Page 17 of Ashton

I shouldn’t have to tell him. I only share amongst my circle. Even then, it’s hard to imagine Maddox or Ashton touching Jinx. I remind myself that they won’t steal her away from me, that they love her as I do and would do anything for her.

Chapter eight

Maddox

Jinx never said a word the entire time as we walked back to the dorm. I tried to rein in my anger and not go after Cameron myself, but knowing Ash and Ace, they would take care of him. Cam would be stupid to try anything with her again. The thought of having her stalker friend inches away from her makes my stomach turn. He could’ve tried anything, and we wouldn’t have known. She wouldn’t have known it was him either.

I tried to talk to Jinx as we walked up the stairs, but she still wouldn’t say anything. Even after getting her inside her room, nothing. I’m beginning to worry that she’ll never talk to me again. I should’ve been there, butshe said she was fine waiting in the office to speak to her dad and for me to attend class.

This is my fault. I slam my fist into her door, not giving a shit that it’s a steel door.

“Odette, I’m so fuckin’ sorry. I should’ve been there.” I punch the door again, and my knuckles scream in pain. But it’s nothing compared to what Jinx has gone through.

I slowly turn to face her, and she’s standing in front of her sink, gripping the counter until her knuckles have turned white.

“This isn’t your fault, Maddox.” She grits her teeth. “I should’ve left the office, but my stupid body wouldn’t let me. I sat there frozen while Cameron touched me. I’m to blame for this.”

“Don’t you fucking say that. If I can’t blame myself, neither can you. Even though I should’ve stayed.”

She tilts her head back and sniffs. “Why can’t I catch a break, Maddox?” she asks, a sob catching in her throat.

I cross the room, drawing her into my chest. “Sometimes, the toughest soldiers are dealt the most brutal battles.”

“I would like to be discharged from service, please.” She squeezes me tighter.

“I’m sorry, baby. I promise it’ll get easier.” I pulled back, giving her a tender smile. “Let me start the shower for you and get you out of these clothes and into something more comfortable.”

“Thanks, Mad.” A small smile touches her mouth.

I walk her to the bathroom and turn the shower on. I leave her alone, as much as I hate it. I hope Ash and Ace make Cameron pay for what he did to her. Just thinking about it makes my stomach turn. I’m not sure why he’s so fascinated with her.

I’m washing my bloody hand off when the door swings open, and the twins come storming in, arguing.

“Shut the fuck up, Ash. I handled it. We won’t get into trouble.”

“That’s what you think. Do you know who he’s related to? Prescott will be up our asses soon.”

“Like I give a shit. Once he finds out what he did to Jinx, it’s game over for Cameron.”

My head swivels between them, trying to catch up with their conversation, but I’m lost.

“What’s going on?”

“Atticus broke Cameron’s jaw.” Ashton swings his hands in the air.

I don’t see a problem. “Okay and?” I give them a confused look.

Atticus rolls his eyes. “Cameron is a legacy.”

“Which means we are up shit creek without a paddle,” Ashton adds, glaring at his brother.

Atticus drops onto the couch, folding his ankle over his knee. “We aren’t getting into trouble. Drop it, Ashton.That prick had it coming. End of story. I can’t keep arguing with you.”

“I have to agree. Prescott isn’t going to do shit once he finds out. Why are you so worried?” I carefully dry my hands off, watching Ashton have a mental breakdown.

“He’s worried because the last time they did something stupid, Dad gave them an alternative. Plus, Cam’s grandfather has some major strings at this school that even Dad can’t pull.”

We all turn to look at Jinx. She’s standing in the small hallway, wearing a pair of black sweatpants and Atticus’ hoodie, and her hair is wrapped up in a towel. My heart skips a beat when her green eyes meet mine.

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