Would You Rather: A College Romance (Campus Games Book 3)

Question number twenty-one

“How much did you get paid?”

“What was it like dating a celebrity?”

“Did you sleep with him?”

The questions just keep coming at me, one after another, and I can’t seem to dodge them fast enough. I’m surrounded by a bunch of people, all eager for answers that I don’t have.

I knew I should have stayed home today. Gabi warned me not to leave, but after I got the worst email of my life, there was no way I could just stay at home wallowing.

Just a few days ago, I was so happy. My parents, who I only talked to every few weeks, went from calling me every few days. I was so excited about the audition I had been waiting my entire life to get. I had a great day with my amazing friends, and I was about to meet up with my boyfriends.

Life was going so well, but I should have known it was too good to be true.

Because it all came tumbling down in a matter of hours.

After mine and Lucas’ prior fake relationship was publicly exposed, I’ve been made out to be a fame whore, sleeping with Lucas for money and fame when that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

My parents were distraught over the fact that I lied to them once again after trying to build the trust between us and my promising I’d tell them the truth.

The happiness I’d been feeling suddenly vanished when I saw the hurt in my parents’ eyes. I let them down by breaking the promise I made to be truthful after we’ve been working so hard to rebuild our trust.

And on top of everything, I lost the audition

We regret to inform you that you were not selected for the role in our production. In light of recent negative press surrounding your public image, we believe it’s best for the project’s image to explore other options.

Another rejection.

A single paragraph.

After years and years of auditions that led nowhere, I finally thought I had a shot, and now it’s out of my reach, and I have to start over once again.

“Is it true you hate each other?” Another question that makes my heart drop into the pit of my stomach.

“Okay, that’s enough.” I lift my head, seeing Connor push through the crowd as he heads toward me. His hand wraps around my wrist, and I suck in a breath when he pulls me away from the crowd. I forgot how it feels to have someone other than Lucas touch me. He drops his hand, and I rub at the skin, an unsettling feeling washing over me.

He shoots me a smile when we’re away from everyone else, and it does absolutely nothing for me. It wasn’t long ago that the mere idea of going out with him had me nervous, stumbling over my words. I had made a promise to myself not to get involved with another guy again, and I had kept it.

Until Lucas. That promise was crumbling piece by piece the minute the elevator doors shut. I just didn’t know at the time that it would lead to all of this. He was everything I never knew I wanted, and I fell head-first in love with him when I was trying my hardest not to. But I didn’t want to fight it. I just wanted him.

“Are you okay?” Connor asks, his eyes softening.

I haven’t talked to Connor in a long time. He’s been keeping his distance ever since Lucas claimed me as his at the frat party, and honestly, even back then, I was already losing interest in Connor. It was always Lucas. It still is.

“I’m okay,” I assure him, returning his smile. “Thank you.”

“People can be dicks,” he says, brushing his hair back. My eyes follow the movement, and it reminds me of when Lucas does it whenever he’s nervous. A pang of guilt hits my stomach, making me look to the side.

I’ve been avoiding him.

After I opened the article, I left and went home. Gabi knew something was wrong, but I didn’t tell her, I didn’t tell anyone. I just shut myself in my room, avoiding every one of his texts, every call, every knock on the door when he came over last night.

I just needed time. Time to figure this all out. Time to process that my dreams have crashed and burned.

“I’m sorry about what’s happening,” he says, his eyes narrowing. “But now you don’t have to lie anymore.” My brows furrow, and I wonder if the only reason why he’s here, talking to me, is because he also thinks that the relationship is fake and thinks he has a shot.

“Connor,” I start, shaking my head. He’s a nice guy, but he’s not at all who I want. He doesn’t make me feel safe or taken care of. He doesn’t make my heart race whenever he looks at me. He doesn’t give me goosebumps when he touches me. He’s not Lucas.

“Fuck.” He drops his head, letting out a sigh. “You’re about to turn me down, aren’t you?”

I shoot him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry.”

He shakes his head, his brows knitting together. “I don’t get it. If you’re not with him, then what’s stopping you?” I open my mouth to tell him the opposite, but he continues. “I know you liked me, or did I misread things?”

“No, you didn’t,” I admit with a sigh. “I did have a crush on you, but that was before Lucas entered my life. I’m with him now.”

“Come on. You don’t have to lie to me.”

My frown deepens. “I’m not lying.”

“Madi,” he says, narrowing his eyes at me. “I know you guys were never together. Everyone knows it was all a PR stunt to help save his dying career; you don’t need to defend him.”

My pulse starts to race at his words, and my body grows hot. “I’m not defending him,” I snap. “What you read was a lie. I’m dating Lucas.”

“That’s bullshit.” He shakes his head. “I heard him.”

“You…” I shake my head. Heard him? Heard him when? My eyes widen, staring back at him. He curses under his breath, wiping a hand down his face.

