McGuire Steel

Munro West

Francis Ellis

Colleen Kennedy

Shay Lee

Darrius Adams

Angel Hernandez-Estrada

Deidra George

Jeremy Davis

Natalia Steel

Zoe White

Stephanie James

Chapter 1

McGuire “Mickey” Steel leaned against the bright red wall in the Student Center Multipurpose room. She watched as everyone scurries around with pencils and papers, talking to each other as fast paced music filled the air. A young blonde girl who seemed to be hopped up on pixie sticks came running up toward her.

“Hi, I saw you standing over here alone and no one has come over to you yet. So I decided to introduce myself, I couldn’t help but notice how scary you look especially with that look on your face. You can’t be that bad. My name is Deidra George, I know, I know a white girl named Deidra. I love your hair it’s so curly and your skin looks like silk can I touch you?” The blonde girl was talking so fast that it made Mickey’s blood boil.

Mickey gritted her teeth and snarled.  She balled her hands into a fist ready to strike the plastic out of this Barbie. Suddenly thin arms encircle her waist sending a menacing look at Deidra who swallowed deeply. Mickey relaxes slightly into the embrace of familiar arm.

“We didn’t catch your name, Darlin’,” a sultry Southern voiced called out from the side of Mickey.

“I didn’t tell…tell you my name. I wasn’t talking to you,” Deidra said pretending to be confident but failing miserably.

“Well it seems like you are now,” the other girl spoke out now visibly restraining Mickey from taking another step forward.

Deidra felt surrounded and thought it best to make friends instead of enemies. She looked around at the three snarling beauties and thought to herself how drop dead gorgeous they would be if they smiled. She took a deep breath and held her hand painfully stiff and grinned.

“I’m sorry you’re right! My name is Deidra and I’m a transfer student from CSU and I was just so excited to meet her I forgot my manners.”

“How do you know her, Dei-dra,” the Southern Belle spoke again enunciating her name as if it were poison.

Deidra turned crimson at the inquiry made by the tall Amazon woman who looked ready to tear her apart. Deidra swallowed the tumultuous lump in her throat and blew out a breath.

“I love you,” Deidra blurted out before clamping her sweaty palm over her fast talking mouth. The three women in front of her look at her as though she has a warning label stamped to her forehead.

“Oh shit, um, this is awkward. I have followed your soccer career since your reign at Lincoln High School. You are amazing; there is no other forward as good as you. That’s kind of why I chose to transfer here, I’m the new goalie. I’m here to protect your interest,” Deidra explained sheepishly but held out her hand confidently.

Mickey stared at her hand unable to keep the smirk off her face. This girl had balls. She snorted and moved past her new teammate with her friends tailing behind her. Deidra hung her head and chuckled. Welcome to Miami.

With her hands delve deep into her pockets Mickey wheeled through the crowd with master precision. She hung in the back as her friends led her to the opposite end of the room. Mickey watched as her friends gabbed over the loud music clinging close to one another. She studied them for time being instead of her surrounding. They were both tall in stature but different all the same.

The woman who had wrapped her arms around her middle was her cousin Francis had pale beige skin with pouty lips, the body of a Victoria Secret model and long straight hair. Francis was the closest to her over any of her other family members, she was her rock.

The other giggling cohort was named Colleen the Southern Belle with the charm of a viper snake if crossed. A very pretty girl who could have been Miss America but her not being size 0 was the end of that. That didn’t stop her from being a full figured knock out.

Mickey hung back as the two girls intertwined arms and walked slightly ahead of her. She swallowed and exhaled deeply allowing the two girls to float past her. Mickey rubbed her hands against her jeans to stop the twinge of jealousy that rushed through her.

‘They should thank me, the two birds wouldn’t even know each other if it weren’t for me,’ she thought to herself pausing not taking a step further.

Finally noticing she wasn’t with them anymore, the two doubled back to be at her side. Colleen looked confused while Francis gave a worried yet knowing look. Mickey looked away because even though she was jealous the last thing she wanted was for her friends to pity her.

“If I need my shadows I’ll let you know next time before you come swooping in to save the day,” Mickey said nastily at the two girls.

“We were just trying to help,” Francis countered now wearing a matching confused expression just as Colleen.

“Help who? It looked like you were trying to embarrass me. If you want to help me then move, you two look like two overgrown tree trunks standing in front of me. Especially you Colleen,” Mickey snarled at the two girls. Colleen face iced up before she snorted and walked away. Francis rolled her eyes and followed suit. 

Mickey sighed as she watched them walk off relieved that they would no longer be in her space. She pushed her way through the crowd smirking at the various hellos and head nods thrown her way. Mickey finally settled on the steps leading up to the balcony. She took a seat and continued to survey the crowd, almost as if she was in search.

Her eyes landed on a gorgeous pair of ladies who were hugging Francis and Colleen and now headed to a group of guys.

Both girls were of medium height and thin builds but both ladies had equally striking faces. One of the girls she had to look at for the majority of her life and she still wasn’t use to it. Her sister Natalia resembled a floating object that attracted the eyes of everyone she passed. Her perfect light caramel complexion which seemed to be always perfectly flushed glowed especially bright tonight. Her long flowing hair was up in a bun showing off her long graceful neck.

The girl standing next to her sister almost equaled to Natalia in raw beauty but didn’t quite make the cut. Stephanie. Whenever Mickey even thought of the girl she wanted to vomit, she and Natalia barely fought but when they did it was over Stephanie.

She watched for a while longer occasionally throwing a venomous glare to the various men that had walked by.

Since her freshman year she had developed a bit of a reputation as a man eater. Guys and girls alike fantasized about what it would be like to have her leave them in ruin. She wasn’t a whore by any means but she knew how to bring men to their knees. Mickey was no stranger to completely discombobulating her partners if they dared to cross her status. She knew how to obliterate a person if need be. Mickey would do just that by any means necessary.

A girl walking down the stairs accidentally bumps into Mickey almost taking them both to the floor. Not before Mickey steadies the girl by holding on to her arm.

“Thank you,” the girl squeaks out happy to not have face planted on landing below. Mickey says nothing but smirks.

With force she releases the girl and watches as she slides down the last four steps face first. A grin now stretches across Mickey’s face.

“Oops, butterfingers,” Mickey says nonchalantly as the now red faced girl picks herself off the floor.

“You did that on purpose!”

“You bumped into me on purpose,” Mickey countered taking in the girls appearance before noticing she had a sports jogging suit. “Wait, what team are you on?” Mickey asked a bit softer stepping down the last few steps herself.

“Soccer, why,” the young woman asked looking cautiously at McGuire who was offering her an apologetic smile.

“Me too, are you a freshman?” the girl nods excitedly. Mickey takes a second to look the girl over. She was clearly Hispanic, tall with an athletic build. Mickey stuck out her hand.

“McGuire Steel, power forward and Captain of the Lady Titans,” Mickey announced as if she were royalty.

The girl looked at Mickey’s hand and shook it, as she pulled tried to pull away Mickey pulled her in closer.

“If you want to survive your first year with both kneecaps in tact I suggest you stay the hell away from me or I will make it my mission to see that you don’t walk off of the practice field. Do you understand me?” Mickey said low enough for only the now trembling girl to hear her.

The girl nodded before Mickey let go of her hand and let her scurry off. Looking up she noticed all eyes were on her but for the wrong reasons.

She watched as seemingly the entire area stared at her with questionable and accusatory glances. Older women held one tighter to their men and vice versa. Regardless of how bad the rumor mill seemed to muddy up her name one thing rang true; she was good at what she did.

Trying to stay focused on her sister and her friends, all Mickey could think about is how she would kill to be invisible. Wake up with no past memory of her life and start over brand new. She could live without, this. The constant stare delivered to her on a routine basis by her peers who never let her forget who she was, a notorious bitch. A siren amongst pirates prepared at any given moment to show her claws and fangs before ripping you to shreds.

‘I don’t care what these people think about me, hell yeah, I’m a bitch, and I can be down right evil but they will not see me hang my head! I wear my badge with honor and pride so fuck ya’ll,’ Mickey thought to herself before throwing one last penetrating glare and blowing a kiss out to her loyal audience.

No matter how many people you have or haven’t slept with when word gets around that your good in bed it’s impossible to erase a title that is seemingly already etched into your headstone.

Nope! She wouldn’t miss any of this; if the floor decided to concave and consume her she wouldn’t miss this one bit.

Feeling the scrutiny of many eyes McGuire tenses up making her posture seem like stone and fine granite. A cloud of anger and desperation funnel around her, creating nothing more than a hard gaze that pierces through the crowd.

Not knowing how much longer she could keep up this charade her eyes finally landed on something she could not live without, Munro West. He was Santa Clause, GQ magazine, and a beautiful fall day all rolled up into one gorgeous man. Almost wanting to curse God for sculpting such a beautifully crafted creature, all she could do was marvel from afar.

Munro was one of those untouchable god-like men who walked amongst us mortals. Only now and then seeming within reach until his light encompassed everything around him and he would once again be impervious to us.

He was the worst kind of gorgeous, the kind that had the nerve to treat everyone with respect and kindness. At times she hated him. She hated that EVERYWHERE he went he was loved and held in high esteem. From the moment he stepped foot in Miami all he ever did was volunteer and immerse himself in the community. Damn if there was thug or politician that didn’t know him.

‘Damn, Ferris Bueler. The school would shut down if he didn’t show up to a function,’ Mickey thought to herself before chuckling. He didn’t play one damn sport but the man was built like a god and treated like one. As a matter of fact he may have been considered a bit of a nerd.

She watched as he waved his hands wildly in the air, his dazzling mouth expertly moving around that infamous toothpick that seemed to constantly adorn his perfect lips.

She awed at how people looked at him, she wished to be considered the way he did. He embodied masculinity without looking like a meathead. Even when he was making people laugh he Munro held a serious calm about himself that made people pay attention. A master negotiator within SGA she had never heard him yell or get angry. He was everything that she could never be and that made her admire him all the more.

Mickey watched as women stalked him with their eyes hungrily almost snapping one another if he just so happened to look in their general direction.

Munro West was breath to life.

