Page 42 of Hate So Deep

Lauren, with her perfect little world, needs to see the man standing before her. This ain’t a fairytale. I ain’t going to save her.

Shit.

She doesn’t need saving. She’s already in her ivory fucking tower.

The problem is, we're stuck together until Colt and Finn get hitched, which is why I ignore the brutal burn in my chest for the stupid boy who thought he was a man and the young woman holding out hope for something long gone as I move forward.

Chapter 17

NOW

Lauren

Thankfully everyone breaks off to do a little shopping and as Celia and Cat edge further away, I allow the distance to grow until I find myself lost amongst the crowd.

Passing the booths, I look over the handmade soaps, towels, and jellies with a frown.

The Christmas song blaring overhead is lost on me while I browse with nothing on my mind but how to get the fuck out of here without making a scene.

Eventually I end up sitting on a bench overlooking the lake.

Every few minutes there’s a display that lights up the water but I'm guessing it’s a far prettier sight at night when the brilliant hues of green and red won’t be competing with the winter sun.

Someone decorated the paddle boats too and although its thirty fucking degrees, people are still out there exploring in the rented tubs.

It’s all lost to me though because my mind whirls with shit that I can’t push away.

Did Dirk have a relationship with Stacey Hughes? Does it matter?

Is it possible that Colt is the one who killed my brother? But how do I explain the blood?

I know none of these jerks were close to Buck but surely skipping a Christmas bazaar wouldn’t be a rude request.

Of course, I could have refused but every time I do, I’m bitchy Lauren, the spoiled brat who refuses to play along.

I shouldn’t care but apparently there’s some part of me that does, or I wouldn’t be here.

When my phone chimes again, I finally glance at the screen, and this is when I realize how much time has passed because I have multiple missed calls and texts from my dad.

I don’t have the energy to answer, though.

What did the police want to know? Was my mom there?

“Where the fuck have you been?” Dirk growls, breaking me from my thoughts.

Sinking in my seat, I avert my gaze but don’t bother to answer. He’s gearing up for a lecture in five, four, three, two…bingo.

“Do you really think this is going to solve anything? Get your head out of your ass and stop being a spoiled brat.”

Eyeing him sideways, I sigh, and this only enrages him more as he says, “Never mind. What did I expect? Get up. Let’s go.”

Pushing to my feet, I stalk past him, but after grabbing my arm, he searches my eyes, shakes his head, and says, “Jesus, Lauren. Are you even human under all that ice?”

Summoning a smile that’s bitchy at best, I say, “Are we going or not?”

“Should just leave your ass here,” he mumbles, pushing past me.

I follow at my own pace only slowing when I don’t see the rest of the group.

---