CHAPTER 40
LANDRY
Bexley wasn’t home by the time I made it back to the dorms. Cashton had caught me up on all of it, how both of our dads had received threats to mine and Emory’s lives. David hadn’t taken it seriously, while my dad… My dad hadn’t cared.
Shivers ran down my neck at the thought of having been followed without knowing it. I was more on edge than ever, overthinking every small sound and shadowed corner in the apartment. Part of me had even considered calling Cashton and asking him to turn around and come stay with me until Bexley got home, but I had ended up thinking better of it. Things were awkward enough as they were.
I made a quick dinner, headphones over my ears as I listened to the audiobook version of one of the romances Bexley and Olivia had recommended, distracting me from everything that had been going on lately. It was a nice escape from reality .
I shot a quick text to Bexley letting her know that I had put her dinner in the fridge before making my way to my room, ready for a nice hot shower before bed.
Turning the lights on in my room, I quickly undressed before rounding the corner into the en-suite bathroom and stopping dead in my tracks.
I couldn’t move, my entire body frozen. A scream lodged in my throat as my heart beat a million miles a minute, the audiobook becoming a distant blur in the background of my mind.
Written in what appeared to be blood, the words WATCH OUT were painted across the long mirror over the sinks, the lettering covering it from end to end.
I screamed.
—
A week had passed without any more threats. I hadn’t even bothered packing a bag that night before racing out of the apartment, only grabbing my cell phone and wallet before bolting out the door. Olivia had let me stay over at her house, Cashton and Kaptan meeting us back at the dorms the next morning to install a new security system.
Cashton had been livid that I hadn’t called him right away, but I hadn’t wanted to add more to his plate after an already long day. Regardless, he had tried insisting that I come stay at his place for a few days, but I hadn’t wanted to leave Bexley alone at the apartment. Not to mention the fact that I wasn’t sure if I had fully forgiven him yet .
And though no more threats had appeared, we hadn’t made any headway on our end either. Cashton had looked more into the Centennial Eastside Initiative, while I had been scouring the internet to figure out what my dad had been working on that might be of any significance.
Bexley and I were currently headed to meet the others at Midnight Madness, a school tradition to start off the basketball season. The team faced off against each other in an exhibition match at midnight, as the name would imply, and apparently people went wild for it.
According to Olivia, booze flowed freely and after-parties took place more often than not considering that it was held on a Friday night. I got the impression that people went mainly to party rather than to watch the actual game. I had to admit, butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought of seeing Cashton. I hadn't heard from him all week, with the exception of a few short texts here and there letting each other know that we hadn’t learned anything new.
Bexley and I had made our way to the campus shop earlier to get two of the remaining basketball jerseys, both too big for us since they had run out of smaller sizes, but we had made it work. I had thrown a fitted turtleneck underneath mine to keep warm, pairing it with some ripped jeans and a high pony. I always felt more confident with a high ponytail, like it added some pep in my step. Maybe it was the cheerleader in me.
We made our way up the stairs leading into the off-campus sports complex, passing by the concession stands and through throngs of people, the music beating through the building as colored lights lit up the stadium. Bexley and I locked arms so as to not lose each other in the crowd .
Tickets weren’t required tonight, so it was pretty much open seating as we made our way through the halls, looking for the sign identifying the section number that Olivia had given us.
Taking the small flight of stairs nearest to our section, we instantly spotted our group near the front of the bleachers, a large number of other students surrounding them.
Energy flowed through the air, most people standing on the bleachers or up by the railing. Beers passed around freely as the countdown on the Megatron showed twenty minutes until midnight and the beginning of the game.
Olivia spotted us first, getting up from her seat and running to embrace us both. We followed her to where our group was sitting, greeting the rest of our friends who had all shown up—With the exception of Kaptan, which wasn’t surprising. He didn’t seem big on school events.
Cashton sat on the row above us with Zayn, sitting back in his seat with his arms outstretched on either side of him, looking like a god in his typical black hoodie and jeans. Bexley offered them a small wave before finding her seat by Olivia.
I settled on a wave as well, offering a warm smile to them both before sitting in the spot that Olivia and TJ had made for me, coincidentally right in front of Cashton. I’m sure that it was in fact anything but a coincidence, but I took the seat anyway and accepted the cup of beer that Olivia passed my way. I made sure to stay leaning forwards so that I didn’t accidentally bump into Cashton’s knees behind me.
We weren’t a couple, and I didn’t want to overstep. Especially after what his mother had said about him not being a fan of public displays of affection .
I fell into easy conversation with Olivia, TJ, and Nate. Zayn leaned over Bexley’s shoulder to explain the rules of the game since she had never been to one before, while Cashton stayed mostly silent in his seat behind me. I could feel his presence at my back, my neck warming as I felt his eyes occasionally land on the back of my head.
“Cash!”
