Page 84 of Fighting the Odds

“Okay. Let’s go. Just keep your eyes on my back and tune them all out,” Colton tells me, turning back and taking strides down the hallway. I can’t see his face, but I can imagine the glares he’s giving those looking my way.

We make our way, Colton leading our path. I keep my eyes forward, focusing on the back of his head and the tiny little cowlick he has at the crown. I wonder if he even knows he has one there.

We make it to my locker without incident and I drop their hands. I step over to my locker and begin spinning the dial slowly to each number of my combination, before the lock disengages. I take hold of the handle and open the door, only to see it plastered with printed-out images from the video. I can feel my stomach fall to my feet as the guys curse behind me.

I push the pain away, leaving them where they are, and pull out the books I need for my first classes, then shut the door. Taking a deep breath, I turn around, only to see Savannah and her posse smiling at me over Colton’s shoulder.

“I knew I smelled something fishy. The slut’s back. Made any new videos lately, Sierra.” Her nasally voice croons in delight, her face glowing. She loves hurting me and she knows this is.

“Come on, baby, let’s go to class. Forget about her,” Braxtons says as he takes the books from my hands, taking away the shield I was using to keep everything out. My only barrier.

Zander takes hold of my hand and Colton moves to my side. All simple things they’re doing, but I see the fire building in Savannah’s eyes as she watches. And when her eyes light up, I know she’s put the puzzle pieces together.

“Wow, Sierra, you are a slut. What? Was one dick at a time not good enough? Now you’re fucking all three of them.” She steps forward, raising her voice, as those in hearing distance start to laugh. “Listen up everyone. It seems Sierra’s taking applications. Just so you know, she likes group—”

“Shut your fucking mouth, Savannah. If anyone likes whoring themselves out, it’s you. I want every one of you fuckers to know if you attempt to bully, demean or harass Sierra in any way, you’ll have me to answer to. Does everyone understand?” Wesley growls as he walks toward us. I’m not sure where he came from, but his face is hard as his eyes scan back and forth between Savannah and me.

“Wes, baby, what are you doing? Why are you defending that skank?” Savannah whines.

“I’m defending her because she’s not a whore. She’s a victim. You, on the other hand, are a fucking monster, just like me and every other person in this school who did anything to her, all because I said to do it.” He moves closer to me and I step back, not sure what he’s going to do. “If anyone bothers you, let me know, Sierra, and I’ll handle it. No one’s going to hurt you again. I promise.”

He takes a step back and Braxton takes hold of my elbow, guiding me down the hallway with Colton and Zander close to us.

“Did that just happen?” I ask softly, still in disbelief.

“It did,” Braxton says under a muffled breath. “And I’m not sure if it’s legitimate or another way to fuck with you.”

Admittedly, I’m thinking the same thing. I pull my shoulders back and hold my head high as I plaster on an iron tight face of confidence. I’m not going to break. This school is not going to get the best of me.

The sound of heavy feet hit the floor, getting louder the closer they get. I want to run, but I don’t. The guys crowd closer, making a barricade around me as we turn the corner.

Every nerve in me is telling me I need to escape; there’s nothing but danger at this place. But I don’t.

I come to a dead stop, causing Zander to bump into me from where he moved behind me. The momentum causes me to stumble forward, and my hands grip Colton’s waist as I crash into his back. He wobbles for a moment, but quickly regains his balance. My hands slip further around his waist and graze over his crotch, his very massive crotch.

Aww shit!

I quickly pull away, embarrassment consuming me as he turns to face me.

“Sierra! Sierra!” Wesley rounds the corner, breathing heavily, skidding to a halt when he sees us standing there. “Are you okay? I’m sorry about your locker. I’ll pull them down before you go to it again.”

“What?” I don’t even know how to respond to him.

“I’ll take down those pictures and burn them. I’m so sorry. I told her yesterday to leave you alone, but clearly, she didn’t listen. If anyone bothers—”

Colton takes hold of my shoulders, holding me steady as he moves me to the side gently so he can step around me.

“Wes, I don’t know what your game is, but stop. If you want to do something for Sierra, then get your sheep in line. Because if the bullying continues, I’m going to end it, and I’m starting with you. Your family has done enough to hurt Sierra. When she wants to talk to you, if she does, then she’ll let you know. Until then, leave her alone and keep your distance.”

“Fuck you, Colt! You didn’t do anything to help her before, so why now?”

“Because I was an idiot who followed you blindly when I shouldn’t have. My only regret isn’t that I bullied her—I never did that—but that I stood back and watched it happen. What I will do now is protect Sierra. And if she never forgives me? I can live with that. Can you?”

“Sierra, please can I talk to you?” Wesley begs me, and I can see the pain in his face, but I don’t have it in me to talk to him and get through the day.

“No. I need to get to class.” I reach out and put my hand on Colton’s arm. “Can you take me?” For some reason, I think he wants to get away from Wesley as much as I do.

“Yeah, let’s go.” He doesn’t take my hand, or try to pressure me to be closer to him. He simply walks beside me, giving me the comfort I need.

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