Sour Money

After I said those words, I walked out of there just as the lunch bell rang, signaling it was time to eat. I let out a deep sigh and made my way toward the cafeteria. My head felt heavy, my emotions even heavier. I grabbed a tray of food and sat down at an empty table, pulling out my laptop to get some work done while trying to distract myself from everything else.

I was so engrossed in my laptop that I didn't notice the table beside me filling up until I heard familiar voices echoing over the buzz of the cafeteria.

"Where's Vaughn?" a loud, impatient voice rang out—Thoven, no doubt.

"He's probably on his way," said one of the twins casually.

"Yeah, he said he had to do something at the library. He'll meet us here at lunch," the other twin added seamlessly.

Great. Just my luck. Of all the tables in this massive cafeteria, they had to choose the one right next to mine. Now, almost every eye in the room was focused on them. Not that they'd ever notice me—or care—but it still made me feel weirdly exposed.

"Why are you even looking for him?" Zeff asked, glancing sideways at Thoven.

The twins immediately shushed him. "He's been cranky all morning."

"Yeah, best not to talk to him unless you want your head bitten off," one of them muttered while stuffing a mouthful of food.

Zeff gave a nonchalant shrug, pulled out his headphones, and started eating like nothing around him mattered.

A few moments later, Paige arrived with his usual bored expression, sliding into the seat across from Zeff. The twins exchanged glances and then both turned their eyes to Paige.

"Does the red-haired girl—"

"Isn't that good?"

Yeah, the twins again. Always finishing each other's sentences like some hyperactive, synchronized act. They're way too chatty for their own good—especially compared to the rest of their group, who'd rather save their breath for making out in shadowy corners than actual conversations.

Gross. Seriously.

Paige barely reacted, but Zeff noticed him and pulled off his headphones.

"This one's sulking too," he said, nodding toward Paige. "Best not to poke the bear."

Cue the twins whispering loudly to each other again:

"Is it that time of the month for them?"

"Dunno. Weren't they both at the club last night?"

"Worst sex?"

"Maybe?"

Nope. Not playing the guessing game with those two. My brain was already fried and trying to decipher their ridiculous banter would only make it worse. And for the record, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. They were sitting right next to me, and I was multitasking—typing and eating. Not easy, by the way.

Eventually, the noise died down, and all eyes turned to the cafeteria entrance as Vaughn finally arrived. He walked over, calm as ever, and Thoven immediately handed him a folder filled with documents. Everyone at their table leaned in with curiosity—myself included. Even though I pretended not to, I was definitely listening. Zeke, per usual, just sat there, expression unreadable.

"I need more information about this girl," Thoven said as Vaughn began flipping through the papers.

"Is it even safe to talk about that here?" Zeff asked, eyes flicking around cautiously.

"KD?" Vaughn asked quietly, glancing at Thoven.

Everyone paused and turned toward him.

"Wait, why?" one of them asked.

"Didn't we agree to let her be?" another chimed in.

"I'm just intrigued, that's all," Thoven shrugged, brushing off their concern like it was dust on his shoulder.

"You already fucked her, and you don't fuck the same girl twice," Paige said bluntly, his tone neutral but piercing. Thoven turned to glare at him.

"I thought you didn't care about her," Thoven shot back.

"I'm just asking. I don't care about her—I'm just curious about your reason," Paige replied coolly, though his jaw tightened ever so slightly.

I felt my chest tighten. That stung. Did I mess things up so badly that he was done with me already? But he still seemed… affected. Right?

"I never said I fucked her," Thoven muttered, but his defensiveness gave him away.

One of the twins—definitely Curtis—picked up on the tension. He and his brother exchanged a look and then burst into laughter.

"Damn, Thoven got rejected!"

"She walked out on him. That's a solid 'fuck off,' right?"

"Haha, super classy!"

Their laughter made everyone in the cafeteria turn their heads. Whispers began, eyes darting between me and their table. Great. Just what I needed.

Thoven's face twisted for a moment, clearly irritated, but then he smirked to cover it up.

"You know, your prank isn't funny anymore. Like anyone would believe that," he said, taking the folder back and letting out a forced chuckle.

Everyone at that table knew the twins were telling the truth. And so did I. But Thoven had his reputation to uphold. Whatever. Let him lie.

I was over it. Done. Time to get out of there.

I stood up, brushing the crumbs from my hands and closing my laptop, when a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed my wrist.

I froze.

Vaughn.

His touch was gentle but firm, like he wanted to stop me but wasn't sure how. I looked at him, then around the room. Too many eyes. I think he understood the message because he let go immediately.

I turned away to leave, but caught something in my peripheral vision. Zeke. He was staring directly at me, his face completely unreadable. Something about his gaze made me take an unconscious step back.

A cold shiver crawled down my spine.

I need to get out of here.

Now.