Something’s very, very off about this whole thing. This point is only driven home when harshly spoken words fly from West’s mouth the next second.
“I’m just gonna come right out and ask.” A soft, yet wicked, laugh slips from between his lips. And when his shoulders square, I feel every bit as intimidated as he wants me to feel. “How exactly can you afford all this? Your parents must’ve sold a shit-ton of meth, because Cypress Prep ain’t cheap.”
Shots fired.
I feel his words hit me right in the chest and there’s no question about it. I misread this entire interaction. Completely. And, of course, it stung so much more coming from him, because I’m the idiot who thought we had chemistry.
“Who the hell are you talking to? I don’t have to listen to this.” The words leave my mouth shakily. Then, the first step I try to take away from them is halted when West takes my arm. His grip is firm, but not painful. Still, I’m keenly aware of his strength.
Dane and Sterling flank him while staring me down, but neither speaks. My gaze flickers from them to West when I’m backed against the brick wall, and then boxed in by his large arms at either side of my head. He’s formidable in stature, but also in presence, which I can’t forget as he lingers deep in my personal space.
They have me thoroughly cornered, and I hate it.
“Come on now, Southside,” he calls me coarsely, as if it’s my name. “Can’t blame me for being curious how someone from the ass crack of Cypress Pointe can afford this school. So, if your parents didn’t rob a bank, then you must’ve come up with the cash yourself.” He steps closer and every breath I take presses my chest to his. “Who’d you suck off to get that kind of money?”
I’m wounded emotionally by the cruel words, and because it’s still so surreal that he’s turned on me, I’m not sure how to process it. I didn’t expect this. Not at all.
Rage in its purest form seeps into my veins, but I quench it when I remember being narrowly allowed through the wrought iron gates out front. Being on probation means I can’t stray outside the lines, means I can’t give this bastard what he deserves. I’m trapped literally and figuratively, and it sucks.
“All you need to know is I’m not here on your dime, dipshit.”
“Sure about that?” He’s so close the heat of his breath moves over my lips.
My heart races. Only, this time, it’s not because of the misguided infatuation that got me into this mess—those feelings are so long gone I swear I never had them at all. Now, it’s throbbing inside my chest because my blood’s suddenly boiling out of control.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“It means there are a lot of blind spots just like this in a school this big,” he warns. “Lots of places for someone who doesn’t belong here to get into trouble.”
This anger of his, where is it coming from?
My entire body shakes, from head to toe. I hadn’t done anything to them or anyone. Was having me here such an insult? Did having someone around who hadn’t been born with a silver spoon in their mouth offend them that much?
Both fists tighten at my sides and I’m so tempted to use them, but then I think of Scarlett. Like, how I’d dropped the ball last year because things were so screwed up, and now I can’t waste this chance. I need to make this work. I need to make sure I do everything I can to give my sister the life she deserves. The life our crappy parents have robbed us of having thus far.
So, I loosen my hands and let them fall limp.
West sees the fight leave my body and I know he’s taken it as a sign of weakness when he smiles. I force myself to press tighter to the wall, preferring to have the rough stones scrape the backs of my thighs, versus being any closer to him.
“I’ve heard all kinds of freaky shit about girls from your hood. Rumor has it, you’ll do practically anything if the money’s right. That true, Southside? Cause I have a few dollars in my pocket if you’re game.”
His stare is wicked, smoldering with misguided hatred. But now, I’m filled with hatred of my own.
“Tell you what,” I seethe, feeling my teeth grit as I speak. “If you can somehow find that short dick of yours, we’ll see where things go from there, asshole.”
He’s practically panting in my face, fury burning in his eyes.
“You’d love that wouldn’t you?” he bites back, leaning in even more, until his lips graze the rim of my ear. “But fair warning: the only thing short about me is my fuse. Test me if you want to.”
My breath quivers and I know he feels it, which I hate. I’m not afraid of him, but I’m afraid for me. The semester has yet to begin and I cannot start the year proving them all right, proving that where I come from automatically means I’m trouble.
I’d seen the pull West has here, the reverence everyone who passed us held for him. What if that power extends further than just the students, to the staff?
I’ve seen enough of the world to know how these things work. These kids’ family’s checks are the foundation on which these schools are built. The rich, the powerful, they defend their own. It’d be his word against mine and I couldn’t take that risk.
“Thaaaat’s right. Settle down like a good little bitch,” he growls against my neck. His deep timbre is low and even, calm, because he knows he has me right where he wants me.
“I’m not breaking for you,” I choke out. “I’ll never break for you. You have my word on that.”
This brings a dark laugh out of him and his weight presses into me more completely now, until I feel all of him.
“Never say never. We’ve got a whole year ahead of us. Anything could happen.”
He’s right and I know I’m outnumbered here, but it’s not in me to give in. My pride is the last thing I have left that’s worth anything.
I feel his long, hot fingers slink around my throat. Then, just as they tighten over my racing pulse, he lets go.
“See you around, Southside.” A deceivingly sweet smile tugs at his lips as he backs away, adding a sinisterly spoken, “…Welcome to Cypress Prep.”
@QweenPandora: Rumor Confirmed. Cypress Prep has a new blonde bombshell on campus. NewGirl was first spotted several months ago at the Bellvue Bonfire. According to my sources, she was seen again today, sporting a Cypress Prep school ID. The speculation doesn’t end there. She was also seen being escorted by the Golden Trio and one brother seemed particularly smitten. Could this finally be the year the king settles down? Let’s not get our hopes up too soon.
Later, Peeps.
—P
Chapter 6
BLUE
Turning the radio up does nothing to clear my head, and I’m certain Ms. Levinson would agree. She’s been watching me shoot around from her patio, and while I don’t look to confirm she’s scowling about the loud music, I don’t need to. She is.
Normally, I’d be a bit more considerate, but I’m still fuming. Just as much as when I stood face-to-face with that bastard. All three of those bastards, actually.
It’s unbelievable that people like that exist in the world.