Page 19 of Ashton

Prescott tells us that he’ll be having a meeting first thing in the morning with the board members to discuss what went on. He’s hopeful Cameron will be kicked out or suspended once they hear what he did. I swear if he shows his face again, I’ll be dealing with him.

The only thing I’m worried about is the strings his grandfather has. Legacies are treated like Gods at this school. Liam is another legacy that we need to deal with. Cam might screw us over with the board members if we do fuck Liam up.

“I’m gonna head out also, Jinx. If you need anything, call me.”

She turns to me, wet hair drying in messy waves. I slowly reach out, my hand cupping her cheek. I stroke her neck with my thumb, feeling her pulse when I rest under her chin. I press my thumb into her chin, tilting her head back. She grabs my wrist, digging her nails into my skin.

“Hey, it’ll be alright. I’m sure one of the twins will stay behind.”

“I’m sorry, Maddox.”

“You did nothing wrong. Take it easy for the rest of the day, and I’ll meet you out front tomorrow.” I press a gentle kiss to her lips before walking out.

The temptation to open the bottle of Jack is strong. I’m trying not to think about it but failing miserably. I push openmy door and open my cupboard. I unscrew the cap with shaky hands and take an enormous gulp; the burning sensation warms my stomach.

Collapsing on the couch, the events of the day play over in my head. No matter what she says, this is all my fault. I left her alone when I should’ve stayed with her. Cam wouldn't have tried anything with me next to her. I take another gulp of whisky, and my body begins to buzz from the alcohol. I need to think of a way to get Liam back.

It has to be a surprise, something he doesn’t see coming.

Chapter nine

Jinx

The look on Maddox’s face as he left. It left me broken. I’m more broken than I felt sitting in that office today. No matter how many times I tell Maddox, he’ll never believe me that it wasn’t his fault. Just like I won’t believe him when he says it wasn’t mine. It’s all my fault, and I’m the common denominator. With each passing day, I think more about leaving this school.

Now, Dad is going to be battling with the board for me. If he doesn’t win, the twins can be kicked out; they won’t even be suspended. Their future is riding on a bunch of old guys. It’s not fair. I should be in that room, pleadingmy case. But knowing Dad, he’ll never let me go through the pain of telling anyone.

Even at twenty, he still treats me like his little girl. How the hell am I supposed to tell him about my stalker? It’ll break his heart. I already lost one parent. I can’t lose another.

I slowly make my way back to the bathroom, latching the door behind me. I don’t care what Dad says. I’m going to that meeting tomorrow. I let the twins take the fall for me once.

I won’t do it again.

They deserve a chance at a proper future, and I can’t keep fucking it up. This is my chance to give them one. I’ll tell the members where to shove their old balls if I have to. Cameron must leave this school before taking things further with another girl.

I move to the sink and stare at myself in the mirror. My hair is drying into a mess of wavy curls, almost like my life at this point—a mess.

“Jinx?” Ashton knocks and calls my name. “You doin’ alright in there?”

Closing my eyes, I blow the air out of my lungs. My chest still aches when I try to take a deep breath; I might have to make a doctor’s appointment for a different inhaler. I rub my chest to relieve some of the tension, but most of it isn’t from my asthma. It’s from what’s going on every time I leave this room.

“I’m fine,Ashton. I’ll be out shortly.”

“That’s nice. Unlock the door, or I’ll break it down.”

All I wanted was a moment to myself. I can’t even get that. I unlock the door and swing it open.

“What?” I snap, losing all my patience.

His blue eyes grow a shade darker. “I’ll let that slide. But you are not hiding in the bathroom all afternoon. Being alone after what happened isn’t healthy for you or your mind. You can talk about it if you wish, but you are sitting with us.”

I remember what he said earlier about being picked up off the bathroom floor. This is the second time he’s found me in the bathroom. One day, he’ll give up on me. I know it. There are only so many times you try to help someone before quitting. I push past him, but his hand clamps around my wrist.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” I try to rip my arm out of his grip, only for him to tighten his hold.

He tips my chin up, searching my eyes. “Don’t lie to me. I can read you like a book. What’s eating you?”

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