Page 31 of Mayhem

“Last I checked, this was the women’s bathroom,” I mutter, knowing he won’t leave.

I go to the sink, washing my hands twice just to be sure they are clean. Once done, I dry my hands with a couple of paper towels before finally turning to face Nate.

“What? Why are you following me?” I don’t hide the exasperation in my tone.

“I don’t make the rules. You want an answer to that, then you need to ask Rock.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.

“Great. When can I expect to see him?”

He looks at his phone. “Two hours. Now let’s get to class.”

As I walk by him and out the door, I don’t miss the eyes lingering on me. Nate pulls me under his arm, ignoring my protest as he escorts me to class.

Eight

Over the last week,Nate and Chase have been insisting that I ride with them daily, but today’s different. Nate found me after class, telling me to catch the bus home with Hailee and that someone would be watching me.

I asked him why I couldn’t go to his house, but he said it would be better to hang with Hailee. Like I buy that shit.

That’s why I’m at Hailee’s, but we won’t be staying here long.

“Hails, I heard some chick in the bathroom say there’s a rave at the old Tucker warehouse. Want to go?”

“A rave? That’s not really my scene.” She frowns.

“True, but I have it on good authority that a certain pair of brothers may be there tonight. I want to know what they are up to. They want me to play pet, but I’m more like a wild stallion.”

“I don’t know. It’s not safe.” She bites her lip.

“Where else would be safer? Here? I’m sure if the guy is watching, he knows we are here alone. Your foster mom’s at bingo like she is every Friday and your foster dad is at the bar. He won’t be home until they close. The little kids are next door and your other foster siblings are probably at the rave. Wouldn’t we be safer with a bunch of people around?”

“I guess so. What would we even wear?” she questions.

I laugh. “Let’s go raid your closet.”

She groans as I lead her into her room, opening her closet. She shares the room with Loraine, her foster sister, who is a year younger.

I flip through outfits, smiling when I land on a pair of cut-off shorts.

“Ooh, these are cute.”

“They aren’t mine.”

I shrug. “Let’s see if they fit.”

I slide them on once my jeans are folded on the bed. They are a little snug, but they fit.

“Okay, what to wear with it.”

Hailee walks over to a dresser, pulling out a dark gray, low-cut tank top.

“This would look amazing with it.”

I pull my T-shirt off and slip it on. My bra shows, so I ditch it.

“Perfect. Now for you,” I hum.

I go through the closet again, looking for an outfit for Hailee. We need to fit in and not look out of place. I find a pair of dark jeans and pull them out, throwing them at her. Then I go through her drawers. I feel a small pang of envy that she actually has something to put her clothes in, but then dismiss it. I don’t need anything. Finding a black tank top crop top, I throw it at her.

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