Page 22 of Wicked Nasty

Villain

Exhaustionweighsheavilyonme as I trudge through the echoing halls of school. My body aches with weariness and my eyes struggle to stay open. All I need is a quiet place to rest for a few minutes.

The library beckons to me, its doors welcoming and inviting. I make my way up to the second floor, knowing that the back corner will be the most secluded and peaceful spot. As I settle down at a table and lay my head on my arms, a deep sigh escapes my lips.

Last night was a nightmare. A creepy trucker followed me around the store and diner, refusing to leave me alone even when I locked myself in the bathroom. I had to call Jim and stay on the phone with him all night just to feel safe. He promised to spread the word and keep me protected tonight.

But I can't rely on someone else every single night. I have to find a way to get some sleep.

As my mind starts to drift off, a loud thud jolts me awake. My heart races as I look up to see Danny looming over me, his stack of books crashing onto the table just inches from where my head rested.

"Wake up," Danny's harsh voice cuts through my grogginess. "We have fucking work to do and you're not running out on me this time."

I sneer up at him, the bags under his eyes matching my exhaustion. I grab my bag and make a half-hearted attempt to leave. "I'm not in the mood, Danny. We can meet up later to work on this."

He rolls his eyes and plops down in the chair across from me. "Then get in the mood. We do this now or never." His words are forceful, but I can see the underlying worry in his eyes.

Sighing, I give in and put my bag back down. I grab my notebooks and stack them in front of me. "Fine. Where are we on this project?"

Danny leans forward eagerly, his energy infectious. "The land. They want to donate it to us."

My heart flutters with excitement. "Wow, that's awesome! Okay, so then we need to figure out building supplies. We obviously need a huge greenhouse. Do we want to add to that? I mean, we talked about farm-to-table and classes."

Danny nods, along with my ideas. "Yeah, that's a good idea. I like the idea of it all being attached. Fewer issues that way."

"Okay," I lean in closer, "so let's work on that. Quote building supplies, things like that. We should talk to an architect first."

"Cool," Danny says, with a determined glint in his eye. "I'll make some calls. I bet we can get it done for free."

He continues talking about potential resources and contacts, but my mind starts to drift off as fatigue weighs heavily on me. My eyelids feel like lead and my thoughts become muddled.

Suddenly, I feel a sharp shove against my shoulder, jolting me awake. "What the fuck is your problem?" Danny's voice is accusing and angry.

I rub my eyes, trying to stay focused. "I told you, I'm just exhausted. Haven't you ever had a shitty night of sleep?"

"Nah," he sneers, his tone mocking. "Cause I don't sleep in my car."

My stomach drops as I realize how much he knows about me. I've been so careful to hide my living situation from him, but it seems like he's caught on. Panic sets in as I try to play it cool and cover up my vulnerability.

“I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about,” I mutter, my voice trembling with frustration.

Danny’s eyes narrow as he leans forward, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Gonna play dumb?”

I huff, grabbing my bag, storming out of the library. I don’t need to deal with Danny’s shit. I don’t owe him a goddamn thing.

“We weren’t done talking, Becca.” His voice echoes down the hallway as I quicken my pace, desperate to get away from him.

But Danny is too fast. He grabs my bag, shoving me against the wall with a force that takes my breath away. “Don’t you ever fucking walk away from me again.”

I sneer, pushing against his chest to create some distance between us. “Get fucked.”

He smirks, his grip on my bag tightening. “So, why are you sleeping in your car? Who sold the house?”

Panic rushes through me, and I rush to cover his mouth with my hand before anyone else can hear his questions. “Jesus Christ, shut up.”

Looking around frantically, I pull Danny into one of the empty classrooms nearby. He walks closer to me as I sit on a desk, his intense gaze making me feel small and vulnerable.

“So?” he presses, his voice low and insistent.

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