SURPRISINGLY YOURS

Lies

Julia

We showered afterwards.

Neither one of us discussed the issue other than Jagger mentioning we wouldn't let it happen again.

That was a lie—oh my God.

I'd never had someone inside of me without a rubber and the connection I felt..

I guess it was silly, but feeling him, feeling me—it was personal.

Yes, the first time was, too, but now it was raw.

I felt seen...naked.

God, it felt so ridiculous—even with him lathering me with his hands. I finally felt more vulnerable, and then I felt dizzy.

"Sugar.."

"I'm alright," I sighed, "I just have to..I have to calm down.."

"I'm sorry and I am sorry about my father."

"Don't..you didn't—you didn't do anything."

I leaned up against the wall as he studied my face, probably making sure I wasn't lying.

Jagger

Well, it happened.

I came inside of someone—and it just had to be her.

I couldn't help myself. What a pathetic excuse.

She didn't seem to care or mind, even with the terrified expression spread across her face.

I knew I'd fucked up, but I knew she was on the pill.

We both KNEW that it wasn't a hundred percent safe, either.

"What's on your mind?"

"Taking you home."

"Don't you have parties and stuff to go to?"

"Not without you."

"Well, why don't you go to the parties and I can get some rest?"She offered, "I know how much those parties mean to you."

How much did they really mean to me?

"One time..."

She was so tired and didn't want to force anything on her, especially a party that she wasn't interested in.

"They can have fun without me."

"Go...to the party," she pleaded, "I would feel bad if you didn't."

We stepped out and dried off, dragging our clothes on and quickly exiting the showers with her giggling and me giving a nod to Cody and Moose.

"Well, alright," I said, "But only if I make sure you're safe and your sugars are good."

"And you?"

"I'll be fine."

"But,-"

"Moose is always there."

Julia

I didn't want to part ways with him,

He took such good care of me when we got back to my dorm—even staying for dinner, make sure I took my insulin, and tried to tuck me in.

"I want to study and watch Lord of the Rings."

"You mean you just want to read and watch Lord of the Rings," he mused.

I smiled, "And? War crimes, Hayes!"

"I'm going to ace it."

"Go," I waved him on, "Take your jacket before they think I took off with it."

"I want you to lock this door and don't open it for anyone."

A hesitant look spread across his face, "If Eric even comes into this building,-"

"He won't.."

I smiled and pretended I was too preoccupied with my show to watch him leave, but I wasn't too good at lying.

He stepped closer to me and kissed my cheek.

"I'll be here," he handed me the frat party information and looked around, so very hesitant to go, "If you,-"

"I promise I will call you," I said, "Go! Before Moose sends out a search party."

Jagger

I made sure Heather knew where she was.

Heather was going to the party with Moose, but I made sure Julia was wearing my jersey when I left.

God, I'd never felt such alpha vibes around a woman before—even the ones who weren't hurting me.

They kept telling me to go back—the voids.

They even walked with me all the way to the party.

I didn't see them much when I was with Julia.

That was different, but I accepted it with open arms.

Even when I had been with Sam, I never thought about her the way I thought about Julia.

Then again, Julia wasn't hurting me.

I felt my phone buzz and checked to see a picture of Julia smiling back at me.

"See? I'm OK.."

I was going to reply with something like maybe I should come back or just slip back in unexpectedly, but I decided against it.

There was no way I wanted to mess this up.

Whatever this was.

"I am happy to see you're finally smiling, but that bullshit your dad pulled was crazy," Moose said as we entered the party, "And Eric.."

"I don't know Eric's obsession with Julia, but I am sure he's getting paid to have it."

Heather nodded, "Of course he is. Dude is a dickhead and he's always made Julia's life a living hell."

Well, I wasn't going to.

I was going to ace those tests and keep her safe forever.

Even if that meant from a distance.

"You have people on her?"

Heather turned to me when Moose asked the question, "What is he talking about?"

I shrugged, "I have some guys watching her—just in case."

Heather frowned, "Eric isn't..he.."

"I don't trust Eric, but I especially don't trust my father or Justin."

"Maybe I should,-"

I shook my head, "Julia wants some alone time and that's what we're going to give her. I have guys the front entrance and back entrance to her dorm."

Heather smiled, "You've been hiding your true self, Jagger. I hated your guts just four days ago."

I smirked.

Score for me.