Page 31 of Only When We Fall

For a moment, I think maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s a lookalike. Or maybe they’re not actually kissing, but no, there it is again. Her hand curling into his shirt. His fingers sliding around her waist. He’s into her.

And just like that, the floor tilts under me. My fists clench at my sides.

I should be relieved, right? If Emmie means nothing to him, then maybe it wasn’t a real date. Maybe I haven’t lost her.

But the thought of this idiot, screwing her over, treating her badly, pisses me off.

A hot rush of rage floods through me and I march over, slamming my hands on the table hard enough to shake the glasses. “Must’ve been a short date.”

Landon startles, eyes snapping up to mine. Guilt flashes across his face, quick and sharp. He straightens. “Kai –”

“Don’t,” I cut in. My voice is low, dangerous. “Don’t give me some bullshit lie.”

The girl frowns, confused, glancing between us. “Is this your boyfriend or something?”

Landon laughs, strained. “No. He’s my housematesex.”

I stare at him. “You were withEmmietwo hours ago.”

His mouth opens. Closes. Then he shrugs, as if it’s no big deal. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

No. She’s not mine either. ButGod, the way that sentence lands. It’s enough to make me want to put my fist through a wall.

Instead, I shake my head, disgust curling in my chest. “Does she know?”

He frowns. “She left after you showed up,again.But she made it perfectly clear we’re nothing but friends, so you’ve won, tough guy. Congratulations.”

It doesn’t feel like I’ve won. I turn to leave before I do something stupid, but he stops me. “Yah know,” he calls, and I turn. “Most of the guys on campus have seen her naked thanks to that video. She’s on everyone’s to do list and you won’t be able to stop them all.” My fists curl tight in anger. “She’s hot, man. Can you blame me for wanting to ruin her next?”

I don’t think, I just act. And as my fist slams into his face, a smugness fills me. The blood from his nose sprays out, and the girl jumps up, screaming. “Stay the fuck away from Emmie,” I sneer, wiping my hands down my jeans. “Next time, I’ll kill you.” And I turn on my heel and leave.

Chapter Ten

Emmie

I run hard, pushing myself until my chest burns for breath. The second I got home last night, I turned off my mobile and locked myself away in my bedroom. I tossed and turned all night, hardly sleeping a wink, and when the sun rose, I gave in to my insomnia and came for a run to clear my head.

But as I arrive back home, I’m filled with disappointment. Because for the first time in a week, Kai didn’t show up. Am I surprised? Not really. I fully expected him to give in to the party lifestyle the second the weekend came around. It doesn’t hurt any less though.

Zara is up and eating breakfast. I go to the fridge and retrieve a bottle of water, opening it and downing half. “Why do you continue to punish yourself?” she asks, looking amused.

I grin. “I enjoy running. It was hard at first but I’m into it now.”

“And it’s got nothing to do with your uninvited running partner?”

I scoff, shaking my head. “You mean the one that didn’t show up today?”

Her eyes narrow. “Why do you sound bothered?”

I give a nonchalant shrug, rubbing at an invisible mark on the counter. “I’m not.”

She breaks out into a grin. “Oh my God, all that complaining and you’re actually disappointed he didn’t show?”

“Not at all,” I say defensively. “I knew he wouldn’t show. He’s probably in some random chick’s bed nursing a hangover.”

“You’re jealous,” she accuses, looking more amused by the second.

“Christ, Zara, I am not. And can we talk about you telling people about why we ended?”

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