Page 130 of I Blame the Rival

Lacey clutches my hand tightly, her cheeks flushed with anger, “Don’t say that.”

“No, I’m serious. Look at this guy.” He grins, staring at my face like it’s the punchline, “I don’t even know which eye to look at. You know they invented coloured contacts for a reason, right?”

The question is directed at me, but I stay silent. It’s nothing I haven’t heard before and there’s no use in adding fuel to a fire that’s bound to burn out of control.

Besides, I’d rather have him attack me than my flower.

“Shut the fuck up, Jerrell.” Lacey spites out the words, her voice more venomous than I’ve ever heard it, “You’re being a dick for no reason.”

“You’re no fun anymore, Lacey doll. I was just meeting your new beau.”

“She’s not your doll.”

It’s the first thing I’ve said to him, and the anger in my voice has Jerrell taking a step back. The fear in his eyes quickly fades when he remembers the size difference between us.

“Oh yeah? Does that make her your doll?” He takes a step closer, looking down on me, “Or does that make you hers?”

My breathing goes shallow as I glare back at him, the familiar claws of anger sinking into my skin.

“Skylar, let’s go home.” Lacey tugs my hand, her fingers still wrapped around mine, “I don’t want to be here anymore.”

“Looks like your owner is pulling the leash.” Jerrell flashes me a grin and it takes all my will power not to punch it right off his face.

“Skylar. Let’s go.”

The plea in Lacey’s voice is what pulls me away, the unbreakable clasp of her hand keeping me from doing something stupid.

Shaking my head, I turn and walk away. We don’t make it two steps before Jerrell’s taunting voice breaks through the crowd.

“Oh, and Skylar? I hope you enjoy my sloppy seconds.”

Ten seconds go by and nobody moves.

And then I explode.

My control shatters as I lunge for him, the rage in my bloodstream fuelling the need to make him bleed.

I’m going to rip every fucking limb off his body.

A hand yanks me back, the fingers clenched around mine refusing to let me get close enough to start shredding skin. Jerking against the hold, I try and rip my hand free from Lacey’s grip, but she holds on.

“Skylar. Look at me.”

“Let me go, Flower.” I snap my teeth at her, but she doesn’t release my hand.

“No. I’m not going to let go. Do you know why?”

My whole body is shaking as I look at her, the soft edges of her face staring down the monster inside of me.

“You made a vow, Skylar. And you promised me you were going to keep it.”

“Let. Me. Go.”

“No.” She shakes her head, lifting her free hand to touch my face, “I’m not going to let you go, Skylar. Not now, not ever.”

She runs a finger along my eyebrow and I freeze, staring into her glistening green eyes.

“Don’t let him get into your head. Focus on me.”

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