Page 121 of F*ck It Out With A Devil

“You and your boy will get yours, sooner than you think.” Carson twists his arm out of Wyck’s grip and I hear a loud popping noise. He walks past me, winking as he goes. He’s kinda scary, because I know he either broke his arm or popped it out of place while twisting out of Wyck’s grip.

I feel strong hands circle around my waist, pulling me close. I sigh my relief as my eyes close for a split second, taking me away from what just happened. And with the snap of some imaginary fingers, I’m pulled back to reality.

“You can’t touch me like this, Wyck. It’s inappropriate.”

“I can do what I want. You think I care what any of them think.” His voice rises. “I don’t give a fuck about any of them.” He yells, pointing at the students behind him. “When it comes to what is mine, I’d do anything it takes.” He releases me and walks out of class as everyone around him looks between the two of us, with their mouths hanging open.

I’m so mortified, and the only thing I can do is smile very awkwardly, gathering up my things.

Clearly, I’ve lost track of time when Cressida comes bouncing in, showcasing her bubbly attitude.

“Whatcha doing? Why are you still stuck here? It’s lunchtime, babe.” Her voice is rather annoying right now, and I’m trying not to tell her something that will no doubt mess up our friendship.

“One, two, three, what the fuck is wrong with me? Three, two, one, I am just about done.” I chant two more times while taking deep breaths, hoping this eases the tension that’s rolling off me.

“What are you saying?”

“I’m sorry, Cressida, it’s just that I don’t want to take my frustration out on you, so I made that little saying up and as silly as it sounds, it helped me calm down.”

“Whatever works. Are you better now?” Concern is laced on her face as she eyes me, trying to see if I need medical attention or not.

“Yeppers, I’m better now. What were you saying about lunch?” Running my hand through my hair, I stand up and grab my phone, looking at the time. “Oh wow, it’s after one.” A nervous chuckle rings out as I look up at a still worried Cressida. “I’m serious, I’m okay.”

“Great. Let’s grab lunch.” Hope laces her voice as she looks at me with puppy dog eyes. How can anyone say no to that face?

“Sure, I could eat.” I chuckle as my phone begins to vibrate in my hand. I see that it’s Gaia calling.

“Hello?””That’s all you have to say after ghosting me for like two months? Wow, Athens, just wow! I could be rotting dead in a ditch somewhere, and you’re just over here answering the phone like you don’t have a care in the world. Gosh, you really are an evil tramp!” She yells into the phone, right before she hangs up.

“Wow! She’s acting mighty crazy.” I whisper, slipping my phone into my pocket. “I’m gonna have to take a rain check for lunch. I need to run home and check on my friend.” I try to let her down easily, but I watch as her smile turns upside down.

“No worries, maybe another time.” She turns to leave, and I don’t know what makes me stop her and invite her along.

“Would you like to come with me?””I don’t want to intrude or be in the way.” She whispers, afraid she will be a bother. I know what it really is, she’s afraid Gaia won’t like her.

“It’ll be okay. Come on, let’s go.” I say, reaching out and grabbing her hand, dragging her along with me.

Finally settled into my SUV, we take off.

The drive home is done in silence, which I prefer. After that fiasco earlier, I welcome the silence. We pull into the home I share with Aunt Josie and Gaia and hop out of the car.

“Wow, you live here?”

“Yeppers. Well, yes and no.””How is that even a real answer?”

“Well, this was my home before I moved in with Bash. I shared it with my Aunt Josie and best friend, Gaia.”

“Oh, that’s pretty amazing. I’d love to meet them both.” I catch her looking around, for what, I’m not sure.

“This way.” We walk up the few steps it takes to reach the door, but before my hand can connect with the doorknob, it swings open, revealing a very upset Gaia.

“You have the nerve to show your ugly mug here after you let me think you were dead?” She screeches, and in true G form, she doesn’t let me get a word in. “You know what, don’t even answer that. The least you could have done was call Aunt Josie, who by the way has been worried sick about you.” I didn’t even ask her a question for her to burst out and say don’t answer that. She’s on one today.”Why on earth would you both be worried sick about me? I am perfectly fine.” I twirl around in front of her so she knows I’m not lying.

“When you went on that trip with Bash, we didn’t hear from you the entire week. Okay, maybe week is a stretch, but that’s what it felt like. Then you finally make it home, we try to reach out to you and are given multiple lame excuses as to why you can’t come to the phone.” She huffs, taking a breath so she can continue. “And then here you are, safe and sound.” She stares at me, but I know better than to even speak because she’s just gonna cut me off mid sentence. “Well, don’t you have anything to say for yourself?”

“Oh, am I allowed to speak now, oh wise one?” I all but kneel to her where she stands. “Look at that, I’ve earned myself the reward of speaking my truth.” I’m frustrated that she’s acting this way, and I want to get down to the bottom of it like yesterday. “For your information, Gaia, I went on a weekend getaway with Bash. Then, I’ve been rather… Occupied at home, trying to mend this relationship with his son. He’s nothing like I remember, and it will take more time and effort than I have at the moment. But thank you for assuming, it’s always lovely to know that some people think the worst of you instead of asking questions.” That always happens to me, I just let the crap roll and slide off me, but I’m getting so sick and tired of the way people think.

She eyes me, then looks at Cressida before those scrutinizing eyes of hers come back to me.

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