Page 63 of Twisted Legacy

Chapter38

Thea

I’m experiencing déjà vu as I approach the dorms. The last time these three were standing out here like this, was the day they wouldn’t let me go after the guy who overreacted when that chick bumped into him.

As a precaution, I look around and make sure he’s not out here. It would be just my luck if he were, and nothing makes me think Coxsucker one, two and three, would get between us again. If anything, they’d hold me down and let him do whatever he wanted.

My knees lock up. Dammit, when am I gonna stop having this reaction? I tell myself I’m fine. Remind myself I can handle it without my knife. It’s like Wolfe said. I have years of experience fighting dirty. These pampered asses arenotscarier than the crews in Nags Creek.

Straightening my spine, I force myself to look each of them in the eye and ignore the smile that flirts across Finn’s face. I don’t give a shit if he’s laughing at me. I’m the one who’s laughing hardest. I know exactly what kind of information they were looking for when they trapped me in our classroom. They’re trying to figure out if I’ve been messing with their stuff. If they don’t leave me alone, I’ll find something else to tinker with.

I saunter past Finn and Pax and even bump into Pax’s shoulder, since he refuses to move to the side to give me space. I hear Finn say, “Fuck, Pet. You’re killing me here.”

Holden is right in front of the doors, staring me down. My body lights up under his scrutiny. That part’s not dead. The feeling I get when he looks at me. It’s mixed in with the fear and confusion that I’m refusing to acknowledge, but it exists.

We rarely square off eye-to-eye like this, but today I stand still and let him look. I let him see me looking back. I ignore the crowd I sense gathering around us and just face off with him. He moves to the side and I walk by like that moment didn’t just happen. It feels like a win. Not backing down. It feels like greeting an old friend. Fearless me.

I get a calendar reminder on my phone just as I’m stepping off the elevator. I’d forgotten all about the party I’m supposed to attend tonight. I want to skip it, but I agreed to attend it months ago. I called Moira for suggestions on what to wear, and she took over.

The hair and makeup team will be here in two hours to help me get ready. That gives me an hour in the gym to burn off some aggression. I change quickly and head down to the gym, which is currently occupied by the head Coxsucker.

I ignore Pax in the corner with his weighted speed rope. He’s a big guy, but he’s light on his feet. They barely make any noise when they touch the ground.

I run through a quick warm up then start on the heavy bag. Hitting it takes more coordination than the speed bag, because it swings around since no one’s holding it steady.

“That’s better, but you’re still not completely centered on your feet.”

I ignore Pax’s comment.

“You don’t have enough rotation in your hip.”

“Why don’t you come and put your face right here?” I tap my knee. “I’ll show you how I roll my hips.”

“You’re not worth my time, Nem.”

“That’s what all the punks say when they’re afraid of getting beat by a girl.”

He walks to the door. “And that’s what all amateurs say when they’re deflecting away from the fact that the champs aren’t going to waste their time on them.”

“Come on, prove it, champ. Show me what you got.”

“Keep practicing, Nem.” He says as the doors swing closed. Once I’m alone, I readjust my stance, making sure my weight is centered over my feet and kick at the bag rotating my hip. I’m trying to perfect a move I saw in a fight, but it doesn’t look as flawless as the person who did it on tv.

This is where training with Wolfe would come in handy, but since I still can’t stand the idea of having people lock onto me or hit me, I’m practicing on my own.

It’s like a 360 move. You start with a roundhouse, pivot all the way around to reposition your feet, and finish with a back kick on your opposite foot. I already knew there was something off about the movement. I hate Pax, but his input wasn’t horrible, and this time, the kick comes easier. I almost make a full rotation around.

I practice a few more times before calling it quits, so I have time to shower and wash my hair before the glam team gets here.

* * *

Thea

Tonight, I’m getting a taste of just how many people fall under the legacy student umbrella, reinforcing my plan to stay away from them all. Holding court in the center of the room are the Coxsuckers and their queen. I caught the hate when I walked into the room.

When I asked LJ why they’re here when I’m sure they haven’t applied for any scholarships, she explained Rho Beta Psi and Zeta Nu help raise money that’s donated to the scholarship fund.

I check the time on my phone, wondering just how long we need to stay here. LJ’s off in the corner, taking pictures and talking to a reporter, and I’m trying to stay out of everyone’s way.

---