If I marry him, I’ll get protection and money, right?
Dean Tahg holds the door open for me to the main building. Then to the office. Then to his actual office.
“Please, sit,” he says to me.
I slowly sit down.
He walks around the desk.
“Do you want something to drink?” Dean Tahg offers. “Water? Coffee? Soda?”
“Vodka?” I ask nervously.
He frowns and sits down.
Guess that joke didn’t land…
“What do you think ofDSCso far, Jaci?”
Besides the fact that Archer wants to kill me? Or the fact that he’s trashed my guitar, pulled a knife on me more than once… or the fact that I’m hooking up with him and Cullen…
“It’s fine,” I say.
I swallow hard.
“It’s a tough adjustment, I’m sure,” he says. “Changes everywhere. The views are nice this time of year, right?”
Dean Tahg nods to one of the windows.
Through the thinly spaced blinds, I can see the bright colors of the autumn leaves.
“It’s beautiful here,” I say.
“Good,” Dean Tahg says. “So far you’re doing great with your classes.”
“I think so.”
“I know so,” Dean Tahg says.
He places his hand on a folder.
It’s my folder.
With my name on it.
Wait… which name?
I swallow hard again.
“Do you need anything from me?” Dean Tahg asks.
“I’m sorry?”
“I want to make sure this transition continues to be smooth, Jaci.DSCisn’t like most campuses. You know why you’re here. Everyone has a purpose here. There’s a lot to see, understand and take in. I wanted to take a moment and talk to you privately. To make sure your needs are being met.”
“I think I’m doing just fine,” I say with a smile.
I picture Cullen’s fingers between my legs.