Almost Free (Whithall University Book 3)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  “Yeah. I was just wondering if I left my pink scarf in your car. I’ve got to go to class soon. I promised Becky I’d meet up with her to grab a coffee and don’t fancy freezing my arse off.”

  “I don’t know, but I’ll check. Did you want me to pick you up and take you?” he asks, pausing. “Wait, wasn’t Mark meant to be taking you tonight?”

  I sigh, watching a car go past, illuminating something in the alley across the street. I stand up straighter, dropping the curtain until only a small gap is left. I don’t see anything, and I begin to think my eyes are playing tricks on me.

  The situation with Darren, and having the killer on the loose, has got me suffering with paranoia. I’m not the only one, though. Everyone around town seems to be on edge.

  “You there?”

  “Sorry, um… Yeah, he said he would, but there’s no point. It’s only a five-minute walk and some chick at work dropped a weight on his foot. I don’t really want him out on it.”

  “I’ll be there in five.”

  “Wait!”

  “What?”

  “You’re hanging with your friends tonight. I don’t want you to leave them for me. I’ll be fine. I’ll keep my phone in hand.”

  His friends will end up hating me if he keeps blowing them off to spend time with me, and although I’m not ready to be around boisterous men, I don’t want him to give that part of his life up.

  “Em, I’ll be five minutes. I’d rather be spending the night with you than these losers, anyway. Plus, Tom has spent the past few hours texting some chick. I’m bored out of my mind.”

  I laugh. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure,” he tells me softly. “I’ll make sure Becky is there with you before I go anywhere. And I’ll be there to pick you up after class as scheduled.”

  I know he’s still worried about Darren cornering me, but I think his overprotective behaviour has to do with another girl showing up murdered. It’s all over the news, setting everyone in Whithall on edge.

  “Okay. Thank you. I’ll make it up to you all. I’ll buy you and your friends a crate of beer.”

  “Don’t you dare. If your gonna buy anyone beer, then it will be me. These fuckers don’t deserve them.”

  “Yeah, we do,” I hear shouted in the background.

  I laugh. “It’s rude not to share.”

  “They don’t fucking share with me,” he tells me, his voice high.

  “He’s lying,” is shouted.

  “Ignore him. He’s still learning to tie his shoelaces,” he tells me, before shuffling is all I hear. “Dickhead, I’m on the phone.” More shuffling. “Em, you still there?”

  I hide my amusement when I answer. “Yeah.”

  “I’ll be there in five. I’m leaving now.”

  “All right. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “See you soon.”

  *** *** ***

  Banner and I got stuck in traffic for fifteen minutes due to a water pipe bursting, so I was late to meet up with Becky.

  We didn’t have time to go over what we would do if Mr. Flint said something during class, as we were already running behind by a few minutes.

  Out of breath, we rush down the hall to our classroom. We slow down to a stop when we reach the door.

  Everyone is just taking their seats when I look inside, and I begin to relax, glad they haven’t started.

  “Speak to you after class,” Becky tells me, quickly taking a seat at her table.

  I walk to the back of the class, pulling my books out on the way.

  “Hey, Emma.”

  I look down at one of the lads in the class, shocked he knows my name. “Um, hi.”

  “How’s your day going?”

  I look to the back of the room where my table is, desperate to sit down before Mr. Flint sees me. “Good, thanks,” I tell him, stepping away.

  He glances at me, up and down, making me recoil. “Did you do anything special?”

  I pause, not wanting to be rude and ignore him. “N—”

  “Emma! Is there a reason you are holding my class up?”

  The lad speaking to me winces, but instead of explaining he was detaining me, he turns to the front of the class, acting like he can’t see me.

  “No. I’m sorry,” I mumble, but loud enough so he can hear me. I quickly take a seat.

  “Sorry? People here want to learn. I won’t tolerate your behaviour. If you can’t make it to class on time, then don’t come. And before you or anyone else get any ideas, this isn’t a place to pick up boys,” Mr. Flint snaps.

