Chapter 32 #2
“Shut the hell up, Messenger.” Lexy steps into my face and seethes each word out as if she’s about to throw a fist my way.
“You think you rule the world just because you figured out how to cast a spell on the entire football team and half the faculty.” Wow, she’s really expanded my reach.
“And here, we’re all just placing bets behind your back, on which guy figures out first that you’re not worth the drama.
” She sheds a wicked smile. “Here’s hoping it’s Logan. There’s always room for him in my bed.”
And I happen to know he never falls into it.
I’m about to launch another zinger when I catch sight of Gage right behind her, and my witty comeback dies in my throat.
Gage is leaning against the wall near the massive stone fireplace, and Chloe is practically draped over him like expensive wallpaper.
Her perfectly manicured hands are gesturing animatedly as she tries to cast her own spell, apparently, and she keeps touching his arm with the kind of intimacy that makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a fork—and hers, and maybe chop off all her limbs, even the one that I previously owned.
The worst part? Gage looks absolutely miserable, but that’s not stopping him from pulling away. Okay, so I’m projecting my own misery on him. But for the record, he doesn’t look all that thrilled either.
“Look at that.” Chloe’s voice cuts through the music as she notices me gawking at them.
“It’s our little love triangle queen herself.
How’s the juggling act going, Skyla? Must be exhausting keeping track of which boy you’re supposed to be in love with on any given day.
Is it Dudley’s turn tonight? Or maybe you’ve added that new stepfather of yours to the roster now that Gage has officially dropped out of the race.
You know what they say, incest is best.”
I’m about to launch her way when Logan appears from nowhere and catches me by the waist and pulls me back.
“Leave it alone, Chloe,” he growls at her.
“Leave what alone?” Chloe’s smile is pure venom disguised as innocence.
“I’m just making conversation. After all, we’re all friends here, just like Michelle pointed out.
Just a few friends having a friendly chat about friendly relationships.
Because everyone should know that Skyla and Gage are just friends now. ”
The way she says friends makes it sound like a four-letter word. Something in me snaps seeing her like this, so confident, so close to my husband. And just like that, I become unhinged.
“Gage and I are super friendly,” I say with a smile that’s just as toxic as hers. “Speaking of friendly, I see you’re still throwing yourself at guys who’d rather be anywhere else. Some things never change.”
I want to hurt her. I want her to suffer the way she makes me suffer. I want her to feel this white-hot rage inside me. I want Chloe Bishop to bleed.
Chloe’s eyes flash with more than a hint of danger. “At least I don’t need two guys to feel validated. What’s wrong, Skyla? One not enough to fill the gaping hole where your personality should be?”
“Better than trying to fill it with someone else’s boyfriend,” I snap back. “How many times does Gage have to reject you before you get the hint? Or is desperation just your default setting?” I can’t hurt her enough. Heck, I can’t seem to hurt her at all.
“Funny you mention rejection.” Chloe steps closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper.
“Because from where I’m standing, Gage looks pretty done with your attention-seeking circus act.
Maybe he finally realized you’re just a broken little girl who collects boys like Band-Aids for daddy issues. ”
She didn’t.
“And you’re just a pathetic wannabe who thinks stealing my leftovers makes you special,” I hiss. “Newsflash, Chloe—you’re not his second choice. You’re not even on the list.”
“Keep telling yourself that.” She laughs, but it’s as jagged as broken glass.
Here’s hoping, I’m breaking her. “While you’re playing house with Logan, I’ll be keeping Gage warm,” she continues.
“Someone has to, since you’re too busy spreading yourself thin to notice he’s already moving on.
But we both know the truth. You’re so desperate to be wanted that you’d rather string them both along than risk being alone.
At least when Gage is with me, he doesn’t have to share.
He doesn’t have to wonder which personality he’s getting today, or if you’re thinking about Logan while kissing him. ”
Logan’s grip on my waist tightens, and it’s the only thing keeping me from lunging at her.
Gage glances up at that, and for a split second, our eyes meet. There’s something in his expression that makes my heart squeeze tight, but before I can figure out what it is, he looks away and lets Chloe lean even closer.
I need air.
And alcohol.
And possibly a lobotomy.
“I’m going outside to suck down some fresh Paragon fog,” I growl, pushing through the crowd toward the sliding glass doors that lead to Ellis Harrison’s haunted backyard.
Because watching Gage Oliver let Chloe Bishop paw all over him while I’m trapped in this teenage hell is exactly the kind of cosmic punishment my mother would orchestrate.
Funny how I’m supposed to be saving the timeline, but all I can think about is how much I want to burn it all down—starting with Chloe Freaking Bishop.
And right now, Gage Oliver is a very close second.