CHAPTER FIFTEEN
STORM
Even though I told Athena everything, I wasn’t sure that I felt ready to tell her about Rebel coming to my room last night. I felt both horrified and ashamed. The bastard had used me, and I had let him.
I knew that Athena wouldn’t make me feel any worse about it than I already did, but that didn’t make it any easier to vocalize. This wasn’t the kind of thing one sends via text message. Still, it ate away at my insides. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hold it in much longer.
I messaged her during class, asking her to meet me alone outside when we both had some spare time. As nice as the other girls were, I didn’t know them well enough yet to let them in on this. Every passing minute seemed to drag. I tapped my fingers on my desk, my leg bouncing from the anxious energy building to an explosive level. By the time class let out, I was ready to blow.
I shot out of my seat, gathered my things in record time, and sprinted from the classroom. Every corner I turned, I kept expecting to run into Rebel. The constant peering over my shoulder was starting to hurt my neck. I didn’t want to see him. I had absolutely nothing to say to him.
Exiting the building helped me feel less trapped. I made my way to the outdoor seating area where several other students occupied tables. Since I didn’t see Athena yet, I grabbed a free table and willed her to show up before anybody else could come along.
“What’s the big emergency?” Athena surprised me by approaching from behind. She sat down across from me, her brow furrowed. “Is everything okay?”
I vigorously shook my head. “Not even close. Something happened last night, and I really need to talk about it, even though I really don’t want to talk about it.”
Athena tucked a lock of dark brown hair behind her ear, her eyes filled with concern. “What happened? You know you can tell me anything.”
“Promise you won’t judge me. I’m judging myself enough for the both of us.”
“You know some of the shit I’ve done. I’m the last person to judge anyone. Come on. Spill it.” She waved a hand, beckoning me to share.
I made sure that nobody could possibly overhear when I said, “Rebel came to my room last night. It wasn’t the first time. Hopefully, it will be the last.”
Athena’s lips pursed as she cocked her head to one side. “And the part you can’t bring yourself to say? Did you sleep with him?”
I nodded, a giant sigh racking me. “That’s one way of putting it. I mean, yeah there was sleeping, but there was so much more first. We were like animals, especially Rebel. Possessive and wild, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”
Athena laughed. “Sounds juicy. What has you so freaked out? I’m having a hard time seeing the problem here. I mean yeah, Rebel is an asshole, but if you had a good time, that’s all that matters.”
“The problem is that I think he used me. He’s been so shitty to me, but then he comes to my room and treats me like he owns me. And I let him. Then he’s gone, and I’m left wondering why the hell I let it happen.” Hearing myself say it made me feel even worse. “I think I fucked up, Athena.”
She nodded a few times, contemplating my words. “Maybe you did and maybe you didn’t. That’s for you to decide. Either way, don’t let him think he was anything more to you than an easy lay. Maybe you used him too. He came to you, Storm. You have something he wants. Don’t underestimate the power you have in this situation.”
I’d been so focused on Rebel’s shitty behavior and his weird obsession with me that I hadn’t looked at it that way. She might be right about this. I had a hand to play in this game after all.
Her gaze strayed past me. I turned to find River Harris sauntering over. I was surprised that he even bothered with me after the last time when Rebel chased him off. Although maybe that was exactly why he was interested in me. I wasn’t too keen on being anyone’s conquest, though this might provide me an opportunity of my own. Rebel didn’t own me, regardless of my sore ass that claimed otherwise.
“I have class in fifteen minutes, but let’s talk after school. I want to hear the dirty details. In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the attention of someone who isn’t Rebel. Catch you later.” Athena gathered her things and stood up, waving to River as she walked away.
River’s dark eyes lit up as he reached my table. “How’s it going? Is it cool if I sit? I wouldn’t want to cause any trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I could use the company.” I knew that I played a dangerous game here, but I didn’t care anymore. I belonged to no one.
River sat on my side of the table. Leaning in close, he whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “If you ever need help getting rid of Rebel, just say the word. I have a way of making things happen.”
Even though there was a joking lilt in his delivery, I strongly suspected he meant every word. I remembered what the girls had said about River and his friends. They were always for hire, willing to do anyone’s dirty work for the right price.
His close proximity made me feel strange. I couldn’t shake the urge to slide away from him on the bench. Somehow, I stayed put, not wanting him to know that he’d made me so uncomfortable.
“I appreciate that, but I think I’m good. Rebel isn’t important enough for that much effort.” In an attempt to change the subject, I asked, “How’s your day going? I still have an exam to write before I can go home for the day.”
It was a lame attempt at conversation. Inwardly, I cringed. I didn’t want to talk about Rebel with him. Wary of his closeness, I adjusted my hair to make sure it covered the nasty bruises on my neck.
River went along with my pitiful efforts. He humored me by engaging in senseless conversation. Maybe he genuinely liked me and didn’t mind talking about campus life. He definitely did not come on as strong as Rebel had. Once we got chatting about normal things, I started to enjoy his company.
