Page 52 of Heartless Monster

In front of my locker is a guy with tousled light brown hair and honey-colored eyes. However, one of his eyes is marred by an angry bruise that spreads down to his cheek. It's actually sort of gross, and I’m fighting hard not to stare at it.

I can’t remember his name, but I know he’s on the varsity football team. He’s holding a plastic grocery bag and wearing a pair of blue nitrile gloves.

Just when I thought Rome’s antics might be coming to an end, I’m reminded that I’m still his enemy, and I’m still indebted to him.

I snatch the bag from my locker’s unwanted guest, fuming and ready to put this asshole in his place. “What the hell is this?”

He curls his lip in disgust. “Chewed gum, likely from every student in this school.”

“And you’re sticking it in my locker?” I shove the bag at him. “Get lost, asshole!”

He rolls his eyes at me, taking the bag away from me. “If you’d give me a minute to speak, I’m actually taking the gum off your locker.”

“Oh.” I take a step back, assessing him. “Why?”

“Orders from Rome Cromwell.”

Rome is making this guy take the gum off my locker? That doesn’t make any sense. Rome is the one who started this disgusting display.

“Why would he make you do that?” I move to stand beside him as he scrapes another row of chewed gum from around the hooks inside.

Dropping them in the bag, he glances at me. “As an apology, which I owe you.” He turns to face me, eyes downcast. “I’m sorry I hit on you at the party and touched your leg while you were dancing.”

I fight back a smile because I’m actually flattered. “You hit on me?” I slap a hand over my mouth. “Oh my God! Did Rome give you that black eye?”

“Actually,” he pauses for a beat, appearing embarrassed about what he’s about to admit, “you did.”

My mouth forms an O and I crane my neck. “I did?” I laugh a little, but it’s not funny. Well, it sort of is. I gave a varsity football player a black eye.

He points to his marred eye. “The toe of your heavy sandal…straight to the face.”

I fold my lips tightly, trying not to laugh. Then I plaster a serious look on my face, shoulders drawn back like the tough beotch I am. “Well, it serves you right. I guess it’s safe to assume you learned your lesson then?”

He nods, getting back to work.

I must’ve kicked him while I was dancing on the counter. I’ve been trying hard to forget about the video and everything I supposedly did that night, but it’s hard when proof just keeps popping up left and right. I really should rewatch it and find out who all was around.

He keeps plucking away, dropping gum into the bag. “For what it’s worth, I was wasted and totally deserved it.”

Dammit. The softness in me is about to come out. If anyone knows about regret, it’s me. Even if I was potentially drugged that night, I should have never drank anyways.

“Don’t worry about it,” I tell him. “Rome is just…protective.” Which baffles me because Rome hates me. This still doesn’t make any sense. “Honestly,” I continue, “I probably wouldn’t have cared if I’d been in the right mind.”

His eyes widen. “Really?”

“Yeah. I’m new here and don’t know many people. I’m sort of flattered anyone paid attention to me. I’m not usually that girl.”

Now that I’ve admitted that, I’m slightly embarrassed myself. This guy isn’t bad-looking, despite the black eye, and he actually seems sort of sweet. We all make mistakes, and he apologized. One thing I support is second chances.

His hand holding the bag drops to his side, and he raises the other. “I’m Gage.”I look down at the glove he’s wearing and chuckle at the smears of spit on it, knowing I’m not shaking that hand. “Sorry.” He laughs as he pulls off the glove. “Let’s try that again. I’m Gage and I lose all inhibition when I drink. Maybe we can start over?”

I shake his hand, grinning. “I’d like that.”

“How about a movie tonight? Blackouts is playing at the cinema downtown.”

I’m not sure if Gage is asking me on a date, or just being friendly, but either way, excitement pools in my stomach. “Sure. That sounds nice.”

The next thing I know, Rome steps between us and slams my locker door shut. “What the hell is going on here?”

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