Mickey shook her head finally deciding enough was enough and scaled the stairs out of the student center…

Stephanie who had been watching Mickey from the moment she and Natalia stepped through the door scoffed as she watched Mickey walk off.

The room finally felt lighter without all the dark energy Mickey seemed to expel. Stephanie couldn’t stand the girl but tolerated her for the sake of Natalia. She loved Natalia like a sister and always felt she deserved better than Mickey.

This planet as a whole deserved better than McGuire Steel.

After rolling her eyes one last time she turned back to her friend who also seemed transfixed on the disappearing figure.

“Natty, are you okay,” Stephanie asked stroking her upper back gaining a soft smile.

“Yeah, I’m just worried about her you know. She has been acting so strange lately, distant and combative,” Natalia responded in a sad tone. ‘How can you tell?’ Stephanie thought sarcastically.

“Well boohoo for her, you and I came here to have fun so can we do that and not worry about Cruella Deville for two minutes?” Stephanie asked earning herself a glare in return.

“Oh come on you know your sister is every horrible Disney villain rolled into one messy ass bitch. To her that would be a compliment,” Stephanie joked while wrapping an arm around Natalia.

Natalia smiled before nodding in agreement with her friend. They both turned back to the ‘Golden Boy’ who was now texting fiercely on his phone. The grey eyed Louisiana native was no longer waving his hands in the air his jaw was clenched tight as he concentrated on the screen. Soon a smirk appeared and he relaxed.

Angel Hernandez-Estrada and Darius Adams best friends since the second grade stood off to the side scanning the room for women. Darius and Angel could often be confused as twins as much as they said and did things alike. But with Angel who was from Honduras and Darius from Harlem the only thing that could separate them was DNA.

“Man what about that one in the blue dress,” Darius pointed out in the crowd to an Amazon looking woman.

“I could climb tree,” Angel responded in a thick Hispanic accent.

“Neither one of you have the balls to get a girl like that, step aside,” a voice called out from behind them as Shay Lee sashayed past them.

Shay was one of those girls who could pass for a beauty queen if she didn’t have so many tattoos. Guys were always a sucker for her pouty lips but she hadn’t swung that way since the 7th grade.

Shay liked women and wasn’t afraid to show it. A firecracker with attitude to match, Shay loved a challenge and welcomed it.

She strutted up to the woman in the blue dress and placed her hand on the lower back of the taller women. Darius and Angel watched at the woman responded to Shay and laughed at whatever she had said. Within seconds the woman had pulled out her phone and was pressing on the screen as Shay spoke. After placing a lasting kiss to the shoulder of the woman Shay swaggered back to her jealous friends as she stuck her tongue out in victory.

“That’s a damn shame,” Munroe said laughing at the dumbstruck duo. Shay slapped hands with Munro.

“That’s fine she was too tall anyway,” Darius muttered before taking his flask out his jacket pocket and taking a swallow.

He scanned the crowd quickly again before his eyes fell on Colleen Kennedy and Francis Ellis. When he saw Colleen he almost choked on his brown liquor, she was beautiful. He had crushed on her since freshman year but was too slow in pursuing her. Angel had got there first and almost made a mess of her heart and all Darius could do was sit there and watch. Now that it was his senior year he wanted to finally do things different and make it happen with Colleen. Angel wouldn’t mind she was a dime a dozen.

Angel watched his friend watch his ex-girlfriend. He tried to play it off but something in him began to stir. Colleen was a good girl, the type you married and he wasn’t ready for all that. But when he saw Darius staring at her he felt a jolt erupt through him. Colleen hadn’t been with anyone since him and he didn’t feel right with her being with anyone else especially Darius.

Angel smiled and reached out and pulled Colleen in a hug before anyone else could. Colleen stiffened at first but sunk into the hug. Darius rolled his eyes before looking away.

Munro who was staring at the entire situation gave Shay a knowing look before his phone buzzed again. He looked down and began typing vigorously again, until he heard a snort.

He looked up to see his longtime friend Jeremy Davis shaking his head disapprovingly at the message thread.

Munro pushed himself away from the wall of the stage.

“Ya’ll I have to go Zoe needs me to help out with some stuff,” Munro explained as he hugged and dapped everyone goodbye.

“I think you could do better man,” Jeremy said as Munro did everything possible to display ignorance.

“What,” Munro asked feeling his chest sear in irritation. He faced his friend trying to keep his tone light.

Jeremy sighed and shook his head again. No matter what he knew this was a losing battle when it came to that girl it was Munro against the world even if the world didn’t know about it.

“Tell Zoe I said hi,” Jeremy said throwing in the towel not wanting to get into argument in front of everyone.

Munro smiled at his friend before heading out the side door…

Mickey kicked off her shoes as she headed into her dorm room suite. Flicking on the light she noticed the door adjacent from hers was opened but empty. She did notice all the bags but she would meet her other roommate in the morning. 

She walked into her room she was already unpacked. She glanced around her dark room inhaling all the madness that had almost consumed her moments ago before exhaling it all away.

As her painfully tense shoulders finally dropped she felt nothing but relief. She didn’t have enough time to react as the bathroom door opened and large body came barreling out.

The point of impact where a massive shoulder connected with her stomach knocked the wind out of her as she landed on the bed. Frantic trying to get from under this stranger…this mystery man, he presses his body against her allowing her to feel the blunt heaviness of his weight.

Getting on his knees he allowed her enough space to wiggle but not get away from him completely. He bent down to kiss her and she responded by turning her head to the side.

Angry grabbed her face forcefully keeping it pointed at him. He smashed his lips against hers in a furiously demanding kiss. He bit her lip forced her to open her mouth wide enough for his tongue to enter.

McGuire whimpered helplessly as her attacker took complete control over her mouth. A shiver cascaded through her as she felt his hands move expertly up the sides of her body.

Her mind was soon clouded in thoughtless smoke unaware that her clothes were being removed from her.

Mickey moaned as she felt a bare crotch rub against her in a circular motion.

‘When did he get his clothes off,’ she wondered feeling herself literally melt right along with her resolve.

The man groaned deeply calming the assault against her lips. He pulled her closer to him nudging himself snugly between her thighs.

The man lapped at her mouth moving skillfully to her chin then down her neck to the valley of her breast. He stopped at the first large mound and watched it jiggle slight cause of her breathing. Tracing it with his tongue he latched onto one of her nipples sucking and tugging while he kneaded and teased the other. She gasped as he sank his teeth into her chest. A scorching pain caused her to roll her hips in ecstasy; the exhibitionist was clawing to get out. But she had to keep that part of her submerged in submission. He laughed and continued his leisurely bites all over her chest, each bite threatening to pierce where the previous one did not.

Mickey did everything she could not to grind herself into him. She let out ragged gasps as she clutched onto the sheets. Paying equal attention to both breast he continued south to her already drenched center.

She watched as he locked onto her plump lips. He inhaled deeply and a primal growl unleashed within him. Mickey wiggled to get away from the impending attack she was sure she wouldn’t be able to handle.  “I missed you Cherry,” he groaned his voice vibrating off her flesh making her shutter.

After a few more suspenseful seconds he dipped his head between her legs. Mickey was set aflame as soon as his lips touched hers. His tongue lathered her entire mound with his saliva. Mickey came undone as skilled language master began to make out with her quivering lips. All she could do was hold on as a premature orgasm rushed through her. Moments like this she felt as though she could fly.

He chuckled as her hot juices gushed out as him. He only shoved his face further into her lavish thighs. Mickey was sure his only intentions were to lick her dry by the end of the night. He feasted on her circulating his tongue in and out of her quaking body. He sucked on her clit and nipped at the bud. He threw her legs over his shoulder effortlessly as he now was able to inject his long fingers into her wet hole.

“So tight baby, you’re gonna have to loosen up a bit,” he ordered as he begin to work more fingers into her flexing them inside her.

Soon his flexes turned into strokes as found her spot. He sucked at the bud while his fingers ghosted her now cramping walls. Mickey went crazy as she bucked under him. He reached his arm around her middle to keep her still.

The heavy pants followed after he pulled her down further on the bed using his large hands he forced her legs open wider. Mickey felt vulnerable as he gazed at her post-orgasmic state body shaking and pussy glistening.

She took the time to take in his chiseled chest and powerful arms. When her eyes drifted lower she noticed his penis bobbing up and down. It was aggressively pointed at her ready to be buried deep within her. For a man his height he would have a killer on his hands. He took hold of the beast and lined it up with her center.

Steadying her waist with on hand he guided himself into her weeping canal. Mickey hissed as her fleshed stretched to house the thick intruder. He grunted until he buried himself to the hilt. Staying like that he waiting for her to adjust and not frantically convulse around him. Her hot and wet silk like insides felt like home as he began to suck and knead her breast.

After a few seconds he took both her legs and hooked them in the creases of his arms. Mickey squeaked as he slowly pulled back; he felt walls close at the loss of him.

POP!

The suctioning sound of her center’s failed attempt at keeping the phallus lodged within her heat. Mickey’s already misty eyes could barely make out his devilish smirk before he plunged back into her.

Mickey let out a soundless cry as he pumped himself inside of her. The wet slapping sounds of their bodies meeting and his throaty grunts are all that could be heard as Mickey stared at the ceiling above her. 

The pleasure she felt turned her blood into liquid fire that painful coursed through her veins with each powerful thrust. He was not gentle, nor did he take his time he just took her.

He lifted her into his arms as he sat on the balls of his feet forcing her to look at him as he drove himself deeper inside her. He brought her legs up until they were perched perfectly over his shoulders.

He watched with glee as Mickey’s deep bronze completion reddened.

“Daddy wants to hear you scream and you need to give it all you’ve got! I’m tired of this quiet shit,” he whispered harshly in her ear as he Creole accent shown its way through. She whimpered as her belly tightened at the sound of his voice.

“Mickey you need to obey me,” he ordered pushing forward until she landed on her back causing him to sink to the hilt.

“No!” he raised an eyebrow and smirked at her defiance. He changed his tactics from quick pumps to long strokes. To add to the torture he wormed his hand between their sweaty bodies and applied pressure to her clit. At that moment she came undone.

Her eyes soon rolled in the back of her head and an almost tribal cry unleashed from her seemingly encouraging his efforts. The familiar swirl that ballooned in her stomach burst; a ferocious orgasm claimed her for the second time that night.

