Page 25 of Wicked Nasty

But as soon as I lay down, all the emotions come flooding back and tears spill out uncontrollably. I try to calm myself down, but it's hard not to feel overwhelmed by my current situation - homeless and on the verge of getting kicked out of school.

Edgewood Prep, known for its exclusivity and prestige, is one of the most elite prep schools in the country. You need a referral just to get an interview with them, followed by rigorous tests to assess your intelligence and personality. And even if you pass all that, you still need a wealthy sponsor to cover the exorbitant tuition fees.

And that's where my problem lies. Without my parents, who were both employed in high-society circles, I have no sponsor. And in this cutthroat environment, one wrong move or withdrawal of sponsorship means immediate expulsion.

The school prides itself on maintaining a perfect image and only accepts two "scholarship" students each year - typically incoming freshmen - as a way to claim some sort of non-profit tax break.

It's a harsh reality that I have no choice but to accept.

I let out a heavy sigh, my thoughts drifting back to Danny. Why do I have this twisted, unexplainable attraction to him? He is the epitome of everything I hate - an arrogant jerk, a bully, and the biggest asshole I've ever met. Yet, here I am, my mind consumed with fantasies of his hands on me. It makes no sense, but then I remember all those intense gazes he gives me. There's something in his eyes that changes when his hand is around my throat, or when he pushes me against a wall.

Liz is right, he's toxic, but that only seems to heighten the intensity of my desire for him. And to make things even more complicated, he holds my entire life in his goddamn hands.

With a frustrated grunt, I turn to grab my phone when suddenly there's a knock on my window. I curse under my breath as I cautiously peel back a small corner of the window cover.

There stands Danny, the yellow light casting sinister shadows across his features. Despite everything, he still manages to look damn good.

I frantically fumble for the car door handle, trying to push Danny away. But his grip is strong, and he easily pushes me onto the seat before closing the door behind him.

He looms over me, kneeling on the seat as I sit back. “So this is where you’re staying, huh?” His voice is low and menacing.

“How did you find me?” I demand, anger and fear bubbling in my chest.

Danny shrugs casually. “Followed you.”

“So now you’re stalking me?” I accuse, my heart racing with apprehension.

”I prefer to call it keeping tabs on what’s mine,” he replies smugly.

I cross my arms defensively, turning away from him as he settles into the passenger seat. “I’m not yours.”

“So why aren’t you in a fancy hotel? Did Daddy cut you off?" Danny taunts.

"It's none of your business," I snap back, feeling violated by his prying questions.

But Danny reaches out, cupping my chin in his hand and forcing me to face him. "Oh, but it is," he insists before moving closer until our lips are almost touching. "Tell me, Becca."

I push him away harshly. "Get off of me." My heart is pounding so hard I can barely breathe.

Danny ignores my protests and continues. "Why not use some of that money for a hotel?"

"For starters, hotels in this area are expensive, and I'm not old enough to rent a room alone," I retort through gritted teeth. "The ones that do give discounts are usually shady and dangerous. I'd rather stay alive than risk being attacked by some creep."

Danny surveys the small space of my car before turning back to me with a sly grin. "What about friends?"

"Let's not pretend that I have any," I retort bitterly. "You and I both know that I pushed everyone away a long time ago."

"Maybe you shouldn't have," Danny's tone is mocking, and it only adds fuel to my anger.

I glare at him, done with this conversation. This is exactly why I can never let anything happen between us; he's arrogant and selfish.

"Thanks for the unwelcome visit. You can get the hell out now."

As I go to open the door, a pair of bright headlights sneak through the only crack in my cover on the windshield window. We both freeze as footsteps echo outside my car, followed by a sharp knock.

Quickly, I put my hand over Danny's mouth and scoot closer to him, making sure he can't make any moves. My heart races as I hear the familiar voice on the other side of the door.

"I'm back, beautiful. You gonna let me in tonight? Let a real man show you a good time."

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