by Toni Aleo
Posey looks over me to him. “You shouldn’t have asked.”
“No shit,” he mutters, and we all chuckle.
“To answer your question from nine hours ago,” I say, meeting Posey’s waiting gaze. “I don’t know. She’s been acting weird for over a week now, and I can’t seem to pin her down.”
Posey frowns. “What do you mean?”
“She’s been ghosting me. She’s been staying at her mom’s house and not really hanging out at the dorm. When we have practice, she doesn’t talk to anyone, claiming she is stressed with school. But I think it’s more.”
Asher nods, pointing to me. “Yeah, it’s weird. She won’t talk to anyone.”
“Well, you guys aren’t talking anymore, so why would she talk to you?” I ask, and he looks insulted.
“Because I’m a damn joy to talk to.”
Aiden sputters. “No one thinks that,” he says. “We all think you’re a dork.”
“Because I am, duh, but a damn joy of a dork.”
I snort as I shake my head, and then Shelli asks, “Wait, you and Angie were talking?”
Aiden covers his ears like a ten-year-old. “I don’t want to hear this.”
Asher laughs. “It was short-lived. We didn’t even sleep together, and also, Ally is still talking to and dating Taco.”
Posey and Shelli both whip their heads to me, and I narrow my gaze at Asher. “Well played, you damn non-joy of a dork.”
He beams, and I roll my eyes. “It’s not a big deal.”
“He cheated on you when y’all were together, tried to get you to leave school to move to Texas, and he called you a bitch more times than I can remember,” Posey says, counting off Taco’s downsides. “It’s a huge deal. He’s trash.”
“And he doesn’t have a job, car, or a sense of fashion,” Shelli says, her eyes trained on me.
“Because, God forbid, he doesn’t have a sense of fashion,” I supply, and she nods. Now I know why people don’t like being around the lot of us Assassins kids. We don’t shut the hell up. “We’re talking, and Taco’s being really sweet to me. Worry about yourselves and not me.”
“He hasn’t had time to be mean to her because she hasn’t seen or hung with him in a week,” Asher mutters, and I kick him swiftly in the knee.
“Shut up!”
Shelli shakes her head at me, and I feel Posey’s eyes burning a hole in my head. “Ally, come on. He’s a loser.”
“For real. Find someone better.”
I look away from Shelli, and Asher’s gray depths capture mine.
Someone better is sitting across the table from me, but I’ve never been his someone better.
“Oh shucks, look at the time.”
Shelli groans. “No, don’t leave.”
I start to get up. “I’ve actually got a date with the person y’all are dogging. And I know Angie is home right now, so I’m gonna try to catch her off guard.”
“How do you know she’s home?” Asher asks, and I wiggle my phone at him.
“Nicolette texted me about ten minutes ago that she was there, and she’s gonna keep her there until I show up,” I say, grabbing my coat. “Also, let’s be honest, we don’t want me beating y’all all night.”
I kiss Posey’s head and then whisper in her ear, “Control yourself while I’m gone and not blocking you from him.”
Posey smacks my hip as I wave to Shelli. “Love you. Thanks for having me over.”
I start for the door, and Asher yells, “Love you too, asshole!”
I snort as I reach for the handle. “I’ll see you later. Aren’t you working on the jumbotron tonight?”
He nods and then smacks Aiden. “Want to come help me?”
“Sure,” he says, and then Asher looks back at me.
“Yeah, I’ll see you.”
I nod and then wave once more as I head out, but before I can close the door, I hear Wes say, “Wait, you’re really not with her?”
I don’t hear Asher’s response, but I don’t need to.
I know the answer.
I scream it often in my head.
Chapter Fourteen
Ally
There was a wreck on the interstate, which made my ride home longer. Not good since all I did was wonder what Asher said to Wes. I’m curious how he handles it when people try to push us together or assume we’re a couple. I’ve gotten so good at brushing off the comments and questions, but he hasn’t been around everyone regularly like I have. Is it easy, or does it give him the notion that maybe we should try? I can’t shake the memory that he was checking me out at the bridal shop. I felt his eyes on me at all times, but he isn’t a shy dude. If he wanted me, he’d make a move. Or at least talk to me about it. One thing is for sure, I’m getting really annoyed with myself for feeling this way for him and not doing shit about it. He’s been home for weeks, and I’m more in love with him than ever before. I need to do something, or I need to move on.