Stars were all she could see and pleasurable numbness that spread throughout her body was all that were left of her senses. After a few seconds she noticed that he was still going at it and with renewed vigor.

Oh hell no! At this rate she wouldn’t be able to walk the next day if he kept this up. The euphoria was beginning to be too much for her to handle as he piston inside of her.

“We can’t…not this good…please,” she whined between thrust. Frenzied she tried to use her hands to push against his stomach.

He grabbed her hands and placed them above her head. He halted his thrust only to roll his hips in figure eights. He bent his head into the crook of her neck and began to suck on her earlobe.

Mickey practically concaved and all efforts to stop the sweet torment ended as she ground her hips against his. He smiled and released her hands and she latched onto the back of his neck.

“What’s my name Cherry,” he whispered against her ear. “Say it. Say my name!”

“Munro! Oh please I need you, please,” Mickey screamed out before he attached his mouth to hers in a fierce kiss.

Munro finally ready for his own released combined the long strokes with the figure eights and she was literally putty in his hands.

Mickey vibrated violently under him as her release was so intense that she took him right along with her. Feeling him finally stiffen a few times before collapsing on top of her she rubbed his back.

Not long after he removed himself and tossed the limp condom in the trashcan. He fell back against the bed putting distance between him and McGuire.

“You didn’t have to ambush me you know, all you had to do was knock,” Mickey said gazing over at him through hooded eyes.

“I haven’t seen you in two months Cherry,” Munro replied calling her by her bedroom pet name.

“Are you gonna stay this time,” she asked hopefully as she fought sleep who seemed to be dominant.

“Go to sleep,” he replied leaning against the head and watching her drift away almost immediately.

Munro sat for a while longer studying this woman who no matter what he did was slowly creeping her way into his heart.

“Oh shit,” he muttered doing whatever he could to put more distance between them. As if someone heard his prayers his phone rang.

“Hey Zoe, yeah I’m on the way love,” Munro whispered as he quickly redressed and slipped out the room but not before sparing Mickey one last glance…

Mickey woke up naked with only the warmth missing. She felt around the bed hoping but sighed knowingly when she found his side ice cold. McGuire wasn’t shocked as she convinced herself that being disappointed was a waste of time.

When they started this they both were in a bad place and they needed each other to stay afloat. The only difference between them whether they wanted to admit it or not was that Mickey expelled her feelings like a flame thrower. Munro hid his carefully woven into the patterns of his skin only showing them through raised veins.

Mickey fell back against the pillow balling her hands into a tight fist. Her calm breathing techniques were beginning to fail her as all she could think about was the white noise called loneliness.

Suddenly the low purr of Jazz music filled the air whistling to her heart. She closed her eyes and hummed along with the soothing melody.

After a few minutes more she kicked her legs over the side of the bed willing her body to stand. As soon as she did a dull pain rested between her legs feeling like a weight threatening to drag her to the ground.

Finally making it to the bathroom she stared at herself in the mirror. The angry red prints seem to skim across her chess but the only thing she could feel was chills as her fingers skimmed over them.

Taking another deep breath she turned on the shower and waited for it to get hot. Laughing she watched as the steam fill the room. ‘He really jumped my bones last night,’ Mickey thought as she shook her head and got into the shower. She had revealed her fantasies to him last year about being taken by force. Although he seemed opposed about it in the end he actually did it.

Once dressed in black leggings and an oversized tank with a sports bra under it she moved in the direction of the infectious music.

Arriving at her new roommate’s door she held up her fist and knocked. Finding that the music is drowning out her knocking she moves to turn the door knob when it suddenly swung open revealing a messy room and a cocky smile with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Deidra.

“Hey roomie! You look surprised! Have a good night,” Deidra yelled over the music. Mickey rolls her eyes, shoving past Deidra to snatch the plug out the wall.

“What are you doing here, in my room,” Mickey asked returning to her spot by the door.

“I didn’t see your name plastered on the place, but my receipt says half this place is mine now,” Deidra contradicted crossing her arms.

Mickey almost did a double-take; this was not her admirer from last night who was tripping her words in awe. This woman was cocky and confident nothing like alter ego from the night before.

“Cat got your tongue,” Deidra asked.

“No, I’m just wondering what happened to the girl from last night who had word vomit cause she was star struck,” Mickey said leaning against the door feeling as if she gained the upper hand.

“After she saw you toss your freshman guard down the stairs she realized bitches are real, not everyone has home training no matter how much you admire them,” Mickey felt a smile tug at her lips.

"Were you feeling neglected? Did you want some too?”

“If you did that shit to me, I’d take your ass with me,” Deidra claimed with the sweetest shit eating grin. Mickey had to look away to stop the full fledge grin that was now harboring her face. ‘This is a woman after my own heart.’

“Hey touch my speakers again and you’ll wish you’d thought different,” Deidra stated before plugging her speakers back into the wall.

“Are you a genie because I want for all my wishes to come true,” McGuire said cynically causing Deidra to chuckle.

“Touch my shit again and I’ll have to hug you, and if you keep acting like a cunt especially in this house I’ll be forced to kiss you,” Deidra threatened gleefully as she watched McGuire’s face fall. Getting up in her face Deidra blew a kiss before slamming the door in Mickey’s face.

McGuire shuttered at thought of Deidra showing her a vast amount of affection as a punishment.

Returning to her room she noticed her phone buzzing on her desk. Picking it up she reads a text from Francis that says, “COME OVER NOW!”

Mickey rustles together her essentials and flip flops as she tries desperately to find a clip to secure her hair; as she races out the door...

Francis lived apartment style dorms like hers just in the building across the street. Colleen was her roommate though Mickey tried hard to ignore the feeling; it bothered her that Francis had chosen Colleen to live with her. In the end, NCAA “suggested” that the athletic department shack up their team members together. She understood why Francis roomed with Colleen but she didn’t get why she had to look so happy about it.

Before even getting a full knock the door flew open and she was pulled inside. Francis locked the door and threw her back to it with a frantic expression on her face.

“Where’s Colleen,” Mickey asked in almost a whisper.

Francis put a finger to her lips and pointed to her bedroom. McGuire gestured to the door and made her way over to it. Pushing open the door she sees Shay sprawled out on Francis’ bed naked. An intense stench of alcohol seemed to embody the room.

'I guess everyone got some last night. My cousin can really put it down my goodness I think the girl is dead,’ Mickey thought to herself jokingly. Picking up a yard stick that her cousin had for her math courses she poked Shay. McGuire tried again when she realized the girl wasn’t getting up, but this time she was relieved to receive a groan in return..

She walked out the room before sparing one last look and closing the door. She turned to see Francis on the couch with her head in her hands.

McGuire took a deep breath and joined her beloved cousin who looked absolutely distraught. Silence filled the room until the sound of Mickey’s lips parted interrupting their awkward peace.

“Don’t,” Francis said into her hands.

“What, you called me here. All I’m trying to do is help, you know lend the hand of fellowship,” Mickey defended innocently.

“You are not helping, you are doing what you do best,” Francis scoffed.

“Being wonderful,” Mickey guessed hopefully.

“Being a twat,” Mickey gasped clutching her chest but said nothing in return.

“So. Is it more like a salmon taste or a well seasoned cod,” Mickey jeered lightheartedly only to be on the receiving end of Francis’ fist.

“That was uncalled for,” Mickey muttered rubbing her are still receiving a steely glare from her cousin. 

“I didn’t call you over here for your bullshit,” Francis said nodding toward the door.

“Why did you? I mean Colleen could have done whatever it is you want me to do. Wait, what is it you want me to do? I mean I think she overall likes Colleen better than me. I think everyone likes Colleen more than me,” Mickey rambled before feeling Francis’ knee knock into hers.

“And whose fault is that?”

“Touché, and if you’re going to keep acting like this I can leave and you can have your best friend save you and that hoe,” Mickey shot back tired of the back and forth and she got up to head to the door.

“Alright fine, don’t leave, I don’t know what to do and I barely put together what happened. I remember dancing at Jeremy’s party and the next thing you know she’s kissing and grinding on me.”

“My straight laced cousin has switched teams how does it feel,” Mickey asked earning another glare from Francis.

“I did not switch teams that was a one time thing! It happened only once and it will not be happening again, okay?”

Mickey raised an eyebrow.

“Who are you trying to convince me or you,” Mickey asked scooting closer to her cousin before throwing as arm over Francis shoulders.

“What do you think I should do,” Francis asked before nodding toward her room.

“I mean she seems loyal and in the long run that could be good for you. Better than those duds you’ve been with. I just want you to be happy and to tell you the truth I haven’t seen you glow like this in a long time.”

“I don’t know man. What if she doesn’t remember or give a shit for that matter,” Francis questioned her cousin desperately.

“You never know until you try and if she doesn’t give a shit I’ll beat the shit outta her. I highly doubt Shay is that type, she’s kind of rough around the edges but she’s got heart where it counts,” Francis looked surprised as the kind words about Shay flowed from Mickey sincerely.

“What?”

“I didn’t know you could recount positive attributes about someone other than yourself,” Francis scoffed playfully.

“Stick around grasshopper,” Mickey joked nudging her cousin softly but looked over worried when Francis went dead silent. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know…I don’t know how to be like…this,” Francis said in mild disgust as tears welled up in her eyes. Mickey looked at her cousin with nothing but love.

“You don’t know how to be what? Happy? Yeah I heard that can be tough but only because we make it so but if you stop working so hard it’s rumored to come naturally. That other part, don’t worry about that, who needs labels and titles because last time I checked your name isn’t Channel,” Mickey explained soothing all her cousins woos and worries.

“Don’t tell Colleen…at least not yet,” Francis said nervously. Mickey herself growing warm at the possibility of sharing a secret with her cousin, something they hadn’t done in years.

“No problem Fanny,” Mickey said unable to keep the growing smile off her face. Fanny had been her nickname since they were six years old. Mickey couldn't say her "R" sounding words or r's for that matter.

Francis looked over at her cousin and smiled. Sighing she rested her head on Mickey’s shoulder and shivered in content as Mickey’s fingers combed over her scalp.

