Page 67 of Destroying Everleigh

“Fuck,” he hissed, cupping himself before buckling to the ground.

I grabbed a fistful of his hair, craning his head back. “Don’t touch me again.” I spit in his face for emphasis, letting him know that this was an equal playing field now. I wasn’t the same girl I once was. I’d fight back. The saliva landed on his cheek, but he didn’t even flinch. Instead, something flashed across his face that I couldn’t comprehend. He grinned maniacally, like this was the most fun he’d had in a while, and that just put me even more on edge.

I released him abruptly and moved to step away. He was still on the ground. I could probably make a clean break for it without him beating me to it. But as soon as I took a step, his arms were winding around me, and he was drawing me into his lap. My breath hitched in my throat, fear pushing through the adrenaline I’d felt moments earlier.

“I can’t fucking stand you,” he muttered, his demeanor much softer than it had been, which gave me some semblance of relief.

“Ditto,” I countered in an equally soft tone.

He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine which shocked the hell out of me. This was another attempt to humiliate me. He couldn’t overpower me like he tried to seconds ago—not without physically hurting me, so he switched tactics.

I started squirming against him and pushing against his chest, but he just tightened his hold on me, until I was forced to sag in defeat. My eyes burned with unshed tears. Tears I wouldn’t dare let fall because then he’d use them against me. If he wanted a kiss that damn badly, I’d give him one he couldn’t forget. I parted my lips, welcoming him despite my better judgment. But he kept it soft and sweet. Far from the hungry and demanding one Kash had given me. My head spun in confusion, old emotions rising to the surface. His tongue slid against mine for a moment before he pulled away, his hard mask falling back into place, hiding the old Ashton from view again.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “I didn’t mean what I said about your mom. But that’s the only apology you’re getting from me.”

“And I didn’t mean what I said about your brother.” I didn’t give a shit about how he was doing, so it wasn’t a lie.

His jaw clenched, and for a moment I thought he was going to freak out on me again. But he loosened his hold on me and helped me to my feet instead.

He left me standing near my car while he made a beeline for his that was parked across the street. What kind of game was he fucking playing? I could handle being degraded, called names, and even having drinks thrown on me. But my heart was sensitive, especially when it came to Ashton, Jameson, and Kash. So, if he was trying to emotionally torture me, I wasn’t sure how much more of that I could handle.

I released a sigh and unlocked my car before tossing my bag in the backseat. I scrambled behind the wheel and placed the key in the ignition. It was completely dark outside now. There were streetlights posted around the soccer field that did help light up sone of the parking lot and my headlights added more, allowing me to see more clearly. So, I cleared my mind the best I could, trying to focus on the positives instead. We were finally working on our chemistry project. I still had Amber and Briley to confide in. Lucas was a nice constant sometimes. I didn’t love him, but our time together wasn’t awful for the most part or anything like that. My grandparents were helping out as much as they could. And I had a steady job, even if it wasn’t ideal.

My heart slowed to a steady beat and tension rolled off my shoulders. I still had things to be grateful for. Just three more years, and I’d have my degree. Only one year until I qualified to get my LPN, which would easily pay me well. That was really all I needed in order to live. But getting my RN was the goal.

I found a spot near the back to park and grabbed my bag from the backseat, slinging it over my shoulder. The lights were on, bleeding through the windows and casting a bright hue along the darkened grass. The place was long overdue for an upgrade, especially the yard. But it didn’t look so bad on the inside when I’d been here last.

I glanced around at the other cars taking up the massive driveway, relief flooding my system when I spotted Amber’s car. At least I wouldn’t be alone in this.

I knocked on the door, waiting patiently for someone to answer. Voices sounded from inside and there was a lot of shuffling going on, indicating that people were moving around. When the door finally opened, it was Amber in the doorway, and I thanked the universe for that small miracle. But the pained expression on her face had me taking a step backwards absentmindedly.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

She swallowed thickly, dropping her gaze to the porch before nodding. “It is, but?—”

Jameson poked his head around the door, his face lighting up when he saw me. But that wasn’t a good sign. It meant that he was happy about something. And that something usually had to do with getting under my skin.

“You coming in or what?” he asked, shouldering Amber out of the way. “Ashton’s been here for like a full three minutes.”

Had I really been lost in my thoughts for that long? It wasn’t a long drive over here. Instead of dwelling on it, I nodded and stepped through the threshold. The scent of pizza wafted through the air, making my stomach curl with hunger. By the looks of it, the guys had done more decorating around here. The living room now contained a giant TV mounted over the fireplace, and from where I stood, I could make out a leather armchair on the other side of the house.

“You hungry?” Jameson asked, but he didn’t wait for a response. He grabbed me by the elbow and steered me into the kitchen where Kash was fixing himself a plate. We exchanged glances momentarily before he quickly looked away, making me feel even shittier about that stupid fucking kiss. At least it hadn’t gone any further than that, though. So…small miracles.

Jamie handed me a paper plate before loading it up with two slices of pepperoni pizza. He grabbed a red solo cup next and filled it to the rim with Dr. Pepper. It was weird that he was doing anything for me, and that just made me more suspicious.

“What the hell is going on?” I asked.

Like Amber and Kash, Jameson wouldn’t meet my gaze. If they were all being weird, that meant Ashton was up to something. Something that he decided on his own.

“Can I talk to her for a minute before you throw her to the wolves?” Amber asked, propping a hand on her slender hip.

Jameson hesitated, his gaze darting between us for a moment. “Make it quick.” He sighed. “And short. She’ll find out soon enough.” He turned on his heels and made his way to the living room with Kash following behind him.

Amber turned to me, placing a hand on either one of my shoulders. “You’re about to see something really fucked up. They’re trying to get a reaction out of you. Tighten your mask and walk in there like the bad bitch you are.” Her voice was low, making it nearly impossible for even me to hear. My head spun with the possibilities of what they could have planned. I’ve already seen Ashton get a blow job from a bitch?—

Oh God.

My stomach twisted with disgust when I remembered him fingering Amber and then inserting them into his mouth. The same mouth that I swore I’d never kiss again.

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