Royal Havoc

43. I’m Going Down

forty-three

I’m Going Down

Onyx: 2024

B ehavior like this is the reason guys get their penises cut off and thrown at them. Power trips are boring. If I shove something up his ass, does that make me the powerful one?

Let’s try it and find out.

He’d tie you up for days!

Not if I tie him up first. HA!

“You’re not fucking meeting him!” Vex growls, storming from the stove carrying two plates of scrambled eggs.

“I can’t have coffee with my teacher? But, you can go and delete your rent-a-whore?” I question loudly, slamming the orange juice on the table hard enough it rattles the plates.

The asshole has the audacity to laugh as he stabs at his eggs. “I gotta go fix what you screwed up, by being a brat.”

“I was ten asshole! Opal wanted to have me committed! She drove me to some knockoff Disney castle and told me it’s where crazy belongs!” I shout, stopping myself from stabbing him with my fork.

He drops his fork, eyes wide. “Who follows someone into the woods and disappears? Zeke and I searched for you for hours.”

Bolting to my feet. “I didn’t disappear, dickhead! I was being chased. Every time I got close to the edge, someone was there throwing shit at me!” I shout, forcing the tears to stay put behind my eyes. Yanking up my sleeve, showing him my forearm. “I got this tattoo to cover the scar I got when I fell. The monsters cackled when they found the bloody stick that stabbed me.” I shiver, hating the memory of that night.

He wraps me in his strong arms, kissing the top of my head. “It’s okay, little spade. You’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’re home,” He soothes softly in his gravelly voice, swaying us back and forth. “Opals gone. She can’t hurt you anymore.”

Before I can speak, my phone vibrates on the table, bursting our bubble. Quickly, I break from his arms, swiping away the useless tears. Seeing the name on the display makes me smile.

I wipe my nose with the back of my hand and clear the evidence of the tears from my throat before swiping the screen. “Miss me?” I joke into the phone, turning my back on Vex’s scowling face.

“Something like that,” Nolan answers. “More like checking on… How’s the grades?” he asks.

His question sparks a thought, bringing me back full circle. “Good. Actually, I’m getting ready to meet one of my teachers,” I answer defiantly, spinning around, meeting Vex’s steely glare.

He reaches for the phone, but I’m quicker, backing away and scurrying around the opposite side of the table.

“Really —”

“I gotta go, Nolan. I’m in a rush.”

“Of course you are.”

“Talk later,” I huff, ending the call as I run into the bedroom, hoping to beat Vex and lock him out.

His hand presses on the wood before I can get the door shut. “The fuck? I told you you’re not going to meet Brickman,” he rasps angrily, shoving past me.

I stomp from the door to the walk-in closet. “Go play with your skank. I’m all good,” I call over my shoulder, ripping clothes from their hangers and shelves, making a mess in my fit of rage.

He leans on the doorway, casually crossing his arms. “Fine. I’ll go with you.” He shrugs.

Obnoxiously shaking my head, laughing like a lunatic at his threat. “Fuck you, I don’t need an escort.” Spinning on my heel. “Besides, girls aren’t allowed at your precious signing, remember? Jackasses only,” I seethe, throwing every bit of my anger at him.

Our morning started off so good until Vex had to be a nosy asshole. Why should it matter if I go to meet my teacher? If he’s got top-secret bullshit to handle?

He’s not flirting with the bullshit.

How would we know if he did?

You’re deflecting.

And he’s being a possessive ass. Shut up!

I was surprised when Mr. Brickman suggested we meet at The Purple Cup. I figured he’d pick somewhere in town until I remembered the shit hole doesn’t have a coffee shop.

I’ve not seen Amy since I told her we weren’t friends. Hopefully, she doesn’t make it awkward. I don’t need a teacher of mine involved in silly girl drama.

I park in the gravel lot around a quarter til 12. My lack of sleep last night is starting to weigh on me. I yawn, ignoring Vex’s fifth call since he stormed out after me this morning.

Just because a guy sticks his P in a girl's V, doesn’t mean he gets to turn into a possessive ogre. Honestly, I could give two shits about his boys only meeting. I only yelled because he told me I wasn’t allowed to do what I wanted.

