Chapter 27
I glanced around the SUV, surveying all the guys. Each one was stonily silent. They’d been that way since Darius had showed up the night before with his vague threats that made no sense. Colt had all but thrown him out after that.
But when I’d asked for clarity, I’d gotten almost nothing. The only little piece of information I received had come when I’d asked what The Assembly was. Colt had given some answer about it overseeing his father’s company, but I wasn’t sure he’d given me the entire truth.
A burning sensation lit behind my eyes. I was on the outside. I’d never felt more so. Not even the first night I’d shown up.
I knew trust took time, but this was more than that. This was locking me out.
The second Colt parked, and Ronan got out, I hurried to do the same. This time, I didn’t wait for the guys. Not even when Dash called my name. They didn’t want to let me in? Fine. But I didn’t have to stand by like a doormat while they did it.
I hurried down the hall, only stopping briefly at my locker to deposit some books. When I made it to homeroom, about half the students were already there. Connor frowned at me. “Everything okay?”
I forced a smile. “Just peachy.”
He let out a low whistle. “Really believable.”
That got an authentic laugh out of me. “It’s been a long few days.”
It seemed impossible that I’d only been in Emerald Bay for that long, but it was true.
Connor sent me a sympathetic smile. “If you ever need a break, you can always come hang out with me. Less drama over here.”
Less drama sounded heavenly. “Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
“What’s that smell?” Chloe said loudly as she walked down the aisle. “Oh, it’s because they’re letting the trash in.”
There were snickers and whispers at her words.
I just rolled my eyes. “What’s the matter, Chloe? Can’t come up with any original material, so you have to keep repeating jokes that aren’t funny?”
She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Just stating the truth.”
I leaned forward and spoke in an exaggerated whisper. “You might be smelling your own perfume. It’s kind of an assault on the senses.”
Chloe flushed as people laughed. “You don’t want to mess with me.”
“You’re the one starting shit. I’m just finishing it.”
“Ladies,” the teacher droned. “Please take your seats.”
Chloe did as he instructed, but there was murder in her eyes.
I adjusted my backpack on my shoulder as I turned yet another corner.
I cursed under my breath. I’d thought I knew where the library was, but maybe I was wrong.
It seemed like each hallway I turned down got darker and darker.
Or maybe they had the lights on a timer, and everything went off at lunchtime.
Probably to discourage students like me from trying to escape.
I hadn’t dared go back to my locker when the bell rang because I knew Colt or one of the other guys would be waiting.
They hadn’t said anything else about lunch, but I knew my presence was expected.
I didn’t know why. I wasn’t sure we were even truly friends because friends didn’t lie and hide things from each other. Not good ones, anyway.
So, I was going to get acquainted with my favorite spot in any school. The place where nerds and wallflowers were always safe. The library.
Rounding another corner, I drew up short as a moan filled the air. Oh, crap.
I pushed myself against the wall as another moan sounded. “God, Trace. More.”
Everything in me stilled as my stomach roiled. My vision adjusted to the dark hallway, and I could just see a broad form standing in front of a girl. Some part of my brain recognized it was Mimi, her blonde hair cascading around her as her head tipped back and mouth opened in pleasure.
Trace’s hand was under her kilt, moving as she panted.
I had the bizarre urge to rip that hand away and then claw Mimi’s eyes out. It was ridiculous. I didn’t even like Trace. He’d been nothing but rude to me, cruel even. The fact that he was with Mimi made complete sense.
She climaxed, bracing her hands against the wall as she cried out.
Trace pulled his hand from under her skirt and wiped his finger on the fabric. “Go,” he barked.
Mimi looked up at him, blinking rapidly and then dropping her gaze to his crotch. “I want to return the favor.”
Bizarrely, even in the low light, I could tell Trace wasn’t hard. I didn’t know any teenaged guy that didn’t get a hard-on with a soft breeze, let alone if he was hooking up with someone.
His eyes narrowed on her. “What makes you think I’d want your hands anywhere near me?”
“Trace,” Mimi whined. “I know you need me. Let me be there for you.”
She reached out as if she were going to touch him, and he slammed her up against the wall, his forearm against her throat. “You overstep. You hound me, begging me to touch you, but when you get what you want, you just demand more.”
“I’m sorry,” she squeaked.
“This is the last time,” he growled.
Mimi’s eyes widened in panic. “No, Trace. Please. I swear. I won’t try to touch you.”
He laughed as he shoved her away, but there was cruelty in it. “Do you hear how pathetic you sound?”
Nausea rolled through me. Who talked to someone like that? Especially someone who they’d just been intimate with.
Mimi straightened, but her lower lip wobbled. “You’ll be back. You always come back.”
He scoffed. “Keep telling yourself that.”
She whirled around, blonde hair flying as she stalked down the hallway.
Trace sighed. “Come on out, Little Bird. Never expected you to be such a voyeur.”