Page 21 of Savage Scream

‘She’s one of the most honest people I’ve ever met. She speaks her truth, the way she sees it. It must be liberating to be that open.’

My brows shoot up at Dee’s written words. She’s right, of course. Rhys George doesn’t hide behind what society deems is normal. She may seem quirky and out there to some, but hell, she doesn’t hide who she is like the rest of us do.

“That’s true.” I nod, snagging Dee’s chocolate gaze with mine again. “I know it seems scary to be as open about things as Rhys is, but you can be open and honest with me. I’m in your corner.”

She chews the inside of her cheek as she studies me. I almost expect her to bolt, something she has a tendency for when things get too real, but then she mouths the word,‘maybe.’

Damn. I need more time with her before she leaves. I’m nowhere near ready to let her go.

I shoot her a small grin before I link our fingers together and pull her away from the lockers, walking down the passage and out into the yard, holding her hand.

I can feel reluctance in her grip at first, but with each step we take, her grip gets tighter, and she shifts a little closer, and fuck, I can hardly wipe the shit-eating grin from my face as we pass through the quad, all eyes shifting to us.

I know there’s a part of Dee that’s hating this attention, but there’s also the competitive spark in her that comes out in PE class that I sense is helping her through this exposing moment for her.

Right now, she has what the other girls want. Not that I’m trying to float my own fucking boat, or anything.

I don’t let go of her hand throughout recess. We eat with our free hand, and as time passes, Dee’s hidden smirk turns to a showing grin, and by the time recess is over, she full on smiles at me.

Fuck. It’s the most beautiful smile ever, lighting up an expression that normally walks on the dark side. If I can, I’d make sure that smile never drops from her face again.

I’m thankful when we have a PE class next. Not that I’m meant to be getting too physical. I could sit on the sidelines and watch, I guess, but after I reluctantly release Dee’s hand so she can go and get changed into her sport uniform, I decide a little physical activity can’t hurt. Especially if it means I can interact with Dee some more.

“Ok class. Today we are doing a Jiu-Jitsu taster class.” Mrs Bailey, our new PE teacher, bellows, gaining our attention as we file from the change rooms. “Mr Hoberman has come in to teach some basics for today’s class.”

Standing before the class is a buff guy, not overly tall, but fucking built, his arms and legs covered in tatts. My eyes dart to Dee for some reason, and I see her eyes wide with what I can only assume is excitement as she examines the guest teacher.

My eyes turn to slits as I zero in on Mr fucking Hoberman, and I hold back the snarl that wants to make itself known.

The other few girls in the class are blushing and fluttering their fucking lashes at the guy, so clearly he’s some sort of fucking eye candy for them.

Is that why Dee looks so excited?

Is she into this guy?

The Jiu-Jitsu dude starts talking and I can’t hear a thing he’s saying because I’m laser focused on Dee, and the way she watches on, not even glancing over at me once, like I don’t fucking exist.

Looks like we are back tothatgame again.

“Can I have a volunteer?” Mr Hoberman asks, and the handful of girls in the class shoot their hands up. All but Lexi and Dee. That is, until Dee ignores all the hands up and just walks onto the mats.

What the fuck?

“Oh, ok.” The dude smiles at Dee. “And what’s your name?”

When she doesn’t answer, I grin. Mr Hoberman looks confused.

“This is Dee.” Mrs Bailey steps in. “She doesn’t speak.”

The guy’s brows shoot up and he nods before turning his eyes back to my girl.

“At all?” he asks her and Dee shakes her head. “Do you sign?”

Dee nods. And then would you fucking believe it? The dude that looks like he kills people for a living, much like my girl, starts moving his fucking hands and arms, talking to her in sign language.

Then, Dee responds to him by signing back.

Fucking hell.

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