Chapter 5

H ow do people do this day in and day out? This is exactly why I joined the Marines straight out of high school. Studying and taking tests were not for me. Sure, I had to do some while in the military, but not to the extent that these college classes give. I swear, every other day is a pop quiz in at least one of the classes. I had no idea what they were talking about the majority of the time. Just as the Dean said, I got called on a couple of times to answer, but thankfully, the professors had emailed me the answers, so I didn't look like a complete idiot in the classrooms, ruining this farce. The last thing I or Illeana need is for students to question how I'm in these classes. The less attention I draw, the better. I was already getting enough looks for showing up toward the end of the semester. The official story is that I’m accepted on emergency status, pending passing the finals for this semester. So far, the other students have been buying it; I just need to keep selling it. I never have gone to these lengths for a case and I doubt I’ll ever do it again. Giant pain in my ass.

It's only been two weeks, and I'm over this. On day two, I was begging Emma to convince her husband, Trevor, to come take my place. Didn't work. By day four, Trevor took her phone and told me to stop texting his wife; she was busy spending quality time with their family. I didn't even have a chance to ask Knox before he sent me a text telling me to "suck it up, Buttercup," his words exactly. Sky even joined the thread with a well-placed text telling me to behave and not check out the girls. I reminded her they were all jailbait and that would not be happening. I may be a flirt, but even I have my limits. Talking to a college girl while I'm in my thirties? Nah, that'd be frowned upon. I like my women a little more mature than that. Plus it's not like this job gives me any real time to myself. Even when Illeana is in her room for the night, I'm watching the cameras and sorting through leads. So far, we still aren't sure where the threats are coming from, but thankfully there haven't been any new ones.

It only took a week for Illeana and me to fall into a routine. Her schedule was pretty packed with classes, and spent studying in the library or in the coffee shop with friends in her free time. Her go-to tended to be the library, which was much quieter than the coffee shop and had fewer people. I asked her one night when we left the library after ten why she was there instead of her room and she said she liked the atmosphere better, plus it was easier to study without her best friend interrupting her.

Friday night, walking back from the hockey game, a too-drunk student stumbled into Illeana and tried hanging all over her. Quickly, I was able to pull him off and send him on his way along with his equally drunk friends. Illeana is the only person who knew I pulled him off her, and the glare she sent me told me she was pissed. Her friends just laughed it off like it was a typical event and continued to enjoy the night. When we got back to the dorms, Illeana completely ignored me, slamming her door shut in my face, and even left her best friend outside to stare at me. That was awkward, but I played it off, asking Morgan what her friend's deal was since no one was supposed to know who I was or why I was here.

That first weekend, Illeana stayed in her dorm room. Not even leaving to get food. If the security camera in her dorm was anything to go by, she lived off ramen and Eggo waffles. Damn, I sound like a stalker just thinking about it. Thank god for pizza delivery though, because I was not prepared to be staying in like we did. To say I was losing my mind is an understatement. I never thought I'd look forward to a Monday the way I did last weekend.

Knowing that today is Friday, and I've now officially survived two weeks of watching Illeana, has me once again dreading the weekend. I can't take staying cooped up inside for another weekend. I'm a social person, not that anyone knows that here. This is utter torture. Illeana's last class ended three hours ago and my stomach is starting to grumble. Fuck! Pulling my phone from my jeans pocket, I decided to resort to begging.

Steel: Please tell me we are going out to eat tonight.

Princess: Awe is the poor baby hungry? You're good at ordering takeout. Maybe you should do that.

Steel: Is that a no? (Sad face emoji)

Princess: That's a no. I don't want to go out with you.

Steel: If I was asking you out, you'd know…

I watch her ... ... several times before they disappear and no text comes through.

"Damnit!" I sigh, tossing my phone down on the bed beside me. I'm convinced this woman is trying to kill me. Yup, that's it. She is. Picking up my phone again, I dial the local Chinese restaurant and place an order for delivery. I order more food than I could eat tonight, knowing it may need to get me through the weekend. They told me it would be thirty minutes, which means time to get comfy while I wait. Settling in, I turn the television on to play a movie I've seen a million times and place my hand behind my head to prop myself up to watch. Before I know it, I've fallen asleep.

Bolting awake, I jump up and off the bed, moving to my door to yank it open. Another bang and then laughter comes from my joint wall with Illeana's room. Narrowly missing my food delivery at the front of my door, I move into the hall and slam my hand on Illeana's dorm door.

"ILLEANA! Are you okay?!" I shout, knocking again. Hopefully, she can hear me over the music and laughter coming from her suite.

