actually took a threatening step forward.

  “What are you doing here?” he spat. “Come to grovel for a place in the house? Sorry for what you gave up?”

  The fucking arrogance of this guy was unmatched. I stalked toward him and he slunk against the wall. I shoved myself up against him, pinning him with my hard chest.

  “How’s it feel to be pinned down and helpless?” I whispered.

  His eyes widened and he shook his head.

  “I know it was you,” I rumbled. “This is your payback.”

  “You can’t prove shit,” he tossed out, but his eyes held fear.

  “You’re right. I can’t prove you were the guy in the mask the other night. But I can prove something else.”

  Confusion filled his face and he curled his lip at me. I raised my fist, desperate to strike him, and the look wiped off his face. “Touch her again and it will make today look like a kindergarten field trip.”

  I shoved away from him, and he cowered once more into the wall. Members had gathered all around and were watching the unfolding scene in silence.

  I looked at the door, and right on time, the dean stepped through.

  “Zachary,” he said, his voice filled with authority.

  “Dean,” he said, straightening from the wall. “Romeo burst in here and threatened me.”

  “I didn’t hear any threats,” he said and addressed the crowd. “Did anyone else hear Romeo threaten your president?”

  No one said a word.

  Zach’s face turned red with anger.

  “I’m here today because of a recent tip that was brought to campus police,” Dean continued and then waved for someone outside. Two uniformed officers
stepped into the foyer.

  “What kind of tip?” Zach said. “I can assure you it’s a lie.”

  “Yes, well, I agree,” the dean said. “I mean, it’s utterly preposterous that the president of the most prestigious frat at Alpha U would steal something from me, an Omega alumni, of all people.”

  “Exactly,” Zach said, relaxing a little because he thought the dean believed him.

  “But I still have to follow up. Campus rules, you understand.”

  “Of course,” Zach said and waved him off. “Do what you need to do.”

  “Gentleman.” The dean motioned for the officers, and the guys on the stairs parted for them as they ascended.

  Zach sneered at me when they were gone, pushing off the wall and coming to stand in front of me. “You’re going to pay for this.”

  I smiled. It wasn’t a friendly display of teeth. “We’ll see.”

  It didn’t take long for the police and the dean to descend the stairs, looking solemn.

  “Dean,” Zach said and stepped forward. “I’m sorry to have wasted your time today.”

  The dean sighed and held out the nameplate that had come from his office. He nodded at the officer to his right, and he produced a pair of handcuffs.

  “You’re under arrest for theft of campus property,” he said as he slapped the metal around a very shocked Zach’s wrists.

  Zach exploded into a flurry of movement. He tried to knock the officer away all the while screaming that he’d been set up.

  “It was Romeo!” he roared, kicking and fighting. “He’s the one who did it!”

  The dean looked at him calmly. “How would you explain how my nameplate got into your room, in your closet, then?”

  Zach’s eyes bulged. “He must have put it there!” he screamed.

  “How would I have done that?” I asked calmly. “I don’t live here. I’m not an Omega. I don’t have access to this house.”

  Zach started screaming about a traitor in the house and betrayal and loyalty. I really didn’t know. I stopped listening as the cops hauled him away and shoved him in the back of the cop car.

  When he was gone, I faced the dean. “I’m sorry about this, sir. I hoped I wasn’t right.”

  “Yes. Me too. Thank you, Roman, for doing the right thing.”

  We shook hands and he left, closing the front door behind him.

  The stunned silence in the room was like music to my ears. But it didn’t last very long.

  Everyone started clapping.

  After a few moments, I held up my hand and the group quieted. “Omega used to be the best frat on this campus. It was exclusive and cool. Bring it back. The trash has been taken out.” I saw a bunch of people nodding in agreement.

  Trent was standing nearby, watching the unfolding scene.

  “I think a good place to start is with a new president. Someone who would actually bring a good rep to this house.”

  Everyone was listening so I pointed to Trent. “I know I’m not a member, but if I was, I would nominate Trent Mask. Who better to lead this frat into a new beginning but one of our own Wolves?”

  Trent looked surprised but quickly recovered and smiled. He stepped forward and held out his hand. I shook it. “I don’t think anyone would object to you being inducted into Omega,” he said.

  Everyone cheered.

  I smiled. “Thanks, but I think I’ll pass.”

  “I figured you’d say that.” He nodded.

  I said my good-byes and pounded a couple fists on my way out the door.

  It was a good day.

  Zach got his.

  Now all I needed was to get what was mine.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Rimmel

  Four days. I’d been existing for four days.

  Romeo called. He texted. He left messages. I ignored them all.

  I went to class. I hid in my dorm.

  I went back to not combing my hair and pants that made me trip every time I took a step.

  Ivy tried to cheer me up, she tried to talk to me, but I pushed her away too. I was beyond miserable. I just wanted him back.

  But I was scared. Scared to get hurt again. Scared to love someone so much that it gave them power over me.

