Page 79 of Vendetta

My eyes rolled back so hard that they might have actually gotten stuck in the back of my head. I lifted my drink to my lips, needing something to do with my hands so that I didn’t accidentally turn around and rip those extensions right out of her head.

“Are you going to any of the after parties tonight? We’re going to one down by campus if you want to come with, you can totally ride with us. I heard they’re going to have a DJ and everything, it should be a total banger.”

I kept looking forward, pretending to pay attention to the game as I discreetly listened, curious how Cashton would respond.

“Not tonight.”

“Oh, okay. Well, let me know if you change your mind! So, do you like basketball? I don’t think I’ve seen you at a game before,” she continued, clearly not ready to give it up just yet.

I watched her get comfortable out of the corner of my eye, bringing her own beer to her lips as she tucked her hair over one shoulder and crossed one leg over the other.

“It’s alright,” he responded, his answer clipped and unenthusiastic. I had to admit, it brought me a sense of satisfaction, although Courtney didn’t seem to take a hint as she continued to pester him. She had clearly fooled around with him, after all, so I didn’t completely blame her for thinking she had a shot. Her voice lowered as she leaned in closer to him, forcing me to concentrate harder to keep listening.

“Or maybe I could come over instead of going to the party? Natalya said she would be down to join if you’re into that. We could have twice the fun.”

Nausea instantly churned in my stomach. I didn’t want to run away, not wanting to let them get to me, but I couldn’t sit here and listen to this any longer. I started to stand to excuse myself to the restroom, but before I could fully straighten, a strong arm wrapped around my chest and pulled me back into his body.

Cashton pulled me to sit between his knees, my arms falling back to brace myself over each of his legs as his arm remained tightly around my shoulders. His other arm joined the first as they wrapped around me, forcing me to lay back against his stomach. From this angle, I was able to tilt my head back to look at him, his green eyes already peering down on me.

“Oh, hey Landry,” Courtney offered, much less enthusiastic than she had been a moment ago.

“I’m all set, thanks though,” Cashton curtly responded, bringing his eyes back up to the game still taking place and acting like none of this was a big deal to him.

“We’re, um… gonna go get some more drinks. Do you want anything?” she asked.

He tilted his face back down to look at me before asking “Do you need anything, princess?”

A shiver skated down my spine at the pet name, something that had irked me beyond measure when he had first started using it, but now brought goosebumps to my skin.

“I’m okay, thank you,” I breathed, my heart beating a mile a minute. He was making a point. Was he using me to get rid of them, or was he actually staking a claim on me? The thought of it made me giddy.

I caught Courtney’s pointed glare as she and her friend made their way back down the bleachers, and I offered her a sweet smile in return. Cashton didn’t move once they left, keeping his arms locked around me as he rested his chin on the top of my ponytail. It almost felt as though we were a couple. I didn’t let myself get carried away, enjoying the moment while forcing myself to stop thinking too much into it. I did catch Olivia and Bexley both shooting me quick winks as Olivia mouthed ‘Told you!’

But I just chuckled, tilting my head back into him and embracing the moment.

Saying I had paid any attention to the game would have been a lie, but I didn’t care. Halftime was nearing, and I decided to use the restroom before everyone got the same idea and the line became a mile long. Squeezing Cashton’s knee, I let him know that I would be right back. Olivia and Bexley had gonetogether to get more beer, but I didn’t think I could hold it until they came back.

Making my way back down the bleachers, I walked down the aisle and rounded down the steps into the corridors surrounding the stadium, looking for the nearest restroom.

I had just finished relieving myself and was washing my hands when the door opened, not paying much attention as I fixed my ponytail and got ready to turn and leave. I came face-to-face with Courtney and her blonde friend, neither of them seeming happy to see me.

Great.

“What do you want, Courtney?” I asked, rolling my eyes in annoyance as I crossed my arms.

“What I want is for you to stay away from Cash.”

“Not going to happen,” I deadpanned, already bored of this conversation as I made my way past them. Grabbing the door, it gave a little before slamming back shut. I tried again, yanking as hard as I could but somebody must be pulling it closed from the other side. Evidently, someone stronger than me since I couldn’t get it to budge.

Turning around to face them, I crossed my arms once again, anger and fear slowly creeping through me.

“We all saw the video of you giving him head. I don’t know who you think you are, walking in here and trying to take him right from under me, but Cashton and I have been an item for a while now. Guess that makes you not only a slut, but also a little homewrecking bitch.”

An involuntary laugh fell from my lips. Was she serious right now?

“Right. I’m sorry, but was he aware of this?”

She sneered, her cheeks turning red as her eyes narrowed on me.

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