Page 37 of You Belong With Me

Wyn

I’ve been sittingup in Lucas’ room alone for what feels like an hour or more. The music was cut abruptly about forty minutes ago—which is weird because it’s still early. Voices drew me to the window, and I noticed people flooding out, into the backyard. It was almost as though everyone had been abruptly sent home. But why? The police don’t come here…

I try texting Lucas, but there’s no response. Same with Alexis, and Lux. I don’t even know if Lux had shown up to Rush House yet, but she may have heard if something happened to break the party up. News travels fast in the Burning Crown.

But no one is replying to me, so I’m left to wonder. For the hundredth time this evening, I lay back on Lucas’ bed and try to close my eyes. But every time I do, Gabriel’s face is there to greet me, and my eyes fly open.

I consider getting up and rummaging around in Lucas’ bathroom for a razor, but Lucas’ words from earlier stop me—If it’s pain you crave, then I’ll be the one to give it to you.Ugh, if only he were here now. I could use a little pinch and nip to takethe edge off because I’m still anxious, echoes of that fight-or-flight energy still buzzing through my veins.

What I really need is an herbal sleep aid. Thankfully, I know exactly where I can get my hands on some weed. Christian keeps a stash of blunts in the study, top right desk drawer.

The only thing stopping me from leaving this room is the possibility that Gabriel could be in the house somewhere. But, honestly, the way Lucas ran him off…he’s probably long gone. I know Gabriel, and for him, pride is everything. I doubt he’d stick around and risk Lucas calling him out in front of everyone.

I walk into Lucas’ closet, find a dark gray ExU hoodie, and slip it over my head. It’s about three sizes too big and falls halfway down my thighs, but it’s warm and smells like laundry detergent. I wonder idly who does Lucas’ laundry. I can’t imagine him shoving clothes into a washing machine.

I don’t bother with my shoes, but I grab my phone before cracking the door open and stepping out into the dark hallway. Rush House is one of those ancient coastal mansions, so every step I take is announced with a loud creak of the floorboards.

The whole place is quiet, which is creepy, considering it was a riot of activity just forty minutes ago. I head to the main staircase and tiptoe my way down to the first floor, my breath held.

When I get to the bottom, I pause, ready to dart back up to Lucas’ room, if I have to. But I don’t hear anyone, so I feel bold enough to scurry down the hall to the study.

The door is cracked, and I slowly push it open. Inside, I’m shocked to find Jackson, Ash, and Christian, standing around, looking very serious. They all turn to look at me.

“Oh, sorry, I was just…looking for some weed,” I say quickly. “I couldn’t sleep.”

Christian is already leaning against the desk, a blunt hanging from his lips. He reaches over, opens the drawer, and pulls anew blunt out, then holds it out for me. I have to cross the entire length of the room to get it, but I’m desperate, so I hurry across the large room.

Pulling up the sleeve that’s falling over my hand, I take the blunt. Christian holds up a lighter, and I place the joint between my lips, leaning forward, so he can light it. Once it’s lit, I take a deep pull, coughing as the fragrant smoke stings my throat.

“Thanks,” I choke out. “So, um, where’s the party? Why is everyone gone?”

The guys all look at each other like they’re wondering if they should tell me.

“What?” I ask, pulling in another puff. “What happened?”

“Lucas lost it on Gabriel,” Christian says. “Then he kicked everyone out.”

Three pairs of eyes linger on me, and I suddenly feel self-conscious, like they’re judging me or something. It’s probably just me overthinking, but…for real, why are they staring at me? Do they know what happened between Gabriel and me upstairs?

“Why did Lucas lose it?” I ask, taking another hit.

Jackson widens his stance and folds his arms over his chest. “Apparently something happened between you and Gabriel.” He flicks his chin in my direction. “Is that bruise on your face his handiwork?”

Oh, that’s what they’re staring at.

I swallow. “Yes.”

Jackson’s jaw tightens, and he nods once like he’s too pissed to respond. My heart warms a little at that, but I know it’s not me, personally, that he’s pissed about. It’s the fact that I’m queen consort, and someone dared to lay hands on me. It’s a pride thing.

Christian pushes off the desk and walks over to me, his head tilting to the side to study the marks on my throat. When he’s done, he purses his lips and glances at the other guys. “Well, nowonder he lost it.” He steps away and shrugs. “Can’t say I blame him now.”

“What happened exactly?” I ask.

Ash is sitting in one of the tufted leather chairs. “Lucas beatthe shitout of Gabriel. Jackson and Christian had to pull him off before we had another homicide on our hands.”

Good.I’m sure whatever Gabriel got, he deserved.

“Then he forced Gabriel to release you,” Ash says. “In front of everyone.”

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