Page 57 of Boards & Betrayal

The argument echoed in my mind as I made my way back to my car, each word stinging like an open wound that refused to heal.

"Ally," Nick called, stopping me in my tracks.

I froze but didn't turn around, the anger still bubbling under my skin.

"Where did my mother confront you?" he asked, his voice a dangerous edge.

Something cold slid down my spine. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his question pressing on me.

"You already know," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Or you wouldn't be asking me."

"Are you and my father fucking?" Nick's words were like a slap, cutting through the air. "Again?"

I turned around slowly, meeting his eyes. "That's none of your business."

"Of course it's my business," he raged, his face contorted with fury. "You were mine first. You were mine!"

"And then I wasn't," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "Because of this. Because of your temper."

"So, you decide to get back at me by fucking my dad?" he demanded, stepping closer.

"What I have with Tom has nothing to do with you," I said firmly, trying to hold my ground.

Without warning, Nick marched over to me and grabbed my neck. Panic surged through me as his grip tightened. My eyes went wide with fear and disbelief.

I reached up, grabbing his wrist and trying to pry his fingers away. "Nick—stop!" My voice came out strangled.

His grip only tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might actually hurt me. My vision blurred at the edges as I struggled to breathe.

But then something shifted in his eyes—a flicker of realization or maybe regret—and he released me abruptly. I stumbled back, gasping for air, rubbing my sore neck where his fingers had left their mark.

"You make it seem like I was the only one with the temper," Nick spat, his voice still seething with anger.

I wanted to argue, to defend myself, but I couldn't. I knew I played a part in the destruction between us. Denying it wouldn't change anything.

"You're right," I admitted, my voice steady. "But that's why we broke up. We weren't good for each other."

"And my dad?—"

"I'm sorry," I interrupted, surprising myself with the sincerity in my words. "I'm genuinely sorry that I hurt you. That was never my intention."

Nick's eyes softened for a moment before hardening again. "I know him. I know my dad. You're telling me you don't fight with him too?"

"We had our moments," I said honestly. "But he never shot to kill the way you do. At the end of the day, I know he cared about me."

Nick scoffed, his expression twisting into a bitter smile. "He doesn't care about anyone," he said coldly. "You'll see."

His words hung in the air like a dark cloud, but I refused to let them sink in. Nick's bitterness wasn't my burden to carry anymore.

“What does that mean?” I stiffened, trying to process Nick’s words.

“It means, break up with my dad or I’ll make your life a living hell, Ally,” he snarled, his eyes dark and menacing. “I’ll tell him everything. And that’ll be just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Why are you doing this?” I demanded, my voice trembling.

“Because you were mine first,” he snapped back, his face contorted with rage. “It’s not right that you can just leave me for my father.”

“I didn’t know—” I started, but he cut me off.

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