I glance at the time, debating over calling Nolan, when I notice a text from Hendrix.

Hendrix: I’ll be home this evening. Dinner at 6.

Me: Fine

I gasp, dropping my phone when my hand flies to cover my racing heart.

“Did I scare you?” Mr. Brickman’s voice leaks through the glass.

Inhaling deeply, rolling down my window. “I didn’t notice any cars,” I explain, glancing around the lot.

Motioning behind him with his thumb. “Oh, I live close by. So I walked,” he informs me.

“Give me just a second,” I tell him before rolling up the window.

Once I’ve gathered my phone and purse, along with my breath, I slide from the Jeep. He leads the way across the street to the small shop, and I find myself wondering if he’s been here before.

As we step to the counter, I notice a couple of people occupying tables. Amy’s smiling face greets us as she skips from the back.

“I’ll have a large black river, two sugars,” Mr. B orders politely and steps to the side. “And whatever she’s having,” he tells her.

Our eyes meet, and I notice her smile falter a fraction. “Your usual?” she asks stiffly.

“Yes.”

“Muffin?”

I shake my head. “No, thanks.”

She nods before skipping away to make our orders.

“You can grab a seat,” Mr. B tells me, glancing around the space.

I move quickly, happy to leave the awkward vibe she’s projecting. I settle in my usual seat and stare out the window until he joins me.

“Do you know her?” he asks, placing my to-go cup in front of me.

Straightening at the sound of his voice. “Not really. Just from getting coffee,” I answer, opening my notebook.

He relaxes in his chair, sipping his. “Ready when you are.”

I review my notes from the night before. “What made you want to be a teacher?” I ask, meeting his stormy eyes.

He smiles. “Good question. I had a lot of time to read, which made me realize my love of words.”

Swallowing my drink. “So, not a sports fanatic?”

“More of a hunter.” He winks.

I clear my nervous throat, jotting down his answers. “Music?”

“Guess,” he counters playfully, wiggling his brows.

“Um…” Studying him for a minute. “Grunge?” I guess.

He chuckles. “Rock. I enjoy 90’s rock,” he clarifies, smiling across the table.

Silence grows between us as I try to think of my next question. I feel myself start to sweat, setting off a round of nervous chills.

“You’ve hardly touched your coffee.” His observation shatters the heavy silence.

After taking a drink. “Sorry, I’m not more prepared,” I apologize.

He leans his elbows on the table. “You seem a little tired.” His questioning eyes examine my face.

“Yeah, I didn’t sleep well,” I admit shyly, rushing to take another drink.

“Everything okay at home? I’m a good listener,” he offers without judgment.

“Just adapting to Edge,” I answer vaguely, never trusting anyone enough to confide in – especially not a stranger.

You trusted Vex once.

The voice has my thoughts drifting to him. Wondering if he’s done with his official Four meeting.

Stupid history.

“I lost you,” Mr. B says, pulling me from my thoughts.

A yawn stifles me. “Sorry.”

“It’s o—”

“Mind if I sit?” Amy asks, appearing at our table.

“Sure,” Brickman answers, motioning to the seat beside me.

She hurries to sit, smiling like the Cheshire cat. “I’m Amy,” she says, introducing herself.

“Mr. Brickman, Onyx’s teacher,” he tells her, smiling at the excitement rolling off her.

Resting her chin on her fist. “I didn’t get much schooling where I grew up. But I like math,” she tells him.

I cover my mouth to yawn, listening to them talk about movies. My attention’s shot when I think I hear them start exchanging recipes.

“I should probably go,” I interrupt rudely, blinking at his shocked face. “I’m worthless right now. Could we continue on Monday?” I ask, trying to hide the yawn escaping me.

“Are you sure you’re alright to drive?” he questions, worry drenching his words.

His face turns fuzzy as I struggle to blink him into focus. “I’ll just wait in my Jeep and call Vex,” I tell him, sluggishly gathering my stuff.

I think he’s talking, but nothing’s registering. My eyes blink closed. Suddenly, my lids are too heavy to open. My head sags, and I need to lay it down.

I just need to rest for a …