Page 36 of Spiteful Lies

“Astrid, you don’t have to dump the three of us,” He screws up his face. “And for Justin. I’d rather see you with Wyatt than with Justin.”

I take a step back so I can glare at all three of them at the same time. “What is it with you guys? Are you even friends? One minute, you’re helping each other out, but then the next, you’re talking shit.”

“Astrid, we’re just messing around.” Cool and calm, Bryce stands up and places his hands on my shoulders. He tries to pull me into a hug, but my feet are rooted to the spot. He’s going to have to answer my question without using his charm. He frowns when I won’t budge. Sighing, he lowers his arms. “It’s not as bad as you think.”

I grab my bag, and fuck it, I start to tear up. “It is as bad as you think. It’s hard to watch the three of you go at each other. I really can’t do this right now. Not with everything going on.”

They understand what I’m referring to and convey it with a look. Bryce’s expression displays concern that the other two share. Wyatt frowns, but it’s not a scowl, and Pierce doesn’t make a remark. Bryce slips his hand into mine, and I angrily wipe away a tear. I feel like a crybaby fool, but it is too much, and I need to give myself a mental break. I close my eyes and sigh, but I still want to leave this room.

I pull my hand away and swing my bag onto my shoulder. “It’s okay. But I can’t do this right now with you three.” I back away toward the door. “I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow.”

Pierce is on his feet and steps between me and the door. “You’re not going off to find Justin?” he asks.

I glare at him as if I could put a hole through his head. “Is that your takeaway from all this?” I clench my fists hard, debating on popping him one for old time’s sake. “You and I are finished.” Wyatt smirks, and I point my finger at him. “And that goes for you too.” And I look at Bryce, who can’t help but look smug. “Put your name on the list because it will end up there.”

It happens so fast as if they planned it, but how could they? Pierce dashes for the door and blocks my path. Wyatt jumps up and slips my bag off my shoulder. And Bryce grabs my hand, so I can’t run off. I’m dumbfounded by the way they work together to keep me in the room. They can get along when they really need to.

Bryce glances at Pierce, and the overhead lights turn off. A dim glow lights the studio from the recessed lights closest to the walls. And then there’s a loud click. Pierce has locked the door. I get it; they’re working together to keep me from running off to Justin.

If anything, I just want to hide in the library or leave campus. Alone.

I roll my eyes dramatically. “So, you can get along when it suits you. Do you even realize the things you could accomplish together? We could do anything if only you wanted to.” I scoff, pointing to the door. “Look at you now. And think about the Pit. You all ruled Stonehaven for years, but when we graduate, will that end it? Why should it?”

A heavy feeling weighs me down, but I’m not defeated, just worn out by their petty bullshit. I realize then if the payoff is big enough, they pull it together. They did now. So, does this mean that having me is a big enough deal? I lie back on the mats attached to the floor and use my bag as a pillow. I can sense their tension, but the room is peaceful as long as they don’t talk. We’re suspended in limbo, and I wait to see what will happen next.

Wyatt sits down beside me and strokes my arm. Bryce sits on my other side, holds my hand gently in his, and rubs my fingers. Pierce plops down by my head and strokes my hair. I sigh as my body starts to release all the anxiety I’ve been carrying around in me. My problems are waiting outside that locked door, but for now, I can pretend like my life feels this good every day.

“I’m sorry, Astrid,” Bryce whispers; Pierce and Wyatt quickly add their apologies. Bryce continues to speak. “We forget that we’re not assholes and then start acting badly. We need you around to remind us that loving you is not a competition.”

My eyes close, and I’m reassured that at least they’re trying. Someone leans in and kisses me softly; his lips move against mine. I release a deep sigh and open my eyes slightly. It’s Bryce, and it bothers me slightly that I didn’t recognize his kiss with my eyes shut.

He pulls back slightly, giving me a curious look, and instantly, I feel guilty as if he knows I didn’t know it was him.

I reach up and hold Bryce by the back of his head, bringing him down into a kiss again. His lips part mine, and I moan as our tongues tangle in our mouths. I lift my other arm, holding him tighter. The sensations start deep inside of me, and I wonder how far I can go. I reach out and place my hand on Pierce’s thigh, hoping that he’ll understand my hint.

He does as his hand moves over my stomach in circles, widening with each motion until his hands are brushing against my breasts.

I moan into Bryce’s mouth, and my hips squirm as Pierce’s hand travels over my breasts. My eyes open as Bryce continues to kiss me, and I watch Wyatt, his mouth slightly parted. I wonder if they still talk about the things they do to me when I’m not around to hear.

“You’re so fucking hot,” he murmurs as he places a hand on my thigh. Please. I have on my baggy school sweatpants and a comfy navy T-shirt that are both solidly unattractive. It doesn’t matter to him as my top is slowly lifted up and off my body.

Wyatt slips his hand into my waistband, and his fingers slowly move over me. I arch my hips off the floor, and he tugs my pants off me. I’m surrounded by the boys I desire, in only my black underwear. Loud voices can be heard outside in the hallway as kids pass the door and scream and shout after grueling workouts. The thought of being caught makes me wet as I moan my approval. Careful to be quiet, his hand pulls my undies slowly down my legs.

Using his finger, Wyatt teases my moist pussy apart and feels how wet I already am. Closing my eyes, I moan into Bryce’s mouth as he kisses me while Wyatt continues to stroke me, slow and easy. The sensations lighting up my clit are driving me too wild to care as I kiss Bryce hungrily, pulling him down against my mouth.

They don’t rush as they strip me completely naked. Wyatt continues stroking my swollen pussy. His thumb brushes over my clit, sending a jolt through me and forcing me to take my mouth off Bryce. Pierce watches my hazy expression as his fingers touch my skin. My skin is so sensitive now that every touch draws out another moan from me. My mind tilts, and I open my legs wider as my thighs begin to shake.

Someone in the hallway tries the door handle, and then they tug at the door. The reality of being caught tenses my body, and I squeeze his finger tight in my pussy. I should be grabbing my clothes and getting dressed, but instead Wyatt adds a second finger.

He’ll protect me. They all will.

The thought pushes me over the edge, and I pant for air as I cum hard.

The unseen person tries the door again. Wyatt gets up, his fingers covered in my juices, and opens the door. He sticks his head out. “Hey, man, I’m trying to meditate in here.”

A boy laughs and answers back, “Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“Thanks.” Wyatt locks the door and returns.

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