“So how was your night? You dipped out early,” Francis asked as she felt Mickey stiffen under her.  “What happened? Do I need to call Natty up here?”

Francis at that point had sat up and was staring daggers into her cousin who always carried herself as an older sister rather than a distant cousin.

Before McGuire had a chance to respond a loud thump rang from Francis room causing their attention to shift.

Shay was awake.

Mickey and Francis scrambled to their feet in attempts to be the first one at the bedroom door. An elbow jab to the ribs was the victory blow needed in order for Francis to make it first.

“You boney bastard that hurt,” Mickey grounded out holding her midsection protectively. Francis rolled her eyes before cautiously stepping into her room.

A muffled groan sounded again this time from the floor, under all the sheets and pillows. A beige feminine hand stretched forth from under the massive pile and clasped down on the bed. Shay rose slowly only to sway back and forth for a few seconds. She soon zoned in on Francis; she stared confusingly for a few seconds only to smirk devilishly at her.

Mickey cleared her throat, glaring at Shay who stood unashamed at her nudity. Shay rolled her eyes and looked around. Seeming to be unable to find something Shay folded her arms under her breast which caused Francis to blush furiously.

“If I didn’t know any better I’d think you’d never seen another naked girl before when that’s not the case at all. You ate me out like a fat kid at Coldstone’s with a 2 for 1 coupon.”

Francis gasped and Mickey snapped her head in her cousin’s direction in surprise.

“I always thought you’d be a pillow princess,” Mickey uttered only loud enough for Francis to hear. Shoving her cousin out the room she turned back toward Shay who was whisking her off the ceiling fan.

“You need to leave,” Francis commanded in a barely stable voice. Shay snorted as she slipped on her clothes.

“You don’t have to show out for your cousin,” Shay whispered mischievously as she tucked her shoes under her arm.

“I’m not you need to go,” Francis said again as Shay stopped in front of her inches away from her face.

Shay looked at Francis realizing that she was only wearing a robe Francis took her finger and skimmed it down the front until she stopped at the rope tie. Francis breath hitched as it was the only thing protecting her from Shay. She allowed Shay to tug the tie open revealing taunt flesh to the eager woman.

Mickey strolled back into the room just in time to see Francis wrap her robe tightly around herself and looking at the floor in embarrassment. Shay dropped her hands to the side chuckled.

Mickey switched between the two girls who looked as though they had been caught with their hands in the cookie jar. She stared at Shay intensely wanting nothing more than to protect her cousin. She would do anything for Francis but would Shay?

Before any of the three girls could say anything the front door swung open and Colleen barreled inside with Angel tailing behind her. Talking a mile a minute she barely notices the three staring at her wide eyed.

“Hey ladies…what are you doing here Mick,” Colleen asked finally stopping to take stock of what was occurring in front of her. Angel waved barely noticing the scene as he stared intently at his phone.

“What, I can’t visit my cousin,” Mickey responded with a bite in her tone.

“No, I mean after last night I didn’t think we’d see you at all today,” Colleen said with a edge to her tone that Mickey stiffen and Francis switch looks between the two.

“What happened last night,” Francis asked staring daggers at Mickey at who was now almost grossly interested in the chipping door frame.

“Nothing, I meant after she blew up at us I thought she would take some time to herself,” Colleen butted in with a quick save. Mickey was no stranger to disappearing when things flat out didn’t go her way. It was a lot better than Mickey exploding like a nuclear missile.

“Uh huh,” Francis responded unconvinced.

Angel then erupted in a loud cheer and the girl’s focus switched to him and his phone.

“Hi Angel,” the three women said in a bored unison. Angel finally looked up taking in the appearance of the girls. When his eyes landed on Francis he shook his head unable to suppress a chuckle.

“Ladies, Francis I really do enjoy the get up girl. This is a whole new side of you,” Angel said forcing everyone but Colleen to read between the lines. Francis rolled her eyes hoping the embarrassing situation would will itself away.

“So Shay you’re here too…in the same clothes you wore last night. Francis what is with the robe you’re usually dressed by now,” Colleen pointed out as her voice trailed off.

After that you could have heard a pin drop three apartments over because no one said a word. Francis looked to Shay and wrapped the robe around her tighter. Mickey looked between the two and rolled her eyes. Francis looked desperately to Mickey who sighed knowing that she would have to put on her villainous cape to save the day.

“Shay and I were just leaving. I was on my way here to see you guys and I found this hipster hood rat puking her brains out under the stairs. So, being the Good Samaritan that I am I brought the trashy crack head up here to get cleaned up. Fran was in the shower and was gracious enough to let us in. You can’t even believe the miracles I make happen the chick smelled like the Fat Bastard had been finger banging a two week old dead person. And that was just her breath who knows what her twat smells like but if either of you start to wonder just ask her squat for. Asbestos poisoning can be deadly so please be warned,” Mickey said as pure unadulterated shade oozed from her mouth like saliva.

“Oh shit,” Angel said wanting the floor to swallow him as Mickey delivered a painfully perfect yet completely unnecessary dose of the “McGuire ‘Steel’ Special” with extra sauce.

Francis, Angel and Colleen had horrified expressions painted on their faces while Shay looked ready to snap.

Angel stared at McGuire with disgust after she verbally annihilated his good friend. Even though he wanted to defend her if he had stepped in Shay would have blown a gasket.

A blind man knew what had really happened in that room but Colleen was still in the dark or maybe she just didn’t want to turn the lights on. Either way what Mickey did wasn’t cool and he could see it as Shay’s eyes raged in quiet embarrassment.

As tough as Shay acted, finding the cracks in her concrete exterior wasn’t impossible; she wasn’t made of steel like Steel. Where McGuire was cold and calculating Shay had heart and that’s was the difference between the two Super Powers. Like Professor X and Magneto. Shay and Mickey could easily be confused for the same person but if you looked closed only one had an empty chest cavity...

Mickey grabbed her bag and yanked Shay out the door yelling goodbyes to her stunned audience. Shay yanked away once the door closed and shoved past Mickey making her stumble.

‘This skank needs some manners. If the bitch wants to be gone with the wind the least I could do is show her how to twirl,’ Mickey thought as an evil smile latched itself to her lips. She secured her purse and followed a fuming Shay down the stairs.

Before Shay could get out of the door Mickey ran ahead and cornered her against the wall. She dropped her bag on the floor and squared her shoulders standing at full height. She was a good five inches taller than Shay and she used her height to her full advantage.

“Excuse me is what you say when you bump into me,” Mickey whispered hiding her simmered wrath.

Shay sucked her teeth.

“Excuse me cunt, you’re in my way,” Shay snarled stopping herself from lunging forward.

“Stay away from Francis! Granted she may have looked happy but she’s needs more in her life than gutter trash like you,” Mickey shot backing hoping that it wounded her.

“Funny thing is people have been telling her that same thing about you for years,” Shay yarned smiling as she watched a look of hurt flash across Mickey’s face. Shay felt victorious, she had wounded Medusa.

Mickey rammed Shay against the wall behind her only for Shay to knock her back a few feet.

The air shifted as both girls prepared to throw down. Suddenly the door swung open revealing Natalia and Stephanie. Mickey rolled her eyes wanting to wash her hands of the whole thing. She grabbed her bag shoved past Stephanie almost toppling her over.

“What the hell was that,” Stephanie whined as Natalia helped steady her. Shay scoffed before pushing past both girls this time knocking Stephanie to the ground.

Chapter 3

Mickey stormed out of the apartment building in blind fiery with no real destination. Finally she realized that she had made it half way across campus in front of the library. Shay had upset her, not because she had put her hands on her but because she saw how her cousin looked at Shay. Shay could easily replace Mickey as a confidant and that scared Mickey to her core. Besides Natalia and Francis she didn't have much family to depend on. Stephanie had already become a substitute sister in Natalia's life the last thing she could handle was losing Francis.

Sitting on the steps in almost defeat a sing-song laugh broke her out of her trance. Scooting closer to the source with only the bush shrubs to keep her hidden Mickey watched at Munro and Zoe headed in her direction. Zoe's arm was linked with his dangling one. He clutched both of their bags with no problem as Zoe trotted along giggling to something he must have said.

Zoe.

She was the bane of Mickey's existence as far as Munro was concerned. Zoe was probably the ultimate reason why Munro took to the hills after their tryst hours before. He looked absolutely edible in his basic tee, basketball shorts and Vans. Today he wore his glasses so Mickey knew he was there to study. She turned her body toward the shrubbery to hide herself from them.

She turned slightly to see that they had stopped to talk to someone. When Mickey had turned around to see who it was her blood ran cold. The 98 degree temperature did little to soothe the ice cold chill that had left her frozen. After a few ragged breaths she battled her immobility and made her way as fast as she could into the library.

Mickey couldn't let him see her no matter what. Once inside she held up her student ID card and was let in with no problem. She ducked behind a marble column in front of the window and watched as Munro and Zoe spoke to him. They laughed at his jokes; a small joyous crowd surrounded them patting him on the back as if he was some living effigy. The cruel part being that he was a breathing figurine, on this campus he was a god.

Bile rose in her throat as she watched everyone including Munro fawn over him but if they knew the truth about who he was they wouldn't be so quick to laugh at his jokes.

"You are such an intelligent woman McGuire I'm glad we get to spend this time together," his deep voice called out to her making her blush. It had been the first time a boy...oops man had addressed her as a woman.

"Thank you," Mickey said a bit shyly. The two finished grading papers for the morning class.

"I'm happy to have this opportunity to be here with you. I mean," Mickey stated before panic set in. He wrapped his large hand around her small one and ceased her worry.

"No worries, I know what you mean this is a great opportunity," he agreed as he gazed around him proudly. Not before looking back at her with a soft smile.

"Well we won't have long together but the least we can do is to make the best of it," he said before getting back to the papers. Mickey stared at him in admiration having no idea that behind those handsome eyes hid a predator that would make her life hell.

Mickey exhaled in visible relief as she watched him walk away from his fan club, while Munro and Zoe headed into the library.

Leaning against the column she watched as Zoe and Munro grabbed a table in the corner. She ventured behind a bookcase to see them better and like every time she snuck and watched them her heart plummeted. Munro pulled out her chair and gets them both set up.  Mickey ventured further out to get a better view of the "couple".

