by Leila James
I do my best to appear strong, my gaze shooting around the room as we re-enter, defiantly daring anyone to be brave enough to say a word to me or about me. Max and I cross to the far side of the room, which is less densely populated by the football team. There are some whispers, but no one has the balls to say anything else at full volume since Mrs. Harden is at her desk getting ready to start class.
Max walks right up to the old battle-ax and leans in close, whispering in her ear. What he says, I don’t want to know, but a few seconds go by while she looks from Max to me before she aims her eagle eyes over at Max’s table mate. “Jerome? Could I ask you to sit in Scarlett’s seat today?”
His eyes dart over to my empty seat before he slowly nods. “Sure.” He moves quickly, crossing the room, setting his stuff down, and picking mine up. He wasn’t here when everything went down earlier, and his eyes are curious as he hands me my things.
“Thank you.”
He nods once and returns to my seat, settling in between Beau and Micah.
I’m sure the whole damn school will be curious later, because if there is one thing I know about schools like this, it’s that word gets around fast when something goes down. Unfortunately, the truth of the event will get twisted in some sort of guessing game, or maybe more similar to a game of telephone. What happened will get passed from person to person until it comes out the far end. With my luck, the story will be that I was blowing Xander when everyone walked in this morning.
To his credit, Max is proving himself to be a good friend to me. He glares at every person who looks our way, football player or not, as we sit down.
The worst part of it all is that even though I’m across the room, I can feel Xander’s gaze on me, unwavering.
Chapter 18
A while later, Mrs. Harden asks for us to hand in the homework assignment due today. There’s a whole lot of groaning and shuffling of papers as the class passes their work to the front of the room. I’m finally calming down and pulling my shit together. I flip my notebook open and go to grab the assignment I’d completed last night, only to find it’s not there. My brows draw together, and my heart rate picks up as I frantically close the notebook to check the cover and make sure I brought the right one. I did. Maybe I left it in a different folder? No. I know I didn’t. Biting my lip, I raise my hand.
“Yes, Scarlett?”
I blow out a harsh breath. Seriously, what else could go wrong today? “I seem to have misplaced my assignment. I did it, but it’s not where I put it.”
Mrs. Harden’s lips press into a thin line. “Late work is generally frowned upon.” She pauses, eyes trained on mine. “One time only, I’ll give you until our next class to complete the assignment.” She glances around the room. “Everyone hear that? You get one get-out-of-jail-free pass. I’ll be paying attention.”
I mumble, “Yes, ma’am,” and my cheeks burn with embarrassment once again. In my peripheral vision, I see many sets of eyes from across the room studying me.
Aria’s whisper from somewhere in the back travels easily through the quiet room. “Maybe she’s the type of scholarship student who ends up having to leave because she can’t handle the academics. Maybe she’s a dumbass. Runs fast, though.”
I whirl around in my seat, staring daggers at her. Her face is in a full-on smirk.
From the front of the room, Mrs. Harden clears her throat before speaking. “Scarlett. Is something wrong?”
I turn around. “No, ma’am, not at all. Aria was encouraging me to turn that assignment in as soon as possible. I appreciate her concern.” I grind my teeth together, trying my damnedest not to say anything else.
I can’t say for certain who did it, but I’m fairly sure my homework didn’t just magically disappear from my notebook. And if I had to place bets, all of my money is on Xander’s girlfriend—or whatever the hell she is to him. She’s a nasty piece of work.
At the end of class, as I’m gathering my things, I notice Aria sidle up to Xander. His head is tucked next to her ear and at first glance, it looks like he’s nuzzling her neck. The more I watch, the more it seems like he’s whispering something pretty harshly. He almost seems … mad? Who knows, and who freaking cares.
I wet my lips and get out of my seat.
“You ready? I’ll walk you to class.”
I give Max a grateful nod. “Yeah. Let’s go.” We walk up the aisle and across the room.
Xander holds up a hand. “Could I talk to you a minute?”
