Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77992 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
The thought of sharing a tent with Sidney really makes me feel sick.
“I’ll ask.”
“Goodie! Now give me your number so I can fill you in on the details.”
After we exchange numbers, she gives me a hug. The girl is shorter than me and feels right tucked against me. Right in a “just friends” kind of way. It’s selfish of me to want to latch onto her knowing she’s interested in me for other reasons besides friendship. Regardless, I hug her tight anyway, thankful of her kindness, no matter her motives.
We pull apart. She bounces back into the cafeteria, pleased at having gotten what she came after, and heads over to Wendy. I feel an angry stare on me. I’m ready to back out without finding the source of the stare when my eyes lock on his.
Roan.
He sits hunched over his plate of food, eyes on me, as he eats like it’s his last meal. I’m reminded of how a lion looks as he tears into a gazelle he’s just slaughtered.
A chill that has nothing to do with my stomach issues ripples through me and I visibly shudder. One corner of his lips quirks up in satisfaction.
Fuck him.
His eyes seem to glitter with challenge.
I hate backing down to these assholes, but in this moment, I do. The last thing I want to do is puke my guts up in front of the whole school. So, rather than running off with my tail between my legs, I shoot him the bird.
And then I get the hell out of there.
I sit in the driveway, my forehead against the steering wheel for a long time. Probably an hour. Maybe two. When I walk in that house, I’ll have to deal with Charlotte and Penny and Aunt Karen. Today, I don’t have the energy for it.
A coldness settles in my bones the longer I sit without the heater on. There’s snow in the forecast for this evening, but not enough to cancel school tomorrow. Pity. For someone who always loved school, I’ve done a complete one-eighty. This school sucks. I want to blame the Hoodlums for being assholes or Mom for bringing us here or Aunt Karen for not getting a handle on those monsters. But I know better.
It’s Dad who’s to blame.
He ruined our lives.
Hot, angry tears burn at my eyes. I squeeze my lids closed, hating that wetness escapes, streaking down my cheeks. I’m so tired and I’ve only just begun. In minutes, I’ll have to go inside, put on a fake face for my family, and pretend everything is okay.
My stomach clenches violently, reminding me nothing is okay.
Sitting back, I swipe at the stupid tears and swallow down bile in my throat. I should have eaten, but the Hoodlums made that impossible. My stomach churns at the prospect of eating anything at this point.
I climb out of my Mustang and slam the door too hard. It feels good to release a little tension. I’m just walking up to Aunt Karen’s front door when I hear a loud engine echoing down the street. Stopping in my tracks, I whip around to see a familiar Ford Explorer pull up in front of the house.
Shit.
How do they know where I live?
Did they follow me home?
Dread consumes me, making all my bones feel like jelly. I know Sidney said they wouldn’t hurt a girl, but it still worries me considering I have a houseful behind me. Jordy’s dark eyes lock on mine from the driver’s side through the window, but he makes no moves to get out. The passenger door flings open and Roan hops out.
Fuck.
He has a bag slung over his shoulder that’s seen better days. Sweat clings from his hair and his face is slightly red like he’s been running or working out. All I can do is gape. It’s cold as fuck out here and he’s wearing basketball shorts and a T-shirt—the hoodie and sweats from earlier long gone. I hate that the motherfucker who’s been nothing but an asshole to me sparks a physiological response in me. My dick twitches as I rake my stare down his muscular form that glistens with sweat. Thank God I have my messenger bag slung across my front hiding my semi.
Our eyes meet and Roan’s flash with gold fire.
Hate. Anger. Bitterness.
Not violence.
I don’t let my guard down, though. If he’s going to try to kick my ass, I’ll be ready.
“Who’s that?” a voice says from behind me. Charlotte.
“Go back inside,” I grind out, glancing at my little sister. “Now.”
“No,” she sasses, her blond ponytail swishing back and forth.
Roan is no longer looking at me as he opens the back door. A girl with brown hair and glasses climbs out. She sort of stumbles, but he steadies her. Confusion washes over me. What the hell is going on around here?