Bound by Honour

9

Brent scoffed, his eyes narrowing on me. "Who the hell are you?"

"None of your business. Leave or I will call campus security," I said, taking out my phone from my pants pocket. Brent dared to chuckle, forgetting about Violet. I narrowed my eyes at him as he approached me, a psychotic sneer I'd known too well.

"You think you can scare me off?" Brent taunted, stepping closer until there was barely any space between us. His height and build were meant to intimidate me, but I held my ground.

"Try me," I replied, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding in my chest. I could feel Violet's fearful gaze on us, but I didn't dare look away from Brent.

"Maisie, please, don't," Violet's voice trembled, but I knew I couldn't back down now. "Brent, just go, I am staying with Maisie tonight."

"You heard her," I said firmly, keeping my phone ready. "Leave, or I'll make sure campus security knows exactly what you're doing here."

Brent's smirk faded, replaced with a glare. "You're going to regret this."

"Maybe, but not as much as you will if you lay another finger on her," I shot back. The tension was thick, and for a moment, I wondered if he'd actually do something. But then, with a final, hateful look, he turned and walked away.

As soon as he was out of sight, Violet collapsed into tears. I rushed to her side, pulling her into a comforting hug. "It's okay, he's gone now," I whispered, stroking her hair.

"I was so scared," she sobbed. "Thank you, Maisie."

"You don't have to thank me," I said softly, feeling a surge of protectiveness. "You deserve better than him. Come on, let's get you out of here."

+++

"Thank you so much, Maisie," Violet said, unshed tears shining in her eyes. Eden had prepared the guest room across from my bedroom and set out fresh clothes and toiletries, given that everything she owned was back at her shared apartment with Brent.

"It's no problem, really," I said, though I knew Jaime had been apprehensive about the situation. I shrugged, meeting her eyes for a moment. "I know this type of situation isn't easy, so if you want to talk, just know I'm here."

She nodded. "I appreciate it. Uh, do you want to do more studying? It will take my mind off of things." I nodded.

"I'll grab some drinks. Do you like strawberry peach lemonade? Eden made it from scratch." Violet nodded and I found my way to the kitchen.

Jaime and Cameron leaned on the railing of the deck, sharing a cigarette. "You can't let her bring home any more strays," my oldest brother said, his words firm but with a hint of amusement. "Her boyfriend, is he going to be trouble?"

"I don't know. Maisie said she threatened him. His parents, Wyatt and Jennifer Stratus, are influential people." Cameron must have researched them along with Brent.

"Great. Something else we need to worry about."

"Jaime, she's trying to help this woman."

"I know, I know."

"I know things are fucking chaotic right now, J, but we need to stay focused - we need to keep everyone safe."

I could hear their conversation from the kitchen, their voices carried by the night air through the open balcony door. I tried to focus on the textbook in front of me, but the words blurred as worry crept in. I knew Jaime and Cameron were just trying to protect me, but sometimes it felt like they didn't trust my judgment.