“I didn’t want you to find out like this,” he says, sighing.

“It was you?” I ask him, even though I already know the answer. He blows out a breath in response, and I let out a bitter laugh. “How?” I ask him. “How did you find out?”

“I had my suspicions,” he admits. “When he showed up at your apartment, he called you Madeline like he didn’t even know you.” He shakes his head. “And those pet names? It was clear he was only doing that to piss you off.”

I remember that day, his arm wrapped around my chair, his body an inch away from mine, all to make sure Connor knew I was taken.

“And then, at the party, I saw you with him again,” he says, his jaw clenching. “He seemed pissed to see me around you, so I thought I got it wrong, that maybe you guys were actually dating.” His eyes lift to mine, and he sighs. “But then I saw you guys arguing.”

My mind floods back to when Lucas and I were in the closet, arguing, and he told me to leave. I was so worked up I didn’t even think about the person I bumped into. But it was him. He had heard everything.

“You ran off, so I followed you, and I heard you two talk about the contract and how your relationship was fake,” he confirms. “I didn’t have enough proof though, so I uh…” His hand rubs the back of his neck. “I followed you around for a bit until I heard you talking to your friends.” A heavy sigh leaves him. “And I recorded you.”

I shake my head, taking a step back from him. “Why would you do that?” I ask him.

“I was trying to help you,” he says, stepping closer to me. “It was obvious you didn’t want to be with him, and I thought you were being forced to do it.”

“I signed an NDA,” I cut him off, stepping back from him even more. “If anyone ever found out, I’d have to pay. A lot. The only thing you did was invade my privacy and make me broke.”

“Fuck.” He blanches, shaking his head. “I didn’t know. I thought—”

He reaches for me, but before he can touch me, I flinch, stepping away from him. “Don’t touch me,” I tell him. “I can’t believe this.” How did I not see him? How long was he following me around?

“Madi.” He steps closer again, reaching for me.

“She told you not to touch her.”

I freeze at the sound of Lucas’ voice, and Connor does, too, glancing behind me. He slowly steps away from me, and I turn to face Lucas.

My heart races at the sight of him, but his eyes are locked on Connor, his jaw clenched, as he steps forward. “I knew you wanted her,” he tells her. “Even way back then, I could always see your eyes on her, and I knew she liked you too.” He shakes his head, stalking closer toward Connor. “But I didn’t give a shit. I took her for myself because I wanted her too.”

He towers over Connor, pushing him backward with two fingers. “I should have known you wouldn’t have stopped. I thought I made it perfectly clear that she was mine, but you didn’t care.”

Connor blanches, stepping backwards. “I thought—”

“I know what you thought,” Lucas interrupts. “You thought that the only thing between us was that contract. She was always mine, even with the contract, but now?” He shakes his head. “You might have gotten a huge chunk of change for exposing us, but you’ll never get her.” He points at me, his eyes still on Connor. “Because you’re dead wrong if you think what I feel for that girl has anything to do with a stupid piece of paper.”

“Listen, man. I didn’t—”

“Get the fuck out of here,” Lucas snaps. “You’ve done enough damage, and you better stay the fuck away from my girl. If I hear you’ve been following her or talking to her, I will snap your fucking legs.” His eyes narrow, and he dips his head closer to Connor. “I don’t give a fuck what happens to me or my career because of it because it would be so fucking worth it.”

Connor’s jaw clenches, and his eyes slide to mine before he turns around and leaves. Lucas lets out a breath and turns to face me, his eyes scanning my face.

“What are you doing here?” I ask him.

“I came to talk to my girlfriend face to face since she’s been avoiding my texts.” His tone is accusatory, and I press my lips together, staring up at him. I should have known he wouldn’t have stopped until he talked to me. “What the hell are you thinking coming here?” he asks. “I told you to stay home.”

His eyes narrow, knowing I read his texts, I just didn’t answer them. I cross my arms, looking to my side. “I couldn’t stay at home.”

“Why not?” he asks, taking a step closer to me. “Afraid I’d come see you again?” I can feel his body heat and my lips part, letting out a breath from how close he is to me. “Question number twenty.” My breath hitches as he narrows his eyes on me. “Why are you avoiding me, Madeline?”

“Don’t.”

“Answer the question,” he demands.

I shake my head, squeezing my eyes closed. “You warned me,” I remind him. “You told me I would have to deal with this, with hate comments and lies being spread about me, and I didn’t listen.” I drop my head, a strained laugh leaving my lips. “I guess what they’re saying about me is true after all.”

He grunts, lifting my chin to look up at him. “I told you not to read those damn comments. Don’t you dare listen to them. They don’t know us, and they don’t know everything that happened between us.”

I shake my head, my eyes brimming with tears. I drop my head, backing away from him. “I should have never signed that stupid contract.” I squeeze my eyes closed, a rush of the past twenty-four hours flooding my mind. “This was a mistake,” I whisper.

