Page 20 of Wreck Me

“Dane…”

“Will you come?”

“To a party?”

For a few seconds, it appears she’s trapped somewhere else. She swallows and shakes herself off.

“Not my scene.”

“Afraid to let loose a bit?”

“Some of us have a future to think about.”

Her words sting even worse than Kaden’s. I watch her leave, and from the corner of my eye, I catch the dickhead eyeing me as if I am a damn nuisance.

“Stay away from her,” Kaden says.

“Afraid of a little competition?”

The asshole throws his head back and laughs and laughs some more while a wave of anger surges through me, ripping my composure to smithereens.

His laughter taunts me even when he’s gone.

“You made him laugh. What did you say?” a random guy asks.

Is this damn school interested only in these four? Don’t they fucking have a life?

I glare at him, and he extends his hand. A few of his buddies follow. “Hi, man. I’m Max, just wanted to introduce myself. You’re a killer on the track.”

I knew the news would travel with me. It’s not as if I can stop the internet, but just for once, I wish I were no one. My name, face, and mistakes wouldn’t be public for all these people to think they have insight into me. If people’s opinions would come with a prerequisite of working on themselves first, they would think twice before offering it so gratuitously about others. Running your mouth is free, but working on yourself, well that’s hard work, so most of them would simply stop spewing nonsense they have no fucking clue about.

Blake passes by and says, “I saw that you’re coming to my party.”

“Call me curious.”

“It will be worth your time. I’m the undisputed party king.”

He saunters away, and people congregate around him. Stepping outside, I follow the path to where Abigail disappeared, only to find her on a bench in the rose garden in conversation with Bailey.

“Ladies.”

Abigail lifts her arms in the air. “He’s stalking me.”

“The point of stalking is not to be seen. But I want you to see me, sweetheart.”

I fucking live for her mouth to open in incredulity.

“So Dane, how do you like Eagleton so far?” Bailey asks.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

Bailey stands up, but Abigail grabs her elbow, her eyes pleading for her not to leave her alone with me. Interesting.

Bailey stares me down. “I can ruin your life in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. Hurt her and I will.” Her tone leaves no room for argument. I believe her.

When she walks away, I’m still somewhat in shock. She looks so damn innocent on the outside.

Abigail calls out to her. “Traitor.”

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