  My face burns with embarrassment. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” I tell him, not wanting to argue with him. Everyone’s attention is on me, and it takes a lot for me not to run out crying. I hate being centre of attention.

  “See that it doesn’t. And you can stay behind Friday after class.”

  “But I—” The sharp look he gives me has my mouth snapping shut and shrinking back into my seat.

  There is no way I can be alone with him. Not a chance in hell.

  “Not another word. I have a class to teach,” he hisses.

  My mouth drops open in shock, my gaze turning to Becky. She’s turned a little in her seat, so she’s half facing me.

  “What the fuck?” she mouths.

  I shrug, mouthing back, “I don’t know.”

  We both turn back to the front, not wanting to give him any more ammunition to yell at us.

  All through class I’m tense, waiting for him to come to me. Even as we near the end of the lesson, my anxiousness doesn’t let up, every muscle in my body aching.

  The clock reads nine-fifteen. I have five minutes left. I’m too busy staring at the clock to notice Mr. Flint step behind me. He must have gone around the side of the classroom, sneaking up on me, because he sure as hell didn’t come down the aisle I’m next to.

  I feel his hands grip the back of my chair, his knuckles touching me, and I freeze, my back ramrod straight. Remembering what Becky said to do, I slowly slide my phone out from between my legs and place it onto my lap. Picturing the buttons I memorised, I press record. I just hope it works, since I didn’t have chance to prepare.

  His breath hits my cheek when he bends down to talk to me. “Don’t even think about missing Friday’s lesson. The consequences will be greater than you can imagine if you do. You’ll take your punishment, Emma,” he bites out, his lips brushing across my cheek. I move away, ready to give him what for. I’m not about to let another male intimidate me.

  Before I have a chance to speak, he steps away, walking down the aisle to the front of the class. He stops next to Becky’s chair, looking down at her. I can’t see his expression from here, but whatever it is, it has Becky turning quickly in her chair.

  As soon as it’s time to leave, I pack up my books, rushing down the aisle before anyone else can stop me. I take Becky’s hand, not even stopping to check she has everything with her.

  I only slow down once I know we’re away from the classroom, slowing down to talk to her. “Did you see him?”

  She looks over her shoulder briefly to check if anyone is listening. “What were you daydreaming about?” she snaps. “I was trying to get your attention for five minutes to warn you he was sneaking up on you.”

  “You saw him?”

  She gives me an ‘are you kidding me’ look. “Um, yeah. He was watching you the whole time, too. He walked along the side wall and then along the back wall until he was standing behind you. You need to stay alert, Emma. Did you at least record it?”

  I ignore her reprimand, already knowing how stupid I was. “Let me check it worked.” I pull out my phone, frowning when I see it’s not recording. I go through my menu, clicking on videos, and growl. Then it dawns on me. I didn’t have it set up to be on record because we were late coming in. “Shit! I forgot to set my phone up to record,” I tell her.

  “We’ll figure something out.” She opens the door, letting me pass through. “What are you going to do about
Friday? He won’t be happy if I stay in the classroom. I can see him being a jerk and kicking me out.”

  I shrug as I wrap my coat around me. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, but he threatened me in there. He said not to think about missing Friday’s lesson, which is what I was thinking about.”

  “I think we should tell someone. I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

  “I don’t either, but we still need proof.”

  “I know,” she says, sighing. “What are we going to do?”

  “Are you okay with waiting outside the classroom for me? If he notices, I can say you’re my ride home. If that’s okay with you.”

  “Of course, I will. I’m not going to leave you alone with that tosser.”

  “Emma, wait up.” I turn around at the sound of the same voice that got me in trouble. I can’t help but narrow my eyes at him when he stops in front of us, pushing his hood off, looking sheepish. “I’m sorry about that back there. He can be a hard-arse. I didn’t mean to get you into trouble.”

  “It’s fine,” I tell him shortly, still annoyed.