"So how was your night? You never told me what happened," Zoe asked as she fiddled with a pencil. Munro shrugged not taking the bait.

"Come on, something went down." Munro finally took a look at her and frowned.

"Why are you asking me that when I spent a good portion of my night with you," Zoe looked away appearing as though her hand had been caught in the cookie jar.

"You know what I mean, you were with her," Zoe explained unable to speak Mickey's name as she tried to fiend for innocence.

"What does that have to do with you," he responded in a strained tone. Zoe pulled back as if she had been wounded.

"I was just asking. In my opinion you're a great guy Munro, there are girls all over Miami who climb a mountain just to get an ounce of attention you give her," Zoe explained causing Munro to clench his jaw and close his eyes.

"I ask again, what does that have to do with you?"

"Nothing--"

"So why is it when you and I are together you need a complete run down of my time with her as if you're my parole officer?"

"Munro I'm just trying to look out for you. I don't want you do get hurt," Zoe offered sincerely making Mickey want to gag. Munro reached over and patted her hand.

"I always wear my helmet and I know where the Neosporin is in case of emergencies," Munro shot back sarcastically causing Mickey to giggle.

"Forget it, but don't come running to me when you catch something you can't cure with a Band-Aid and ointment," Zoe joked as she watched Munro smirk. Mickey was ready to step out from behind the bookcase and throttle Zoe.

"It's a good thing I only mess with her then. Cause if I was with you, man...I'm probably going to need a shot of penicillin just to get through this conversation without contracting a cold sore."

Mickey grinned as she watched Zoe's face drop and her strike him against the head.

"That's not funny."

"Don't hate, you know you spit when you talk so don't even play mad," Munro said blocking her attacks with his hands.

"Listen I was just trying to help but I know when something's not my business," Zoe confessed as Munro slapped a hand over his heart.

"Zoe White minding her business, this cannot be real. Look at God, won't He do it," Munro mocked with a dose of seriousness laced in his words that Zoe couldn't ignore.

Mickey felt butterflies gather in her belly as Munro shut Zoe down. She had only imagined things of this nature happening but never did she think it would happen to her in real life. Her giddiness only lasted for a hot second as a strong gust of reality perfumed her mind. ‘He was probably defending his reputation, not my ass. That boy could care less about me, he made that clear last night.' Mickey snorted as meddlesome contradicting thoughts battled for control over her emotions.

The two awkwardly delve into their books, trying to find a way to move past the lingering effect of their last conversation. Pushing books out of her line of sight she caught a perfect view of her man and his hobbit. ‘Who the hell is he texting?' Mickey thought angrily as her phone buzzed scaring the shit out of her. She ended up falling back into a book cart before running in the opposite direction of Munro and Zoe.

Munro looked over at the abrupt crashing sound only to shrug his shoulders and turn back to Zoe who was trying to at least look like she was studying. He felt guilty for dismissing her but he couldn't understand why Zoe was so hot and cold when in came to Mickey. Some days she was cool other days it looked as if Zoe had sucked a lemon when Mickey's name was mentioned. Granted he wasn't in the position to even entertain the idea of him and Mick being more than fuck buddies. When anyone including Zoe had the audacity to question, pry or disrespect Mickey, Munro's blood literally boiled.

He liked Mickey and all but he wasn't prepared for all these caveman feelings that came to mind every time he was in the same vicinity as her. Having dreams and urges to be near her was getting ridiculous and ain't nobody got time for that shit, no sir!

"Listen Zo, I'm not trying to disregard everything you're saying I just want to understand why you're saying it in the first place," Munro reasoned as she finally looked up from her binder.

"I'm just worried about you that's all. McGuire doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to being a human being," Zoe tried to explain only to receive a raised eyebrow from Munro.

"Fuck reputation, I have never been around her or heard about her talking shit about you. Out of everyone you are the one person I can honestly say that she shows respect regardless." Zoe listens to him try and rationalize with her but frowns as she watches him stare at his dark phone screen. 

"Doesn't that seem suspicious? It's kind of like she's doing it for a reason not to be a genuine person. The way you're behaving right now is way beyond suspicious, it makes me believe that not only are you doing her but you might even be in a relationship," Zoe argued happy that she hit a nerve as she watched his eyes dart back and forth.  

"I think you're overreacting, McGuire Steel ain't shit to me. I'm just tired of hearing her name," Munro says with a chuckle as his screen lights up.

"Whatever you say Casanova," Zoe mutters attempting to dive back into her workbook. She glances up once more to see him still staring at his phone.

"Do me a favor and try and get to know her. Alone...she isn't so bad trust me," Munro pleaded with puppy dog eyes causing Zoe to roll her eyes but nod her head anyway.

"I'm gonna get a coffee I'll be back in a minute," Munro said putting his phone back on the table. Zoe watched his retreating back and turned her attention to his phone. The urge to grab it pulsated through her veins.

It buzzed causing her to jump clean out of her seat. She took the phone and thumbed in his phone code he trusted her. He trusted her with his phone and knowledge of his password.

Shay...he wouldn't be stalking his phone over her, would he? Nah...

Angel...that fool didn't want anything as usual.

Cherry? Who on earth is Cherry? Well if he did come back in time which she doubted because she knew how long that line usually was; she would have time, he would never know, just a peak at the messages wouldn't hurt. Zoe couldn't resist as her fingers zinged across the screen.

Mickey made if behind a nearby staircase before breathing a sigh of relief. Ripping into her bag she retrieved her phone ready to annihilate the perpetrator who almost gave her away.

Cherry.

Mickey's heart thumped against her chest cavity, paralyzed at the fact that Munro was the one who texted her. Her fingers trembled ready to respond as she always had been. No matter what she would make herself available to him.

Yes?

Mickey wanted to slap her palm against her forehead at the melancholy response she gave him. So careless! So simple! So trite! And yet maybe she was on the periphery of genius, something he would look at and smirk thinking about how clever she was.

Where are you?

She slid to the floor in hopes of soothing the ache that was sure to be causing the beginnings of a flood in her leggings.

Around.

That's it she would play it cool and coy.

Cool.

What the fuck?

What about you?

From there she waited and waited for him to respond with something dull and uncaring that would send her reeling into ecstasy. It was shameful that she got hot and bothered when he acted like an ass.

She continued to wait in hopes that a message from him would illuminate her screen. She had learned over the summer not to blow up his phone. He would answer in his own time, he had to.

Ten minutes more and still nothing. Not a damn letter, symbol or emoji that would carry her through the day. No, he left her in punishing silence and that was worst than anything. Silence, was accompanied by uncertainty and rejection, that is a horrible cocktail no matter how great the drink special.

Silence reminded her of all the things she was denied in life, all the things she didn't deserve. Munro was a gift, one that was not supposed to be bestowed upon her. She didn't deserve his care, his love, his smile, his light none of it. Silence brought her back crashing down, to a paralyzing state of limbo. Silence meant she was on her own, maybe she could score a midnight meeting or two but girls like her weren't meant to be in love with. Girls like her only had the cold contrite blanket of silence to comfort them, love don't live here.  

Silence reminded Mickey of her mother...

Taking a deep breath she pushed out the malevolent voices in her head that she had never won a battle against. Pulling herself to her feet she looked around to see what part of the library she had made it to.

She made her way over to the education section of the library and went in search of some child study books to check out. After a few minutes of scavenging the section she came up for air. Sighing she jugged about eight books ranging in different sizes. After checking out the books and wasting enough time she was convinced that Munro and Zoe had finished Mickey made her way to the front of the library.

Breezing past most of the tables she almost dropped all of her books when she heard her name.

She turned to see Zoe waving her over as if everything had been peachy but according Zoe things were.

Seeing no way out Mickey clutched her books to her chest and made her way over to Zoe. Staring at the table littered with books she opted to stand until Zoe cleared out the chair next to her. Mickey smiled tight lipped and settled into the wooden chair in an uncomfortable silence.

"Children, Adolescents and the Media; Observing and Understanding Child Development, I didn't know you were a Psychology major McGuire," Zoe inquired causing Mickey to flinch as each word felt like a jab to the throat.  

"I'm not," Mickey said in return forcing the tone in her voice not to go above a certain octave.

Mickey looked around in search of her solace who was no where to be found but his phone was. Zoe smiled at Mickey while she stared back between her and the phone. 

"Where's Munro," Mickey asked not yet ready to drop her guard. 

"Around," Zoe responded as a Mickey's head snapped up. Why would she have said that? Did she go through his phone? Had she sent it herself? Where was Munro? Hold up, maybe she didn't know anything at all. Around was a common statement, right? Anyone would have said that right?  

"Is there something wrong McGuire?" Mickey took a second to shake herself loose of the shock of what had just happened. If Zoe did go through his phone the last thing she wanted was for Zoe to know that she was panicking.

"No...no, no with the excitement of finding these books I forgot the one I actually needed," Mickey explained quick to recover her mistake. Zoe's eyes zoned in on her again as she was about to ask something else but Munro returned with two cups of coffee.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Mickey jumped slightly at the new addition to the table. Switching her eyes cautiously between Munro and Zoe she thought it best she leave.

"Leaving," Mickey responded hastily as she watched Zoe smirk and Munro frown as if he didn't want her to go. He slides the chair next to her closer and puts his arm around her chair. Mickey felt trapped between wanting to run and sinking into his good embrace.

"No stay," Munro coaxed close to her ear as he handed a coffee to Zoe and then offered his to Mickey. She took and slipped out of it neither catching the blaze that was igniting in Zoe's eyes.

Times like this confused Mickey because in public with his behavior it could be a toss up he could either be affectionate or treat her like one of the guys. In private where he shed himself of all the distractions and it was just the two of them that's when the armor would appear.

"You didn't text me back," Munro whispered only loud enough for Mickey to hear.

Mickey's eyes flicked to Zoe who looked to be engrossed in her studies. As mad as she was there was no way she could confront Zoe about anything a large part being in thanks to Munro. Zoe was his kryptonite; she had seen him get tight with a few guys who wanted to push up on her. Munro was never the type to get hostile but she could only imagine what he would do if everyone's accusations about her came to fruition. She would lose him and that is not something that Mickey wanted to risk happening.

