Page 25 of Destroying Everleigh

Lucas’s jaw ticked, a fire sprouting within the depths of his eyes. “You don’t even realize how much of this school caters tome,” he ground out, sounding even more like a spoiled asshole than I’d originally predicted.

Everleigh sighed. “Come on. Let’s go. They aren’t worth it.”

Amber’s voice sliced through the bickering, her eyes manic like she was trying to piece it all together. “Do you guys know each other?” She motions around the table and then to Everleigh who’s still trying to lure her fuck toy away.

Ashton glanced over at the girl who’d ruined his heart, his face set in stone. When she discreetly shook her head, pleading with him not to say anything, a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“She’s my ex-girlfriend.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Jameson

Age 16

Bryce Savage - My Type

The bonfire was crackling in the distance, flames shooting from the sticks that were placed there to help control the fire. I cradled a beer in my hand, reveling in the cool breeze that drifted through the air, causing ripples in the lake a few yards down. The cool thing about having a rich best friend who was relatively popular, was that he could talk people into anything. Especially older women. He just had to slap on his best panty-dropping smile and ask for whatever he wanted. This time, it was alcohol.

Crystal and Kash were huddled up on the ground with her between his legs as they watched the fire, his fingers moving through her hair. On the other side, Ashton was in a lawn chair with Everleigh in his lap. I’d never felt more fucking alone. The sun was setting, giving the atmosphere around us a peaceful vibe. The leaves rustled in the wind, and I almost lost myselfto the mere sound of it. I’d have to come out here and draw sometime. Maybe it would be inspirational for more artwork ideas for my portfolio.

My eyes dropped to the ground, settling on a small worm wiggling through the moist soil. I knelt so I could watch it more closely. But then, an idea struck me, and I couldn’t even help but snicker at it. Scooping the worm between my thumb and forefinger, I put my arm at my side so I wouldn’t draw any attention to it. The little thing kept wiggling around, trying to break free, and I almost felt guilty.

But it wasn’t like I planned on killing the damn thing.

Once I reached Everleigh, she glanced up at me, skepticism already written into her features like she knew I had something diabolic planned. To her credit, I usually did.

“Whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t.” She gave me her best stern look, but it looked cute on her if anything. She couldn’t intimidate me even if she tried.

I placed my free hand to my chest in mock innocence. “Why, I wouldnever.”

Her eyes narrowed, not buying my shit for a second. Ashton chuckled, his hands resting on her hips. I couldn’t even fight the pang of jealousy that slashed through my chest at the sight of them, even though I only knew her because they started dating. Shoving those thoughts away, I shot her a boyish grin and satisfaction swam through me when her eyes darted to my lips for half a second.

“I just had a question. It’s innocent really.” I smirked. “No need to get all bitchy over it.”

“Don’t think I won’t castrate you in your sleep, Jameson. I do know my way around a knife.”

I snorted, getting off on the bickering between us. “But then you’d have to see my dick, and I’m not so sure you’re ready for that.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief, shocked that I’d say something so crude out in the open. In front of her boyfriend of all people. But I didn’t miss the flush that had coated her skin.

“Get a room!” Crystal called out from the other side of the bonfire.

I turned to flip her off and Kash snorted, shaking his head in amusement.

Ashton’s words pulled me away from the bitch and back to the girl I’d come over here for. “Oh, she can handle it.” He smirked, squeezing her hip. This time it was my turn to be surprised. Not because I thought she couldn’t, but because he was indulging in my sexual comment, playing off it. And fuck, if it didn’t give me sinful thoughts to jack off over later.

“Do not encourage him,” she hissed, slapping her hand against his chest. Shaking her head, she turned back to me. “What was your question?”

A slow smile stretched across my face in the same way it had when I first concocted my plan. “Do you like worms?” I asked.

“Why?”

I took a casual step forward. “Just curious. I was thinking I could tattoo a worm on you or something.”

Ashton laughed, like the idea of her wearing around an art piece of a worm was hysterical. I had to agree. Who the fuck tattooed a worm on their skin?

“You’re an idiot.” She grinned. And shit. It was breathtaking.

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