  He gives me what I suppose he thinks is a sexy grin, but instead, it makes him look like a serial killer.

  “So, I was wondering if you wanted to grab a drink before class on Friday, maybe get something to eat?”

  I gape at him. I’m not sure whether I’m more surprised he had the nerve to ask me out after getting me into trouble, or the fact he’s asking me out at all. I’d feel flattered, but I’m too pissed at him.

  “She won’t be going anywhere with you,” Banner says, stepping up behind me. I relax against him, my lips tugging into a smile when he wraps his arms around my waist protectively.

  “Sorry, mate, didn’t know she had a boyfriend.”

  I don’t even know his name, yet he acts like he should know everything about me. I want to scoff, but I keep quiet, not wanting the two to get into a fight.

  “Now you do. Run along,” Banner orders, his tone hard—scary.

  He runs off like someone lit his arse on fire. I turn to Banner, grinning. “Thank you for rescuing me. How did you know I was going to turn him down?”

  He grins back, looking too sexy—it should be a sin. “I didn’t. I just didn’t want someone trying to steal my future wife.”

  I giggle, rolling my eyes at him. “Stop being silly. Either way, I’m grateful.”

  “Well, if this isn’t awkward…” Becky says. I realise then that Banner and I are standing close to each other—intimately close—both lost in our little bubble. She shuffles on her feet, looking anywhere but at us.

  I laugh as Banner chuckles. “Come on, you pair. I’ll give you a lift home, Becky. With a killer on the loose, you shouldn’t be out alone.”

  “Are you sure you can prise yourself away from Emma long enough to get in your car?”

  He winks at her before sighing dramatically. “It will be tough, Becky—real tough. But the quicker we drop you off, the quicker we’re alone,” he tells her.

  I flush at his suggestive comment but find myself not wanting to correct him—to let her think we’re together. She hasn’t asked me outright, so I’m not lying.

  “You, dawg. Just try to keep your eyes on the road,” Becky warns him. “I promised my mum I wouldn’t die before I was thirty.”

  “Thirty? But it’s okay after?” Banner asks, giving her a dry look. I have to admit, Becky is a little much, but it’s why I like her. You can never predict what she’s going to say next.

  “She’ll probably be gone before then,” she states bluntly, before giving him a dry look. “So, you gonna be okay?”

  “Always. Precious cargo and all that.”

  She looks at me, her eyebrows raised. “Is he always so charming?”

  I giggle, nodding. “Yep.”

  “Great!” she mutters, zipping her coat up.

  Banner wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. We’re nearing his car when I feel someone watching me once again. Discretely, so I don’t alert Banner and make him worry, I look around the car park. There’s a few people around, one getting into a taxi and another into a car waiting to pick them up, but I don’t feel like it was one of them watching me. I scan the area, concerned Darren is out there, probably hoping I’d be alone.

  I get frustrated when I don’t see anything.

  “You gonna get in?”

  I jump, glancing away from the dark to Banner’s concerned face. “Yeah.”

  He doesn’t need to know I keep feeling like someone is watching me, or that my teacher is making me uncomfortable. He’d want to protect me and probably end up doing something stupid.

  And if there is anyone I want to protect in my life, it’s him. I won’t let him risk his degree over me.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  I ignore Banner’s questioning stare as I walk around my bed and to my desk to pack my bag. I’ve been cranky the whole day, fearing and stressing about tonight’s class.

  Last night we went to bed early. Banner fell asleep next to me within minutes, but after tossing and turning for four hours, I gave up and headed to the living room to finish the novel I’ve been working on. It gave me the escape I needed, and I managed to fall asleep for a few hours before I woke up to Mark leaving for work.

  “Are you okay?”

  With my hands on my hips, I spin around to face him. “I said I’m fine. I wish you’d stop asking,” I snap, instantly feeling bad. “I’m sorry. I’m tired. I couldn’t sleep last night.”

  His gaze softens. “I know. I heard you leave the room last night.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “I came to keep you company, but I saw you engrossed in your laptop.”

