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Xander’s gleamy blue eyes stare down at me. “I have an offer to make.”
He doesn’t corner me like he used to, but he’s spending more time with Kim. His ‘Morning, Reed’ has morphed into conversations, and I don’t know how to scream that he’s manipulating her without sounding crazy.
nightmare about blood, black eyes, and drowning in murky water. The seven year-old version of me has been screaming ‘Da!’ over and over again.
Aiden I dreamt about pounding your tight pussy until you screamed my name. I’m kind of contemplating slipping into your room and fucking you like in the dream. Oh, and morning, sweetheart.
Kimberly Mum isn’t available so I’m driving Kir home. I’ll be there in a few. Xo. Kiss his adorable cheeks for me. Kim sends a selfie while she gives Kirian an open-mouthed kiss while he tries to shove her away.
“Sorry, love. You’re pretty but you’re not my type. I’d rather not be frozen to death.”
“Why do you think no one asked you out these past two years?” Xander lifts an eyebrow.
“Other girls have boyfriends, but you don’t. Ever wonder why?”
“That’s the point.” He snaps his fingers and points at me. “Who do you think started the rumour that you sucked off the biology teacher? That you’re a Teacher Slut? And the other about you having a contagious disease?” He counts on his fingers. “King and King and… oh, King.”
But if Aiden’s using my best friend against me, the only way to strike him is to use his best friend back. Eye for an eye.
Cole’s laugh falls as he notices us.
His eyes stray from me to Xander and then straight to Aiden. He doesn’t need to alert him, though.
As if having a sixth sense, Aiden pauses picking at his food and lifts his head. His smoky gaze falls on me, and for a second, he appears to be taken aback...
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“The twitch in his left eye.” Xander grins. “He can control anything but that.”
That’s the last thought I have before Aiden slams his fist in Xander’s face.
Aiden has never been the violent type. He said it the other day, didn’t he? That he’d rather play smarter, not stronger.
Xander releases mocking laughter before he shoves Aiden and jabs a punch at his face. Blood explodes from Aiden’s lower lip.
Aiden and Xander have been close for as long as anyone remembers. No one would’ve imagined that they’d turn against each other.
Cole and Ronan are the first — and the only ones — who dare to approach them.
The corner of his left eye twitches as he stops in front of me. Hot, intrusive breaths trickle the side of my face as he whispers, “You’ll pay.”
Kim and I leave the classroom together, but neither of us is talking. She’s been throwing me glares since lunchtime, and I’ve been too out of my skin to focus on her moodiness.
‘King’ flashes. He’s calling her. Aiden is calling her. The entire ride home is spent in unnerving silence.
“Then, what is it? You know he bullied me for years! I’m sure it’s written in some friendship code that you don’t date your best friend’s bully.”
“And does that friendship code say that you shouldn’t hug your best friend’s bully and cry in his chest? Does it allow you to act all friendly around him when it clearly makes me uncomfortable?”
The point is, I promise to never hurt you, Ellie. You saw me when I was invisible, and I’ll never forget that.”
“And I would never hurt you, Kim. You’re the best thing that happened to me since I got into this godforsaken school.”
Her lips part and she bites back a smile. “Really?” “Why do you sound happy?” “I’m not!” She clamps her mouth shut. “You totally are!” I jab a finger into her side.
The ever so calm King started his first fight for you.”
“He went into a summer camp, and when he returned, his mum was dead. I still remember the hollow look in his eyes at the funeral. It still gives me chills… brr. You know, he didn’t cry that day. He stood beside his father in complete silence during the entire ceremony.”
I put them underneath the water in the sink then pull back when I notice Aunt watching me. She knows I only get obsessive about washing my hands when I’m anxious.
That must be why he’s too busy to text me. I close my eyes and try to purge the images out of my head.
Silver and Aiden are made for each other.
I notice a black Mercedes with tinted windows. I think it’s been there since the grocery store.
“Time to pay, sweetheart.”
He grabs a fistful of my hair harshly. “Shut the fuck up, Elsa.”
“Shh, not a fucking word.” His left eye twitches. “You don’t want to test me right now.”
“Do you know that I feel murderous when someone touches you? Is that why you pulled that fucking stunt?”
“Scream or fight and I’ll fuck you raw against the car until the entire neighbourhood learns my name. Understood?”
“You’re using Kim against me,” I pant, my voice hoarse and raw. “Is it such a surprise that I’d decide to use your friend against you?”
My ears ring at his dispassionate tone. He’s… serious. They’re not his friends in the way Kim is to me. If they pose any threats to his plans, they become disposable. Absolutely nothing.
“It’s because of you I’m labelled a slut. It’s because of you no one approaches me.” “And no one will.”
“Because you were always mine. You just didn’t know it yet.”
You don’t want nice. You want me to take your will, don’t you?”
He drops a gentle kiss on my nose. His eyes are still dark, but they’re a lot clearer when he says, “Good girl.”
For the rest of the week, neither Aiden nor Xander shows up at school. They were both suspended.
Aiden’s house is down the street. It’s huge and imposing and… lifeless. No one comes in or out. Aiden must still be at his camp. Not that I care.
Aiden Let’s meet.
I miss you.
I know you miss me, too. You don’t have to say it.
“Have you seen my dickhead cousin?” Levi’s inquisitive eyes roam over my shoulder.