"Just a little recon for the upcoming semester," Mickey responded gesturing toward the books.

Zoe snuck glances of them and watched Munro sip from his coffee and steal a kiss to the back of her neck. Zoe thought it was disgusting how they acted as if no one was around they were in public damnit!

‘Thirty minutes ago Steel wasn't shit, what a liar,' Zoe thought as she shook her head desperately trying to focus on something other than them.

"Zoe are you okay," Mickey asked in a tone that sounded genuine but Zoe was a woman she could tell when another woman was marking her territory. She didn't want Munro West hell; Mickey could have his ass because she knew that boy better that anyone. That was more valuable than whatever he was doing with Steel.

Mickey was just another one of his flavors of the week that was lasting longer than a week. Her real priority was finding out who this Cherry person was. Unlike McGuire, who wasn't even saved in his phone, this Cherry person he had long text and calls with. He wrote down her schedule, corks, habits and poems about her in his phone. Cherry challenged her position in Munro's life. She thought for a second that McGuire may have been Cherry especially the way Munro tightened up about her earlier but it couldn't be. This Cherry had class, humor and at face value came of as kind and devoted to Munro in the messages. Mickey was none of those things, just some twat she had to tolerate until the taste in Munro's mouth grew sour.

Munro turned to whisper something in Mickey's eye that made her blush. Zoe watched as his arm snaked around to her waist and squeezed her middle. Mickey nodded her head and he stood first. Zoe watched fuming on the inside as he gathered his and McGuire's things.

"Where are you two lovebirds off to?" Zoe pointed out sweetly.

"I told you before this don't mean shit to me," Munro shot back before he could catch himself. Zoe felt victorious until she saw the damage she had done. The two had always gone back and forth when it was just she and Munro but when the subject of conversation was standing there it didn't feel so good.

She instantly regretted it as a pained look flashed across Mickey's face. Mickey looked up slightly at Munro who looked like a deer in highlights. Mickey snatched her stuff and stalked out of the library.

Zoe looked up at Munro who stood flabbergasted which morphed into anger. Without a goodbye Zoe watched him about-face and track after Mickey.

Zoe got up from her seat and moved to a window to see them better. Mickey stood behind one of the columns cooling down. Munro who almost didn't see Mickey at first walked up and bear hugged her. She looked as though her immediate reaction was to fight it. He whispered something that seemed to calm her.

Zoe watched as Mickey whipped around and chucked the coffee at him before smacking him. That was uncalled for. She watched in pity as Munro looked between the two girls and made his way back into the library causing Zoe to beam. Mickey stood there caught between guilt and grief before locking eyes with Zoe. Mickey shook her head and walked away obviously knowing when to pick her battles. I will always win McGuire no matter how great the pot of fools' gold between your legs appears. You are putrid. Zoe really needed to clean house when it came to these hoes. They have to go, starting with McGuire Steel, maybe this Cherry girl wasn't so bad but she wouldn't have a chance if Munro kept sniffing up Mickey's rotten trunk. 

Smiling sympathetically as she watched Munro walk back in red faced and defeated.

"Sorry," Zoe offered in using theater training to convince him. He nodded and returned to the table taking a few napkins and dabbing at his shirt. Munro mumbled curses and Mickey's name under his breath before sitting at the table with his head down.

"This may be easier than I thought," Zoe whispered to herself as she went to join her conquered comrade.

Chapter 4

Angel was sandwiched in between Shay and Francis as they walked through the campus to the girls late classes. Francis an Engineering major while Shay studied Computer Science.

The two ladies trapped Angel in the middle of their wordless venture to class. Angel had, had enough of their standoff. He'd only agreed to walk Shay to class not play referee to their bullshit.

"I can't take this anymore, ya'll need sort your own shit out this is getting ridiculous," Angel complained before telling the pair he would see them later.

The two stood in an awkward silence before Francis cleared her throat. "Shay listen," Francis began before she was quickly cut off by Shay's hand.

"I get it, I talked to your cousin about whatever this is and I get it, I don't need for you to reiterate it for me," Shay countered as she stalked passed the confused girl.

"Talked to who, Mickey, what did she say," Francis questioned as she grabbed on to her shoulder to stop her from moving away from her.

"To sum it all up for you, I need to stay away from you because I'm trash and you're just too damn good for me. Your platinum pussy is just out of my league quite frankly."

"Oh Shay, I'm so sorry," Francis said with sad eyes. Shay starred at Francis for a while longer before snatching her arm away and walking off.

"You don't even look upset about your cousin's rude ass statements. She doesn't factor in your life when it comes to this," Shay tried to reason. She reached up to stroke the other woman's face and sighed as she watched Francis shrink away.

"Dang is it that bad with your cousin," Shay whispered.

"Actually if I'm going to be honest shes the only one in my family that knows. I'm sorry she was such a asshole but to be honest this," Francis explained using her finger to gesture the space between the two. "Wouldn't work. You're a great person but I can't...it just wouldn't work. Last night was...I'll never forget the other night but this cannot become a thing."

"She's the only one that knows you're gay. Natalia doesn't know," Shay said in complete shock.

"First off I am not gay," Francis spat through clenched teeth as her eyes darted around surveying the surrounding scenery.

"Oh honey, we weren't braiding each other's hair if that's what you think being a lesbian means," Shay jeered showing an equal amount of aggression.

"I can't do this," Francis confessed frantically as Shay took the opportunity to place a gentle hand on her waist.

"Who would have to know? I mean you said it yourself that the other night was unforgettable so why can't we continue what we've got going on. Like no one would know but us and maybe your abnormally nosey cousin," Shay negotiated coaxing a smile out of Francis.

"And me," Angel interrupted from a few feet away as the girls finally realized he never really left.

Without another word Francis excused her and sprinted off in the direction of the Engineering building. Leaving Shay in suspension, Angel was left to comfort her. Wrapping his arm around her the two made eye contact.

"What do I do now?"

"What do you mean, you're the Maverick! If you can't pick yourself up from this then...I'll understand." Shay frowned.

"All that Miami tail can't be left alone just because you're in mourning. It's a tough job but I can fill your shoes," Angel said flexing his muscles. Shay snorted and patted his face mockingly.

"Fat chance, but thanks anyway," Shay responded as the two took off for her Computer Tech class...

 Later that Day...

Apologies are for the weak of heart and McGuire was not one of them. Days later after the coffee incident, she convinced herself that the cup "slipped" from her hand and "sprinkled" Munro's shirt. Mickey was left with the thought that apologizing may be her only option and that would suck.

Time seemed to move so agonizingly slow when he wasn't around. But when they happened to cross paths, he was seen prancing around with Zoe; her heart threatening to flat line at the sight.

She would watch them walk to class, Munro's arm being locked into a vice grip curtsy of Zoe White.

All she wanted to do was gag.

Nevertheless she wouldn't let that affect her, and finally one day after practice she saw her opportunity.

Munro was leaving the engineering building and for once he was by himself. If only for a moment that would be enough time to persuade him to see things her way. She saw Francis call out to him from the door. Mickey was grateful because just maybe that would give her enough time.

She walked to the side of the building where she knew it would be. Finally she found his car an all black 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. Munro had a tendency to be very trusting so she banked on the fact that the door was unlocked. It was!

When she saw the handle click as she pulled it up a warm sensation flowed through her; success. Mickey saw he and her cousin part ways and she eased open the door and slid into the back seat waiting for him in the back seat of his car. Crouching down low she was almost shocked that he didn't look in the backseat. The tinted windows provided some protection for that. She inhaled deeply as he slid into the front seat and turned on the ignition. He always smelled clean with a hint of Ralph Lauren cologne.

Munro switched on the radio and she watched as he took the road. She noticed that he was about to jump on the highway and Mickey knew it would be safe to reveal herself. Munro would probably have a heart attack but surely he would never leave her on the side of the road.

She carefully slid into a seated position without giving herself away and she looked around. The traffic was close to nonexistent. Bracing herself for what would backfire on her, she cleared her throat.

Munro who had settled on Rudimental didn't hear the interruption at first. But when he felt fingers delicately tapping his shoulder, he swerved almost hitting the upcoming median. He guided his car off the exit looking into the backseat to Mickey with a guilty expression harbored on her face.

Grinding his teeth he exhaled and pulled into a gas station and parked. Putting his head into his hands he waited for his breathing and heart rate to level out. To say he was mad would be an understatement. He was pissed.

"What the fuck, McGuire?" Munro groaned gripping the steering wheel as his knuckles turned white.

"Is that the response I get for trying to surprise you? No, hey how ya doing? Or wow what an awesome unexpected treat." Mickey stated pulling the shirt over her head.

"What are you doing?" Munro asked as his eyes darkened at the sight of her brown bountiful chest. Angry at how his mood was now dancing in a cyclone of fury and desire.

"I'm surprising you what do you think I'm doing?"

Pulling the key out of the ignition he took a deep breath. Mickey was going to be the literal death of him. With his hands combed over his face he closed his eyes and pressed his hands to her face. Munro opened his eyes when he felt her snake her way into the front seat. He looked at her to see that shy of some sexy lingerie she is naked.

"You need to put your clothes on and get out of my car," Munro ordered in an unconvincing voice. Mickey smiled as his voice shook lightly.

Mickey slid herself into Munro's lap and unclasped the front of her bra. Munro watched uncomfortably as her breast poured out of their restraints bouncing up and down.

Munro grabbed her waist in an attempt to move her from him but she took hold of his hands. She slid his large hands down her wide hips to palm her firm rounded bottom. Mickey smiled as she felt his strong hands grip her ass. Continuing the impromptu tour she steered his hands up the curve of her waist until they settled on her large mounds. Pushing them up, he kneaded and pushed the twins together.

Munro watched as Mickey bit her lip in response to his assault on her body. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight against him. She arched her back and purred as he trailed his hand down her spine. He loved Mickey like this, bent to his will.

As Munro's fingers danced on her smooth skin he imagined them inside her. On cue as if she were thinking the same thing Mickey began to grind her hips against his; Munro bit back a moan.

