Page 60 of Cruel Steps

Colter: Book related? Do you work in a library? Can you wear your hair up and seduce me for being too loud?

Emerson: Librarian fantasy? You’re the one who works in the library.

Colter: Oh, right.

Colter: Damn, I give up.

Emerson: *maniacal laugh*

Colter: I shall think of something to bribe you with…

Colter: Speaking of, are you free after the football game tomorrow?

Emerson: Maybe.

Colter: Save it for me. I want to take you on our date.

Emerson: You finally decided?

Colter: Yep, and you’re going to love it.

Emerson: I can’t wait. Okay, break’s over.

Colter: Text me later.

Emerson: XOXO

Sighing happily, I checked on the surprise I had for Hope tomorrow. She hadn’t made any other attacks outside of her verbal abuse, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I showed up to practice right on time and left with Cody right after. I avoided her in the house and waited until Astronomy class started, then snuck in the back. Keeping ahead of her schedule prevented surprise attacks, but damn, it was exhausting.

While I was avoiding Hope, Holden seemed to be avoiding me. He ignored me entirely in class on Thursday and didn’t even meet my eyes. Sometimes, I would feel his stare on me, but it would be gone when I looked. I shouldn’t still be thinking about Holden or wanting him. I wanted to forget about him and focus only on Colter.

But Holden had burrowed under my skin, marking me like a tattoo, and I didn’t know how to stop. The constant back and forth kept him in my peripheral, never allowing him to fade. I didn’t know what that meant for the future; if I needed closure before I could move forward, or if, over time, I’d completely withdraw from him.

“Five-minute warning,” Hendrix called. I stretched my muscles, securing my phone in my locker before following the other girls. Climbing onto the stage, I fell into the rhythm of the music and lost myself over the next few hours. The club was packed by the time I finished my shift, and I had to squeeze between the crowd on the floor to make it to the locker room.

“Excuse me!” I shouted, but no one heard me over the bass. Blowing out a breath, I retreated and went the long way back by the bar. I’d avoided it tonight once I saw the dudebro from Astronomy here. His name was Ricky, and he’d overexerted his importance here. He wasn’t a bartender, but a busboy. He cleared the tables and brought out the fresh glasses to the bartenders.

I’d been able to steer clear of him earlier and didn’t want to deal with him now that it was time to leave. My feet hurt, and I just wanted to go home and shower before bed. Ducking around a tall guy, I made it to the locker room and breathed a sigh of relief.

“How are you feeling about things?” JoJo, one of the dancers, asked. She’d been friendly and had been open with pointers. Some girls kept their secrets close to their chest, worried another dancer would take their spot if they shared anything. But not JoJo.

“Good. Tonight was a lot busier.”

“Oh, yeah. Be glad you’re not here tomorrow. It gets wild, especially after football games. A lot of the team comes here to celebrate.”

Well, damn. I hadn’t expected to run into anyone from school. Which was dumb, but somehow, I’d convinced myself it was separate from all the bullshit there.

“Good to know. Thanks, JoJo.”

“Oh! Icky Ricky asked about you. I’d avoid him at all costs if I were you.”

“Wait, did you say Icky Ricky?” I busted out laughing. It was too good of a nickname.

“I keep telling Hendrix to fire him. He makes all the girls uncomfortable. Looks like you’re his new target.”

“Perfect. I have a class with him. I’ll be on the lookout. Thanks!”

“No problem. We girls have to look out for each other. Have a good night, sweetie.”

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