Andre by V. Vaughn Read Free Book Online Page B

not sure what I saw in the guy, because right now Eric kind of repulses me. As if I sent out a telepathic call for help, Andre appears by my side. He’s holding two beers, and I turn to take my drink. The cup is slippery with moisture in my hand. “Thanks.” I turn my back to Eric, and the beer is surprisingly cold when I take a sip. I drink more to quench my thirst.
    Someone comes up behind me to grind, and I turn around quickly to the intrusion. It’s Eric. Apparently my subtle hint to back off didn’t work. I hold up my hand and step back, which makes me bump up against Andre. He slides his arm around my waist, and it takes away my apprehension. He’s protecting me. I imagine Andre’s glaring when I see Eric scowl.
    Eric spits out, “You’re with the townie?”
    I’m horrified he would insult Andre to his face and say, “Yes,” as I place my hand on Andre’s and lean against my Nordic god’s massive chest.
    Eric asks, “What? Is this some kind of bad-boy fling or something for you while you wait for me?”
    Andre tenses but remains silent. But heat rises in me as I glare at Eric when I say, “You need to stop right there.”
    I begin to walk away and pull Andre with me when Eric yells, “He doesn’t belong here! I could get him kicked out!”
    Now I’m beyond furious, and I tug Andre through the crowd and out to the porch. When we get there, he stares at me as he waits for me to say something.
    Icy wind blows on my overheated skin, and I welcome it as I take deep breaths to calm down. I can’t believe Eric would not only judge someone he doesn’t even know, but say such awful things to his face. I say, “I’m so sorry. That guy is my lab teacher.” I shake my head. “I’m not sure what got into him. He was so inappropriate.”
    “Is he your boyfriend?” Andre’s stance with his feet slightly spread and arms across his chest reminds me of the first night he walked me home and waited for me to get inside. Is he getting all alpha on me?
    Only a few days ago, I thought of Eric as my future. But now the idea of kissing Eric makes my skin crawl. “What? No. Most definitely not.”
    “Good. Because you’re mine.”
    My jaw drops, and I sputter. “Did you... you just say I’m yours ?”
    Andre’s gaze is intense, and I swear his eyes have gone shifter on me. I’m sure of it when he lets out a low growl. “You are.”
    “Oh, no.” What is it with these guys? Did I step back to the caveman days? “I don’t belong to anyone.” I huff, and the porch shakes under my feet as I stomp back into the frat house. I push my way through people as if I’m in a roller derby. His?
    I think steam might be coming out of my ears when Eric steps in front of me and glares as he asks, “Have a fight with your boy toy?”
    I push at his chest, and his shirt is moist with sweat. “Get the hell out of my way.” Denim is rough on my hand when I try to scrape Eric’s dampness off my palm.
    Andre must have followed me, because Eric’s head tilts up as he stumbles back, and fear is in his eyes. I continue shoving my way through to get my coat. I’m so out of here.
    I find my coat in a pile and notice Andre’s jacket is under it. I grab it and toss it to him. I may be pissed off, but I’m not stupid enough to walk back to my dorm alone. Besides, if he thinks he owns me, then he’ll be happy to keep me safe.
    The door slams behind us when I lead us out the back way to avoid pushing through people again. The sudden drop in volume caresses my ears. My anger fades with each step, and my heavy footsteps make way to a normal stride. Andre matches me as we walk in silence. He begins to sing softly and does my part of our song along with his.
    “I didn’t know I was lost,
    You showed me the way.
    You told me to leave,
    You asked me to stay.”
    I’m not mad any longer, but I’m not amiable either, so I ignore him when he starts over and waits for me to sing my part. His? Who says stuff like that? I almost laugh