Page 12 of Ashton

Pipe dream. This won’t end until my stalker creep finally has what he wants. I slip out of bed, heading back to the dresser. I bend down, picking up my discarded underwear. Without paying attention to Maddox and his groaning, I slip them on.

“You’re killing me, baby. I should bend you over and fuck that sweet pussy again.”

I ignore him, walking to the closet instead. I want to step out in public like a normal person and not be worried about being watched or having a text sent to me with a picture sayinghe could be better.Or worried if I kiss one of the guys, I might pissUnknownoff. These things shouldn’t be in the front of my mind. I pull on a short black skirt and an oversized sweater.

“Jinx, talk to me. What’s going on?” Maddox meets me outside my closet, already dressed, holding my mini bookbag.

“Nothing is wrong.” I swipe my bag from his hand. I go to move to the bathroom, but he blocks me.

“Start talking. We were doing great, and then the next thing I know, you shut down. If I did something wrong or hurt you, please tell me.”

“It’s not you.” I snap. “Everything is happening so fast. I haven’t had time to think or breathe. I feel like I’m losing my goddamn mind, Maddox.”

“I’m sorry, Jinx. Truly, I am. I would snap my fingers and take care of this asshole, but Atticus is trying to figure it out. We need more time. Can you give us that?”

“I get that it’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like months. It feels like he’s been one step ahead of me. I hope Ash can change my number, which can give me some peace for a little while.” Maddox pulls me into his chest, and my arms naturally find his waist. He gently kisses my forehead, guiding me to the bathroom.

“I’ll be in the living room. Take some time.”

I wait until he’s gone and stare at myself in the mirror. Things were going great until the guys showed up, but maybe it was already in effect beforehand, and with them showing up, my stalker felt threatened; that’s why he’s taking action.

I’m still convinced it’s Cameron.

He’s the only one who acted interested in me, the only one who’s ever talked to me besides Spencer. Who else could it be? That asshole has it coming, that’s for sure. The next time I see Cam, he has some questions to answer, too.

Chapter six

Jinx

I tell Maddox I need to see Dad and not to wait around. I’m unsure how long this will take or if he can see me today. I’m not even inside the office, and Florence pops her head up, and her smile widens.

“Good morning, my dear. The dean is busy, but between you and me, the outcome should be amazing.” I move toward her desk, wondering who he’s talking to. I hope it’s stupid, Von. Then again, that would never happen.

“Why?” I drag out.

“I heard a little incident happened during the swim practice, and the coach didn’t do anything. So.” She leansback, checking the hall to the dean’s office. “He’s replacing him with a retired Olympic coach. Isn’t that amazing?”

My heart squeezes tight. I was honestly hoping Dad would replace Von. The sleaze ball needs to go; how hard is it to find a qualified music teacher? Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that Ash will hopefully figure out which douche-canoe tried to take him out, but I need this more.

“Florence, that is great. The coach is horrible and picks favorites. I’m glad that the swim team will be getting a clean-up, especially a qualified coach.”

She pats my hand. “I’m sure a certain music teacher will be next, Hun. It just takes time to find the right fit.”

“I know, it just sucks. I’ve been here longer, and it seems like my stepbrothers are getting everything.”

“It may seem like that, but it’s not. Have patience.”

“I’m tired of that word. Patience takes forever sometimes.” I return to the seats, feeling deflated that I might miss out again on the orchestra.

Florence goes back to typing, ignoring me. We’ve grown accustomed to each other; we don’t need to fill every second with conversation. I text the boys quickly, telling them I’ll be in the office for a while and not to worry about meeting me at my class.

I browse theDarwin School of Music,checking out their classes, dreaming of the day I’ll finally walk the halls. RWA can only prepare me so much with my music; I need tofurther it, and only three people stand in my way. Lula, Piper, and Von.

I need to take out Lula and Piper first, and if Von won’t leave, then I’ll simply make him. Prescott Hawthorne isn’t the only one with the power at this school. If only I weren’t scared to use that power, I promised Dad that no one would find out.

Voices pull me from my phone. When I look up, Cam and Liam walk into the office.

“Well, if it isn’t Jinx, the minx. It’s been a while, doll.” His chocolate brown hair must always be perfectly styled, not a strand out of place. I guess when your family has ties to the school, your presentation is important.

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