Hence my date with Taco.
When I get to my dorm, I don’t have much time before Taco is supposed to show up. He’s over at his friend’s house on the other side of campus and is planning to meet me here so we can catch a late movie. I rush inside and take the stairs to my floor, two at a time. I didn’t do cardio today, so this is good for me, even if it makes me want to die. When I reach our room, the door is open and I hear Nicolette inside. I enter and look right at Angie where she is lying on her bed. Nicolette is on mine.
Angie sits up slowly, and I say, “Hey, stranger! Where have you been?”
I sit down beside her, and she draws her legs into her chest. “At my parents’. I’ve been stressing and feeling a little overwhelmed. I wanted to be home.”
I smile because I know she’s lying. “Oh, I’m sorry. I hate that for you. Can I help? We can redecorate so you feel like this is home. I’m sure class is kicking your ass, and you’re probably not sleeping long enough.”
She shakes her head, averting her eyes from me. “It’s not that I’m not comfortable here, I love you. I just needed some space.”
I bring in my brows. “From me?”
She looks up. “No, not at all. Just everything.”
I search her eyes. “Angie, you’re acting weird. What is wrong?”
“Maybe, I should go,” Nicolette says, standing up, but Angie stops her.
“No, it’s fine. There is nothing wrong. I’m staying. I’m fine.” Her words are cryptic and unlike her. She is usually so carefree and happy. She seems closed off and unsure of herself. My heart kicks up in speed as I reach out, holding her ankle. I need her to know I care, that I am here for her, and I hope my eyes are telling her that.
Just in case, I whisper, “Angie, tell me what’s wrong. I love you. I’m here for you. I can help.”
I see the tears welling up in her green eyes. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s not about Asher, is it?”
She shakes her head almost violently. “Not at all. He was very sweet, and no, it’s not him. It’s nothing reall—”
But then her words cut off, and her eyes widen. I glance in the direction she is staring, and behind me is Taco in the doorway. He’s wearing a nice pair of slacks and a button-down. His hair is brushed back, and he’s got a wide smile. He moves his eyes from me to Angie, and something flashes in his gaze before he looks back to me. “Hey there, gorgeous.”
Angie is up and out of the bed before I can even look back at her. “Hey, um, Nicolette, can I borrow your notes from psych class?”
Nicolette is confused, looking between Angie and me before she nods. “Of course.”
She gets up too, and I watch as they head to the door. Taco moves out of the way, and Angie basically hugs the wall to get out of the room. My brows come together as my heart pounds in my chest.
She’s terrified of him.
He shuts the door and flashes me a grin. “Hey—”
“What happened?”
His grin falters a bit. “Huh?”
“What hap
pened with Angie?”
His grin is gone, and slowly, he shrugs. “She didn’t tell you?”
My heart is pounding so fast and hard, it’s difficult to focus on him. “Tell me what?”
He leans into the wall and clears his throat. “That night at the lacrosse party, we hooked up.”
My eyes narrow. “I’m sorry?”
“Yeah, we made out. No big deal, you and I aren’t together. Just dating, and we both know you’re sleeping with that faggot Asher.”
“Don’t use that word to describe anyone, especially not my best friend. You’re already ignorant enough. And also, what the fuck? I have not had sex with Asher ever—or anyone else lately, for that matter—because I thought we were trying to make this work.”
He gives me a bored look. “Blah, blah, blah. Why don’t you just suck the dude’s dick and get it over with?”
Oh God. Please give me the strength not to kick this dude in the dick. “I’m not even going to answer that because I can’t believe you made out with my cousin. What is wrong with you? She is family. Why would you put her between us?”
“It’s not a big deal. It wasn’t even that great. I wasn’t into it, which is why I ended it. She wanted it, but I didn’t.”
