Page 7 of Scorching Lies

Cursing myself for being up an hour before my alarm is set to go off I swing my legs off the bed to sit up. My grey sheets are soaked down to the mattress with sweat, the Nirvana shirt I wore to bed sticking to my back. Fuck it, I needed a shower anyway. I only give myself a second to breathe through the terror of my memories. Memories that fade once I wake, before jumping up to take a cool shower. My dorm room is a decent size, considering the money we poured into this place, so I got lucky when I was able to pick from the best ones.

Stepping into the living room from my doorway I head down the hall towards the shared bathroom between mine and Ally’s rooms. We fought over the color scheme for the shared space since she’s all pinks, purples, and girly while I’m more grey, black, and beach bum. Combining the two styles was hard enough, but once you add her need for all things beauty products the bathroom is kind of a fucked up place. Slowly opening the door to avoid the creak it makes, my toes scrunch into the fuzzy grey rug I bought after winning that one fight.

It was a win so that’s all that matters, because aside from the rug, everything else in here is covered in pinks and blacks. One thing we could come to an agreement on, is that black and pink go together. I get what I want and so does she, even if we bickered the entire shopping trip. Tugging back the black cloth shower curtain covered in pink lilies to turn the water on, I step back to let it warm while my eyes trace over my reflection. Trailing my fingers over the dark circles under my eyes, my inner bitch drags me for letting a nightmare ruin my sleep. As if I had a choice.

Stripping down and stepping under the warm water, my muscles release with a long exhale. Why did I have to relive that night before the first day of school? As if I didn’t have enough shit to worry about this semester. The Stone brothers have turned my life upside down since they arrived a few weeks ago. They’ll never forgive me for something I can’t remember and the other night at the party is just a reminder that Ryker just wants to watch me break.

Avoiding my left side, my loofa scrubs my skin until it’s bright red. My eyes never stray to the burns that start at my ankle and spread to the top of my thigh, ending just below my ass cheek. Unable to stomach the constant reminder of despair that haunts my flesh, I keep my gaze away. The carnage of losing mybest friend and my father, permanently etched into my skin. I finish my shower with my thoughts on Rykers hands around my throat, my core clenching with the reminder.

Wrapping my favorite fluffy black towel around me, I head back to my room to get dressed for the day. The only plus side to being up before the sun is being able to shower without Ally banging on the door rushing me. That girl lives in front of the mirror but I love her anyway.

Meeting her on the first day of orientation was a blessing I didn’t know I needed, but it was her bubbly personality that covered the fact that I hated being here at all. My mother being an Alumni was the only driving force for me coming to this prim and proper snob fest.

Spending months in the hospital with countless skin grafts changes a girl's look on money and status, even when I’m the richest of them all. Not that it stops them from fucking with me every chance they get now that the Stone brothers are here to sik their dogs on me. Little bitches. Once upon a time, I thought college would be the place where I could be myself. Maybe join a sorority, or live off campus and party it up with the Stone’s, but now? I know that was just a fantasy that went up in flames along with my life.

Dressing in dark skinny jeans and my white long sleeve crop top, I decided to leave my damp hair hanging down my back. Not in the mood to put anything on my face to cover the dark rings under my eyes. My bare feet slap against the wood floor on my way to the kitchen, I flip on the light and make my way to the coffee pot, going through the motions to get ready for the day.

Coffee, check.

Cereal, check.

To go cup for Ally and myself, double check.

I’m sitting at the small marble countertop, my spoon clinking against the bowl, when a groan meets my ears.

“Why does the first day back have to be right after a party?” Ally’s sleep filled voice comes up from behind me.

Chuckling, I slide her cup of coffee to the edge of the counter, “I think it’s the other way around. Why is a party thrown the night before school starts?”

Her dainty hands grip both sides of the cup, tilting it to her lips, her eyes drifting closed with the first sip.

“Hardy har har. You’re just pissed because psycho number one ruined your fun with the jock.” Her smirk slides into place.

Closing my mouth over the last bite of chocolate cereal, I make an effort to ignore her snarky remarks but her next one makes it impossible.

“Too bad too because I’ve heard he’s good in bed. Lucky for you I got laid last night by Mr. Playboy himself so you can live through me now that they all but declared you off limits.”

My spine snaps straight, “What the hell do you mean off limits?”

Looking at me from the corner of her eye while she preps her breakfast she must see the look on my face because her smile drops instantly.

Letting out a breath, “Ryker dropped that little bomb last night after you rushed back here. Apparently he’s naming your pussy his and no one is allowed to touch.”

Shrugging my shoulders I let it roll off me.

“Not like I give a shit anyway.”

Dumping my bowl out in the sink I wash it and put it away before turning back around.

“I’m going out tonight after classes so don’t wait up but if you decide on dinner let me know and I can Venmo you for my half.”

With that I leave behind my roomie to get herself all dolled up for the day. It takes me ten minutes to reach the south side building for my first course. The lawns on campus are maintained with perfection. Each bush trimmed, every tree perfectly pruned, and the sidewalks lined with flowers. Coming up to the entryway, the two giant hawk statues on each side of the massive double door entrance stare back at me. The crest of Hawthorne Elite mocks me with each step closer, my fingers close over the brass handle, but before I can tug it open the door flies at me.

“Shoot, I’m sorry!” A deep voice fills my ears.

My eyes shoot up, connecting with deep blues matching the color of the sea. One is darker than the other, pairing perfectly with the black and blue covering one half of his face. My mouth opens but snaps shut once my brain finally connects the dots. Holy shit.

“They did this to you?” I snap, my voice is an octave too high.

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