Page 1 of Don't Love the Boy Next Door
Chapter One
Phoenix
“Stupid jerk,” I mutter as I turn to the right and then left. I have no idea where I am. The streets are deserted and it’s basically pitch-black here, except for a few streetlights.
That idiot football player Thad ditched me in the middle of nowhere. Fine, I told him to, but if he wouldn’t have been such a buttface, then I wouldn’t be all alone on a dark street right now.
But whatever. I’ll find my way home. I won’t let that guy get to me.
Calling me crazy. Who the heck does he think he is?
I glance around, hoping for someone to appear so I could ask them where I am. As far as I can tell, I’m not in a residential area. It looks like there’s a forest in the distance.
Pulling out my phone for GPS does no good because it doesn’t work here. I know I’m still in Mayburn, but I’ve never been to this side of town before.
Something that sounds like a wolf howls in the distance and I wrap my arms over myself, as if that would protect me. Gosh, I’m freaking out over nothing. There are no wolves here. Sure, there’s, like, a forest right there, but it’s not like a wolf will pounce. Right?
“Ugh, seriously, Phoenix,” I mutter to myself.
Holding my head up high, I tell myself I’m a strong, capable young woman and can find my way home. It might take hours. Heck, my family might send a search party for me, but I’ll get home. Mark my words.
My legs continue to march along the streets. Yep. I’m totally heading to my house. I can feel it.
I don’t know how much time passes with me walking as if I know what the heck I’m doing, when there’s a sound in the distance. A car, maybe?
But as it draws close, I realize it’s not a car—it’s a motorcycle. And it’s headed my way.
I want to turn around to make sure it’s not some creep following me, but I’m too scared. Yep, Phoenix Ellis is scared. I quicken my pace, hoping he’ll just pass by.
But he doesn’t. He slows down beside me. My heartbeat speeds up. Will I die tonight?
“Phoenix.”
I stop dead in my tracks. How does he know my name?
Wait, that voice. Iknowit.
Ugh, no! Don’t tell me…
I look to my left. Itishim. My favorite person in the world.
What the heck is Ethan Palmer doing here? Right, of course. He’s probably on his way to the party. But then why is he headed in the opposite direction?
I don’t care. I don’t want anything to do with him or his kind for as long as I live.
I continue marching like my life depends on it, not giving him a moment of my time.
“Phoenix, stop.”
I spin around and glare at him. He’s got his visor lifted, focusing those blue eyes on me. Fine, maybe I’m relieved it’s him and not some criminal, but still, I don’t want him anywhere near me.
“What?” I demand.
He tilts his head toward the back of his motorcycle. “Get on.”
I take in that monstrous device. He wants me to get on that thing? Uh, no thank you. Like I said, I don’t want anything to do with him. Besides, I don’t trust him.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I keep my gaze pinned on him. Maybe if I stay like this, he’ll get the message and ride off.