“I’m going to ask you out,” River said, running a hand through his hair. “I hope you’ll say yes. No pressure though. Can I take you to a movie sometime? Or maybe a party? We host some pretty killer house parties. Live bands and everything. You should come.”
“That sounds fun. I would love to.” A blush warmed my cheeks. It would be nice to date someone who didn’t talk down to me and treat me like a pet.
River studied me intently, an adorable smile on his face. “You have the cutest dimples. I’m sure you’ve heard that before.”
I didn’t expect him to gently touch my cheek while gazing into my eyes. I kept waiting to feel something. A spark. A quiver. Anything. I felt nothing. He seemed like he could be sweet, and he wasn’t hard on the eyes. Yet there was no chemistry. No draw that pulled me to him.
“Thank you. That’s sweet.” I worried that he may try to kiss me. All I thought about was the way Rebel had devoured my mouth like he wanted to consume me in every way. I sincerely doubted River could compare to that.
I wanted to give him a chance. Anything to give myself a much needed distraction from my neighbor. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fake desire or attraction.
Rebel seemed to have a sixth sense that told him when I thought about him. Battling myself and my feelings toward him. He chose that moment to appear. When he saw me sitting with River mere inches apart, he did a double take.
Oh shit.
I fully expected him to make a scene or do something to embarrass me. His entire expression went cold. Puffing on a joint, he sucked it down to the end in one large toke. His predatory blue gaze locked on me. My entire body stiffened. I became painfully aware of the stinging sensation on my ass cheek and the bruises he’d left behind.
This time Rebel didn’t say a word. He simply passed by, a deadly promise in his eyes. As he passed, he flicked the remains of his joint at me. It landed on my lap, forcing me to hurriedly brush it away before it burned my clothing.
River shot to his feet. “What’s your fucking problem, asshole?”
He rushed Rebel, body slamming him so hard that Rebel hit the ground. River tried to take advantage of having Rebel down by throwing a punch in his face. Everybody stopped what they were doing and turned to watch.
Rebel took the first punch but caught the second one. He twisted River’s wrist before sweeping his legs out from under him with a perfectly hooked foot. Back on his feet, Rebel grabbed River’s hair and jerked his head back.
“Are you willing to die for her, motherfucker?” he snarled. “Or is this just your way of fucking with me? You don’t want to know what I will do to you if you touch her.”
I bit back a yelp as Rebel’s fist smashed into River’s face. Was River only paying attention to me because he knew it would piss off Rebel? I needed to stay away from both of these guys. I didn’t want to be part of this shit.
Before the fight continued, a professor and a campus security guard rushed over to split them up. Both guys were pulled apart. That didn’t stop them from glaring daggers at one another.
“We’ll finish this at the graveyard on Saturday,” Rebel promised, straining against the security guard. “Be there or I’ll fucking hunt you down, and when I find you, I will take you apart piece by piece.”
“See you then, dick.” River let the professor drag him back toward the building. He seemed to have forgotten all about me once he snapped on Rebel.
Maybe I was nothing more than an object to fight over. Well, fuck that.
Once River was gone, the security guard released Rebel who immediately grabbed my arm. “I’d like to have a word with you, pet. It’s up to you if you want all of these people to be part of it or not.”
He didn’t give me much of a choice. Gathering my things, I let him lead me away. I knew Rebel well enough by now to know that I did not want any witnesses to this discussion.
We rounded the side of the building to a small grassy area littered with cigarette butts. Students snuck away to smoke over here where they wouldn’t be seen by faculty, unless the campus guards happened upon them. One guy stood there smoking but quickly vacated when Rebel jerked a thumb, indicating for him to get lost.
As soon as we were alone, Rebel clutched a handful of my sore, swollen ass cheek. “Do I really need to remind you who you belong to? What kind of game are you playing with River Harris? Are you trying to get him killed?”
I sucked in a breath, making a squeak of pain. Slapping his hand away, I snapped, “You think I’m the one playing games? Pretty funny accusation coming from you. Maybe I like him. Did you ever consider that? He’s not an uptight psychopath like you.”
“No, he’s worse,” Rebel fired back. “He’s a killer for hire. You have no idea the things he’s done for a price. He’s using you to get to me, Storm. Don’t you see that?”
My jaw dropped. Rage filled me until I was shaking. “He’s the one using me? He’s not the one who came to my room last night, patted me on the head like a dog after, and then flicked a burning joint onto my lap today. If anyone is using me here, Rebel, it’s you.”
I started to walk away, unable to look at him any longer. I didn’t trust myself around him anymore.
He grabbed my arm, pulling me to a stop. “Don’t walk away from me. For the record, you didn’t seem to mind being used. In fact, I recall a lot of enjoyment on your part.”
“Fair enough. I’m done, Rebel. You need to leave me alone now.”
This time when I jerked away from him, he let me go. As I walked away, he called after me. “Good luck with that. You’re mine now, Storm. I don’t think you realize what that means. Stay away from River Harris or his blood will be on your hands.”
I didn’t reply, and I didn’t look back. Despite my resolve and the anger that drove me, I couldn’t shake the unease that followed me. Rebel meant every word. Somehow I’d gotten in over my head, and I didn’t know how to get out.