Page 20 of Shadows Within
“Scarlett!” I know that tone. I dread it. It’s hard to forget the voice that has humiliated me countless times. I don’t turn around.
“Scar!” Chase is right behind me now. I freeze but still don’t turn to face him.
He huffs, out of breath.
“Hey, I was yelling at you. Ignoring me?” He steps in front of me with a smug look.
“I thought you’d get the hint, Chase.” I fold my arms over my chest. “What do you want?”
He smiles, that stupid smile that means he wants something. It used to charm me, and I can’t help but wonder if that smile works on others.
“You look good, Scar.”
He’s trying to regain control of the conversation. I know him too well.
“Where’s Naomi?” I force a smile as I mention his new girlfriend. I think about all the rumors about how he would talk to other girls, and likely more, while we were still together. I feel stupid for ignoring them.
“She’s in class.” He steps closer and a shiver runs down my spine.
“Goodbye Chase, this conversation is over.”
I try to move around him, but he doesn’t budge. He grabs my arm and pulls me back.
“Let go of me.Now.” His hand grips my wrist. My heart rate increases as my breaths pick up speed. He pulls me closer. I can feel his breath against my forehead. It’s hot and unwanted. I slowly gaze up and quickly jerk away from him.
“Is he bothering you?” I hear a deep voice behind me. My head is locked into place, staring up at Chase.
“All good here Cal,” Chase smiles, as he holds a vice grip on my wrist. I’m unable to move.
Callum’s voice gets closer.
“She said no. Let her go.Now.” His voice is steady but harsh, it’s not a warning.
Chase lets go of my wrist. I turn around, now inches from Callum’s face. I hold my breath. He’s just as close as Chase was but for some reason I start to relax.
Callum doesn’t move and Chase is clearly intimidated by him, like there is an unspoken threat in the air. Chase puts his hands up and concedes.
“Alright,” he says and backs away. Chase looks over at Callum, then back at me.
“Bye Scarlett.” He smiles.God, I hate that smile.
Callum steps in front of me, like it’s second nature. He doesn’t say anything to Chase, who turns around and walks away, his light hair shines in the sun as he gets further out of view.
When Chase is about twenty feet away, Callum turns back to me.
“You alright?”
I want to say yes but the words don’t come out. Instead, I just look up at him.
“You don’t need to say anything, just nod so I know you’re okay.”
I drop my face to the ground and move my head up and down slowly. My heart pounds in his presence.
“He’s gone—you don’t have to hold your breath anymore.”
I smile up at him.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