I give him my best crazy eyes. “I don’t think so. Thanks, though.”
“I just—”
Max ushers me forward. “She doesn’t want to talk to you. You heard her.”
Xander’s hand shoots out fast, grabbing at my elbow. “Please.” The way his eyes plead with mine seems almost desperate.
I’m no one’s fool. “Xander, I said no.” I shrug my arm away from him. “No.” I spit out a whisper harsh enough to make my point. “You’ve said more than enough today already.”
Chapter 19
“The way he looks at you … I swear, girl.” Daphne shivers. “I can’t tell if that would scare me or excite me.”
Max kicks at her under the table.
“What? I can’t help it. He’s attractive.” She shrugs and picks at her macaroni and cheese. “He hasn’t taken his eyes off of you since you walked into the cafeteria.”
I shake my head. I have no appetite at all. My stomach has been in a tight ball since English this morning. I can’t keep up with what’s happening, and I feel like I’ve been sent to such extremes in the last twenty-four hours. Embarrassment. Pain. Lust. Torment. Anger. Confusion.
Max grumbles. “I’m still mad I wasn’t there. From what I hear, it was fucking weird. Before class started, she trips into his lap and he’s an absolute asshat about it, laughing along with all of the other D-bags on his team. Then as we’re leaving, he’s almost begging her to let him talk to her. I didn’t even know Xander had puppy dog eyes, but he did for her. Straight. Up. Begging.” He jabs his fork at us to punctuate each of those last three words.
“So fucking strange.”
My mind wanders from their conversation as I watch Xander from across the room. Today I chose to sit facing the room because I didn’t think I could handle having his eyes on my back. His intensity scares me, but not knowing when it’s aimed at me somehow seems worse.
From this side of the table, I have a great view of Aria perched on his thigh, his hand firmly gripping her hip. I wonder how she’d feel if she knew that her boyfriend made me suck on his thumb yesterday … and he’d liked it. A lot. It had been scorching hot, there’s no doubt about it. I’ve never had someone command me like that before, and I’d fallen so easily under his spell. And oh, the filth that had dropped from his lips … Holy shit.
I don’t think I want to know what might have transpired if Mr. Simmons hadn’t interrupted us. Or worse, what if he’d been a few minutes later and caught us? Regardless, I’m pretty sure Aria wouldn’t be down with any of it if she knew. She glances in my direction, then runs her hand through the hair at the nape of his neck, cuddles closer. Checks to see if I’m still watching. I wave. She frowns.
Oh, yeah. She’d probably lose her fucking mind. And it’s bad that I don’t care, but I don’t. I can’t say I understand his apparent fascination with me, but if it pisses Aria off, more power to me, I guess. She doesn’t like me? Well, I don’t like her or her rude mouth either.
When I realize Max is still talking, I tune back in.
“He’s been off and on with Aria since we were in middle school. His mom is close to hers.” He snorts. “They’ve practically been forced together since they were in diapers. I’d bet they’ve been each other’s first, like, everything.”
Jealousy flows through my veins unbidden, and hot, tingly prickles of displeasure erupt over my skin.
Aria leans in and says something to Xander before she gets up and leaves the room.
Daphne nudges me. “Are y
ou okay?”
I sigh, pushing my uneaten food away from me. “It’s like I can’t get free. Like he’s—I feel like he’s trying to—” I shudder involuntarily as I search for the right way to explain it. “Like, see inside me? Is that weird?”
Max snorts. “Well, he’d probably like to do something inside you all right, but I’m not sure it’s quite the way you’re thinking.”
Daphne smacks him. “Max, you’re so bad.”
“I just call ’em like I see ’em, ladies. And that dude’s got it bad. Now, why all the bullshit, I have no idea.”
“Me either. Speaking of, who do you think stole my homework? Because I definitely did it and it’s not anywhere.”
Max shrugs. “My bet’s on Aria. She seems to have it out for you, too. I mean, for obvious reasons, I think, based on her man’s interest in you.”
