Chapter 11
Jessie’s in my class after lunch and wastes no time apologizing profusely for Rachel’s behavior.
“She’s not usually like that,” she insists, wide-eyed and earnest.
I seriously doubt that. People don’t just accidentally turn into raging bitches for no reason. Still, I nod politely, while knowing I’m in no rush to see Rachel again. I don’t make a habit of hanging out with people who are rude and hateful, best friend or not.
I pop in an earbud and flip open the new sketchbook Ben picked up for me from my supply list. I start doodling while the classroom slowly fills around me.
I’m deep in the zone when two bodies drop into the seats beside me simultaneously.
Startled, I look up… and smile.
“Hey, strangers!”
Axel sits on my left. Nik on my right.
I pull out my earbuds and snap them back into their case, turning to Axel first. “You didn’t tell me we had a class together.” His sticky fingers were all over my schedule yesterday.
He shrugs. “I did say cool people take art.”
I give him a flat look, but it’s more amused than annoyed.
Our conversation ends before it truly starts, when the art teacher begins her lecture.
But focusing is hard with model number one and model number two flanking me.
My attention drifts between them until Nik stretches and his shirt rides up, flashing a glimpse of toned stomach.
My eyes lock in, and yep, pretty sure I just drooled.
He catches me looking, and I die inside a little when he smirks at me.
So much for being subtle.
After the initial instruction, we’re left to start sketching for a self-portrait project. Nik strikes up quiet conversation while we work, and I surprise myself by enjoying it. He’s funny, easy to talk to, and quick to praise me for standing up to Rachel at lunch.
“You were badass, by the way,” he says with a grin.
I smile, feeling a little high on the attention. He doesn’t know my past. He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile. I feel... normal. And I like that. I like that a lot.
But every time Nik has my full attention, Axel leans over and points something out on his or my paper. It’s like he can’t stand the fact that Nik and I are vibing.
Is he jealous? No. Surely not. Feeling protective? Maybe.
After everything between yesterday and today, maybe he feels responsible for me. Maybe he thinks he needs to defend me now.
I should be grateful, but instead, I’m annoyed. I like talking to Nik. I like how easy it is. And Axel’s interruptions are driving me crazy.
The bell rings before I can say something.
We pack up our stuff, and Nik turns to me. “Can I get your number?”
The question sends a little thrill through me. I give it to him and tell him to text me so I have his, too.
Axel gets up and storms out of the classroom. I frown, but catch Nik smirking when I hand his phone back.
“Damn. He’s got it bad.”
“What?”
But, because Axel’s my ride, I’m already calling a quick bye to Nik and scrambling to catch up before he can clarify what he means.
Axel doesn’t say a word all the way to the car.
Doesn’t speak on the drive home, either.
He turns on music, but it does nothing to fill the silence.
The tension between us is thick, the kind that makes your skin itch.
And even though I know I haven’t done anything wrong, he somehow makes me feel like I have.
As we’re pulling up to the house, my phone buzzes with a new message. I dig it out of my purse to read.
Unknown: Hey, cutie. Now you have my number. Feel free to use it ;)
A smile sweeps across my face as I save the number to my contacts as Nik.
Axel slams his car door shut, jolting me from my little dopamine high. He’s already stalking toward the house, his mood practically vibrating off him like a bad frequency.
That’s it. I’ve officially had it with his piss-poor attitude.
Climbing out of the car, I shout, “Hey! What’s your problem?”
He doesn’t answer. I sprint up the stairs, catching the front door just before it hits me in my face.
“Axel!” I warn, stepping inside.
He spins to face me. “What?”
Yep. He’s pissed.
I take a deep breath and lower my voice, trying to deescalate.
“You seem upset. Did I do something wrong?”
“Wrong?” he echoes with a bitter laugh. “Of course not, Lina.”
His tone and use of my real name, instead of Princess, say otherwise.
He paces back and forth, chaotic energy radiating off him. “God! Do you even know how desperate you looked, flirting with Nik? You know he only asked for your number because he felt sorry for you, right?”
His cruel words hit like a punch.
Was I acting desperate?
I quickly run through my interactions with Nik. He started the conversation. He kept it going. If he’d wanted space, I would’ve given it. It’s not like I was begging for his attention.
“I wasn’t acting desperate,” I say, keeping my voice even. “We were just talking and having fun. And for the record, he asked for my number. Not the other way around.”
Axel steps closer, his eyes dark. “You sure were eating up the attention, though, weren’t you?”
I notice Johnny enter from the hallway behind him.
Great. He can have a front-row seat to my humiliation.
I throw my hands up. “So what if I was enjoying myself? Nik is funny. He’s kind. Is talking to him some kind of crime?”
“No!” He seems torn. “But what’re you going to do when he wants to do more than talk?”
“Seriously?” I blink. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”
“Am I?” His voice rises. “Nik doesn’t talk to girls without an endgame. He’s going to want more than just conversation.”
I scoff. “And that’s a problem because…?”
I’m baiting him now, and he knows it.
“Because you can’t stand to be touched!” he explodes. “What happens when he tries to hold you? Or kiss you? Or—” His voice drops, sharp and ugly. “—slide his hand under your shirt? Between your legs?”
His words stun me. He keeps coming forward, crowding into my space, backing me against the wall.
Too close.
Before I can stop myself, I curl in on instinct… eyes squeezed shut, hands over my ears, trembling.
“Fuck, Lina! I’m not going to hurt you! I would never hurt you.”
“I know! I’m sorry! God, I’m so sorry!” Shame rushes in fast and hot. I cover my face, breath shuddering.
“I’m not saying I’m ready for anything like that. But I am allowed to talk to someone like a normal person. I’m allowed to have friends, Axel. And if I want more… No, when I want more, that’s my decision. Not yours. Stop treating me like I’m damaged!”
“But you are!”
The words hit harder than a slap.
“Axel!” Johnny’s voice cuts through like a whip. “That’s enough. Take a walk. Now.”
Axel looks uncertain, but then storms off without another word. His footsteps thunder upstairs. A door slams.
Johnny approaches slowly, voice soft. “He didn’t mean that. You know he didn’t.”
“Yes, he did.” My voice cracks. “And he’s not wrong.”
“He is wrong,” Johnny says firmly. “You’ve obviously been through hell, and you’re still here. That doesn’t make you damaged. That makes you strong. That makes you a warrior.”
I give him a watery smile.
“Axel’s just worried. And, you know… a humongous idiot. Feelings aren’t really his thing. Plus, he’s jealous you gave Nik your number.”
I bark out a disbelieving laugh. “Yeah, right. Axel? Jealous of Nik?”
Johnny shrugs, seeming indifferent. “Maybe not...”
He turns to walk away.
“But I know I am.”
My eyes widen like saucers.
Johnny disappears down the hall, a slight swagger in his step.