Page 26 of Vile Boys

But the deadly smirk on Blaine’s face makes my entire body erupt into goose bumps even before he says the word out loud. “You.”

My whole body feels like it’s running a fever.

“Now go on.” Blaine pulls me away from the wall. “Get to class.” He adds a gentle nudge like he’s egging me on to keep walking.

But all I can do is glance at him over my shoulder and see the sinister look in his eyes after that warning.

A warning of what’s yet to come.

CRYSTAL

When I get out of class, I immediately head into the girl’s bathroom and lock myself inside. My heart is still racing from that encounter with Blaine.

They’ll never stop until they have what they want.

Me.

I can still hear him say the words out loud, and they make me shiver.

I close my eyes and take a breather, squeezing my own knees until they hurt.

You can do this, Crystal.

You promised Dad.

I nod and take one last breath before I pick up my bag again and exit my stall. A girl with pretty long black hair applies bright red lipstick in front of the mirror.

I wash my hands and splash my face with some cold water.

“Rough day, huh?” she muses.

“You don’t even want to know,” I mutter.

I don’t know her, but I guess she can sense my unease.

“If it’s boys bothering you, I always make sure they get exactlywhat they give,” she says, winking at me through the mirror. “You can do this.”

“Thanks,” I say, smiling.

She sticks out her hand. “Lana.”

“Oh, hey. You’re Felix’s sister, right?” I say.

She frowns. “How’d you know?”

“His girlfriend, Penelope, she’s my friend. She’s dropped your name once or twice.”

A smirk forms on her face. “Did she now? Hope it was good.”

“Oh yeah, she called you a tough bitch not to be messed with.”

She laughs. “Sounds about right.” She holds out her lipstick. “Here. Put this on. Makes you feel like you can conquer the world.”

I stare at the lipstick for a second before I pull it out of the cap.

“Promise,” she adds.

Maybe it’s worth a try.

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