I just blink. I’m having a hard time believing what he is saying. “I am disgusted.”
“Oh Jesus, who cares? It’s over with. We’re gonna miss the movie.”
“How can you be so blasé about it? Like it’s not a big deal!”
“The same way I turn my head when you and Asher are together—”
“We aren’t together! He is my best friend. That’s it. But Angie, she’s my cousin, and you made out with her!”
My skin is crawling, and the words leaving my mouth can’t be true. Angie isn’t like that. She wasn’t drunk that night, and she’s been acting so weird around me. Add in the fact that she basically ran when he came into the room, and I’m having a tough time being in the same space as him. “She wouldn’t do that to me,” I say softly, my eyes burning into his. “Angie loves me.”
He shrugs. “Maybe she was drunk.”
I start for the door, but he grabs me by the back of my arm, stopping me. “Let it go. Who cares? We need to head out.” I pull my arm from his grip and reach for the door.
“I’m not going anywhere with you!”
“Fuck this. I’m leaving. I don’t need this drama.”
I ignore him as I open the door and head across the hall to Nicolette’s room. I push the door open to find Nicolette on the bed with Angie, her arms around her. Angie is crying, and Nicolette’s face is filled with apprehension. They both look up at me, and I meet Angie’s gaze.
“Did you make out with Taco?”
Angie blinks, big wet tears falling from her eyes. “No! I wouldn’t.”
“He’s saying you did.”
She shakes her head violently, her tears streaming down her face as she looks away. “I didn’t want to, Ally. I’m so sorry.”
I narrow my gaze. I know I’m missing something. “What happened?”
She lets out a sob, keeping her gaze averted, and then in a very low and terrified voice, she says, “We were just talking, and then he moved in on me, pressing me into the wall, trying to get his tongue into my mouth.” Her voice breaks as she looks down. “He grabbed me. Everywhere.” She squeezes her eyes shut as she guards her chest with her legs. “I tried to push him away, but then he grabbed me between my legs, and it shocked me. I didn’t know what to do, so I kicked him hard in the groin.” When her eyes meet mine again, she is hazy through my own tears. “I couldn’t tell you because he’s your boyfriend, and I’m so sorry that it happen—”
“Angela Lynn Paxton, don’t you dare say another word!” I yell louder than I intend. “This is not your fault. It’s that piece of shit’s fault,” I say, pointing in the direction he went. More tears roll down her face, and I shake my head. “I’m going to fix this.”
I leave Nicolette’s room, only seeing red. I rush downstairs, hoping I can catch Taco before he leaves. It’s a long shot; he knows he did wrong and ran out of here like a bat out of hell. And for his safety, he better hope I don’t find him. I am shaking, I’m so mad. When I reach the front of the building, he’s on the sidewalk with a friend of his from the lacrosse team. I stomp down the steps and I can hear Angie calling me, but I don’t stop. Even Nicolette is yelling for me, but no one will stop me. Taco can hurt me all he wants, but he will not lay a hand on my cousin.
“You are a disgusting piece of shit, Trey,” I seethe. “How dare you touch her without her permission!”
Taco turns, his eyes dark as he looks from me to Angie. He cuts his eyes back to me, and he has such a guilty expression on his face. “She’s a liar. She wanted me.”
I stop in front of him, shaking with anger. “What’s she lying about, Trey? How do you know she’s lying?”
He looks from me, unsettled, to his buddy, who is gawking at me. “She’s accusing me of touching her, when I only touched what she offered up. She was dancing like a porn star. She wanted to be touched.”
“Did she give you consent?” I scream, and his eyes widen as they fill with darkness. “She can wear nothing in the middle of the commons, twerk, and pop ping-pong balls out of her pussy, and you still have no right to touch her.”
“Ally, stop. It’s over.” I hear Angie say, but I’m already going.
“Whatever. She wanted it,” he says, so unconcerned for her well-being and disrespectful of me. I knew he was shit. I knew it, yet I let him around my cousin and myself. My anger shakes me to my core as the tears start to fall.
