Page 3 of His Daring Girl

I give Kyler a look, checking to make sure he’s cool with me bringing him into my drama. He’s the last person who likes to be spoken for, but he tips his chin giving me the clearance, and I tell it to her straight.

“There’s not a chance in hell Kyler would ever want to get inside your cunt. Can’t say I blame him; you’re a lousy fucking lay. Have to say, I’m pissed I wasted an entire year of my life on your ass. It makes me look fucking pathetic. But I’m not anymore.”

And there it is. I fucking did it. Finally, I cut the cord and I’m free. It’s time to start enjoying my senior year. And you know what… I think I’m going to begin right now.

“And you know what else, Cassie? I’m getting myself a big fucking upgrade.” I stand from the table, ready to go get to know the new girl better, but Kyler’s arm comes out and blocks me.

“No,” he states, his voice filled with a warning, and I don’t understand.

“No what, dude?”

“She’s off-limits.”

“What the fuck?” I jerk back, looking back over at Presley’s table. What does he mean she’s off-limits? Has he already gotten word that she has a boyfriend?

“She’s mine, Chase.”

No fucking way. If he thinks I’m going to stand here and let him use a girl like her for sex, he’s wrong. That girl is girlfriend material, and my buddy doesn’t do relationships. I can appreciate his choice and have no disrespect for him—he’s always upfront with anyone he fucks—but like fucking hell I’m going to let him add Presley to his list.

I step forward, getting right in his face. “There’s no way in hell I’m letting you fuck that girl like you do all the rest, Kyler. That girl is not a one-night stand, man. So, you need to get the fuck out of my way.” She deserves a much better welcome to this school than to be used for sex and left to think that all the guys at this school are assholes, and I plan on being her welcoming committee. In fact, I’m going to go invite her to my party.

“I’m not going to just fuck her, Chase. I’m going to make her mine. She’s the one.”

I nearly stumble backwards. My best friend has never once considered a relationship. Now he’s saying she’s the one. I’m guessing he’s as awestruck by her looks as the rest of us. But I’m still not going to let him fuck her over. He’s making his assessment based on looks, and based on looks alone, even the Pope would want to marry the girl. But you get into the nitty gritty of what it takes to be in a relationship, to actually be willing to open your heart up, and my buddy is incapable.

“She was my girl back when we were kids.” He stares right at her. “Now she’s back, and I’m not letting her go.”

My eyes dart to Presley then back. Kyler’s being dead fucking serious. “No fucking way.” I shake my head. It can’t fucking be. “Is that her? Your old neighbor? The one you always hung out with and had that big crush on when we were kids? The one you always talked about?”

He used to talk about her all the time. We never hung out outside of school because he was always with her. It wasn’t untilshe moved away that we finally started doing stuff together. Damn, I can’t fucking believe that she’s the one. Fuck me. That means she really is off-limits. Kyler was in love with her. And by the way he’s looking at her now, I’d say those feelings haven’t changed.

“Holy shit, dude. Bet you never thought she’d grow up looking like that, did you?” I take a seat on the table, looking back over at her. I’d seen a picture of her once, but I never would’ve thought Presley was the same girl. She was a scrawny little thing, and now, she’s nothing but sexy-as-hell curves with some killer legs. Shit. I wish I’d seen her first. I wish I was the one who got to play tag with her when we were young; I’d be tagging her right now with my letterman jacket.

“So, how come she moved back?”

He shakes his head. “Don’t know yet.”

But I take it he’s going to find out. Damn, so much for moving onto someone new. I bet Cassie’s over there smirking at my loss. I’ll need to take a look around at her friend group, see if there’s anyone there worth my time. Kill two birds with one stone: find someone to have some fun with and make my ex jealous as hell.

CHAPTER 3

Ruby

And the bully strikes again.

Ican feel it in the air. Something’s coming. The way Taya just looked at me has me slowing my steps as I walk to first period. I want to wait until Cassie is already seated in class before I enter. But that’s not going to happen. She’s standing in the hall, waiting for me. Strategically placed to where our teacher won’t see what she’s up to. My entire body starts to lock up with fear. Years of training and my fight-or-flight mode has completely malfunctioned. I do neither. I stand stock-still, bracing myself for whatever she’s going to do to me.

“You know. I wouldn’t let it go to your head that the new girl is sitting with you. She didn’t make the cut to be in our group, and your pathetic fat ass is all she’s got left. Everyone else has been warned to keep their distance from her, which means she has no other choice than to be stuck with you. But I can assure you, loser, nobody willingly wants to spend time with you. Just look at you. You’re…a four-eyed whale.” Her eyes travel down my body, her face twisting with disgust. “It’s so sad.” She shakesher head. “How can you stand to even look at yourself in the mirror every day? I wouldn’t want to be seen in public if I looked like you.” My gut twists tighter. “Oh, and by the way, if you screw up the curve on our calc exam again, I’ll be sure Mr. Stanley knows I saw you cheating.”

I hate that my eyes are giving her exactly what she wants. The tear slipping down my cheek is what her smile clings to. She wins every time, and she knows it. I quickly wipe it away and walk past her, nearly stumbling my way inside the classroom as she puts her foot out to trip me. I catch myself against the metal lockers, making a loud bang as my book bag falls down my shoulder. Her giggle behind me further rubs the embarrassment into the wound. I quickly right myself and enter the classroom where it’s safe, keeping my eyes down, my face hidden under my hair. The one thing I’ve learned about Cassie is she won’t attack when a teacher is around. She doesn’t want to sully up her little-miss-perfect reputation.

When I reach my chair, my stomach tightens up further. Chase has chosen to sit at our table today. It feels like another attack from Cassie. And he’s chosen the seat directly across from mine, the looming warning right in front of me. I plop my bag down, and work to get myself situated for class, wishing it was seventh period and the day was over. Presley immediately turns to me, keeping her voice quiet.

“Hey. Are you okay? Did something happen?”

Yes, something happened. Something always happens. Though, I will say it’s been months since Cassie’s last attack. I was even foolishly starting to think she decided I was no longer worth her time. But apparently, that’s not the case. I’m back on her radar again.

“Nothing I’m not used to,” I say, opening my notebook and placing my pen down. I’m thankful Mr. Stanley is starting class. The numbers will distract my thoughts and help me think pastthe threat looming in the background. I’m not going to fail if that’s what Cassie wants. I’m not going to screw up my grades and lose my scholarship at Michigan. Which means… I’ll have to ask Mr. Stanley if I can take the exam ahead of time so no one can accuse me of anything.

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