by E. M. Snow
Fucking no!
“No one told me shit,” she snaps back. “You’re my daughter. I have the right to know where you are.”
“Yet you care so little, so often,” I hiss back. It doesn’t escape my notice that she’s not answering my question. “Why are you asking if I’m still in school? Are you planning something?”
The phone clicks and as suddenly as she called, she’s gone.
18
My gloved fists slams against the bag, and it feels good. I hit it again, and again, throwing all my anger and frustration into my punches as I beat the bag mercilessly. Since coming to Angelview, I haven’t really gotten back into my boxing regimen. Swimming has taken up most of my free time, but I’ve missed boxing. Coming to the gym and wailing on a bag sounded like exactly what I needed in order to burn off the nervous energy coursing through me thanks to Jenn’s freaky phone call yesterday.
I’m still not sure what she could be planning, but there’s something going on. She’s never given a damn about my education before, and now she’s called me twice to talk about Angelview. First, to taunt me that I didn’t belong here, and second, to assure that I was still here after all. Why does she care so much? What is going through her crazy mind?
“Geez, Ellis. What’d that bag ever do to you?”
My fist stops midair as the voice takes me by surprise. Glancing to my left, I’m surprised to find Gabe standing there watching me. I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the back of my arm as I turn to face him fully.
“What are you doing here?” There’s no heat in my voice. I’m not accusing him of anything, just asking a simple question. The few times Gabe has come to the pool to watch over me, I’ve gotten to know him a little bit, and I think he’s like Liam. Less toxic when Saint’s not around.
He shrugs. “Was just walking by and saw you in here. You’re pretty good, you know?”
I was great back home, but I don’t tell him that.
“I can hold my own.”
He nods. “You should join the boxing team. The girls are pretty solid. Bet you could compete in some big-time tournaments.”
I furrow my brow and grin as I shake my head. “I’m joining the swim team. Two sports plus my class load would be way too much.”
Gabe groans and rolls his eyes. “Man, I don’t have time to babysit you every night because Saint has a thing and won’t do it himself.”
“You can tell Saint I don’t need a babysitter,” I grumble, embarrassed that he’s still sending his friends to watch me instead of doing it himself. Especially after what we did in his dorm room. I study Gabe for a moment, wondering if Saint told him what’d happened between us. Thankfully, he doesn’t seem aware of the fact that his best friend’s head was buried between my legs just a few nights ago. If he knew about it, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.
It would just give the people at this school another reason to make my life hell.
“Yeah, right. Telling Saint anything that Saint doesn’t want to hear is bad for your health, you know. You should’ve seen how the motherfucker reacted to me taking your panties that one day.”
Ah, now that’s news.
“I can imagine,” I murmur, remembering Jon Eric’s bruised face before turning back to the bag. As I begin slamming my fists into it again, Gabe comes around and grabs it, holding it steady for me.
“So, I’m curious, Ellis. Who do you think it was that knocked your ass out?”
I pause and glance at him. While I hadn’t been expecting the question, I’m not surprised his nosy ass is asking it. Gabe is the biggest gossip whore I’ve ever met. If there’s dirt going around about someone, he’s usually the one who spread it.
“Haven’t a clue, Gabe,” I reply as I resume hitting the bag.
He keeps it steady, even when I throw all my weight and strength into my punches.
“You’ve got to have a list of suspects, at least?”
Oh, I do, but it’s probably more of a grudge list than a real one. At the very tippy top of my suspects would have been Laurel, obviously. I’ve no doubt that evil bitch would try to murder me and make it look like an accident, but again—alibi. The rest of the list? Pretty much everyone at this school who’s contributed to making my life here hell. Surprisingly, though, Gabe, Liam, and Saint are not on there. Gabe’s too lazy to go to such lengths to get rid of someone, Liam would never hurt me, and Saint…
Well, he has way too much fun fucking with me to want me dead.