I feel him flinch, and I instinctively look up at him to see a frown on his lips. The silence between us is deafening as he processes my words. “Tell me you don’t mean that.” When I don’t reply, his eyebrows tug together. “A mistake?” he repeats, hurt spread across his face. Taking a step toward me, he shakes his head. “No. A mistake was me taking for granted how happy I was, thinking something wouldn’t bite us in the ass. A mistake was me assuming your little crush would just back off and let you go. But we were never a mistake.”

“Lucas—”

He clutches my face while he wipes away the tears spilling down my eyes. “Question number twenty-one,” he whispers, staring down at me with anguish. “Do you love me?”

My eyes widen as I look up at him. “What?”

“Say it. Tell me you don’t love me,” he challenges, his eyes locked on mine. “You’ve been ignoring me, and even now, you’re acting like everything that happened between us meant nothing to you. So if you want to be done with me, at least tell me that.” A shaky breath leaves his lips, and his eyes narrow. “Say it, and I’ll leave. Just tell me you don’t love me.”

I shake my head. “I…” My words get caught in my throat. How can he ask that of me? How does he think I don’t love him when he’s the only person I allow to touch me, to kiss me?

“Lie to me,” he urges, rubbing his thumb over my cheek. “Break my heart, Madeline. Come on.”

I shake my head, tears streaming down my face.

“You can’t, can you?” he asks. I tilt my head up, staring into his eyes. “Because you love me,” he finishes, his frown deepening. I let out a breath, not daring to reply. “Just like I love you.”

My breath gets caught in my lungs at his words, and I force myself to let out a heavy breath. “I’m not weak,” I tell him, my brows furrowing. I step back, and my hand lifts, wiping away the rogue tears. What is it about him that makes it so easy to let go? I never used to cry. I didn’t need a guy to make me happy. I had no interest in one. Until him.

“You’re so strong,” he agrees, nodding.

My breaths come faster, heavier. “I don’t need you. I don’t need a guy. I can take care of myself.”

“I know,” he assures, nodding. I see the hurt in his eyes, but he continues. “And I don’t ever want to hold you back, but I need you. So much.” His hand curls at the nape of my neck, and he leans forward, dropping his forehead on mine. “I want to marry you someday,” he blurts out, making my heart stop. “So you need to tell me why you’ve been avoiding me, so we can fix whatever the issue is because I’m not letting you go.” He pulls back, and his eyes lock on mine. “Tell me what I did, and I’ll get on my knees and beg for your forgiveness, but I’m not walking out of your life without a fight.”

My heart beats a mile a minute, and I glance up at him. “What?” I ask breathlessly.

“You heard me,” he says, the corner of his lips lifting slightly as his thumb rubs over my cheek. “I told you before, you’re it for me. So, hell yes, I want to marry you.” He leans down, pressing his lips to my forehead. “Just let me in, baby, please,” he whispers.

I melt into him, closing my eyes as tears fall down my face. I shake my head against his lips. “I lost the part in the audition.”

“Fuck,” he curses, pulling back and grabbing my face in his hands. “Because of what they’re saying about us?”

I nod, closing my eyes again when he pulls me into him. “I really thought this was my shot.”

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers. “I’m so fucking sorry, Mads.”

“It’s not your fault,” I tell him. “It’s mine. It’s all because of me. Your career’s ruined because of me.”

“Fuck my career,” he says, frowning. “That’s the last thing I care about right now. You know how miserable I’ve been thinking you were done with me?”

“I could never be done with you.”

“Then why were you avoiding me?” he asks. “Why did you say we were a mistake?”

“Because I ruined everything,” I admit. “If it weren’t for me running off on you at the party, then Connor would have never followed us. It’s because of me that Connor was in our business in the first place.”

He shakes his head, pulling me into him. “You ruined nothing, Madeline. That was all him and his selfish reasons.” His eyes lock with mine, and he smiles. “So you’re not done with me?”

I let out a laugh, my eyes blurry through the tears. “Not even close.”

“Good,” he says, smiling. “Because I meant what I said before,” he says, his thumb tracing my bottom lip. “I love you, princesa. I’m madly, irrevocably in love with you.”

I let out a sigh of relief, smiling up at him. “I love you too.”

His eyes widen in surprise. “Sweetest words I’ve ever heard,” he says with a grin. He grabs my face and pulls me into him, his lips pressing against mine. His lips move over mine as his hand curls behind my neck, moving my head to where he wants me.

His other hand grips my waist, holding me flush against him. His tongue swipes over my lips, and I open for him, letting out a breath of relief when his tongue slides against mine, and I relish the feeling of him in my arms.

“I need you,” I hum against his lips, wanting closer.

He pulls back with a smile on his face and smooths his thumb over my bottom lip. “You have me,” he says, his eyes locked on mine. “You’ll always have me.”