“Seriously? Someone took your homework?” Daphne looks appalled, which doesn’t surprise me one bit given what I’ve learned about her bona fide nerd status in the last week.
“Yeah. I mean, I had it before all hell broke loose in there, and then it was gone when I went to turn it in.”
Max shakes his head. “Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out.”
Chapter 20
I find myself a small group to run with for practice. Kari, our captain, happens to be in it and once we’re done for the day, she and I wind up next to each other at the fence that separates the football field and track from the stands. As we move through some simple stretches, I swear she keeps giving me funny looks. Finally, I angle myself toward her, leaning on the fence.
“Is there something you want to say to me? Because I feel like you’re trying to work yourself up to it, and the weird tension is killing me.”
She glances at me, lip tucked between her teeth. She takes another few seconds to pull her foot up to her butt and push her hips forward. “Um. Yeah. I guess I was just wondering how you managed to get a scholarship? I’ve asked around and confirmed that there’s only supposed to be one scholarship given out for each sport.”
I shrug. “I can only tell you what we were told—that I was being granted a scholarship for cross-country. Is it a problem? Am I stealing your thunder or something? Because I didn’t come here to try to take over as captain or anything. I just like to run.”
She shakes her head. “It’s just weird. Anyway, it’s whatever. I guess we’ll both prove ourselves in the first meet, right?” She gives me a tight smile.
“Oh!” It hits me that I need to ask about the team T-shirts. “I’ve been meaning to ask, could you tell me about when we’re supposed to wear the team T-shirts? Is it for meets or …?”
Kari’s brow wrinkles. “What are you talking about?” She switches legs and leans into her stretch.
“Someone left a T-shirt on my bag last week that had a runner on the front with …” At her confused look, I don’t finish my sentence. I don’t know what to make of it. “Never mind.” Tell me someone didn’t have that awful Run like your worst nightmare is chasing you T-shirt made just for me? Someone around here obviously has way too much time on their hands.
She gives me an apologetic look and takes off for the locker room.
Me: Okay, I need some confirmation on the scholarship thing. Is there really only one per sport? And if so, how do Kari and I both have one?
Daphne: Well, you’re a good runner, right?
Me: I mean, yeah. But worthy of them coughing up a second scholarship?
Me: My ego isn’t that big.
Daphne: I was nervous to tell you this before, but my mom is on the scholarship committee. I can talk to her. I’m pretty sure you weren’t on the list for the athletic ones.
Daphne: With a name like Scarlett, I’d have remembered, you know?
Me: Yeah. I get it. But I don’t—if that makes sense.
Me: I’ve had multiple people comment now.
Me: What if some of what’s going on lately doesn’t have anything to do with Xander?
Max: Maybe somebody is freaking about the scholarship for some reason.
Daphne: Well, that’s dumb. Who even cares? Kari isn’t even the best runner on the team. That’s why they gave her the captain position.
Me: Ouch. LOL
Max: LOL it’s true, though. I can do some digging while I’m in guidance. I have access to a bunch of stuff.
Max: Some stuff I’m not supposed to really see, but I can take a peek.
“See something you like, Red?”
I glance up from my phone to find the entire cross-country team has disappeared from where we’d been stretching just two minutes ago while I’ve been glued to my phone. Xander stands right across the fence from me, a smug grin on his face.
“You can stop calling me that anytime now.” I look back down before I murmur, “And yeah. Number eighteen looks delicious in his gray joggers today.”
Xander looks toward the field, and then back at me, cocking his head to the side. Oh my, if looks could kill. His nostrils flare, and he grips the football hard in his big hand. “You know, I’d believe that you were looking at someone else if you weren’t so busy giving me those fuck-me eyes.”
“I wasn’t looking at anything but my phone. Get over yourself.” I turn and walk away, feeling his hot gaze on me the whole way.
