Page 31 of Web of Lies
They all hop up and down, swishing their red and white pom-poms. A cheer begins, and soon the entire crowd chants with them. Piper bounces on the balls of her feet, slinging her arms up in the air. She leads her crew through a series of cheers. The band plays from the field as well, everyone from the crowd joins in.
“We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you? Let’s sing our fight song and beat the blue!” The Talon Prep Blues from a town over, one of our biggest rivals in every sport, especially football. They always give the East Point Panthers a run for their money. Usually getting their asses beat, no matter what year it is. Or what boys are on the field.
The trumpets start, and the drums beat a heavy thud with every hit. Everyone in the stands jumps to their feet, stomping to the tune of our school song. The song goes on, and then it’s over. Piper jumps around some more, leading the girls and guys on her team off the field.
Ainsley stays silent throughout the entire game. I don’t necessarily think she’s ignoring me, but I don’t think she’s pleased about my presence. In fact, I don’t think she wants company at all. Even after the game is over, she scurries away like her life depends on it. Making me wonder what the hell happened to her? Magnolia described Ainsley as her number one tormentor. She’d call her names. She’d shove disgusting things into her locker and taunt her about it later. The thing that confuses me is, Ainsley is so meek. She doesn’t seem like the girl who Magnolia claimed she was. So—what changed?
There are so many people and incidents I need to look into before I continue looking in the wrong direction. One fact I do know for sure, someone murdered her. I’m just not sure if some names on my suspect list fit the bill anymore.
Chase:
Meet me outside the locker room? Please? I’ll beg if I have to!
Me:
I’ll be there. But you could do some begging.
Chase:
I’ll get on my knees for you… and beg.
Me:
Snorts. Please don’t. I’m heading that way.
“NewGirl!”Chaseshouts,barreling out of the stadium with Seger and Zepp on his tail. They’re all smiles after their big win against the Blues, playfully shoving each other off the sidewalk and whooping.
“Did you see it?” Chase asks, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around and around.
I squeal at the unexpected spin and hang onto his shoulders tightly. He holds onto me tight, taking spin after spin, keeping his hands secured on my lower back. With a huge grin plastered on his face, he lights up the night sky.
“Of course, I saw it!”
For the first time in what feels like a lifetime, I throw my head back and laugh. It may be unflattering, sounding like a dying pig, but it’s there, and it’s real.
He continues to carry me down the path with his hands clinging to my lower back, being a gentleman and not lowering them. “You all were so amazing!” I say, looking back at the twins with a grin.
They smile at me briefly, heads pressing together while hovering over a phone. “But I was the best, right?” Chase asks, lowering my feet to the sidewalk, making sure to slide my body against his. The front of my body presses into him, letting me feel all his glorious muscles concealed beneath his sweaty jersey.
“Of course, Mr. Quarterback! Always the best,” I say, walking alongside him now. Our hands brush as we walk, sending tingles through my body.
“I resent that, New Girl,” Seger says through fake hurt, “I thought I was pretty fucking fantastic! Did you see that touchdown? Those fuckers have nothing on me!” Seger’s smug grin makes me snort.
Zepp stays quiet as usual, pensive eyes locking on the phone in his hand. We make our way across the courtyard, the excited whoops and hollers echo throughout campus. Everyone—even the parents—are excited for the first win of the season. Soon, though, it’s only my classmate’s squeals and loud music booming from behind the hedges of the infamous orgy-filled hedge maze.
My heart pounds in my chest from the muffled noises coming from inside the labyrinth of greenery. The bushes stand tall, swaying in the slight wind. A full moon sits high in the sky like a spotlight, leading us to the wide entrance.
Loud music comes from somewhere inside, its beat distorted from the large hedges looming like giants above us. Dozens of voices from within float in the wind; some are talking, most slurring already. And some—well, some are already moaning and groaning as the alcohol has already lowered their inhibitions, and they need to find a room ASAP. But instead, they’ve hidden themselves deep in the secluded bushes of the maze, getting their rocks off.
“Are you ready for your first maze party, Kace?” Chase whispers. His warm breath brushes across my neck, sending sharp, spiraling goosebumps down my flesh, raising the tiny hairs.
My limbs shudder when his nose bumps my earlobe. My neck stretches for him, begging for him to run his lips along my skin. Wanting him to suck and bite and do something to ease this weird feeling settling over me.
I’ve longed for a touch like this for years, but my body always betrayed me with anxiety. Rashes and cold sweats any time someone came into contact with me. But this? This right here with Chase is something I’ve craved, and right now, I want to give in to this feeling so bad. I want the pleasure of his lips on mine—everywhere
“So ready,” I sigh, holding back the moan trying to claw its way out.
Chase’s fingertips trail up and down my arms, sending more shudders through my body. Before I can examine or wrap my mind around what my body is doing, Zepp pulls me away by the hand, leading me away from his protesting friends.