“Like I said, I have no idea who could’ve done it. I’m just grateful they weren’t successful in their murder attempt.”
He releases a shallow breath, as if disappointed I don’t have juicier stuff for him.
“Well that doesn’t help things,” he murmurs, more to himself than to me, though.
“Is that all you stopped by for?” I demand, stopping again and glaring at him in exasperation. “To try and convince me to do boxing and bug me about my attack?”
He shrugs. “Pretty much, yeah. The swimming thing’s really cutting into my pussy-chasing time, and there’s a pool going around on who tried to off you. I thought I could get a little bit of an advantage if I heard who your enemies were straight from you.”
His words make me think of Saint, and his parting jab to me after my orgasm melted away.
“We’re still enemies, and I still want you gone.”
I groan in disgust and shake my head. Then, a thought comes to me, and I’m a little stunned I didn’t think about it before now.
“Gabe, why did Saint have you and Liam start watching over me when I swim?”
His head jerks back, and he blinks at me. “You don’t know?”
I frown. “No … should I?”
His lips turn up into a wide grin, and he chuckles. “Fuck, Ellis. You’re clueless as hell. You sure you’re here on a scholarship?”
“Why don’t you enlighten me?” I growl, folding my arms over my chest and glaring at him.
“No can do, sweet cheeks.” He smirks, taking a step toward me. I don’t move an inch, staring him down as he invades my personal space. “Just watch yourself. You’re playing with the big boys now, and we don’t follow the rules like other guys do. Stay on your guard, or you’ll be eaten alive.”
I stare at him, uncertain if he’s threatening me or not. It doesn’t sound like a threat, but his words are far from friendly and besides, this is the same bastard that stole my underwear to do god knows what. He winks at me and turns to go before I can muster up any kind of response. I scowl as he struts out the door.
Gabe’s strange behavior is still on my mind when I walk into English class the next morning. I can’t figure out what he meant when he said I was playing with the big boys now. Haven’t I been doing that all along? And how the hell am I supposed to know why Saint forced him to babysit me?
I can’t read that sociopath’s mind!
I’m a little spaced out as I’m walking to my seat, and don’t realize that the chair next to mine is occupied until a familiar voice catches my attention.
“What’s the matter, Mallory? You look out of it.”
I stop and stare with wide eyes at Liam.
“Oh, hey!” I say, my surprise clear in my throat. “I … I didn’t think you wanted to sit with me anymore.”
He grins, and it’s strangely charming.
“That’s when I was avoiding you,” he explains. “I’m not avoiding you anymore.”
He’s giving me friendly Liam again, and it’s throwing me off balance. I’d never have expected this from him while at school, so I’m not entirely sure how to proceed.
“Umm … why were you avoiding me?” I ask as I move to settle in my seat.
He shrugs. “Doesn’t matter.”
I don’t miss the irritation that crosses his gaze, though it’s gone in a split second.
“Hmmm, sure. I’ll pretend to believe that.”
He chuckles and stretches his arm to rest behind my chair. I stiffen, at loss as to what he’s thinking. It
almost feels like he’s flirting with me.
“I’m sorry about that, by the way,” he says. “That was a dick move to just ignore you.”
“True.” I nod. “But it’s fine now, I guess.”
We’d managed to meet by up on Wednesday, as planned, and finish our project together. He hadn’t been this friendly while we worked, but he hadn’t been a total dick to me either. I’d taken the evening as a win.
“Good,” he says, breaking me from my thoughts. “I don’t want things to be awkward between us.”
I’m at a complete loss. He’s throwing me for a loop, and I’m struggling to keep up. One moment he wants nothing to do with me, the next he’s overly friendly and flirty.
He’s like Saint, except Saint is neither friendly nor flirty.
Saint just expects what he wants when he snaps his fingers, no questions asked.
“Hey, Liam, can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” he assures me with an easy grin that seems so out-of-character, I briefly wonder if maybe he has a twin who’s pulling a prank on me.