He was supposed to be infuriated with her petulant childish ways. Munro squeezed her tits together thinking about how tired he was of her overreacting. Mickey squeaked and squirmed in his lap. Mickey needed to be taught a lesson. CRACK! Mickey's back arched as Munro's hand slapped her butt check with fury and power. Eager to escape her punishment Mickey made a dive for the passenger seat. Munro chuckled as he pushed the seat back a few inches. Mickey sighed helplessly as it dawned on her that she was caught between the steering wheel and a hard place.

"Munro I'm-" Mickey started to apologize but was cut off by the sound of his hand connecting with her firm plump derriere.

"Let me remind you that you came here," SLAP "begging for a second chance with me after you threw your coffee on me." Munro jeered through clenched teeth as he delivered another round of delicious strikes against her backside.

"You piece of shit," Mickey cried out as Munro spanked her ass into a painful numbness. Munro used his forearm to hold her down by the back of her neck. He gazed at his work in satisfaction, staring at his detainee. Mickey found herself on her knees in a effort to retreat to the back seat away from the thunderous blows.

Munro grabbed a fist full of her hair and yanked her back into him, with Mickey straddling his lap. Munro fitted her against his hardness with her plush pillows pushed against him. He yanked her hair back far enough for him to get a clear view of her face. He took his other hand and stroked her face. Mickey could barely breathe as she shook in desperation. She skin felt as if every single pour was inflamed; she needed relief. Mickey took her hand and timidly ran it down his clothed chest. Munro tightened the grip he had on her face and pushed her further back against the steering wheel.

"Did I give you permission to touch me?" Mickey shook her head frantic hoping he wouldn't make it end.

"You need to learn how to listen to directions," Munro stated loosening his grip on her face and allowing his hand to slide down her neck. Mickey moaned as she felt Munro's hand caress her neck at a feather pace. Munro leaned back and admired Mickey's beautiful brown body gyrate in his lap.

Munro growled as he noticed gooey secretions leaking on the rough texture of his black jeans. Munro used his large hand to still her small waist.

"Be glad I'm wearing a dark color," Munro snarled as he slid his hand down her wide hip and thighs to hover just under her weeping mound. "Clearly you need a plug, you're leaking like a faucet."

With those last words Munro thick ring and middle entered her while the rest of his hand cupped her mound. Munro rubbed his fingers against the walls of her sex careful to avoid her g spot.

"I need...for what I said to you...for what I did...I didn't mean it," Mickey panted and pleaded dancing over the apology in a gasping frenzy.

"It doesn't work like that my dear Cherry pop. You don't get to disrespect me and get away with it," Munro chastised in a gravelly tone before pressing his thumb over her clit.

Mickey arched back and pumped onto his fingers and right as Munro felt her lock onto his fingers he pulled out of her weeping center. Mickey looked confused and disappointed as Munro deposited her into the seat next to him. Reaching in the back he fetched her clothes and handed them to her.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm taking you back to campus," Munro said reaching over her into the glove compartment. He grabbed his sunglasses and put them on. Mickey gritted her teeth but continued to put her clothes back on. Knowing it was best to keep her mouth closed.

The two rode in silence back to campus. Mickey glanced over at him desperate for some sort of acknowledgment. Nearing the campus Mickey decided to make a last ditch effort.

"Look West I think you may be blowing this out of proportion. I get that you're mad at me but you need to check your little friend before she gets her feelings hurt," Mickey threatens as she watched his fingers grip the steering wheel knuckles turning white.

"Do you ever get tired of being the bad guy, oh excuse me bad girl?" Mickey frowns at his statement as he pulls over next to the beach across from the Wet Willies.

"Why are we at princess's job," Mickey questioned but already know deep down inside what the deal was.

"Don't change the subject," Mickey threw him a look of contempt that also read 'whatever asshole.'

"I had forgot that Zoe had to work tonight. She's gonna need a ride from work and I don't want her to have to take the bus home." Mickey rolled her eyes and snorted.

"Okay Captain Save a Hoe, heaven forbid she'd have to find her own way home, you gonna wipe after she shits," Mickey charged, fuming that they were sitting outside waiting on this broad.

"Calm down."

"Where is she gonna sit might I ask? With all of this luxurious space in your vehicle I wouldn't want her to be uncomfortable in the back seat," Mickey sarcastically jabbed before looking over at him to see that he was looking between her and the back seat.

"Oh hell no," Mickey retorted.

"Be a team player you know she needs space after she works in that joint all day. Besides we have some things we need to talk about before she gets in the car," Munro explained she sucked her teeth again.

"This is the fucking worst dude," Mickey grumbled before she turned to face the window. Her lips pursed together allowing him to continue. Munro exhaled and sat back in his seat.

"Like it has to be hard blaming others for your problems and not being able to apologize for your own shit. I could see if there was a magical leprechaun making life hard for you but there isn't. There is no leprechaun, no unicorn, no tiny people under the stairs, its you," Munro explained as if he were talking to a five year old. Mickey sucked her lips hard against her teeth and bit her lip to keep from saying anything.

"You know what, yes I was out of line when I threw my drink at you.Yes I need to learn how to deal with certain things, my own shit being one of them but I will continue to reiterate that you need to check your trashy ass friend."

"Zoe has nothing to do with this she has been nothing but nice to you and you don't give her an inch. Last year you accused she and I of secretly being in a relationship then you damn near killed her because you thought she was cheating on me. Remember that," Munro said in a knowing tone that made her roll her eyes.

"No, I don't remember that."

"Let me jog your memory," Munro flipping through the videos on his phone...

Mickey had been following Zoe for an entire day. Following her to her part time gig at Wet Willies then off running errands around South Beach.

'What is she doing so far from campus," Mickey asked herself as she tailed behind Zoe White.

She watched as Zoe checked her watched and waited as the airport shuttle bus pulled up almost in front of her. Mickey watched as people began to unload off the bus and when a tall young man with dirty blonde hair stepped off. He was gorgeous a younger more fashion runway version of Paul Walker. The supermodel type made his way toward Zoe cautiously. She smiled and waved before throwing herself on him.

He cautiously wrapped his arms around her waist as Zoe went to squeeze the life out of him.

Mickey hid behind a bush and watched their interaction.

"I'm so glad you made it Malachi" Zoe cheered more enthused than the man she was retrieving.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world," he murmured in a deep voice leaning down to give her a kiss on the forehead. Mickey burned with anger as she watched this two timing slut move in on someone as she just got into a relationship with Munro.

Mickey watched as the two made their trek back to campus, falling into a comfortable groove.

'How dare this slut cheat on Munro with this sack of shit,' Mickey silently chastised while whipping out her phone and taking pictures. She began fiercely texting as they closed in on Zoe's dormitory. The pair went in while Mickey waited outside tapping her foot impatiently.

Munro soon approached minutes later looking agitated and confused at the same time.

"Steel what in the hell is this?" Munro said through gritted teach. He clutched the phone tightly in his hand.

"I just wanted you to see what I saw. She walked in there all ole buddy ole pal type shit with that guy. You need to check your chick or I will. She cannot and will not cheat on you," Mickey pleaded with the man who stood in front of her confused but deep in his chest he felt pride. An aplomb that bubbled in his chest and made him feel like he was important or worth it. Even in the Miami heat Munro felt the goosebumps set his arms afire.

Mickey looked so distraught that the moment because she didn't want to lose any chance of being with Munro to Zoe but she would move mountains to make sure no one hurt him.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that if Zoe makes you happy then do everything you can to let her know she's yours." Munro almost smiled at Mickey's honesty she was so flushed out and candid.

"So you wouldn't mind if I pursued Zoe, if she and I made things official," Munro questioned taking a step forward to the woman who would be shivering in anger if she wasn't always so stiff with her emotions.

"Yes."

"Positive," Munro questioned again only to be rewarded with a scowl from Mickey.

"Listen, you need to do it soon because your dog is sniffing up someone else's tree, and while you're at it get a leash for her collar," Mickey spat before turning on a heel to Zoe's building. Munro rolled his eyes and shook his head this girl was unbelievable.

"So you have nothing to say to me woman." A annoyed expression breezed across her face.

"Come on you jerk, ain't nobody forget about your little birthday. You want a parade or something," Mickey argued.

The pair walked into the building and took the stairs to the second floor. Mickey looked ready for battle while Munro stared largely at her ass the entire way up.

'Not a bad view for the birthday boy,' Munro boasted proudly almost wanting to reach out and touch.

Mickey marches up to Zoe's suite number and bangs on the door. She opens her mouth ready to unleash a tyrannical slur of cuss words. Mickey reached for the knob and the pair were shocked to find it unlocked. Munro grabbed her arm and pushed her behind him. He slung the door open and what seemed like the entire campus had descended into the suite's living room.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUNRO," the room shouted before a deafening cheer soon followed. The crowd swarmed him pushing him further into the room while Mickey stood frozen at the door.

Francis walked up and slung her arm around her confused cousin. Mickey glared with her arms folded tightly over her chest.

"Relax chick, before people think you'll explode. What's wrong anyway?" Francis asked completely oblivious to her best friend's unrequited adoration.

"Nothing I was just shocked at the length she went to, why didn't anyone tell me so I wouldn't be standing here looking like a total idiot?"

Francis began to pull her further into the suite so the pair could keep eyes on the birthday boy.

"Since you two have started that partner assignment for that Human Sexuality class, you guys spend every moment together. Zoe didn't want you to slip up and spoil the surprise for him especially since she got his brother to fly down from New Jersey."

Mickey stopped in her tracks,"brother?"

"Yep, his older brother, that man is a fine piece of work if I do say so myself. He's twenty-eight years old and working on his doctorate," Francis began rambling off.

"Did you print off his resume," Mickey jeered as Francis cut her eyes at stuck out her tongue. Mickey rolled her eyes and walked toward the kitchen to get a drink it would be a long night.

Mickey took that time to steal glances at Munro who was being carted around by Zoe like some side show at the circus. 'Somebody please give this chick Oscar,' Mickey thought to herself. Some time later the party was in full swing as party goers were feeling the effects of the alcohol. Mickey had to admit that this was a good party and Zoe could pat herself on the back. Mickey scoffed as she watched Zoe float around the room looking like the perfect hostess. Nobody gave a shit though. People were there because of Munro, they could have had this party in a shack during a hurricane people still would have shown up.