Chapter 21
After classes the next day, I make a quick stop by Mrs. Harden’s room to drop off my late work. She’s sitting at her desk when I poke my head in and knock on the open door.
“Come on in, Scarlett. Thanks for turning in that assignment. What can I do for you?”
My mouth opens and closes a few times. “Uh …”
The perplexed look on my face must betray the direction of my thoughts.
“What’s wrong?”
I hadn’t turned in my assignment. So, who had? I hold up the work I’d completed last night. “I don’t know who turned that in, but I just redid it last night.”
The woman may be old, but she’s not stupid. “So, the whispers I heard were correct, then. Someone took it from you so you couldn’t turn it in during class?”
“I guess so.” I shrug. “I left the room for a few minutes, then came back in with Max. I, um, tripped and fell and was a little embarrassed.”
“I see.” She squints her eyes, staring more closely at my expression, but doesn’t say anything else.
I hand her the fresh assignment. “I don’t think they are much different, but—”
“I’ll give you credit for the higher of the two scores.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” I turn to leave.
“Scarlett?”
I pause and glance back over my shoulder. “Yes, ma’am?”
“Be careful. This academy is full of vindictive, spiteful people who come from some of the most important, wealthy families in the area. Watch your back. It sounds like someone isn’t playing nice.”
I nod and give her a tight smile. “I’m learning that quickly. Thank you.”
Once I’ve had my conversation with Mrs. Harden, I drop by Coach Lance’s office to explain my holdup. “Just get on out there, Scarlett. No harm done, just don’t make a practice of tardiness.”
“No sir, I won’t.”
I quickly change into leggings, a sports bra, and a T-shirt and hit the trail just a few minutes later. I put in my earbuds and take off through a wooded area I haven’t checked out before, skipping the trail that goes near the football field for obvious reasons.
Less than ten minutes into my run, a hand clamps down on my shoulder. Spinning around and gasping for air, I get ready to fight someone off, if need be. I jerk to a stop and blink a few times in disbelief that Xander has had the gall to follow me out here. I tear the earbuds from my ears as I study his face. He’s breathing hard, and his dark eyes are a deep, complex sea—and riveted to mine.
“What the fuck, Xander? You scared me half to death. What the hell do you want?” Exasperated, I continue before he can get in a word, throwing my arms
up in the air. “What will it be today? Scare tactics? Intimidation? Embarrassment? Want to chase me through the woods again?”
“Again?”
“Whatever. It won’t have quite the same effect considering I’ve already seen you this time.”
“You’re really pissed, aren’t you?” His voice rumbles out low and full of gravel. As he studies me, his jaw twitches.
And damn my eyes, because they follow every move of that chiseled deliciousness.
I shake my head, needing to think straight, then realize what he’s asked. “How could I not be? Do you have any idea what it’s been like for me since I started here?”
He reaches for my arm, his strong fingers encircling just below my elbow. I yank it free, holding it close to my chest.
He groans, visibly frustrated, then mumbles under his breath, “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Running his hands through his hair, he clasps them over the top of his head while walking in a small circle, looking up at the sky.
I watch his chest rise and fall. He seems agitated.
Not my fault, buddy.
He blows out a breath, his gaze connecting with mine again. “I’m sorry.”
I blink. Once, twice, three times.
“Did you hear me? I said I’m sorry.” He steps closer. “I’m sorry.”
“I heard you, Xander. But honestly? I don’t believe you.” I’m so irritated my lip trembles.
His hands tilt my face to his as his mouth crashes to mine in a dizzying kiss. He lets out a low, desperate sound as his lips rub against mine.
His tongue swipes over my lower lip, and like an idiot, I open my mouth for him. He’s ravenous, eagerly exploring every square inch of my mouth. I’m overwhelmed by this sudden shift, trapped in the madness, unable to push him away. Instead, I clutch at his chest, grabbing his T-shirt. I can’t think, and I’m being taken over by his touch, his scent, his taste. He’s waging a war—and winning.