Page 39 of Vendetta

But he only shoved his hands into his pockets, playfully smiling down at her.

“Fine,” she huffed. “I guess I’ll just go find some other guy to ask. C’mon, Landry,” she said, her hand grabbing onto my arm as we turned to walk away. Zayn’s jaw ticked and he clenched his teeth together before eventually giving in.

“Wait,” he called.

We paused, waiting as he reached into his pocket and pulling out a small switchblade before handing it to Bexley.

“You’ve had this the entire time?” she asked in bewilderment. “Why didn’t you set yourself free?”

A small smile pulled at the corner of his lips as he just stared at her, looking smug but also slightly perplexed, as if mentally asking himself the same question. He didn’t respond, so she offered a small “Thank you” before moving behind me to free my wrists.

As soon as I felt the zip tie snap off, I turned around and threw my arms around her, squeezing her tight as she returned the sentiment.

“Are you okay?” she murmured into my ear, neither of us wanting to let go. So much had happened since we had last seen each other, and a happy tear slid down my cheek at finally being reunited. I finally felt safe for the first time in days.

“I am now,” I replied, and I meant it. “What happened with you?” I asked as I finally released her.

She looked from me to Zayn and then back, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears as a small smile bloomed across her face.

“My team won Taken” she said, and my eyes bulged.

“You what?” I stammered.

“Yeah” she chuckled, looking down at her feet. “Zayn was our hostage.”

My mouth dropped open, at a loss for words. “Oh my gosh, Bex!” I exclaimed, throwing myself back onto her.

“I’m gonna go find the guys,” Zayn uttered before heading into the crowd, pulling his pack of Marlboro 27’s out of his back pocket and lighting one between his tattooed fingers.

“We have so much to catch up on,” I told her, “But first, I need a drink.”

CHAPTER 19

LANDRY

Bexley and her team had been announced the winners, though she hadn’t mentioned anything about the prize. If what Olivia had said about the winners being sworn to secrecy were correct, neither of us felt it was right to put pressure on her to tell us.

Conner and Levi had been expelled from Ivybrook after some past indiscretions had been brought to light. It hadn’t come as a shock to hear that they both had some less than stellar histories, and I had to admit that the news of them being gone had brought me much needed comfort. The thought of sharing a campus with them after what had transpired during the games sent shivers through me. The evidence had been brought to the school board anonymously, but my gut told me that Cashton may have had something to do with it considering the timing. I still hated the man, a feeling that was mutual on his end, but I was glad to know that he had at least some morals that remained.

Halloween came and went, and though the flu had prevented me from attending any of the parties, I had managed to drag myself out of bed to at least post some cute photos in the Tinkerbell costume that I had had custom made. Bexley, however, had gone to some party and returned with her first ever hangover the next morning.

On the bright side, I had gotten to go back home with her over Thanksgiving, her family welcoming me for the week. We had also done a Friendsgiving with the group upon our return, meaning two delicious Thanksgiving dinners followed by two massive food comas.

My dad had sent me an email letting me know that he would be out of the state on business over the holidays, meaning that I would have the entire house to myself. It sounded horrible to say, but I was relieved at the thought of not having to run into him while I was back home. Things had been quite strained between us since my mom’s passing, and the thought of facing him only brought me dread.

I hadn’t seen much of Cashton since the games had ended. And as awful as he was, a part of me actually missed seeing him around. He had kept to himself for the most part during our Friendsgiving, other than the occasional jab here and there that I chose to ignore. I hated the fact that his face always found itself at the forefront of my mind when I touched myself in the shower or in bed at night. It was unfair how attracted I was to him, how I found myself glancing up at his row during Communications class or how I involuntarily glanced around each room I entered to see if I would spot him.

And I especially hated that I didn’t hate the way he touched me. The way he dominated my body and slowly tookover my mind. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want it to happen again. I wondered if he felt the same… There was no denying the heat between us. Did he think of me when he got himself off? My core throbbed at the thought.

“Earth to Landry?”

I shook the thoughts out of my head, focusing back on Olivia and Bexley to find the two of them watching me curiously. How long had I zoned out for?

“Sorry, what?”

“Dang girl, who’s got you daydreaming like that?” Olivia teased from her spot on our kitchen counter, my cheeks heating at the thought of her knowing just who I was thinking about.

“Nothing—I mean, nobody. It’s nothing.” I focused on the pan I was holding, stirring the boiling soup and avoiding their gazes.

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