  On the fourth day, Michelle called. She was worried I hadn’t been by. It wasn’t like me to just not show up. Instantly, I felt guilty. It wasn’t Murphy or any of the animals’ fault that I was a hot mess. I lied and told her I’d been sick. Then I promised I’d stop by later in the day.

  I’d been reluctant to go, but once I was standing on the sidewalk, looking at the familiar building, something inside me eased. Murphy would make me feel better. Murphy always made me feel better. I was going to owe him extra scratches to make up for not being here lately.

  I walked into the cat room, intent on seeing Murphy and just being with someone that didn’t have some hidden agenda. As soon as I walked in, some of the cats came to the door of their shelters and I stopped to scratch behind their ears.

  Tears pricked the backs of my eyes because sometimes it hurt to see all these innocent souls all caged up. Most of the time I was able to focus on the fact these cats had a dry, warm place to live with plenty of food to eat. And honestly, most of them never spent more than a month here before being adopted out into loving homes.

  Maybe that was why I felt so connected to Murphy. He never got adopted out. Once he got close, but they decided to bring home another cat. That’s how I felt.

  I’d been so close to having something with Romeo. Something real.

  Or so I thought.

  I went to the corner and leaned down to Murphy’s shelter, peering in. “Murphy,” I said softly.

  The cage was empty.

  He wasn’t curled in the back like always.

  I fell back onto my butt as I blinked and stared into the bare space. After a moment, I scrambled up and checked the other cages, thinking someone accidentally put him in the wrong one.

  He wasn’t anywhere in this room.

  Michelle walked in and smiled. “Hey, Rimmel. So glad to see you today.”

  “Where’s Murphy?” I said, not bothering with pleasantries.

  She frowned.

  The bottom of my stomach hollowed out and an ache began in my chest.

  “I thought you knew…” She trailed off when it became painfully obvious by the look on my face that I had no idea.

  “Murphy,” I said again.

  “He got adopted.”

  I swayed a little on my feet and reached out to steady myself against the wall.

  “Rimmel.” Michelle came forward.

  I held out my hand, palm out, to stop her. “When?”

  “Just the other day.” She seemed distressed.

  She should be. Someone should have told me. Someone should have said something. He was my cat.

  And now he was gone.

  “Rimmel, honey, I thought you knew when a good home found him, he would go. We couldn’t keep him here until you graduated.”

  I knew that. I did. It was logical.

  I wasn’t feeling very logical right now.

  Tears burned my eyes and my throat hurt from the effort to swallow. “I understand,” I said, my voice hoarse. I looked up at her. “He went to a good home?”

  “Oh yes, he did.”

  I nodded. “I just remembered something I have to do on campus. I can’t stay.” I didn’t wait for her to say anything. Once I was out in the main room by myself. I rushed toward the door and threw it open.

  The cold air wrapped around me, but I ignored it. For once, I didn’t feel its sting. Everything had been fine before. Life was good… It was steady.

  And then I met Romeo.

  I fell for his sparkling eyes and easy smile.

  I made a couple friends and I started to build a life, a life I wanted. A life I liked.

  And then it all changed. I let it all be ripped away.

  Yes, I still had Ivy and Missy, but if I were honest with myself, I woul
d admit I was afraid once they realized Romeo wasn’t coming back, they wouldn’t want to be my friend anymore.

  Romeo was gone.

  Murphy was gone.

  I leaned against the brick of the building and lowered my head until it almost touched my chest. Silent, fat tears dripped from my eyes and fell against my shirt.

  It hurt. It hurt more than I remembered it could, more than I ever thought it would. This wasn’t the first time I’d been used. At least this time I was older, wiser, and I had my life together. So why, why did it feel so much worse?

  Because I loved him.

  Because he hadn’t used me. Not really. Maybe at first he set out to, but then it changed. We both changed.

  And now we were both being punished.

  I cried harder, deep, low sobs ripping from my throat. I sagged against the building because I didn’t know where else to go.

  Familiar strong arms found their way around me and eased me away from the wall. I was pulled against a wide, solid chest that radiated warmth. I knew who it was. I would know the feel of him anywhere.

  I stiffened and my tears paused.

  He put his hand against the back of my head and tucked my face farther into his chest. Something broke inside me.

  I started crying again, harder this time, as my arms wound around his waist. He was the only one I could show how vulnerable I felt right now. He was the only one I wanted. He was the reason I was crying, but he was here. He’d come here because maybe he knew just how bad I hurt.

  I pulled back and his thumbs brushed the tears off my face. I sniffled and he tilted my head up, gripping it firmly between his palms.

  His sapphire eyes burned into mine.

  I saw.

  I saw he really did know. He knew exactly how I felt because it was mirrored back at me in his gaze.

  Still holding my face, he claimed my mouth. He kissed me slowly, keeping his lips firmly on mine. Emotion so intense swirled around us that more tears leaked from my eyes and mixed with our kiss.

  “Please,” he said, hoarse, his lips still against mine. “Just talk to me. Please.”

  I was too weak in that moment to tell him no. I nodded. He kissed me again before tucking me into his side and depositing me into his car parked at the curb.