Page 19 of Desolation
“Do you guys ever feel like you’re just missing something?” Ash says, wistfulness heavy in his voice. “I can’t describe it any better than that. School just feels pointless in the grand scheme of things. Most people don’t even use their college degrees anymore.”
Though Ash being the one to vocalize this catches me off guard, I’ve been feeling the same way recently. I’d just chalked it up to not being excited about school or nerves.
“Yes.” I didn’t realize when I opened my mouth to answer. “I do.”
“I think we all do,” Leo says, sounding much more serious than his usual playful self. “I feel like the only time we’re truly happy is when we’re out in nature, exploring together.”
As we make it to the outskirts of the town, I shake off the weird mood and bounce slightly on my toes with every step. We can discuss the heavy stuff later—or not. I’m good with that too.
I’m just excited to get into the lake to cool off and swim.
“Hey, whore!”
I resist the urge to groan at the yelled taunt, instead settling on rolling my eyes. Justin, the town’s resident dick. Not wanting to give him a second of my time, I continue walking forward.
But apparently, the guys have a different plan.
“What the fuck did you just say, Justin?” Ash spits out, taking an aggressive step towards him.
I place a hand on Ash’s forearm. “Just leave it. He’s still mad at me because I rejected him freshman year.”
My guys stop walking, completely ignoring my words, as they form a cohesive unit in front of me, obscuring me from Justin’s view.
Cavemen. The lot of them.
His words don’t bother me.
I’ve known since he first asked me out that he’s just an insecure dickwad. Watching him interact with people elicits a full body cringe every time. He thinks belittling people is cute and believes he’s untouchable because his mommy is the Mayor. So, when I rejected him, he took my verbal ‘no’ as a kick to the nuts.
Stepping to the side so I can see him once more, I shiver instantly. Everything about him, from his personality to his greasy dark hair to his eyes so dark, they look like a blackhole, repulses me to my core.
“Oh, was I not loud enough for you?” he says, the disdain clear in his voice. “I said your shared plaything is a whore. She acts like she’s too good for anyone else, even though you guys have been passing her around your whole lives. She isn’t worth shit.” He spits on the ground and it lands just near the guys feet.
Oh shit. Though his words mean nothing to me—I’ve heard the same sentiments from many rejected men—I know this is going to rile the guys up.
Masculinity is such a fragile thing. I’m good enough for them as a ‘whore who spreads my legs for everyone’ but the minute I turn them down, they act like I’m a leper they wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.
“I suggest you shut your jaw while it’s still intact,” Hale warns, ice lacing his words.
Oooh, territorial Hale. I like.
“Oh yeah? What the fuck are you going to do about it?” Dude’s clearly looking for a fight. It’s like it gives him a high. He has a nasty habit of abusing his mom’s title and there’s no way I’ll let the guys get in trouble for something as stupid as this.
“What am I going to do about it? I’m going to rip your sphincter from your asshole and shove it down your throat, so you choke on your own shit smears,” Ash spits out vehemently.
My hands fly to my mouth as I choke on a giggle.
Well, shit, Ash. Tell me how you really feel.
The twins are standing with clenched fists, looking like they’re moments away from pummeling this asshole's face into the dirty ground.
Justin holds his arms out, cocking a brow at Ash, daring my man to fight him. “Easy to talk. Prove it, tough guy.”
Ash instantly steps forward, not backing down from the challenge. I go to stop the Neanderthal from ruining our damn day but Hale’s arm is already there, shooting out to hold him back.
Despite Justin’s role in provoking, I know that my guys will be the ones in trouble if this gets physical.No freaking way. Time to step in.
I step out further to the side to wave and get Justin’s attention, smiling sweetly at him. When his eyes turn to me, I saunter over to him, swaying my hips seductively. His pupils dilate at the sight of my bouncing breasts.