I recognized the grating voice instantly, the sight of that raven black hair bringing me back to when I had walked in on her giving Cashton head at the first party of the semester, coupled with the time she had helped him slip the vodka into my drink during midterms.
A pang of jealousy flooded through me as she made her way up the bleachers, followed by her model-esque blonde friend, before taking the empty seat right by Cashton.
My eyes rolled back so hard that they might have actually gotten stuck in the back of my head. I lifted my drink to my lips, needing something to do with my hands so that I didn’t accidentally turn around and rip those extensions right out of her head.
“Are you going to any of the after parties tonight? We’re going to one down by campus if you want to come with, you can totally ride with us. I heard they’re going to have a DJ and everything, it should be a total banger.”
I kept looking forward, pretending to pay attention to the game as I discreetly listened, curious how Cashton would respond.
“Not tonight. ”
“Oh, okay. Well, let me know if you change your mind! So, do you like basketball? I don’t think I’ve seen you at a game before,” she continued, clearly not ready to give it up just yet.
I watched her get comfortable out of the corner of my eye, bringing her own beer to her lips as she tucked her hair over one shoulder and crossed one leg over the other.
“It’s alright,” he responded, his answer clipped and unenthusiastic. I had to admit, it brought me a sense of satisfaction, although Courtney didn’t seem to take a hint as she continued to pester him. She had clearly fooled around with him, after all, so I didn’t completely blame her for thinking she had a shot. Her voice lowered as she leaned in closer to him, forcing me to concentrate harder to keep listening.
“Or maybe I could come over instead of going to the party? Natalya said she would be down to join if you’re into that. We could have twice the fun.”
Nausea instantly churned in my stomach. I didn’t want to run away, not wanting to let them get to me, but I couldn’t sit here and listen to this any longer. I started to stand to excuse myself to the restroom, but before I could fully straighten, a strong arm wrapped around my chest and pulled me back into his body.
Cashton pulled me to sit between his knees, my arms falling back to brace myself over each of his legs as his arm remained tightly around my shoulders. His other arm joined the first as they wrapped around me, forcing me to lay back against his stomach. From this angle, I was able to tilt my head back to look at him, his green eyes already peering down on me.
“Oh, hey Landry,” Courtney offered, much less enthusiastic than she had been a moment ago .
“I’m all set, thanks though,” Cashton curtly responded, bringing his eyes back up to the game still taking place and acting like none of this was a big deal to him.
“We’re, um… gonna go get some more drinks. Do you want anything?” she asked.
He tilted his face back down to look at me before asking “Do you need anything, princess?”
A shiver skated down my spine at the pet name, something that had irked me beyond measure when he had first started using it, but now brought goosebumps to my skin.
“I’m okay, thank you,” I breathed, my heart beating a mile a minute. He was making a point. Was he using me to get rid of them, or was he actually staking a claim on me? The thought of it made me giddy.
I caught Courtney’s pointed glare as she and her friend made their way back down the bleachers, and I offered her a sweet smile in return. Cashton didn’t move once they left, keeping his arms locked around me as he rested his chin on the top of my ponytail. It almost felt as though we were a couple. I didn’t let myself get carried away, enjoying the moment while forcing myself to stop thinking too much into it. I did catch Olivia and Bexley both shooting me quick winks as Olivia mouthed ‘ Told you! ’
But I just chuckled, tilting my head back into him and embracing the moment.
Saying I had paid any attention to the game would have been a lie, but I didn’t care. Halftime was nearing, and I decided to use the restroom before everyone got the same idea and the line became a mile long. Squeezing Cashton’s knee, I let him know that I would be right back. Olivia and Bexley had gone together to get more beer, but I didn’t think I could hold it until they came back.
Making my way back down the bleachers, I walked down the aisle and rounded down the steps into the corridors surrounding the stadium, looking for the nearest restroom.
I had just finished relieving myself and was washing my hands when the door opened, not paying much attention as I fixed my ponytail and got ready to turn and leave. I came face-to-face with Courtney and her blonde friend, neither of them seeming happy to see me.
Great.
“What do you want, Courtney?” I asked, rolling my eyes in annoyance as I crossed my arms.
“What I want is for you to stay away from Cash.”
“Not going to happen,” I deadpanned, already bored of this conversation as I made my way past them. Grabbing the door, it gave a little before slamming back shut. I tried again, yanking as hard as I could but somebody must be pulling it closed from the other side. Evidently, someone stronger than me since I couldn’t get it to budge.
Turning around to face them, I crossed my arms once again, anger and fear slowly creeping through me.
“We all saw the video of you giving him head. I don’t know who you think you are, walking in here and trying to take him right from under me, but Cashton and I have been an item for a while now. Guess that makes you not only a slut, but also a little homewrecking bitch.”
An involuntary laugh fell from my lips. Was she serious right now?
“Right. I’m sorry, but was he aware of this? ”
She sneered, her cheeks turning red as her eyes narrowed on me.
