Page 10 of Pretty When He Bleeds

Killian laughs and shakes his head. “Don’t let that shit get to your head, Hotshot.”

I scoff at the nickname, but it doesn’t sting coming from Kill like it does when Damon says it.

Caleb would’ve hated what you’ve become.

After we shower and change, Killian and I head out back to his SUV and we throw our shit in the back. The cold air hits my face like a bitch slap and I pull my hood up.

“So, where to? Celebratory drinks at the pub or house?” Kill asks as we both get in and I shake my head.

“Neither. I’m fucking wiped,” I reply, leaning back in the seat with a sigh. I just need my fucking bed right now.

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow, like he doesn’t believe a word I just said. “Bullshit. You don’t know how to sit still.”

“Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf,” I say sarcastically while shooting him a fake smile.

He snorts. “Yeah, and I’m joining the chess team.”

The engine rumbles to life as he pulls out of the lot and we set off for home. The streets are quiet for a Friday night, but I suppose that’s normal when it’s cold as balls out.

Caleb would’ve hated what you’ve become.

“You alright?” Killian suddenly asks, and I turn to look at him with a frown.

“Yeah, why?”

He glances at me, then turns back to the road. “You’ve been off lately. More aggressive than usual.”

“I’m always aggressive,” I mutter, looking out the window.

“Yeah, but this is different. You’re not just playing hard, you’re playing angry.”

Fuck Killian for knowing me so well.

I don’t answer, I just keep drumming my fingers against my knee while hoping he changes the subject, but of course, he doesn’t. “Listen, if this is about Damon—”

“It’s not. Just drop it, Kill,” I say without looking at him, and thankfully he doesn’t push it as we pull up to our house.

There’s already a party going on as we walk inside with music blasting, guys laughing, and beer bottles clinking.

“You joining us?” Killian asks, and I shake my head.

“Nah,” I say as I shoulder my gear. “I’m done for the night.”

He gives me a long look before he claps my shoulder. “Alright. Just don’t do anything stupid.”

“Never do,” I say with a grin and head upstairs, needing the solitude of my bedroom.

The noise from downstairs fades to a low hum as soon as I close my bedroom door and I drop onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Coach’s words are on a loop in my head, but they’re drowned out by something else.

Damon’s voice and his taunts, the way he looks at me like he’s known every secret I’ve ever tried to bury. I grit my teeth at the thought and close my eyes.

Caleb would’ve hated what you’ve become.

He knew what saying that would do to me, and it landed exactly where I know he’d hoped it would. I haven’t been able to get those words out of my head since he spat them out, and it’s done nothing but make me spiral and be more aggressive.

This season was supposed to be a clean slate, but it’s already starting to feel like a ticking time bomb.

Damon

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