After Kiera Parker transfers to UConn her junior year of college after was offered an internship for a sports agency, senior Paige Bueckers and her have an instant connection.
(please skip this chapter if you don't feel comfortable)
Saturday September 14 12:34am
Paige POV
As I down the shot, the vodka burns its way down my throat, a quick hit of adrenaline chasing it. The guy with the deep voice doesn't get the hint. He slides into the seat beside me, leaning in too close. "Come on, just one drink? I swear I'm harmless," he insists, flashing a grin that sends a chill down my spine.
I glance back at my table, locking eyes with Kiera. Aubrey's teasing words about me linger in my mind, but I'm definitely not in the mood for this guy or his unwanted attention.
"Seriously, I'm good," I say, more firmly this time, putting some distance between us. "Have a good night."
Before I can get up, I feel a hand grip my arm—hard. "What the fuck," I say, yanking my arm back, but his grip tightens. "Don't you know what 'no' means?" "Live a little, Paige," he says, smirking like it's all a joke.
"Let go of me," I snap, trying to pull free, but his hand holds tight. I glance desperately back at the table. The others are on the dance floor now—everyone except Kiera, who's watching, concern etched on her face.
I don't want her anywhere near this guy.
"Come with me," he says, pulling me towards him. I plant my feet, tapping into all those hours in the gym. "No," I say louder, my voice breaking through the noise. I keep my eyes locked on Kiera's, pleading silently for her to stay away. I see the worry deepen in her eyes.
Suddenly, his grip loosens. He follows my gaze toward Kiera. "Oh, I see. Really not your type, huh?" His smug smile returns, infuriating me even more. "Listen," I say, barely containing my anger. "I'll go with you, but if you touch her, I'll put you on life support—and I'll be the one to unplug you."
His smile falters as I push him away from Kiera and follow him to the gender-neutral bathroom. My stomach churns as the door closes behind us. I'd rather be anywhere else. He grabs my arm again and drags me into a stall, using his weight to force me against the door.
He kisses me roughly, trying to shove his tongue into my mouth. "STOP!" I scream, but he grabs my shoulders, shoving me onto the toilet seat. He pulls down his pants, grabbing one of my hands and forcing it onto him. His other hand forces three of my fingers into his mouth.
And then, I hear it—the voice I both long for and dread.
"Paige? Are you in here?"
Kiera.
He clamps a hand over my mouth. Panic takes over. How did she find me?
A few minutes previously
Kiera POV
I watch from the table as Paige talks to one of the UConn football linebackers. His name escapes me, but Aria used to rave about him back when we were roommates.
Azzi leans over. "Hey, who's Paige talking to?" she asks, her eyes squinting in curiosity. "Isn't he on the football team?" Morgan chimes in, stealing a sip from my drink. "Looks familiar." "Don't be jealous, Kie," Azzi teases as she gets up to join the others on the dance floor. "She's very gay, remember?"
But jealousy isn't what I'm feeling. It's something worse—unease.
His grip on her arm tightens. Paige's face is strained, discomfort clear in her eyes.
"Where are they going?" I ask aloud, mostly to myself. "I dunno," Morgan shrugs. I rise to my feet, setting down my drink. "I'm gonna check on her."
As I push through the crowd and make my way to the gender-neutral bathroom, a cold knot forms in my stomach. I don't see them right away, but then I spot Paige's custom Tru Fru dunks beneath one of the stalls. My heart sinks when I see a pair of AF1s standing in front of her.
"Paige? Are you in here?" I call out, trying to keep my voice steady. Silence. I rush forward and kick open the stall door. The sight makes my blood boil. He's on top of her, his body pinning hers down. Without thinking, I grab his head and slam it against the toilet. Paige gets in a punch, and blood spills from his mouth.
"You crazy bitches," he spits, clutching his eye as he stumbles back. "Get the fuck out of here," I snarl. He doesn't need to be told twice, running like a coward, still holding his face.
I look towards Paige, usually vibrant blue eyes, but instead they are filled with water. She leans into me and gives me a hug. She puts her head on my shoulder and I run my hands through her blonde hair.
"Do you wanna get outta here?" I ask softly, still holding her. "I can call you an Uber to your apartment." She nods against me, her voice small when she finally speaks. "Can you not tell the girls? I'll explain later...just not right now." "Of course," I whisper. "It's between us."
She pulls away slowly, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. "Can you stay over tonight? I... I sleep better when you're there."
I nod. "Yeah, I'll text Ines and let her know we're leaving."
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me and p are going to her dorm we dont need a ride
Okok have fun
Not too much fun tho
"Come on, let's go," I tell Paige, gently squeezing her hand. She holds onto mine, guiding us both through the crowded club. I spot the Uber waiting by the curb and open the door for her.
"Thank you," Paige murmurs softly. "Of course. I care about you," I reply, the words heavy with sincerity.
We arrive at her apartment, and she opens the door. We kick off our shoes and head straight to her room. Paige lies down, resting her head on my chest. I start running my fingers through her hair, offering her some quiet comfort. For a while, neither of us speaks. The silence is thick but comforting, as if words would only make things harder. I feel a tear slip from her cheek, landing softly on my stomach. A sharp pang of worry hits me.
"Paige?" I whisper softly, but she doesn't respond. "I'm worried about you," I add gently, pausing my fingers in her hair.
"I'm okay," she says, her voice barely holding together. "Really, I'm fine. He didn't... nothing happened, so it's all okay," she insists, shifting away from me to lay her head on her pillow.
I sit up beside her, heart aching for her. "You don't have to be strong right now," I say, my voice soft. "What I saw wasn't nothing. You don't have to pretend it was."
Without a word, she slips out of bed and heads into the bathroom. The door clicks softly shut behind her. I hesitate for a moment before walking to the door and resting my forehead against it.
"You don't have to talk about it," I say quietly through the door. "We can just lie here in silence. I'll be right here whenever you're ready."
The minutes tick by, and it's nearly three in the morning. I slide down, leaning against the door, waiting for her to come out. But eventually, the exhaustion overtakes me, and I fall asleep there on her bedroom floor, pressed against the bathroom door, waiting for her.
