“So that’s what this is about? You made a pass at her and she said no? That makes her like the other ninety-nine percent of the girls on campus, too smart for your dumb ass,” I quip with a genuine smile, loving that Elizabeth said no to the egotistical little shit.

“Whatever. Just trying to be a friend. Keep wasting your time if you want. I know you enjoy a challenge, but no way that frigid bitch is worth it.” His comment stops me dead in my tracks.

“Call her a bitch again and I’ll fucking end you.” There isn’t an ounce of humor in my voice. Rage fills my veins. I don’t know where it came from.

“Take it easy. Jesus, she’s just another Friday-night fuck,” he remarks.

Big mistake.

I cross the kitchen in a few long strides, grab a fistful of his shirt and shove him against the wall before it even registers to him what’s happening.

“She’s not just another anything to you. As far as you are concerned, she’s my girl. So, shut your fucking mouth or I’ll shut it for you,” I growl in his face.

“All right, Jacobs. I think he’s got it.” Drew puts his hand on my chest and pushes me away.

I give Monte a final shove, enjoying the sound of his head hitting the wall behind him. I grab the water and protein bar, wanting Monte to try to have the last word. He doesn’t. Guess the asshole isn’t so stupid after all.

I turn the corner back toward my room and almost knock Elizabeth over. I wrap her up in my arms, keeping her from falling. How long has she been standing there? Long enough. She’s in nothing but my T-shirt and her underwear.

“You putting on a show, Goose?” My voice is sharp from the tussle with Monte, causing her to cringe slightly. I tower over her, looking down into her wide brown eyes. I never noticed the light golden flecks in them before.

“I couldn’t find my clothes…” Her timid voice trails off as she tries to pull the shirt down to cover more of her milky thighs.

I’m pissed at Monte for being a dick. I’m pissed at her for causing drama in my life. And I’m pissed at myself for acting like some possessive boyfriend. But all that anger isn’t what’s making my heart race right now. It’s her tight little body pressing against mine. I’m not so angry anymore. Now I’m scared. Of her. Of what she does to me. How did I let her get so close so fast? I let her go and take a step back.

“Toothbrush?” she asks.