Page 155 of Coveted

“Collateral damage? Is that what I am too?”

My phone sits heavy in my pocket like a talisman of hope.

I pray Lucan’s tracking me. Please, please be monitoring my whereabouts. The app would lead him straight to my phone.

Staring at the door, I will him to break it down. He would stop Worthington and enable his cousins to rest in peace.

But Lucan doesn’t come, because I pushed him away and made him promise to leave me alone.

Well, here I am, all alone.

If I could run, maybe I’d have enough time to call the police or campus security.

“You’re more than collateral damage,” says Worthington. “You remind me of Hannah. A pretty gem. A tempting sweet to sample.”

“And Chuck Fairchild?”

His lip curls at Chuck’s body. “He was always so pesky, getting chummy with the students. Anytime, anywhere, he told them. Meddlesome bastard. Hannah was distraught. She was on her way to the rowing sheds to tell Chuck everything.” Worthington smiles. “Thankfully, I caught up with her first. The whole business was quite thrilling, I have to say.”

“K-killing her?”

I can’t believe my ears. He’s worse than any animal.

“It makes one feel like a god.” His smile fades. “I thought I was home free, but with Parker’s death, Chuck started asking me too many pointed questions. Alas, he made the same mistake as Parker: seeking proof before making accusations that might ruin my life. Honorable, but ultimately fatal.”

“Lucan will find out who you are,” I say, anger bubbling in me.

How dare Worthington snuff out a young woman’s life to save his own disgusting neck?

And Parker too, for grieving his sister and wanting justice. Chuck, for supporting his students.

The professor’s laughter is cold and mean. “But Lucan hasn’t yet, has he? I hope he’s the one to find you though. His poor little pet, slain right here at Darkbloom on his watch.”

“You’re revolting.”

He continues like I didn’t speak. “It’s a genuine shame. You had such a bright future. All the really killable girls do.”

Dread hollows out my stomach.

I’m going to die here tonight unless I act fast. Even calling the police or campus security won’t be enough now. He’ll break my neck long before they arrive.

I need to stop Worthington myself.

He moves behind his desk to rummage in a drawer. Humming to himself, he pulls the drawer out further and pushes things around, as if he can’t find what he’s looking for.

My blood rushes like a river and my fingers twitch.

This is my opportunity.

Keeping my eyes on Worthington, I fumble in my pocket for my phone.

While he sifts through metal tools, apparently luxuriating over a choice, I tap the phone screen to light it up.

As I hoped, he notices.

His eyes burn into me like black tunnels. Like Russell’s when he was drunk and out to hurt someone.

With a pair of pliers in hand, Worthington rounds the desk. “You think you can outsmart me that easily? Silly little bitch. Who do you think you’re dealing with?”