“He’s going to get tired of you sooner or later, you know. He’ll get bored and pass you on to the next person. That’s how Cashton works. Him and I are endgame, everyone knows it. So have fun while it lasts, and don’t feel too butthurt when he eventually dumps you on your ass and comes back to me.”
“You’re delusional. And quite frankly, a little bit off your rocker. As fun as this has been, I think I’ll get back to Cashton now.”
I started to turn to try the door again but a force slammed me back into it, Courtney’s friend pressing into my front as she pinned my arms down by my sides. She had a solid few inches on me, and was much stronger than her lean body portrayed. Well, this couldn’t be good.
Panic seared through me as I struggled against her hold, Courtney coming up behind her and uncapping a sharpie, a wicked grin on her face.
“You’re fucking psychotic!” I seethed, squirming under her friend’s hold as I tried to get away. Courtney walked up, grabbing my chin and pinning my head against the bathroom door as she began writing something on my forehead.
“I warned you, bitch. Learn your fucking place. And stay the fuck away from Cashton.”
She got done writing, her friend letting go of her hold on me and backing away as I spun around and bolted through the door. Pulling my phone out of my back pocket, I opened my front camera to find the word SLUT imprinted across my entire forehead. Anger boiled through me. I could easily break down right now, run to the car and beg Bexley to take me home, but I was done running away. A fire was lit inside me, and I wasn’t ready to put it out.
Turning to face them as they exited the bathroom behind me, I balled my fists at my side, my body begging me to take action.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I screamed at her, my face twisted with rage.
“Just stay away from Cash and we won’t have any problems,” she smiled sweetly.
Oh, we’ll see about that.
I offered a saccharine smile of my own, mischief glinting in my eyes as I spun on my heel and made my way down the corridor, my ponytail swishing behind me as I heard them following.
“Where the fuck are you going? Did you not hear me?” she called behind me, her steps quickening as I approached the section where we had been sitting. It must have been halftime considering the volume of people out at the concession stands, but I didn’t pay attention to anything around me as I made my way up the steps and down the walkway, my eyes lasered into my target as the two girls followed hot on my heels.
Cashton spotted me immediately, his gaze landing on mine before moving up to read the word stamped across my forehead. His features twisted with fury, his eyes narrowing on the two girls behind me as he shot up to his full height and made his way down the bleachers to meet me as the rest of the group went silent, all catching on to what had stolen his attention.
“Landry–” He started as I practically ran to him, whatever he was preparing to say was cut off as I threw my arms around his shoulders and pulled him down, slamming my mouth to his. He was caught off guard for a second before eventually lifting his arms to wrap around my waist, taking control of the kiss as he devoured me for everyone to see.
Cheers broke out through our friend group, and I would have laughed if I wasn’t so consumed by his lips, his tongue breaking through the barrier to greedily eat me up.
One of his hands moved to the back of my head and grabbed my ponytail as he dipped my head back to kiss me deeper. Butterflies roared to life inside my stomach, my head getting light as heat blossomed between my legs.
Breaking the kiss, I turned back around to face a dumbfounded Courtney, both her and her friend’s mouths practically hanging open. Cashton made to step between us, his arm pushing me behind him as he got ready to confront the two, but I pushed right past him. This was a battle that I was going to fight on my own.
“Listen here, you little–” Courtney began, but I cut her off.
“No Courtney, you listen. Stay the fuck away from my man.”
Oh gosh, this was beginning to sound like some bad pissing contest. My cheeks flamed, realization dawning on me that Cashton and I had technically never established any sort of relationship, exclusivity, let alone anything at all.
Remembering that I was also currently sporting the word SLUT for everyone to see, a part of me wished I could snap my fingers and make myself disappear into thin air. But the wrath inside of me from hearing her try to claim him fueled me. Praying that I wasn’t making myself look like a total idiot, I continued .
“If you watched the video of me sucking his dick, I’m sure you also saw the one of what I did to those two Stoneview girls at the bonfire last Fall. Don’t. Fucking. Mess with me.”
I didn’t recognize myself as I took my stand. I was never one for confrontation, let alone fighting or threats. I had to admit, it did feel nice to stand up for myself for once. Cashton stayed silent at my back, letting me take the lead.
Courtney looked from me to Cashton, probably hoping to get some sort of denial from him, but whatever look he gave her had her spinning around and running in the other direction, tears in her eyes as her friend followed.
I didn’t move, too afraid of what I would see when I turned around. Was he fuming? Was he mad at me for trying to stake my claim? I had pretty much all but pissed on him to mark my territory. Oh gosh, what if I had ruined everything?
Slowly turning to face him, I kept my eyes down on the ground, waiting for him to speak first.
“Your man, huh?”
I cringed, realizing how stupid that had sounded. We were no better than a couple of little girls fighting over our favorite doll. Leaning in closer, he whispered in my ear for only me to hear.
“I like the sound of that, princess.”