“You don’t get to decide that!”
“Get the fuck out of my face. You ain’t shit.”
I can’t even think straight, to be honest. I don’t think—I just shove him, hard, catching him off-balance, and he tumbles to the ground. He starts to get up as I scream, “I am calling the police on you, and—”
Before I can finish, his hand is at my throat, lifting me up to my tippy-toes. I cry out, holding his wrist as everyone screams around us, trying to stop him. His face comes close to mine, and I swear I see the devil in his soul. His grip on me is tight, blocking my airway, and I slam my fist into his wrist, trying to get him to let go of me. His eyes burn into mine, unflinching, as he yells, “You put your hands on me again, I will kill—”
His words don’t make it out of his mouth before his head is whipped to the side by a really big fist. His hold on me is gone, and I stumble back into Angie’s arms. I’m disoriented, but when I see him, I can’t breathe.
Asher.
Chapter Fifteen
Asher
When Ally leaves, I don’t answer Wes’s question about us. There is no point; she made it very clear we are nothing. Multiple times. I’m unsure why that bothers me, but it does. Makes no sense, yet here I am in my feelings as I scroll through Facebook. I don’t even understand these emotions. They’ve come out of left field. Our game night stops once Ally is gone, and soon after, Shelli and Aiden show Boon and Posey the rest of the place. I guess neither Wes nor I care because we stay where we are, on our phones. I text Tony to let him know I will be heading in to get the jumbotron cleaned and to change the bulbs that finally came in. I feel kind of rude not talking to Wes, he’s obviously important to my brother, so I clear my throat as I set down my phone. Really, I’m just trying to distract myself from thinking of Ally.
I hate that she’s going out with Taco. I really don’t know why she is. They haven’t been talking much, and he’s still a douchenozzle. I also hate that I can’t get the memory of her thighs out of my mind. It’s as if the image is seared into my brain. I guess I could have worse things seared in there, but it makes no sense. I’ve seen her in her Spanx, jumping and being a badass volleyball star, but it was her regular-length shorts that had me drooling.
What. In. The. Ever. Loving. Fuck.
“So, Wes, are you the Wes that my sister thinks is hot?”
&nbs
p; His brow perks as he looks up at me. He is totally someone Stella would go after. Simply because he plays hockey. I feel like that’s her only condition. I really don’t get it since we grew up without our dad for months when we were younger—why she would want to be involved with that? But she has only dated hockey players. Love them, craves them. She’s weird.
“Stella thinks I’m hot?”
“If you’re the Wes she talks about, then, yes, I assume so.”
“Man, she’s so fucking hot.” That bothers me a bit. Funny, I usually don’t care. I mean, Stella is beautiful and so is Emery, but in all reality, no bad dude would survive with either of them. No guy has ever spoken about my sisters. Wes nods, this shit-eating grin on his face, but then it vanishes. “Aiden told me to stay clear.”
“Eh, I’m not surprised. But I know Stella. She’ll do what she wants.”
He strokes his jaw as he sets down his phone. “I’m not a relationship kind of person, so I wouldn’t be good for her.”
I shrug. “Ah, okay.”
“Is that Ally girl really dating a dude name Taco?”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, apparently.”
“So, she’s one of those serious relationship types? No hookups?”
I blink. “I don’t know. It changes. Right now, he’s a hookup but almost a potential relationship.” Why does it make me gag saying that? Wes nods, and I ask, “Why do you ask?”
“She’s hot. Thought I would see if she was interested.”
Why am I squinting and wishing this guy to the place where Shelli’s Wedding Book from Hell belongs? “But you just said you don’t want a relationship.”
“I don’t. It’s not my thing,” he says with a grin, and I try to ignore the need to tell him to stay the fuck away from Ally. Maybe I can scare him?
“A lot of dudes say that, and the right girl comes along—and bam!”
“Bam?”
“Bang? Boom? I mean, it’s your choice on the sound it makes when your jaw hits the ground and you’ve been smacked by the love stick.”
He blinks. “You know, Aiden said you were a dorky dude.”