Chapter 5

My increasing distance clearly bothered them. Or rather, it bothered Chloe, who then prompted them to act.

A few weeks after the tech expo, Liam and Noah cornered me after school.

"Ava, you've been so down lately," Liam said, his brow furrowed with that fake concern he did so well. "We're worried about you."

Noah nodded. "There's a huge frat party tonight. Pre-frosh welcome. You should come. It'll cheer you up."

"No, thanks," I said, trying to sidestep them. "I have plans." Studying, working on my real app, the one they wouldn't steal.

"C'mon, Ava," Liam wheedled, grabbing my arm. "Don't be like that. It'll be fun! Chloe's even going to be there."

Of course, she was.

They practically dragged me to Liam's SUV. I didn't fight too hard. Another opportunity to observe, to gather data.

The fraternity house was already thumping with music, bodies pressed tight. The air was thick with the smell of beer and cheap perfume.

Liam and Noah immediately started playing the role of my protective older brothers, steering me through the crowd, glaring at any guy who looked at me for more than a second.

It was performative and possessive. I felt like a show pony.

Then, Liam spotted her. "Hey, isn't that Chloe over there? By the makeshift bar?"

Sure enough, Chloe was there, dressed in a ridiculously short skirt and a tight top, expertly mixing drinks.

"What's she doing working?" Noah asked, surprised.

Chloe, when they reached her, put on a brave little face. "Oh, hey guys! Just trying to earn a little extra cash for college. You know, not all of us have trust funds." A pointed look at me.

Her family wasn't poor, not really, but she loved to play the struggling martyr. It made Liam and Noah feel even more protective.

Suddenly, a belligerent, obviously drunk partygoer – a guy I didn't recognize, older than most of the students – started aggressively harassing Chloe.

"Hey, gorgeous, pour me something strong. And how about your number with that?" He leered, grabbing her arm.

Liam and Noah exploded.

"Get your hands off her!" Liam roared, shoving the guy back.

Noah was right beside him, fists clenched. "You heard him! Back off!"

The guy, clearly spoiling for a fight, shoved Liam. "Make me, pretty boy."

Liam, a trained athlete, didn't hesitate. He decked the guy. Noah jumped in.

It became a full-blown brawl. People were shouting, scattering.

Amidst the chaos, Chloe clutched her chest, her eyes wide with feigned terror. "Oh my god, I... I can't breathe! I think I'm having a panic attack!"

She turned and fled out a side door.

Liam and Noah, after landing a few more punches on the now-subdued harasser, instantly forgot about the fight, forgot about me.

"Chloe!" Liam yelled, pushing through the crowd after her.

Noah followed, his face a mask of anxiety.

They abandoned me without a second thought.

Just as I expected.

The partygoer, the one Liam had punched, was getting to his feet, a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.

His eyes found mine.

A nasty smile spread across his face.

He started walking towards me, purposefully.

This wasn't random. This was planned.