  I feel worse hearing that. I’ve been a bitch to him all day, moody and snappy. “I’m sorry.”

  “Is there something going on? Is Darren worrying you? If you want, I can talk to him again, tell him to leave you alone.”

  I walk over to him, crouching down and placing my hands on his thighs. I hate the sad expression on his face. “I’m fine. This isn’t about Darren. I’m sorry for being a bitch to you. I’ll tell you what’s bothering me later. Right now, I just need to find my book before I’m late.”

  I close my eyes when he runs a finger down my cheek. “I don’t care about you snapping at me; I’m a big boy. I’m worried about you. You’ve not been acting like yourself for a few days.” He glances away before staring deeply into my eyes. “Is it because I told that lad you were taken?”

  I suck in my bottom lip. I hate lying to him. But I can’t let him think it was because of the lad from class. “Banner, I don’t even know his name. There is no way I would go out with him. Plus, you said we were getting married,” I tease, before being serious. “I promise, after you pick me up, we can come back here, and I will tell you everything.”

  He cups my cheek, a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re the only one I’d marry,” he teases—well, I think he is anyway. “And I can wait. Just don’t shut me out again.”

  Breathlessly, I answer. “I won’t—I promise.”

  His eyes darken at the sound of my husky voice, and he leans forward. “You ready?” Levi asks, barging in.

  When I would have fallen on my arse, Banner catches my arms, helping me to my feet. I blush, stepping away as I grab my bag.

  “Yeah, I’m ready,” I tell Levi, before facing Banner. His face is a hard mask, glaring at Levi, but when he sees me, his expressions softens, and he smiles. “I’ll see you later?”

  “Yep. I’ll wait outside, ready for when you finish.”

  When I step out of the room, my stomach sinks, dread filling me. I glance over my shoulder, torn, something inside of me screaming at me to stay. I ignore it, shaking away the shiver running down my spine, and head out the door, not looking back again.

  *** *** ***

  If I thought life was going to give me a break, I was dead wrong. I prayed Mr. Flint wouldn’t be here all day, but my prayers went unanswered
when I found him leaning on his desk, looking at me smugly when I walked through the door.

  He’s passed me a few times during class, brushing his fingers along the back of my neck. I clutched the phone in my hand, wanting to call Banner to come get me. The only thing stopping me is wanting Mr. Flint fired. After Wednesday, I don’t think Becky and I are the only girls he’s harassed.

  We still have ten minutes before class is due to finish. When Mr. Flint walks down the aisle towards the front of the class, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. He clears his throat to get everyone’s attention, and I jump a little in my seat, feeling on edge when his gaze meets mine.

  “Since you’ve accomplished a lot tonight, I’ll let you guys go home early. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me. You can leave,” he says, dismissing the class.

  Thinking that means I’m off the hook, I grab my bag, sticking my phone in my pocket. I’m walking behind the others when Mr. Flint steps in front of me, blocking my path and giving me a smug smile. I look over his shoulder, seeing Becky looking worriedly at me just outside the door.

  He turns to see who I’m staring at, his eyes narrowing into slits, and I use the opportunity to press record on my phone. He walks over to the door, placing one hand on it. “Goodbye, Becky,” he says calmly, shutting it in her face.

  I watch her face pale through the tiny window in the door, feeling panic rise in my throat when she moves away. I pray she doesn’t go far, a sliver of fear worming its way through my veins when he turns to glare at me, his expression making me take a step back.

  “Were you thinking of leaving?”

  A flash of yellow passes the window, and I instantly relax. I straighten my spine defiantly as I answer him. “I thought I could go, since you were letting the class leave early.”

  “You thought wrong,” he bites out, stepping closer. “When I tell you to be somewhere, you be there.”

  Who the hell does he think he is?

  “Step away,” I warn him, holding my hand up, surprised it’s not shaking—like I am inside.

  He smirks eerily. “Do I make you nervous, Emma?”