Page 53 of Wicked Nasty

Penny's smile falters, but Cat laughs and takes a seat next to me. As she settles in, I notice how similar we are - both cold outsiders in this world.

"Seriously, though." Cat says, still smiling.

"My friend card is filled up."

She winks at me, and I can't help but grin back. Maybe Cat and I have more in common than I thought.

"But really," Penny chimes in as she takes the seat on my other side. "We're coming over this weekend."

I raise an eyebrow. "To... hang out with me?"

Penny nods eagerly. "Well duh. The boys are all coming over and you're Danny's girlfriend, so-"

I hold up a hand to stop her before she can finish. "Uh, no. Not even close. I am living in his house against my will. And we are unfortunate partners in class."

Cat gives me a knowing look and winks again. "Yeah, sure."

"No!" I declare firmly, feeling frustration bubble up inside of me. "You guys don't understand. I will NEVER date Danny."

Cat shrugs nonchalantly. "That's what we both said, too. But here we are, living our best princess treatment lives."

Penny's head bobs up and down in agreement, her blonde ponytail swishing back and forth. "It's true," she says with a wistful look in her eyes. "They dig their way under your skin until you can't imagine life without them."

I scrunch my nose. "That sounds terrible."

Cat laughs at Penny's dramatic statement. "Come on, Penny, let's not scare her off. But she's right," Cat adds, turning to me. "Kaiden and I used to be enemies. I wanted to strangle him most days. But then I saw his softer side, and it changed everything."

Penny nods in agreement. "Same here. They just... get you."

Cat gives my shoulder a light nudge. "So we'll be at this house party this weekend."

I quickly come up with an excuse. "I'm actually busy..."

Penny lets out a knowing laugh. "Nice try. Trust me, we'll have a blast."

As they leave, the school bell rings, saving me from having to come up with another excuse. I let out a sigh of relief and continue on my way to class.

As soon as I enter the classroom, my eyes are drawn to Danny's desk. He's sitting there with Ashley draped all over him, whispering in his ear.

My stomach churns, and my blood boils with anger. I want to storm over there and hit them over and over, but I know I can't.

Not to mention, Danny isn’t mine. This rage is misplaced. I have no claim over him. We aren’t dating.

He just fucks me in secret when we fight…

I shake my head and slowly walk over to my desk. Danny and I are nothing. He can do whatever and whomever he wants.

But that will not be me.

I glance up and our eyes meet. Danny seems… conflicted. Riddled with guilt like he knows this is wrong.

Ashley glares at me before turning Danny’s face toward hers.

The teacher comes in and clears his throat. “In your seats, please.”

Ashley giggles this sickling sound and bounces to her seat.

God, she makes me sick.Fake little bitch.

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