Chapter 5

Selena's Pov 

The male dorm was already packed when we arrived.

Music thumped through the walls like a second heartbeat. We stepped out of the Uber together and walked in, looking like a trio straight out of a college drama.

Nia led the way, pulling us through the crowd. Ava leaned in close and whispered, “Keep your chin up. You look like a goddess.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, but the black top hugged my waist perfectly, showing off my curves, and the jeans made the shape of my ass stand out. For once, my hair wasn’t a mess, and the eyeliner made my eyes look sharper than usual.

Nia definitely meant what she said earlier—she wanted Jake to realize what he lost and Jasmine to burn with jealousy seeing me tonight.

We pushed through a wave of sweaty bodies until we found a quieter corner.

“Drinks?” Ava asked.

“I’ll take water,” I said.

She raised an eyebrow. “You’re no fun.”

I just shrugged, and as they went to grab drinks, I leaned against the wall, trying to stay invisible.

That’s when I saw her. Jasmine.

My eyes widened instinctively. We hadn’t spoken since the day I walked in on her with Jake. The image of her sitting on his lap, lips locked on his, was still burned into my memory.

Now she stood across the room in a red dress, her long blonde curls falling perfectly. She saw me—and smiled. Like she had been waiting for this moment.

She crossed the room slowly, like a predator closing in. I wanted to walk away, but my feet wouldn’t move.

“I presume you don’t have an ounce of shame in you, do you?” she said as soon as she reached me.

“Shame?” I gritted out. “I think that word should be directed at you, not me.”

Jasmine chuckled softly, tilting her head. “Why should I be ashamed? I was making out with my boyfriend. Should that be a crime?”

“And you did it right in my room? On my bed?” My fists clenched at my sides as I fought the urge to scratch her face and rip out her perfect curls.

Before I could react, Jasmine’s hand flew up, and she slapped me. Hard.

A loud gasp spread through the crowd.

My head snapped to the side, the sting searing into my cheek. I turned slowly and glared at her.

“How could you?” she cried suddenly, her voice louder now. That’s when I realized—she was putting on a show. She had managed to draw everyone’s attention, and now she was playing the victim.

“You dated my boyfriend behind my back, and you aren’t even ashamed? Yet you’re telling me to back off? Or else what?” She stepped closer, a smug smirk tugging at her lips as whispers filled the room.

“What are you going to do, Selena?”

“You bitch!” I screamed, tears burning my eyes as murmurs broke out around us.

“She’s a slut!” someone hissed.

“She should be ashamed of herself.”

“Why would she even show her face here?”

The room buzzed with judgment, and Jasmine stood there, soaking it in, smiling like she had won.

She straightened her shoulders and sneered. “Now, for trying to take my man from me…” She raised her hand to hit me again—

But someone caught her wrist midair.

Gasps erupted around us.

“Don’t you dare,” a familiar voice said, deep and firm.

Cullen.

I looked up, my tear-filled eyes meeting his. Jasmine froze, shock flashing across her face when he shoved her hand away and stepped toward me.

Without saying a word, Cullen cupped my face, wiping away my tears gently. Then he grabbed my hand and pulled me through the crowd.

The room went silent as everyone made way for us until we stepped outside into the cool night air.

As soon as we were out, I pulled my hand from his grip and turned away, wiping the tears off my face.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly.

I turned to look at him, hesitated, then gave a small nod.

“You should’ve fought back,” he said, his tone firm. “Why did you stand there and let her humiliate you like that?”

I didn’t answer. I just sniffled quietly, my throat tight.

Cullen sighed and stepped closer, his warm hand gently cupping my cheek as he wiped the last of my tears.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked softly, his voice lower now, almost hesitant.

“Tell you what?” I whispered.

“That you were a virgin,” he said, his eyes locking on mine.

I froze, unable to speak.

So… he knew.

When I didn’t respond, he continued, “Did you think I’d have ignored you if I’d known?”

I shook my head slowly. “No. I just… I didn’t—” My voice broke, and I couldn’t even finish the sentence.

His gaze darkened slightly, intense but unreadable. “Do you want to get back at them? Wasn’t that why you came to me?”

I stared at him, my lips parting slightly, but no words came out.

“Then use me,” he said suddenly, his voice steady, unwavering. “Use me to get back at them.”

His hand trailed lightly along my cheek, his gaze fixed on my lips.

“I’m willing to let you use me, Selena.”