Page 28 of Rebel

“Promise you won’t judge me. I’m judging myself enough for the both of us.”

“You know some of the shit I’ve done. I’m the last person to judge anyone. Come on. Spill it.” She waved a hand, beckoning me to share.

I made sure that nobody could possibly overhear when I said, “Rebel came to my room last night. It wasn’t the first time. Hopefully, it will be the last.”

Athena’s lips pursed as she cocked her head to one side. “And the part you can’t bring yourself to say? Did you sleep with him?”

I nodded, a giant sigh racking me. “That’s one way of putting it. I mean, yeah there was sleeping, but there was so much more first. We were like animals, especially Rebel. Possessive and wild, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

Athena laughed. “Sounds juicy. What has you so freaked out? I’m having a hard time seeing the problem here. I mean yeah, Rebel is an asshole, but if you had a good time, that’s all that matters.”

“The problem is that I think he used me. He’s been so shitty to me, but then he comes to my room and treats me like he owns me. And I let him. Then he’s gone, and I’m left wondering why the hell I let it happen.” Hearing myself say it made me feel even worse. “I think I fucked up, Athena.”

She nodded a few times, contemplating my words. “Maybe you did and maybe you didn’t. That’s for you to decide. Either way, don’t let him think he was anything more to you than an easy lay. Maybe you used him too. He came to you, Storm. You have something he wants. Don’t underestimate the power you have in this situation.”

I’d been so focused on Rebel’s shitty behavior and his weird obsession with me that I hadn’t looked at it that way. She might be right about this. I had a hand to play in this game after all.

Her gaze strayed past me. I turned to find River Harris sauntering over. I was surprised that he even bothered with me after the last time when Rebel chased him off. Although maybe that was exactly why he was interested in me. I wasn’t too keen on being anyone’s conquest, though this might provide me an opportunity of my own. Rebel didn’t own me, regardless of my sore ass that claimed otherwise.

“I have class in fifteen minutes, but let’s talk after school. I want to hear the dirty details. In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the attention of someone who isn’t Rebel. Catch you later.” Athena gathered her things and stood up, waving to River as she walked away.

River’s dark eyes lit up as he reached my table. “How’s it going? Is it cool if I sit? I wouldn’t want to cause any trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all. I could use the company.” I knew that I played a dangerous game here, but I didn’t care anymore. I belonged to no one.

River sat on my side of the table. Leaning in close, he whispered in a conspiratorial tone. “If you ever need help getting rid of Rebel, just say the word. I have a way of making things happen.”

Even though there was a joking lilt in his delivery, I strongly suspected he meant every word. I remembered what the girls had said about River and his friends. They were always for hire, willing to do anyone’s dirty work for the right price.

His close proximity made me feel strange. I couldn’t shake the urge to slide away from him on the bench. Somehow, I stayed put, not wanting him to know that he’d made me so uncomfortable.

“I appreciate that, but I think I’m good. Rebel isn’t important enough for that much effort.” In an attempt to change the subject, I asked, “How’s your day going? I still have an exam to write before I can go home for the day.”

It was a lame attempt at conversation. Inwardly, I cringed. I didn’t want to talk about Rebel with him. Wary of his closeness, I adjusted my hair to make sure it covered the nasty bruises on my neck.

River went along with my pitiful efforts. He humored me by engaging in senseless conversation. Maybe he genuinely liked me and didn’t mind talking about campus life. He definitely did not come on as strong as Rebel had. Once we got chatting about normal things, I started to enjoy his company.

“I’m going to ask you out,” River said, running a hand through his hair. “I hope you’ll say yes. No pressure though. Can I take you to a movie sometime? Or maybe a party? We host some pretty killer house parties. Live bands and everything. You should come.”

“That sounds fun. I would love to.” A blush warmed my cheeks. It would be nice to date someone who didn’t talk down to me and treat me like a pet.

River studied me intently, an adorable smile on his face. “You have the cutest dimples. I’m sure you’ve heard that before.”

I didn’t expect him to gently touch my cheek while gazing into my eyes. I kept waiting to feel something. A spark. A quiver. Anything. I felt nothing. He seemed like he could be sweet, and he wasn’t hard on the eyes. Yet there was no chemistry. No draw that pulled me to him.

“Thank you. That’s sweet.” I worried that he may try to kiss me. All I thought about was the way Rebel had devoured my mouth like he wanted to consume me in every way. I sincerely doubted River could compare to that.

I wanted to give him a chance. Anything to give myself a much needed distraction from my neighbor. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fake desire or attraction.

Rebel seemed to have a sixth sense that told him when I thought about him. Battling myself and my feelings toward him. He chose that moment to appear. When he saw me sitting with River mere inches apart, he did a double take.

Oh shit.

I fully expected him to make a scene or do something to embarrass me. His entire expression went cold. Puffing on a joint, he sucked it down to the end in one large toke. His predatory blue gaze locked on me. My entire body stiffened. I became painfully aware of the stinging sensation on my ass cheek and the bruises he’d left behind.

This time Rebel didn’t say a word. He simply passed by, a deadly promise in his eyes. As he passed, he flicked the remains of his joint at me. It landed on my lap, forcing me to hurriedly brush it away before it burned my clothing.

River shot to his feet. “What’s your fucking problem, asshole?”

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