"What do you want, Steel?" she snarls as she opens the door. She's standing in front of me wearing an outfit to go out in. A short black leather skirt that barely covers anything and a silver handkerchief-style tank top. Her makeup is dark around her eyes, causing them to stand out, with her hair falling in waves around her face.

"Where are you going?" I demand, resting my forearm on the doorframe above me as I lean into her space. "You know the rules." I drop my voice low enough that no one will hear me but her. It's taking everything in me to not demand her to change her clothes. It's not my place, I know that, but something about her brings out a protective side of me. A side that I shouldn't be feeling at all, let alone didn't even know that I had.

"Out," she answers sternly, straightening her stance to stare me down. "I don't need your permission."

"No, you don't. But you do need me to escort you. Now, where are you going? Don't make me ask again," I demand sternly, taking a step into her space.

I watch her gulp before she places her hand against my chest and pushes me backward. Well, she attempts to, but I don't budge. "We're going out," she answers once more, not willing to give me more.

"We're going to Club Ohana," her roommate, Morgan, answers me with a smile. "Want to come?"

And that was the opening that I needed. "I'd love to join you all," I give her a megawatt smile. "Give me a few to grab a coat and I'll be ready to go. I'll drive." Spinning around, I walk back to my room before Illeana can say anything else. Grabbing my food, I put that in the fridge, leaving the two pork egg rolls out to eat on the go. I'm going to need some sort of sustenance for however long this night out is going to last. After, I grab my jacket and phone, then head back into the hall. The girls' door is shut once again, so I knock three times and wait. Leaning against the wall next to the door, I take out one of the egg rolls from the pack and take a bite. The food is almost cold but it'll do for now. Good thing I'm used to ignoring my hunger when needed. Thank you, Marines.

"You'll do." Morgan looks me up and down when the door opens.

"Good to know I have your approval," I smirk. "Where's the grumpy one?" I have no idea how much Illeana has told her. I hope nothing, but I doubt it. The two seem close and, according to her file, have been best friends since freshman year.

"She's grabbing a jacket and her purse," she answers, staring me down. "So, what's your deal? You like my girl?"

Better she think that then know the truth, I suppose. It'd be trouble liking Illeana, doesn't matter how beautiful she is. I don't necessarily want to admit to liking her, but I guess we don't have any cover story for this. "Something like that," I grumble, hoping she will leave it at that. I should have known better, though, I suppose.

"Hmm," she stares at me long and hard. "You're different from who I'd expect her to fall for. Good luck getting her on board with you. Also, don't break her heart, or I'll break you. Trust me, I know people."

"Good to know, but that won't happen. Steel," I greet her, holding out my hand. She seems a little feisty, which I suppose would be good to bring Illeana out of the shell she lives in. I wouldn't expect them to be friends, but it also makes sense in some ways. I also have no intention of breaking Illeana's heart, considering there is nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, between us.

"Morgan," she answers, taking my hand. Her grip is stronger than I expected. "Nice to meet you. Illeana!" she shouts, moving back into the dorm room. I guess she's had enough of waiting. "Get your ass moving. We are going to be late and you know I loathe being late. We won't get a good table, or even a table at all at this rate."

Not even a minute later, Illeana moves to the door now wearing a black leather jacket as she digs through a small purse, if you can even call it that, in her hand. "Have you seen my...," she trails off as she looks up and sees me standing in front of her. "Oh, hell no, Morgan! He is not coming with us." Her green eyes fill with fire as she stares me down. "We don't need a babysitter tonight," she seethes.

"It'll be fun. Just loosen up. Plus, he's driving so we don't need to take an Uber now," her friend answers sweetly as she grabs Illeana’s arm and pulls her out the door. She shuts the door and begins heading down the hall, leaving Illeana and me standing face to face. I know better than to speak up in this situation. Emma has given that very same look to Knox's sister Rachel, and when Trevor stepped in, she nearly bit his head off. I'm not going to waste my breath reminding Illeana why she can't go out without me. She knows the rules and what's at stake. Plus, her friend is making this work in my favor.

"Don't expect me to make this easy for you, and don't get in my way tonight," she hisses as she steps closer to me.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Princess," I answer before placing my hand on her back and guiding her down the hall. Morgan is already waiting at the elevators for us, not even bothering to see if we were right behind her. Illeana doesn't have time to say anything in response before the elevator dings, signaling its arrival.

I have a feeling this is about to become a very long night watching both of them. Thank god, Illeana is my only assignment. With the way she dressed tonight and the attitude she's tossing my way, she is going to be a handful.