Page 26 of Descent

“I’m just worried about you. She’s a master manipulator. The way she is obviously playing Asher, then dragging you into it.”

“How about you stop talking about things you know nothing about and go back to your lunch?” I offer.

Her venomous eyes shoot in my direction, her black hair flipping over her shoulder as she closes the distance between us.

“How about you stop whoring yourself around my school and go back to where you came from?” she says, before a hard crack of her hand slaps against my cheek.

Honestly, it’s impressive how much it hurts. I didn’t think she had it in her. Liam yanks me out of my seat, protectively shoving me behind him before another body darts across the room. Asher is behind Bridgette in a flash, grabbing Maggie’s silver fork before plunging it into the back of Bridgette’s hand. It effectively pins her hand to the table, and the scream she releases is unlike anything I’ve ever heard.

An ear piercing shriek fills the room, as several people grimace in disgust. Bridgette tries to pull her hand free but the fork is jammed in so deep, I have no doubt it is there to stay unless someone pulls it out.

Maggie’s face is full of panic as she watches Bridgette, her eyes darting to Asher like she’s not sure who he will strike next. Asher doesn’t pay the screaming banshee any mind, though. Instead, he takes the opportunity to hop up on the table and address the room.

“I thought that we had learned this lesson a while ago, at this very table no less, but perhaps we need a refresher. Skyla is off-limits, period. You will not whisper about her, you will not glare at her and you will most definitely not put hands on her,” he says, looking down at Bridgette like the worm she is.

“The next person that even breathesmy wife’sname, will be leaving this school in a body bag. Clear?”

There is a hushed shock that rolls through the room at the word wife. Honestly, I feel it too. I stare up at an infuriated Asher as he looks down at me, only for a moment. He stomps on the table hard, causing Bridgette to scream in pain.

“I said CLEAR?!”

“Yes!” The room answers in unison.

“Better,” he says. “One more thing, you would all do well to keep my bond brother’s name out of your fucking mouths as well. Anymore bullshit rumors about my wife, or my brother being unfaithful to me, and you will receive the same treatment.”

With that, he jumps off the table, crouching down beside me as he examines my cheek.

“You good?” he asks in a soft tone.

I nod as he does the same, helping me to my feet as he jerks his head to Liam.

“C’mon, let’s go.”

We both follow him. I can’t help but turn my head to see Maggie whispering in Bridgette’s ear, petting her head soothingly before she yanks out the fork. Bridgette screams before a sob rips through her. Maggie gathers her into her arms, hushing her softly.

My eyes widen as understanding clicks. Holy shit. The girl from this summer was Bridgette. The girl that Maggie can’t get over is Bridgette? Her step-sister? If I had even a smidge of doubt, the look on Maggie’s face when our eyes connect solidifies everything I need to know.

I don’t have time to do or say anything before Asher is tugging me out of the dining hall and out into the courtyard. We continue moving at a brisk pace. When we are around the side of a building away from prying eyes, Asher releases his hold on me, allowing Liam to gather me into his arms.

He peppers my face with gentle kisses as he shakes his head.

“I’m so sorry she hit you, babygirl. I should have intervened sooner.”

“It’s fine. At least it wasn’t a plate this time,” I smile softly, forcing a snarled breath out of Asher.

“I think, if anything, this was a reminder that at school…we need distance. People are suspecting and I…none of us can risk that,” I say, hating the pained look on Liam’s face as he pulls away from me and nods.

“You’re right.”

“You should be the only one that she’s seen with right now. Keep an eye on her.” Liam says to Asher.

Asher’s body language is rigid, his arms crossed. He nods but doesn’t speak as Liam continues.

“You will keep her safe, right? Please,” Liam says, a hint of pleading in his words.

Again, Asher nods, his deep voice taking on a gruff tone.

“I will.”

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