Page 39 of The Masks We Break

My jaw hurts like hell, so I decide not to answer.

He’s known for a while about my seasoning sessions with my father but never seen the aftermath so close, so fresh. But with our game later today, I knew I needed help. Cuts cover every thin area of skin, and the ache echoing in my bones is what I imagine a bullfighter feels after being violently trampled. Only instead of a bull, it was my father’s right hook that took me down and his sixth blow that knocked me out.

I wince when the warm water and sea salt mixture hits my left brow, the pain shooting into my vision, turning it white. “Fuckkkkk.”

Bellamy grimaces but continues to brush the wet cotton across the cut. We’ve helped each other a few times after a bar brawl or a fight on the field, but I’ve never been this torn up. It’s evident my father’s angry about something, but no part of me gives one flying fuck about what. Because really, the only thing I can bother myself with is how to get Remy away from this Ricky slimeball.

“There’s no way you’re playing today.”

I huff a humorless laugh. “Coach wouldn’t give a shit if I was in the hospital. I’m not missing this game.”

Bellamy shakes his head, a rare seriousness pulling down his eyebrows. “Blaze, let’s be real. What kind of fucked-up friend would I be if I let you out there. These fuckers are brutal, and you already have a target on your back being my go-to. They will put your ass in the hospital.”

He’s right, but honestly, it doesn’t matter. Ineedto alleviate the mounting pressure threatening to tear me apart at the seams. Ishouldrun headfirst into someone, knocking them off their ass. Iwantto fall into some woman’s cunt, and rid myself of the intrusive thoughts. But no matter what I think about doing, I won’t. For the first time in my life, I decide to let someone other than my father tell me the things that need to be done, though not without a price.

“I’ll make you a deal, then I’ll lay my ass in bed all week.”

The surprise that springs Bellamy’s brows into his hairline makes me grin, and he nods. “Whatever you need, bro.”

“I need someone to become very busy.”

NINETEEN

If I was told to rate working for Dr.Humphrey, he would get two out of five stars with a full would-not-recommend review. The only reason I added a second star is the lack of physical contact, making it a fraction easier. Since the first class, seeing him is a rarity, and most of the time, coincidental when I’m dropping off files. But still, these emails and text messages, not to mention the conferences with his students, is getting beyond excessive. At this point, it’s as if I’m the professor and he’s an overseer, making sure I don’t mess up my first year. But my extensive hours making up my own classwork reminds me that I am in fact the student.

“Another email?” My eyes snap up from my phone, clashing with the electric blues of Ricky.

It’s been nearly a month since our picnic lunch, and this is the first we’ve seen of each other. I’d blame my busy and erratic schedule, but in reality, Ricky cancels.A lot. It leaves most of our conversations to text and calls, which actually isn’t so bad. Things are easier to say over text sometimes, and getting to know one another has been fun this way. But still, I can’t deny that his constant rejection for seeing one another in person doesn’t hurt just a little. Heck, the only reason I’m with him now is because we ran into each other by chance at the school cafe. But in the three minutes since we’ve been sitting at a table, I’ve gotten three emails.

“I’m sorry. It’s been back to back since last night.” I shove my phone into my backpack and stir my raspberry oatmeal. “How’s your morning?”

He covers a yawn before pushing back his blond waves. “Little hectic. It’s my last semester working at the print shop and it’s like they are trying to milk me for all they can. How about you? You look gorgeous at seven thirty in the morning.”

I grin, a soft blush blooming over my cheeks. “Thank you. Other than my new list of to-dos from Dr. Humphrey, I’d say it’s okay. I’m so glad I ran into you.”

Ricky returns a smile, but I don’t miss the way his eyes dart behind me every few seconds. It’s almost as if he’s nervous. “Same. Sorry it’s been so crazy lately. We have new initiates for the frat, plus with the shop and classes, it’s just…”

Any man that wants you, will make it known.

I bat William’s words away. “I get it. No worries.”

Ricky leans in closer, suddenly not seeming to worry about whatever he was looking at just moments ago. “Hey, we’re having a thing at the house this Friday. I want you to come.”

A small spark of excitement bounces around in my sternum, and I wonder if Amora’s got plans. “Really?”

“Yeah, I know it’s not a date, but I have to host a little party to check out some new guys and I’d love to have you around.” Ricky runs a finger down my hand, his eyes lowering to my lips.

It’s the first time, outside of text that he’s been forward with me, and I know how it’s supposed to make me feel, but for some reason, it doesn’t. Instead of butterflies, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand. In the golf cart a while back when he undid the rain canopy, the close proximity made me giddy, but maybe I’m just a little annoyed with the professor.

Yeah, that must be it.

“Sounds great, I’ll ask—”

“Order for Miss Solace.”

I cringe when the cashier calls out my name, the simple word changing my mood in a second flat. It was bad enough he didn’t let me pay, but having a ‘miss’ called when only everyone else’s first name is, feels terribly uncomfortable.

Right before I excuse myself for a moment, Ricky stands, grabbing my to-go bag for me and returning with a grin. “Here you go.”

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