Page 20 of Forget Me Twice

I wonder vaguely if playing the part of the new student properly means that I should at leasttryto appear upset in this instance.

Instead, I can’t help the sharp smile that slips out. It’s always a matter of I probably should, but Iwon’t.

A genuine look of discomfort begins to smooth over the derision on the redhead’s features. “You’re a cold bitch, aren’t you?” she says, giving me a calculating look up and down.

I never really did learn how to smile with my whole face.

Nodding, I then tilt my head so there’s no way she can’t see my jagged scar. “That’s one way to put it,” I say, a hint of amusement leaking into my tone.

She steps forward, eyes flicking over my temple, before two perfectly manicured hands move up to grab my lapels. She opens my blazer for a closer inspection and then gestures her chin towards my chest and narrow hips, pointedly ignoring the scar.

“You wouldn’t even know what to do with someone like him,” she murmurs, skipping ahead and straight to the body shaming.

My eyebrows jump to my hairline.

Hey, I’m a proud card-carrying member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee, sister.

Several girls have peeled away from the faceless crowd and are now pressing into Sloane’s back and shoulders, giggling. I recognize them as part of her cheerleading slash bully girl posse—Dakota, Parker and Reid.

Guess friendship bracelets are off the table.

I hum and before I can stop myself, “You’re absolutely right, Regina George. Iwouldn’tknow what to do with him because I don’t usually fuck high school boys.” Then with a conspiratorial smile, I lean in and whisper loudly from behind my hand, “Bit…vanillafor my tastes, you see.”

Sloane releases her grip on my blazer and drops her hands like I’ve burned her. The matching confused looks that blossom across all four girl’s faces are positively delightful. So is the choked laughter that comes from somewhere behind them.

Oops.

“Jesus, what the fuck is your damage?” Doe-eyed Dakota curls her hand protectively around Sloane’s shoulder.

“Hundred says she’s still a virgin,” Blonde Parker chimes in, acidly.

Reid, Dakota’s twin, looks like she’s ready to start collecting bets. The crowd titters. Sloane smiles wickedly again.

C’mon girls, now we’revirginshaming, too?

My eyes roll to the ceiling and one hand subconsciously strokes down the pocket holding my hidden flask. It’s still too early for these social gymnastics. Thank Christ for Xanax.

Okay, guess my cold shoulder wasn’t enough and we’re doing this. They want to throw down gauntlets? I’m in.

I’ve already fumbled my advantage and if I start off on the back foot here, I’ll never be able to cultivate targets. They’ll slot me in at the bottom of the totem pole and I’ll never get a look in again. So I’ll have to see these girls now and raise them.

I just have to hope that the hostility might actually play out in my favor for once, and help keep the gossip mills in motion. Between these Queen Bees and the Rox Boys, I’m going to have my hands full.

Eat or be eaten.

The shrill sound of my phone ringing out on speakerphone cuts through the laughter. Everyone’s focus is now locked on my cell, lit up and held aloft between Sloane and I. Within seconds, Rhett’s sultry, disembodied voice is floating out across the hushed crowd.

“Bored already?” Then, more seriously, “Has something happened, doll?”

I watch the mocking smile start to slide slowly off Sloane’s beautiful face. My own grin is still full of teeth.

“No, no, nothing’s happened. Yet.” I let out an exaggerated sigh. “But all I’ve got is study hall this afternoon. So much free time,” I huff, idly inspecting the nails of my other hand. “Feel like grabbing me early for lunch, and then picking up where we left off this morning?”

I look past Sloane’s shoulder and lock eyes with Tristan. Just my luck that he’s my only witness. He can verify the existence of my visitor or he can pull this rug out from under me right now. I silently dare him to try and contradict me.

His eyes narrow further, aggressively boring into me with the weight of an afterlife judgment.

There’s an audible chuckle through the phone. “Fucking insatiable, baby girl,” Rhett teases. “Yeah. I know what you need. I’ll pick you up after I've finished training with Knox. Be ready,” he adds just before he hangs up.

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