Page 80 of Beautiful Defiance

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LEIGH

After Seven handed his lucky coin over to Red, he left the room, not even sparing me a backward glance.

He did what he came into the room for. He evened the score. I don’t owe Red anymore. That doesn’t mean I’m less pissed at either of them. I am not Seven’s property or to be used by Red to get back at Seven for the hate that boils between them.

The next day at school, I avoid Seven. At one point, he pulled me into an empty hallway on my way back to class from the restroom. I shook off his hold and demanded he apologize to Shay. Otherwise, he needs to leave me alone. If he doesn’t, he’ll get a size-six boot shoved up his ass, speaking figuratively.

He’d slammed his palm on the locker and said no way in hell would he apologize. It’s beneath him. What a jerk!

“Red, why is there bad blood between you and Seven?” I scoot forward in my seat. Red is driving us to Dumas, and Rue is riding shotgun. Though I’ve only known Red for a short time, I believe him. That he didn’t hurt Allison. Otherwise, his ass wouldn’t be on this trip with us.

“You still pissed at me?”

“I am.”

“For messing with you, right?”

“Messing with the both of us. You made the situation worse rather than better. If you were wrong, he would always believe something happened between us.”

“Don’t you want him to?”

“I don’t like misleading people.”

“He messed with me, Leigh. Misled this girl into thinking I didn’t like her when I did. Misled her into believing I slept with her best friend. That’s the kind of stand-up dude you’re falling for.”

I sit back and cross my arms. “I’m not falling for Seven.”

“Sure looked like jealousy I saw on your face when you said Ginger’s name.”

“That’s my resting bitch face.”

He scoffs. “I saw what I saw, Leigh. Drop it already.”

“What will it take to make things right between you two?”

“When my team kicks his team’s ass at the homecoming game.”

Shit. I agreed on going to that game and the homecoming dance with Shay the following night.

“Where’s the girl now?” I ask. Anything to distract me from my agreement with Seven’s rival.

“She moved away when I was away at camp. I never got to tell her the truth.”

No wonder he’s mad. “I’m sorry.”

“Let the fucker go, Leigh. There are other guys. Guys with heart.”

“Like Shay?”

“Shay’s hung up on a girl. Winslow isn’t.”

“Did he catch feelings for the new girl?”

“Nah, he was making the girl he wants jealous.”

“One of my friends,” Rue says. “Blair. Tall, pretty blonde standing next to the table of drinks and food.”

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