“So, I was wondering…why did Saint have you watch me at the pool? What was his game?”
Liam’s brow furrows, and he looks less than pleased by my query. “Saint? You want to talk about Saint right now?”
“Well, no, not necessarily…”
He removes his arm from the back of my chair, his scowl deepening. “What makes you think Saint asked me to do anything?”
I’ve upset him, and I could kick myself for it. That’s the last thing I wanted to do.
“Well, Gabe said—”
“Gabe said what? That Saint fucking ordered us to look out for you? Like some goddamn king? Jesus Christ, what is with everyone kissing his ass all the time?”
I wish I could take the question back. I wish I could pluck my words from the air and shove them back into my mouth. Liam’s not just upset. He’s legitimately pissed off.
“Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
He turns in his chair so he’s facing me. “You think Saint really gives a shit about you? Really? He’s not the type to care about anyone, Mallory. Not you. Not me. Not a fucking soul. The sooner you realize that, the better it’ll be for you.”
Where is any of this coming from? I never thought Saint cared about me. He’s proven time and time again that he doesn’t.
But he saved your life and made you scream his name in pleasure.
Stupid fucking inner voice.
“Liam, I—”
He shoves away from his desk, gathering up his things, and storms away before I can get a word in edgewise. Returning to his usual seat, he drops down in the chair and doesn’t even look my way the remainder of the class.
So much for apologies.
The morning of Parents’ Weekend, I’m having a difficult time putting on a cheery smile. It’s got nothing to do with the fact that I don’t have anyone coming to see me. In fact, it’s a relief that Jenn hasn’t made an appearance, and I pray to God she stays far, far away from here.
No, what’s bothering me are the gods.
Gabe’s probing questions.
Liam’s explosion of temper.
Saint’s icy silence.
He’s gone back to pretending I don’t exist, and I haven’t bothered to try confronting him again. I have a feeling it’ll do little good. If I was smarter, I’d get over his behavior and attitude and carry on with my life like nothing was the matter.
If I was smarter.
But I can’t help my disappointment and sense of rejection. The guy had his lips on my vagina, for god’s sake. The least he could do is fucking look at me when we pass each other on campus.
I make my way toward the picnic to help with final prep. Angelview is crawling with people as other students show off their illustrious school to their filthy rich parents paying for them to go here. Both of Loni’s parents are supposed to be coming, separately of course, so I offered to make sure everything was in place for the big luncheon so she could visit with them and not be distracted. I’m happy to see that everything appears in order when I arrive outside the dining hall. The tables are still perfectly set, and the kitchen staff are busy bringing out the dishes for the buffet.
There really doesn’t appear to be anything for me to do. Should I just go back to my dorm room and hang out until the day is over?
The thought of being alone right now is a little … depressing.
With a sigh, I turn to head back toward my building.
“Mallory!”
I gaze around and see one of the staff organizers, the freshman history teacher, Mrs. Elders, approaching me, a confused frown tugging at her features.
“Hi, Mrs. Elders. Everything okay? I’m here if you need extra help.”
Coming to a pause, she shakes her head. “Mallory, I came to ask why you aren’t with your mom?”
My heart stops. Literally stops.
No. No, she wouldn’t. She wouldn’t dare.
I swallow, but it feels like razor blades line my throat, so I’m fighting to maintain my composure as I wheeze out, “I think there’s been some mistake. Nobody’s coming for me today, Mrs. Elders. The trip was too expensive and—”
“Well, then she must have wanted to keep it a surprise because she checked in not that long ago and is waiting for you to meet her in the dining hall.”
My stomach drops and I think, for a moment, that I might pass out.
I’m so screwed.
19
Tentatively, I head toward the dining room, my heart in my throat. There’s no way Jenn’s here. Absolutely no way. Why would she risk coming out of hiding and being discovered? What could be so goddamn important, because I know it’s not me.
