Page 15 of Coerced

“Okay. Let’s go.” I shrugged. “Here or in the dojo?”

I wasn’t arrogant, but I knew what I could do. She wouldn’t be a challenge in a physical fight nor in a power one. She knew it, too, because she let Queen grab her elbow and pull her away.

“Come on, Shay. Carrots and Boobs aren’t worth our time.”

Tossing their heads, they strode off to the other side of the library and claimed their own table.

“Don’t let them get you down.” I patted Gigi’s shoulder.

“Oh, I don’t. I’ve had to deal with that sort of thing nearly all my life.” She tilted her head as she met my eyes. “Do you know that you’re my first female friend since I was a little kid?”

“What?” I blinked.

“Yep. Jax was ecstatic when I started hanging out with you and, through you, Tara and Maddy. Now that we have Chessie in our circle, I have more girl friends than I’ve had since elementary school.”

I didn’t want to ask, but that didn’t make sense to me. I mean, she was beyond gorgeous with her flawless skin, dark blue eyes and mass of blue-black hair that naturally spiraled into long curls. Popularity usually went with that sort of rare beauty, especially since she didn’t rub it in your face. She wasn’t vain or snobby, had a sweet personality, and was easygoing. How could she not have had friends before me?

“I know you’re curious, but are too polite and nice to ask. It’s not that hard to figure out. I’ve always had a pretty face,but then I developed early.” She gestured toward her girls. “I’ve had these since seventh grade. They’re not the blessing you might think they are. They attract all the wrong kinds of attention.”

She grabbed the markers and pulled out a red one. Taking her cue, I opened the package of mini poster board and took one out for each of us.

“Boys either ogle me or get touchy-feely. It’s like they can’t help themselves. ‘Ooo! Boobs! Must touch.’ ” She made a leering face and grabby motions with her hands, and I snorted. “Most of the ones who asked me out thought I’d sleep with them in exchange for dinner and a movie because, you know, if you’re pretty, you sleep with anyone. Or else they just wanted to be able to say they dated the most beautiful girl in school, like I was a trophy or arm candy. They didn’t care aboutme.”

She passed me the markers, and I rooted around for a black one.

“Girls are worse, in a way. Girls see me as a threat or a rival, even if I have a boyfriend or make it clear I’m not interested in theirs. Most won’t even talk to me. They think I’m arrogant, I guess. I can’t tell you how many girls in middle school called me Perfect Princess. It wasn’t meant as a compliment, either.”

“Girls may be slower to get into physical fights, but we sure know how to savage each other verbally, don’t we?”

“Well, not you or me.” She smiled at me.

“No. Not you or me.” I smiled back.

“Unfortunately, there are more Shaylas and Queens in the world than there are Gemmas and Gigis.” She tapped her marker in a staccato rhythm on the table.

“One light in the darkness is better than none.” I grabbed my backpack and searched for a pencil with a good eraser. “Who was it that said, ‘We rise by lifting others’?”

“I don’t know, but that’s a good one.”

“Hello, ladies.”

I raised my eyes to the guy with a French accent who’d shuffled over to our table. I didn’t know him, and I hadn’t seen him around before.

“Hey, Remi.” Gigi gave him a short nod. “This is my friend, Gemma. Gemma, Remi’s from Quebec. He arrived at the Sanctuary last Monday and is in my power focus class.”

“Enchanté.” He smiled at me, then swiveled his eyes back to Gigi. “Would you join me for dinner tonight?”

Her eyes widened.

“Oh! Um, thanks for the interest, Remi, but I have a boyfriend.”

“I won’t tell if you won’t.” He winked.

What? Is this guy for real?

“I don’t cheat.” Gigi’s body stiffened. “I never have and I never will.”

“I can make you change your mind.” He laid his palms flat on the table and leaned down with what he probably thought was an irresistible grin.

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