Page 11 of Hate So Deep

When I squeeze her arm, she pushes her silky dark hair over her shoulder before saying, “Okay.”

Shit, even her cute bob is a dead giveaway. Although sassy and completely her, at Northside the girls believe in one philosophy, the bigger the hair the better.

This is why I teased my dark locks, painted my face with more makeup than usual, and tore up a pair of my favorite jeans.

I’m just hoping it’s enough because I wouldn’t be surprised if they kicked us out for daring to encroach on their territory.

Academy doesn’t get along with the two public schools and it’s safe to say they don’t like us much either.

I’m sure Buck hasn’t helped the situation with his incessant need to make trouble out of nothing.

Regardless, Academy is the enemy and we’re about to test that hate because I need to confirm the dirty ass rumor with my own eyes.

“Okay, fine. One look and then we go,” she grumbles, and I nod.

She doesn’t understand. How could she?

Victoria Elizabeth Blackstone was born into privilege and in her world, all the dirty skeletons remain in the closet for areason. Her daddy’s on track to be senator and he rules his household with an iron fist as a result.

However, what Buck told me weeks ago still circles my brain, and I can’t let this shit go, which is why I ignore Tori’s petulant stare, and pull her through the door.

The living room of said party could fit into the chef’s kitchen of my own and people fill the space wall to wall, the air thick with sweat, alcohol, and the sweet scent of weed.

The heavy, dark music pounds through my skull and I lift my chin because if I don’t, they’ll know immediately I don’t belong.

I’m not here to party with them but I’m pretty sure my excuses wouldn’t matter. Telling anyone I’m here to lay eyes on the half-brother I never knew existed isn’t an option.

After weaving through the masses, we find the kitchen and help ourselves to a drink before stepping into the backyard.

The fresh air feels good against my heated skin, and I breathe deep, before attempting to relax.

It’s just a damn party, for fucks sake. Get a grip.

A fire pit blazes in the center with a few people surrounding it and I search the faces, my heart thumping when I spy Sarah Fremont standing nearby.

“How do you know what he looks like?” Tori asks, sipping her beer.

“I stalked him on social media.”

If the posts are to be believed, Sarah, who transferred from Academy to Northside, is Colt, my half-brother’s girlfriend.

I’ve seen her around. She’s gorgeous and a cheerleader, but we were never close enough to be considered friends.

Actually, I think she messed around with Buck although he never claimed her as his girlfriend.

She has no reason to recognize me, but just in case, I move away from her line of sight.

After scanning the crowd though, I’m disappointed that I don’t see Colt. Hopefully, he’s around somewhere. I just need to wait.

I heard about this place through various posts online. Apparently, some Northie named Cory has parties here all the time and Colt can be found here as a result.

I’ve never met Cory, but I’d be willing to bet he wouldn’t appreciate me crashing his party.

Oh well.

“C’mon,” I say, pulling Tori away from the fire.

When we stop beside a tree, I sip from my beer as casually as possible while I search the faces.

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