"You know she organized this entire shindig herself," Colleen said as if she was defending Zoe from the big bad McGuire. "Cut her some slack, you're too hard sometimes. She's his best friend, all she wants is what's best for him," Colleen reasoned with Mickey who was too engrossed in what was going on across the room.

"And I don't? Big bad Mickey wants nothing but the worst for others," Mickey slurred as the liquor was taking its toll on her showing her colors.

"I never said that and you know it. I just want for you to stop looking at her like she's out to get him. They have been friends long enough for Munro to be able to take care of himself," Colleen urged convincingly.

"Certain people still thought it was okay for me not to know about this, almost like they didn't want me to come," Mickey said in a small uncertain voice. "What am I thinking Leen, he could do a lot better than me. Look at her," Mickey said as she backed up against the fridge. Colleen felt her blood run hot. Mickey always felt inferior to everyone whether it was academics or large social settings, the soccer field was the only place where she felt at home. The field was where she won her battles even the ones you couldn't see.

"You listen to me McGuire Steel because the liquor is making you sound like a dumb ass," Colleen ordered while steadying the girl on her two feet. "Contrary to what you think she was calling him all day to make up an excuse to be here, and where was he? He was off gallivanting with you. We were about to break down and have his brother call him," Colleen explained causing Mickey to snort in laughter. "Baby you are good enough and I think he sees that; hell if he didn't before he does now," Mickey looked up to see Francis, Angel, Munro, Darius, Zoe, Shay and Munro's brother Malachi all staring at them.

"Listen I'm gonna go, tell Francis I wasn't feeling well," Mickey rambled as she watched Francis put her cup down to make her way over. Without gauging a response from Colleen she made her way toward the door.

Mickey turned around and waved absentmindedly at the group. From the moment the door shut she fled the building. Taking the stairs four at a time she was gasping gulps of air by the time she got to the double door exit.

Slumping down on a nearby bench she let the cool February breeze kiss her hot flesh. She sat and stuck her fingers into her jean pocket. She pulled out a thin black jewelry box. She opened it and fingered the gold chain inside. Mickey had saved up from working over Christmas Holiday to buy him a birthday gift.

'To be the boy born on Valentine's Day, I would follow him to the ends of the Earth.' Mickey thought to herself. She clasped the case shut and gripped in her fist.

Sticking her head in between her open legs she never noticed the approaching figure. Mickey jumped when she felt a hand clasp her shoulder. Mickey grabbed hold of the hand and went to swing with her other fist when it was caught midair.

"Whoa there slugger," Mickey jerked away and was face to face with Malachi brother to her crush.

She stood at her full height and like his brother she was eye level to his wide chest. He crossed his arms under his pecks and smirked. Mickey took him in. His sun kissed skin complemented his curly blonde hair. His eyes much like his brother but less piercing more observant. Mickey found herself fidgeting under his gaze. Her lower lips didn't ache as they did when Munro studied her, now she ducked her head as if an older sibling or authority figure was scolding her.

Malachi chucked and nodded toward the bench as if to tell her to take a load off. Mickey took a seat next to him. Her back was rigid as if the hard wood behind her was ice cold. Malachi leaned back and threw his long arm over the back of the bench. Malachi grasped her shoulder and dragged her closer until she was right up under him. They sat in silence until Mickey seemed to relax into his embrace.

"So I didn't know Munro had a brother, I mean had you for a brother...what I'm trying to say is that he never talks about you," Mickey muttered fixing her gaze on his outstretched legs. Malachi had a hearty laugh.

"No worries darlin'," Mickey smiled at the southern drawl that swam around in his accent. "I wouldn't expect him to talk about me; hell I would be surprised if he did."

"You guys aren't close," Mickey stated without question in her voice. Malachi shook his head in affirmation.

"Well what's done is done, now that I'm here I hope we can work on moving in the right direction," Malachi said confusing Mickey. Had something happened between the two brothers?

As if reading the questions swirling around in her head Malachi smirked,"that's water under the bridge and a story for a later date."

The two sat in silence for a while longer before Malachi gestured toward the rectangular case Mickey was fiddling with.

"Present for the birthday boy," Malachi asked humor laced in his tone. "Looking at you hell I would have thought you were the present." Mickey blushed at his cheekiness.

It was clear to her that Malachi was not the one to take her cold demeanor seriously. Her off-putting nature made him gravitate to her more. Malachi felt that her nasty disposition was just her way of not dissolving. Malachi understood why she needed to be solid without corrosion. If for a second she wilted, if for a moment she cracked the entire infrastructure would collapse. Mickey was just like his grandmother. The one Munro gravitated to but only Malachi could identify with her.

"I was hoping he would like it. It's nothing really," Mickey groaned as Malachi chuckled into her hair.

"I'm sure he'll love it," Malachi whispered into her ear allowing his warm breath to tickle the thin hairs on her cartilage.

From an outside perspective anyone who passed by could look at the two and see a couple enjoying the cool evening.

Suddenly someone cleared their throat loud and aggressively. Mickey turned to see Munro standing behind them. She could almost feel the fury radiate off of him. Mickey pulled away from Malachi but not before he placed a kiss to her forehead.

Munro gritted his teeth before exhaling like a bull at a rodeo show. Malachi chuckled slapped a hand on Munro's shoulder and headed back inside the building.

Munro shuffled his feet before deciding to stand right in front of her. Mickey was confused but it didn't last for long as he grasped her arm and pulled her out of the seat. He sat down and jerked her by the waist until she fell back into his lap.

"I see you've met the famous Malachi West. So what do you think?" Munro asked breaking the icy silence

"To be honest, I don't know what to think because you've never mentioned a brother before and I quite frankly don't know what to say," Mickey explained

"My brother and I haven't been on speaking terms up until recently," Munro explained to Mickey as he tightened his hold on waist.

Mickey noticed his action and glanced around to see who was watching. She realized that no one was watching because there weren't any eyes around. It seemed to her that they were the only living people around in the area.

"Well maybe you guys can start fresh, how long is he staying for?"

"Hopefully no longer than necessary," Munro argued silencing her persuasion that his brother could be a good person.

"Let's change the subject for a second birthday boy," Mickey suggested in a low voice that was in contrast of her loud beating heart.

"You got something for me," Munro questioned pulling her tighter into his frame. She nodded but ducked her head as he tried to look into her eyes. "Show me."

"No, I'm sure your little girlfriend bought you the gift of the century. Why aren't you up there drooling over her?"

"Maybe because I'm out here with you. Now stop stalling and give me my shit woman," Mickey snorted at his demanding tone. She sighed and pulled the long case from her side. Munro watched her fiddle with it awhile longer before swinging it over in his chest and letting it drop in his lap.

Mickey then got up as fast as she could and made a break for the door, speed walking back to the party. Munro shook his head and laughed at her eagerness to get away from him.

Munro used his thumbs to open the black rectangular case revealing a gold chain necklace. He carefully detached it and hooked it around his neck. The chain felt cold and tingled the back of his sweaty neck. It was heavy and he could feel the metal as an ocean breezed kissed his open skin.

Munro smiled and slid the box into his pocket and swaggered back to his party feeling as if he had just been crowned king.

He walked in to the entire party dancing and feeling the music. Nicki Minaj feat. Drake 'Moment for Life' blared out of the speakers.

Munro watched and smiled as he saw Zoe and Mickey dancing within the same five feet of each other. To any outsider it looked like they were two friends battle dancing. Malachi standing behind them bobbing his head to the music looking like a rap artist and the girls his backup dancers.

He watched as his brother wrapped an arm around Mickey and smirked in his direction. Munro felt his chest tighten and that made him frown deeper.

"Where is your brother anyways," Mickey asked as Munro trailed off before he admitted something he had no intention of admitting to anyone.

"Who cares, this is about you and Zoe? You need to show her some respect, she's my friend," Munro scolded trying his hardest to take her thoughts away from Malachi. Last thing he wanted is for her to be thinking about this brother.

"Why does everything have to be about that girl. You never say anything to your friends when they talk crazy about me aka Jeremy."

"Maybe because you have never been nice to him; not one time."

"What does that have to do with anything," Mickey asked not getting why her observations deserved a tongue lashing from his idiot friends.

"Everything, maybe I could bring you around more if you acted like you had some sense," Munro shot back.

"Oh so I'm not good enough to hang out with your friends if that what you're saying. Only your precious Zoe is good enough."

"You're putting words in my mouth now. All I'm saying is that you need to respect her place in my life. Zoe is important to me and I can't lose her or any one of my friends over this. At the very least can you please watch your mouth." Munro desperately wanted to slap tape over his mouth he had no idea what he was saying.

"Well if you care so damn much maybe you should be fucking her instead of me," Mickey snapped back angry at his defensive demeanor. Munro rolls his eyes at her abrasiveness toward him.

'He never bats an eye for me. I'm like the fat kid on the playground who gets knocked down and the teacher rolls his eyes. While Zoe on the other hand is the sickly kid who fake wheezes and everyone falls to her feet,' Mickey thinks to herself getting even more riled up.

"At this rate I need to be, because clearly she would shut the fuck up long enough for me to be happy," Munro snapped once again unable to catch himself. Mickey could no longer hide her wounded expression.

"Fine," Mickey whispered. She began gathering her things preparing to leave. Munro reached out and grabbed her shoulder.

"Wait Mick," Munro muttered as she looked at his downcast face expectantly.

Silence was so thick in the car as Munro sat there not knowing what to say. Mickey tried to hold out hope, not wanting to hear the inevitable. Not desiring to taste the truth.

Then his phone vibrated right under the console breaking from the tension long enough for them to read the name.

Zoe

"You'd better answer," Mickey whispered before getting out the car door and crossing the street. Munro felt like an asshole, they weren't too far from campus but she had no business walking. He knew he had fucked up and had he gone after her she might have freaked out on him and that was the last thing he wanted.

He looked at his phone feeling like a coward for being happy that Zoe saved him from an emotionally vulnerable moment and angry that he couldn't just be real with Mickey.

"Hey what's up Zo," Munro said into the speaker...