Page 53 of Web of Lies
His mouth curls back into a snarl, finger jabbing into the paper in front of me. “If I don’t get at least a fucking B in this impossible fucking class, I can’t play football. And if I can’t play fucking football, then I can’t go to CaliState, and if I can’t make it to CaliState, my fucking gold digger of a stepmom gets every god-damned thing my father has worked for, and it’ll fuck me when I go into his fucking business!” He pinches the bridge of his nose, breathing harshly. His chest vibrates as he inhales and exhales. With a clenched fist, he hits the table again, without the angry yells of the librarian.
He buries his face in his hands out of frustration. “Well, I can help with math,” I whisper, trying to figure this situation out. How do I make sure he doesn’t blow up on me, too?
“Yeah, yeah, New Girl, I know,” he mumbles into his hands, sliding them down his face. Regret flashes through his eyes. “Sorry, just frustrated today. You really helped with your method yesterday.” He shakes his head with a defeated sigh. “Can you explain this new shit to me, too?”
“Yeah.” His whole body relaxes at my statement, his rage seeming to melt away.
“Give me a second.” He holds up a finger, walking away.
I watch in utter fascination as he transforms, going from the rage monster to relaxed and all smiles before my eyes. Seger saunters over to the librarian with the world’s biggest smile lighting up his face, charming her with his smooth as ice words. Muttering words I can’t hear, but from the look on her face, it’s an apology. She looks up at him, respect gleaming in her eyes. She nods, smiling back, blushing all over. He waves at her and walks back towards me.
“I’m going to have to cut out early, last-minute practice tonight,” he says, sitting back down, looking down at the scrap piece of paper I started scribbling notes for him on.
“That’s fine,” I say, starting my session with him.
An hour passes, and Seger’s mood improves. He’s gone from melodramatic to pleasant. It’s easy to see why Seger frightened Magnolia with his outbursts. Harsh words slipped out an hour ago, along with the table beating, and I can only imagine how much worse he could get. He was ready to take it out on the silver-haired librarian. But his quick charm turned the whole situation upside-down.
Seger finishes up a problem, handing the piece of paper back to me. I check it over, smiling at his improvement. “You’re learning fast. Your step monster won’t have a chance,” I say, sliding the paper back to him. He cocks his head to the side, checking me over, confusion flashing in his eyes.
Zepp appears out of nowhere, taps his brother on the shoulder, and nods towards the exit. Seger looks down at his smartwatch and grimaces. “Sorry, I have to take off. Thanks for the help, I’ll see ya Monday?” Hopeful eyes meet mine, and I nod.
“See you Monday,” I say with a small smile. They take off in the opposite direction, leaving me in the dust.
As I gather my papers and books into my bag, hushed whispers make my ears perk up. Making my way down a back aisle, I follow what sounds like Zepp’s voice. He’s muttering something. More than something, maybe harsh words? Words filled with panic and helplessness.
“You’re going to have to peel him out of bed.” I stop on the opposite side of a stack of books, peering through a tiny hole, completely hidden from their view by the books above and below me. Ainsley leans against a row of books with her arms crossed.
“Damn it,” Seger breathes, “he hasn’t been this bad… since…”
“I know,” Ainsley mumbles, “It’s like it’s happening all over again.”
“We have to make her leave before….”
“I know,” sadness seeps into her voice. “Just like last time. But will it work?” She asks with bloodshot eyes. Finally, making eye contact with the twins hovering above her.
“No,” Zepp snorts, peering over my way, but quickly turns back to her. Phew — I’m still invisible. “She’s stubborn,” he sighs.
“Too fucking stubborn,” Seger replies, shaking his head.
“Then what?” Ainsley asks, looking to them for answers.
“We’ll figure it out,” Zepp replies with a resigned sigh.
“I’ll work on Chase. Dude can’t miss practice again. Coach will blow a gasket if he doesn’t show his face,” Seger says, walking away. Zepp and Ainsley talk for a few more minutes. My brain wanders a million miles away, trying to dissect their words.
“You find what you were fucking looking for?” Carter’s cruel voice breathes in my ear.
Sharp shivers run down my spine, as the warmth of his breath blows across my bare neck. My eyes close, heart beating out of control against my ribs. I’m sure my blood pressure spikes a fraction as he corners me against the stacks of books.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a dumber fucking bitch than you,” he growls, capturing my waist.
Crap. Yeah, he caught me. Mental note—thoroughly pissing off a violent, biting dog is never in my best interest, especially Carter. When the boys warned me about how dangerous he was, I should have listened. And you know—not have stolen from him. I guess I can only blame myself for this.
“Took you long enough,” I mutter.
Deep growls vibrate from his chest like a wild, dangerous animal, as his fingers dig deep into my skirt pockets. One by one he takes back his possessions. You know, all of them. Keys. Wallet. Phone. Goodbye cruel world, it was nice knowing you. I’ll remember you when Carter buries me in a shallow unmarked grave.
My body whirls around against my will, coming face-to-face with his vicious snarl. His fingers wrap around my throat, but he doesn’t squeeze with force. It’s more of a domineering controlling squeeze to keep me still and not take my breaths.
