Page 23 of Freestyle
Phoenix’s eyes, usually so warm and inviting, now burn with a mixture of confusion and anger. The shift in his expression is like a physical blow, leaving me winded and aching.
“Fine,” he spits out, his voice laced with bitterness. “We’ll find someone who will.”
With that, he turns on his heel and storms away, leaving me standing there alone. The silence that follows his departure is deafening, filled only with the sound of my own ragged breathing and the pounding of my heart. Regret washes over me, a bitter tide that threatens to drown me.
How did I let things get so far?
How did I allow myself to be so consumed by desire that I forgot about loyalty and friendship?
Gray and Nix stand against the wall across the room, their eyes lock on mine for a moment before they pull a cute blonde into the corner. She’s around my height and build with long hair hanging down her back, making anger prickle under my skin. They are doing this intentionally.Did they planthis from the beginning? Did they know I would shoot Phoenix down so they made sure to have a Plan B?
“Can you believe they invited that slut here?” Lyndsy’s words make me jump.
“I wasn’t staring,” I lie quickly, hoping the dim lights shield my flushed face.
“Everyone stares at Brittany. I heard she slept with a professor to get a better grade. Of course my brother would be all over that.” Her tone is laced with disgust and disdain.
I can’t help but wonder if they are sleeping with her. I don’t understand the emotions running through me. It’s not like I have any claim on them. I ran away from them for fuck’s sake.But…
“You okay, Row?”
“Yeah, of course. I’m just tired. We have a long drive back to school in the morning.”
“I’m ready to get back to campus, too.” Her voice takes on a dreamy tone. I turn my head back to Nix and Gray as they lead the girl upstairs. A sharp pain stabs through my chest as jealousy ripples through me.Was I just the appetizer until the main course arrived?
I watch them disappear, and the anger grows stronger. I have no right to be this jealous. After all, it was a one-night stand. It shouldn’t matter, but for some reason it does. Mybrain and my body are at war with each other, and I’m getting caught in the cross hairs.
Lyndsy notices me staring at where the three disappeared. “She’s nothing but a walking STD,” Lyndsy remarks, her nose wrinkling in disgust. “Anyways, it’s the last night before move in day. Let’s get you laid. How about this guy over there?” she asks, gesturing to a tall, handsome stranger across the room.
“I don’t know. I think I’m going to head back to my room to make sure everything is packed and ready for tomorrow,” I mutter, glancing at the guy who looks like the kind of man who has never done a hard day’s work in his life.
“Nope, you’re coming with me. It’s your last night before we go back. We have to celebrate,” Lyndsy insists, grabbing my arm and dragging me towards the guy.
“Fine, but only one drink,” I concede, letting her lead the way.
“Hello, handsome. I’m Lyndsy and this is my friend, Rowyn,” she says, introducing us to the stranger. “And you are?”
He smirks, taking in our appearances with a hungry gaze. “I’m Drake, and let me tell you, you two are looking fine tonight,” he remarks, his eyes lingering on my cleavage.What a douchebag.
I shift uncomfortably, crossing my arms over my chest. “Thanks,” I mumble, wishing I were anywhere but here.
“I’ll let you two get acquainted,” Lynds laughs, winking at me before she walks off. If eye lasers could kill…I wouldn’t have a best friend anymore. I turn back to the twatwaffle in front of me.
“Sorry, just not feeling well tonight,” I explain, hoping he’ll take the hint.
Drake nods, his expression softening. “I get it, babe. But hey, if you need someone to take care of you, I’m definitely your man.”
“Yeah, that’s gonna be a no from me, but thanks anyways,” I scoff before turning away. His hand wraps around my waist and pulls me back. Fear trickles over my skin, feeling his firm grip on me.
“Get the fuck off of me, you psycho,” I seethe.
“Aww, come on, baby. I know you want me,” he purrs in my ear.
Before I can respond, Phoenix is there gripping the collar of Drake’s shirt, yanking him back around to face him. “I believe Rowyn told you to let her go.” His eyes are cold and devoid of any warmth.
The atmosphere crackles with tension, and the air is heavy with anticipation. I can sense the violence simmeringbeneath the surface, waiting to erupt. It’s a dangerous dance we’re all caught in, one wrong step away from chaos.
Drake’s words are barely audible as he apologizes. “Sorry, man. I didn’t mean it.”
