Elite (Eagle Elite #1)(23)

“What, you have a magical trash can that cleans clothes?”

“Nope. You can’t wear those again. They’re ruined and there are rules here. You can’t just wear a ruined uniform.”

“I hate the stupid rules!” I stomped over to the trash can and tried to free my clothes. “This uniform is all I have!”

Nixon pried the death grip I had on my clothes and dragged me over to the couch. “Sit.”

“But—”

“Sit.” It wasn’t a question, it was a command. I stuck out my tongue. He licked his lips and smiled. “You thirsty?”

Deep breaths. “No.”

“Hungry?”

My stomach growled. Damn traitor!

“That’s what I thought.”

I refused to turn around even when I heard him messing around in what was probably the kitchen. A few curses and slamming of pots and pans and he returned.

With a cow.

Okay, not a real cow. A dead one, in the shape of a hamburger and fries. My mouth watered and sadly I felt tears prick in my eyes. “Thank you.”

I was officially the lame homeless lady who had no money, no food, and cried when people offered her meat. Sigh.

“You need to eat more.” He cursed.

Just then the doors opened. Chase strolled in with a garment bag, followed by Monroe, Tex, and Phoenix. Welcome all to the room of humiliation!

“Are you okay?” Monroe ran to my side and hugged me.

My mouth was full so I just nodded.

“I made her half a cow.” Nixon laughed. “I’m sure she’s in meat lover’s heaven right now.”

“Aww, you killed a cow for her?” Monroe sighed happily.

“Good God, people, he put frozen meat in the microwave and pressed defrost,” Chase muttered. “Is this all you needed fearless leader?” He held out the garment bag.

Nixon nodded. “Right sizes?”

“Yup.”

“Good,” Nixon clipped.” Just put the bag over there, and we’ll take it over once classes are out.”

Chase’s face was stern as he did what Nixon said, but his jaw flexed as if he wanted to say more but was held back.

Phoenix kept looking at me funny as if I was going to launch my person on him and beat the living daylights out of him, which I kind of wanted to do, all things considered, but I felt kind of powerless against him.

Tex sat between me and Monroe and put his arm around her. “So, what are we doing this weekend?”

“We…” Monroe ducked under his arm and placed it back on his knee. “Are doing nothing. I’m going to be a good friend and hang out with my roommate who was brutally assaulted by the stupid *s that go to our school.”

Tex pouted. “Nixon, can’t you just order a hit on the ones that started it so I can have some alone time with your sister?”

I laughed. “Order a hit? You guys talk like he’s mafia or something.”

The room fell silent and then everyone burst out laughing.

But it was the kind of nervous laughter that happens when nobody knows what else to do.

Freaky.

I finished the burger while Monroe and Tex argued over what to do with me where I wouldn’t get into trouble or cause myself physical harm. Finally I couldn’t take it anymore.

“Guys! Just go hang out. I was going to go to the store anyways.”

“No!” everyone said in unison.

“Is the store dangerous or something?”

Monroe shrugged. “No, it’s just not smart. I mean you shouldn’t leave campus by yourself. Besides, you need a car. You don’t have a car.”

No, but I had a bit of money stashed away. “I’ll take a cab.”

Monroe looked horrified. “A cab?”

Tex burst out laughing. “Do those still exist?”

Nixon flipped off the TV gaining everyone’s attention.

“So…” Chase asked, thrusting his hands in his pockets. “What will it be Nixon?”

He eyed me briefly before answering. “I guess we’re all going shopping.”

“But—” Monroe started and Nixon gave her a warning glare.

“We’ll take security.” He shrugged.

“But last time—”

“—I said…” Nixon’s nostrils flared. “We’ll take security.”





Chapter Eleven


After the last class ended for the afternoon, Monroe walked me back to the dorm. It was safe to say my messenger bag was completely destroyed. Grumpy, I threw it on the floor and grabbed the box that Grandma had given me. I hadn’t looked past the framed picture since that night, but I did stuff that wad of cash underneath a whole bunch of stuff in the box in order to keep it safe.

I hoped Grandpa wouldn’t be too upset that I was using the emergency fund for food and a new bag.

At least Nixon had gotten me a new uniform. Correction, he had bought me three. Each outfit had a different sweater underneath, one was red, the next gray, and the final one was blue. Typical.

That was the errand he had Chase run, and honestly I was super thankful. The last thing I wanted to do was buy a new uniform that cost more than my book bag.

“Ready?” Monroe asked from her side of the room. She’d been eerily quiet since the whole “We’ll bring security this time” talk. Maybe she didn’t get out much? Or maybe Chicago really was as scary as I thought it was.