Bursting through the doors, I come to a stop and gaze around the large room. There are a few lingering parents and students who haven’t made it outside after checking in, but I don’t see any sign of Jenn. Then, my eyes fall on a familiar face. Relief rushes through me, and I almost burst into tears.
It’s Carley.
She’s sitting at a table by herself, smiling and waving at me. I run toward her, not giving a shit if anyone sees and thinks I’m weird or pathetic. She stands as I near and opens her arms. I fling myself into her embrace, choking on a happy sob.
“Oh, my God! What’re you doing here?” My question is muffled by her shirt, but I don’t want to step away from her yet. I want to soak up her warmth and love and let it heal my poor, shattered soul.
“Did you honestly think I would miss this weekend?” she asks with a chuckle. Pushing me gently back, she grins down at me, her blue eyes glossy with tears. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Did it work?”
“Um, yeah it did! I thought the trip would cost too much—”
“Well, you can thank your little friend Alondra for that part.”
My features crinkle into a deep frown. “What? What do you mean?”
Her expression turns mischievous as she replies, “She didn’t want you to be alone this weekend, so she stole my number from your phone when you were in the shower and invited me out. She even got her dad to pay for my ticket here and back.”
I’m stunned. I had no idea Loni was planning any of that. I want to cry again out of sheer joy and relief that I have people in my life that really, truly care for me.
“Well, baby girl. Are you going to show me around, or what?”
I release a heavy, contended breath and bob my head. “Yeah. Let me give you the tour … Mom.”
We both laugh as, arm in arm, we make our way out of the dining hall.
“I can’t believe we’re eating lunch with the freakin’ Juggernaut!”
I shoot a look toward Carley and shush her with a raised brow.
“You’re acting like a crazy fangirl. Calm down!”
Except she doesn’t calm down. She does the opposite of calm down. She turns toward Loni’s incredibly attractive, incredibly ripped father and gushes at him.
“I just have to
say, I’m a huge fan!”
Mr. James flashes her a white-toothed smile that even I find swoon-worthy.
“A woman like you, into MMA? You’re a fantasy come to life, huh?”
Carley blushes from her neck to the roots of her blond hair and giggles, and I turn wide eyes toward Loni, who’s staring right back at me.
“What the fuck?” I mouth across the table.
She sloughs off a shrug and shakes her head, looking as baffled as I feel.
Our parental figures are fucking flirting with each other!
Carley and I had met up with Loni and her dad before the picnic, and Carley nearly lost her shit when she’d found out who Mr. James really was. Now, as Loni and I try to choke down our lunches without gagging, Carley and Mr. James are making eyes at each other across the table like goddamn teenagers. It’d be adorable if I wasn’t so weirded out by it.
I think we’re just lucky Loni’s mom is eating with Laurel and her dad a few tables over.
Still, I can’t help grinning when Mr. James compliments Carley’s eyes. Weird or not, it’s nice to see her enjoying herself. She’s usually so exhausted from work, she doesn’t have the time or energy to just have fun. I shake my head and take a drink of lemonade, then feel the sudden urge to pee.
Leaning in so I can whisper at Carley’s ear, I say, “I need to go to the bathroom. Try not to jump his bones while I’m gone, okay?”
She whips her head to face me, gawking in shock and embarrassment. “I’m not going to … why would you say that?” She gives me a questioning look, then whispers, “Why? Do you think he’s interested?”
Snorting, I press a quick kiss to her cheek and get up from my seat. Winding my way through the tables, I head toward the dining hall. I make my way into the bathroom, pee, and wash my hands. When I near the door to leave again, I hear voices on the other side. They’re not loud, but they’re tense and heated.
I hesitate, wondering if I should step out and interrupt whoever’s talking, but I’m not willing to be trapped in the bathroom for God knows how long. Cautiously, I open the door and try to sneak out. I gaze around and freeze in my tracks. Between me and the door to the outside is Saint. He’s standing with an older couple, who I assume are his parents, and they appear to be in the middle of a tense conversation.