She smiles when someone else stops beside her and offers his elbow. She takes it and her grin widens as if she’s some fucking film star.
I see red.
Absolute fucking red.
Zachariah.
She brought that fucker to a school party as if she’s announcing a relationship for the entire world to see.
“Aha. She’s into the mature type.” Xander nudges me. “What are you gonna do about it, Captain?”
I start forward, but a strong arm holds me back.
Aiden.
I attempt to push him away, but Cole joins him by yanking back my other arm.
“Let me fucking go.”
“Yeah, let him go.” Xan jumps like a kid for Christmas. “A hundred that Captain will win.”
“A hundred that Danny’s brother will,” Ronan shakes Xan’s hand.
“You will not start a fight in a crowded place,” Aiden shouts over the music. “My father will find out.”
“Fuck your father.” I struggle against him as hot, red rage grips me by the gut and shoots through my veins.
Who the fuck does Zachariah think he is to touch her?
How dare he touch what’s already mine?
How dare she let him?
Astrid laughs at something he said. My vision blackens until all the colours are suffocated into a deep, dark abyss.
“Hurts like a bitch, doesn’t it?” Daniel leans against the marble counter, grinning with malice.
“Mate,” Cole warns him. “Stop it.”
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I grit out. “How can you let her come with that scum?”
“That scum is my brother and as far as I’m concerned, he didn’t post pornographic pictures of her for the entire school to see.”
“I didn’t fucking do that!” I struggle against Cole and Aiden to no avail.
“Doesn’t matter.” He’s in my face in a second. “You didn’t stop it either so you’re just as guilty. Oh, and Captain, you’re going to regret losing her.”
He walks away after a slight push from Ronan.
“Losing her,” I repeat with a bitter laugh. He said I lost her.
Fuck him.
Fuck anyone who thinks that Astrid is no longer mine.
My gaze strays to where the bastard who will soon be dead is offering her a drink.
Even though she made her grand entrance, some of the other kids are still murmuring at her back. She pretends she doesn’t notice them as she laughs along whatever the dickhead is saying, but I recognise all her tells.
The way her upper lip twitches. The way she grips the cup tighter.
The princess might think she’s over me, but we didn’t even fucking get started yet.
“Let me go,” I tell Aiden in a calm tone that wraps all the rage inside.
“You won’t stir trouble?” he asks with a suspicious voice.
“No. I’ll do this the calm way.” I breathe in and out to wean down the raging storm brewing inside me.
By the end of the night, everyone at school will know their fucking places.
Astrid included.
34
Astrid
Your time is over. I’m not your subject anymore.
* * *
One would think that changing into a pretty dress and heels would change my perceptive about my image.
It doesn’t. Not as much as I wanted it to, anyway.
When I decided to come here, I wanted everyone to see me strong. It’s my birthday, and I don’t even like this day, but no one will bully me into running away and hiding like I did this morning.
I wasn’t born to bow.
Zach stays by my side and Dan joins us every now and then. Even with them around, I feel as if I’m strolling around naked in a room full of people.
The back of my neck itches as I take a sip from the watered down drink Dan gave me. I know he is watching me.
I caught a glimpse of Levi on my way inside although I refused to look in his direction.
If I do, I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up this facade. I don’t think I’ll be able to continue my strong act.
I close my eyes for the briefest bit and draw in a long breath. I will not let Levi King ruin this night for me.
I’m not the same Astrid who caved in every time he touched me.
This time, I’ll flip him off in front of everyone.
Zach and I are talking about a conference he’s attending next week when a bull barges between us.
Jerry Huntington. The judge’s son, the one Levi fought.
He’s swaying on his feet, already drunk and the party has barely started.
“What do you want?” I ask.
“The same thing everyone here wants but are afraid to ask.” He licks his lips, swinging in my direction. “Your pussy, babe.”
Zach lunges forward, but I beat him to it.
I slam my fist into Jerry’s face so hard, pain explodes in my knuckles.
He steps back, shaking his head and I punch him again. “Talk to me that way again and I’ll ruin your face.”
He growls and lunges at me. People gather all around us, gasping. I keep my ground, ready to give him a piece of my mind.
Daniel slams his shoulder into Jerry, pushing him to the ground. Xander and some other player from the football team drag Jerry outside as he spouts profanity.
I lift my chin up and flip him the finger.
“That was badass.” Zach raises an eyebrow.
Adrenaline bubbles in my veins like a drug dose. “I want to punch some more people.”
He laughs, offering me his hand. “How about a dance instead?”
Whatever it Takes by Imagine Dragons starts playing, and I jump up taking his hand.
I wrap my arms around his neck and we laugh and chuckle, goofing around on the dance floor.
Zach whirls me around and brings me back to his arms again.
“Does everyone always stare at you?” he asks as we adopt a slower pace.
“Only when I’m the school’s laughing stock.” I try to hide the bitterness in my tone.
“Well, they’re missing out.” His breath tickles my ear and I can’t help the giggle that escapes me.
“You know… “ he starts. “I always had a crush on you, Astrid Clifford.”
“Y-you did?”
“Uh-huh. I only backed down because Danny would’ve smashed my face in if I hurt his best friend.”
Okay. Wow. I never knew that. Maybe Levi was right.
“Is this your new conquest, slut?” Chloe hisses and barges her shoulder into mine.
I’m about to punch her like I did Jerry, but the music stops abruptly.
Everyone stops dancing and chatter breaks out. Someone shouts to put the music back on.
Then, as if someone pulled off a switch, the murmurs cease and the crowd parts to make way for Levi and his four horsemen.
He’s wearing the team’s uniform and stands in the middle as if he owns the room and everyone in it.
I look away, refusing to be sucked into his orbit.
Daniel leaves Xander and Ronan’s side to stand by me. His harsh glare falls on his captain. The same captain he idolised for a long time.
Most loyal best friend ever.
Chloe smiles brightly at Levi like she’s seeing a Christmas tree. She pushes her dancing partner away as if he never existed.