Page 31 of The Vengeance You Crave
9
Peyton
Ifeel him the second I step out of the building, just like I did last night when my shift ended. But just like last night, he remains in the shadows, lurking, watching me, probably scheming up all the ways he can torture me.
I try to force myself to be scared, but I'm not. I might not be able to predict Luca's actions, the things he's thinking like I once could, but one thing has not changed. When I'm with him, I feel safe. Which is ironic because he should be the person I'm most terrified of right now.
Keeping my eyes focused on the dark corner of the lot, I move toward my car waiting for him to emerge. But he never does.
As I drop down into my driver’s seat, I can't deny the disappointment that races down my spine. I shiver, my skin prickling with coldness that he's keeping his distance.
It's what I should want. But I don't.
At least if he's in front of me then I have half a chance of making him see the truth, of being able to convince him that I never once lied to him. That what I told him, although hard to hear and accept, was the truth.
I sigh, thinking of that sweet little boy hopefully tucked up in his bed at Aunt Fee's. He never asked for this. He doesn't deserve this. It's why I do this. I look up to the building, my fingers curling into fists. Tonight wasn't bad. It wasn't like Tuesday night, but still. It's not good. It's still not where I actually want to be.
With a long sigh, I start my car and pull out of the lot. I'm hardly surprised when headlights come on behind me and follow me out.
My heart jumps into my throat that he could be going to the same place as me. I didn't want to go to this party, but if he's going to be there, then… shit. Then it's exactly where I want to be.
"Shit," I hiss to myself as I turn down the street for the frat houses.
I glance in my mirror, expecting him to still be tailing me, but he's gone.
My heart sinks. Does he not care now I'm away from The Locker Room? What exactly is he waiting for, the opportunity for someone else to accost me like he did the other night?
The thought that he could be protecting me flickers through my mind. That's what the old Luca would have done but I squash the thought immediately because there's no way it's that.
He just wants to torture me, punish me. Prove that I'm nothing better than a filthy liar.
The knot in my stomach grows as I pull up somewhere close to where tonight's party is being held. The street is lined with cars and people all dressed similarly to how I should be.
All I've got to do is send one message and my little makeover team will appear to ensure I look the part.
Or I could make some excuse and head home to curl up in my bed.
"Argh," I scream when someone bangs on my car window, making me jump off the seat in fright. But when I look up, it's just a group of drunk guys enjoying their night.
They soon move on, leaving me in the solitude of my car but I know I can't sit out here all night, so I need to make a decision.
Pulling my cell from my purse, I send the message I need to and wait.
Not six minutes later do Ella and Letty come racing down the street. Letty looks relatively sober but Ella looks about as wrecked as she was on Wednesday night. This is not going to be good.
They both look like goddesses as they get closer. The pristine white sheet looks insane against Letty’s bronzed skin and Ella’s toga shows off every one of her wicked curves.
I feel completely inadequate as they descend on me.
Ella rips open my door and smiles down at me.
"Get in the back, girl," she slurs. "I need to work my magic."
Somewhat reluctantly, I climb from the seat.
"Here, you might need this," Letty says, handing me a small bottle of vodka.
"Thank you," I say, taking it from her.
