Page 35 of His To Claim

What. The. Actual. Fuck?

“Fuck no,” I shout, and he falters back at my scream.

“Oh shit, my bad. I just thought… I mean Ace said.”

“Said what?” we all shout out further freaking Liam out.

“He just kind of made it clear we should stay away from you. I mean, I guess I thought it was because he called dibs. If he says you’re off limits, well, nobody’s going to ask you out. He’s laid his claim.”

Jade and Stella both turn, eyeing me curiously.

“Called dibs? What are we in middle school?” Jade sneers, and suddenly Liam isn’t as enticing as he was before his douchey remark.

I step into Liam’s space and place a finger against his chest, drilling it in as I speak. “You spread the word that I ain’t a fucking piece of property to be claimed. I don’t belong to anyone, especially not Ace fucking Servite.”

“I got it, my bad again. I hope this doesn’t kill my chances with green eyes here?” he says, looking at Jade with a shy smirk.

“I think we can still work something out,” she says, and Stella and I laugh as we take off running, leaving Jade and Liam behind.

Eleven

SCARLETT

The rest of the week continues uneventfully and to my surprise Ace has completely ignored me and the guys, which is refreshing. Especially after finding out from Liam that he told the guys I was “off limits.” The nerve.

Yet I can’t help feeling put off after that kiss we shared. I should be thankful that although Carrington has made her fair share of snarky remarks every chance she gets, it hasn’t been too often.

It’s finally Saturday, week one in this hellhole is complete. Today I’m able to hide away and avoid everyone, or so I thought.

There’s another party tonight. Shocker.

This, however, is the first party of the new school year and according to Stella it’s the main event of the year. Apparently last weekend’s party didn’t count for this school year, as it was thrown to commemorate the end of summer vacation. Great.

I try to get out of it by telling the girls I don’t feel good, but Jade sees right through my bullshit. Instead, I’m in my room getting ready for tonight.

After my morning shower, I put my hair into a bun while it was still wet. Letting it air dry, it’s now showing its natural slight wave which saves me the trouble of styling it. It’s still early September, which on the West Coast signifies it’s the middle of summer, but the weather is cooling down slightly in the evenings.

Looking through the clothes I brought with me, I settled on a pair of dark ripped jeans and a black crop top with the front cut out to a low-V landing right between my breasts. The material around my neck forms a built-in choker of sorts, accentuating the small dip of cleavage between my breasts. Sexy yet not too revealing.

Jade and I have this tendency to cut out parts of all our thrift shop, hand-me-down clothes, giving them an edgier, brand-new look. I added a bit more makeup than I’m used to, lining my eyes in black liner, adding a few coats of mascara to my lashes and completed the look with a dark red color on my lips. I try to feign indifference but I’m actually really nervous about tonight.

Ace will surely be in attendance, but I fail at trying to convince myself I’m not getting ready for him. Irritated by my thoughts, I’m about to wipe the blood color off my lips when Jade barges through my bedroom door.

“Ever heard of knocking, Jade!” I call out annoyed.

“We’re sisters, it literally means I don’t have to knock.” I roll my eyes and chuckle, bringing a tissue to my lips.

“What are you doing?” she asks. She’s changed into ripped jeans and a lilac strapless crop top. Her hair is sleek straight tonight, and I can tell she’s added a light purple eyeshadow to her waterline.

“Wiping this shit off,” I answer.

“Why? Scar, you look hella bomb. I’ve always told you that’s your color.”

I shake my head. “It’s too much. I look like I’m trying too hard to make an impression.”

“Scar you could go bare faced and wear a damn potato sack andyou’d make a hell of an impression. Besides I bet your man won’t mind,” she teases.

“Who?” I ask a little too eagerly.

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