Page 24 of Broken

“Look at what you did, I didn’t fucking hurt you badly enough for this kind of reaction.” I grab the scissors and rip them out of my chest, throwing them at him. “You fucking stabbed me, Knox. Who does that?”

I get off the ground and rush to get myself back together. I storm out of his room, but I can hear him chasing me. I scream out as he grabs me, slamming me so hard that my head bounces off the wall, causing a red flash to take over my vision for a second. He grabs me by the throat and forces me back to his room. Once we’re in there, I'm thrown to the bed, “Strip.” He snarls, “All of it off, now.” There’s more than anger in his words, almost like if I don’t do this then he’ll do it himself. I can see the rage in his eyes.

“We’re not doing this Knox.” I cry out, trying to get off the bed, stupid blankets are caught on my boots and I fall off the other side. He grabs me by the hair, appearing out of nowhere. “Get your ass on the bed, and get naked.” I scream out as he rips my clothes. “No one will ever love you like I do.” My pretty pink dress is ruined and my mother is going to kill me. She just bought it.

“Katherine.” My name is shouted through the door, pulling me back to the here and now.

“Go away, West. I’ll find my own way home.” I try to hold back the sobs, but they come out without my permission. The door is kicked open, scaring me as I fall to the ground, my hand covering the scar as I cry.

“It’s time to tell me what happened. I can’t help if I don’t know what is slowly killing you.” He sits on the floor of the bathroom with me, pulling me into his arms and I feel something that hasn’t been there in a while.

Safety.

I feel safe, and the words just pour out of me.

Chapter Ten

Westley

We’re picking up our cap and gowns today. It’s the only day I’m coming back here. I can’t see Knox, I’m afraid I’ll actually kill him for what he did to her. So together, hand in hand, I lead Katherine through the halls, we’ve already emptied our lockers and collected our yearbooks. Neither one of us wanted to meet everyone in the gym to do the signings. We don’t have enough people we care about to actually go to it.

We get to the table that says Cap and Gown on the front, “Name.” Nurse Fitzpatrick, says.

“You know our names.” I reply.

“Yes, but formality requires me to ask and have you sign the sheet saying you got them.

“Katherine Winston.” Kat responds before I do. Nurse Fitzpatrick shuffles through the packages and pulls one out. “Sign here.” She points to the paper on the table and Kat does. She’s handed the package and then the nurse turns her attention to me.

“Westley.” She cocks a brow at me.

I roll my eyes. “Westley Sherman.” I let out a sigh as she searches for my package. I sign the paper and she hands it over.

“Good luck on Saturday!” She shouts as Katherine and I leave the school. There is literally no reason for us to stick around. Her brother showed up this morning to get his things and wanted me to go with him, but I was a little busy eating his sister out when he called. She spent the night at my house last night since my parents were gone to some baseball charity thing in Chicago.

I’ve convinced her to spend the week with me while my parents are gone. She has to go home for dinner, but I just show up unannounced like I used to and join them. I don’t want her out of my sight until the time comes for us to part.

“Where to now?” She asks as we climb into the car.

“I’m a little hungry.” I reply, starting the engine. She laughs, “Burgers?” I ask.

“Sounds divine.” She buckles in and leans back into the seat. I place my hand on her thigh and we drive off, leaving the wretched school behind.

When I pull into the parking lot of the only burger joint between the school and our houses, I see George’s car. “What’s he doing here?” I ask, nodding to his car.

“I’m not sure, but we don’t have to eat here if you’re not ready to tell your bestie that your fucking his sister.” She laughs.

“Fuck him, he’s known how I felt about you for years. He used to catch me staring at you.” I cut the engine and climb out, walking over to her side. When I open the door, her long legs come out first, the knee length leather boots only make her even more attractive.

She takes my hand and we walk in together. “Two?” The little hostess asks, grabbing the burger menus. I just nod and follow her to the table, right behind George. When he sees us his eyes go wide, but my curiosity is piqued. Because in the booth with him, is none other than Nicole fucking Breshears.

I take my seat, staring straight at my best friend, while the two girls are sitting back to back. Katherine looks at me with wide eyes, mouthing words, “What the fuck?” She points at her chest, really pointing at Nicole.

I shake my head and shrug, not knowing what’s going on either. “What can I getcha?” A blonde sophomore from the school pops up next to the table.

“Two Dr. Peppers with no ice, and I’m ready to order my food too.”

“Same.” Kat replies quickly.

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