Page 71 of Wicked Scorn
I’m not sure I deserve it. But I’ll be damned if I don’t plan to spend every day proving myself worthy of it.
I take her hand and lead her toward the door that’ll take us back down into the school. Only to find it firmly locked, the handle not even budging when I rattle it.
Frowning, I crouch down to inspect the lock. It doesn’t take long to realize something is very wrong. There’s a piece of metal jammed into the locking mechanism, clearly intentionally placed to block the door from opening.
A cold sense of dread washes over me as I straighten, automatically pulling Oakley against my side. She must sense the shift in my mood, her brow furrowing in concern as she looks up at me.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Someone’s here,” I murmur, casting a wary glance around the rooftop. “I can feel it.”
Keeping a tight grip on her hand, I guide us toward the far edge of the roof. My breath catches at the sight of my bike lying on its side, tires slashed and the glossy paint keyed to shit with what looks like a name carved deep into the metal.
Rage surges through me, bitter and caustic on my tongue.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I quickly hit Penn’s number and push call. It rings twice before that smug voice answers.
“Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite little brother calling me for a favor. What’ll it be this time, Jere? Need me to-”
“Can it, asshole,” I growl, cutting off his snide remarks. “I need you to get your ass over to Bridgehead High, and I need you here yesterday.”
There’s a pregnant pause before he speaks again, his tone shifting to something more serious. “What’s going on?”
“Someone’s been here,” I grit out, gaze roving the rooftop again as I tighten my grip on Oakley. “They fucked with my bike, and now I’m stuck up here with a blocked door. I need you to get here and help me get Oakley out safely.”
“Well, well, Jere, you sly dog. Should’ve known this had something to do with that blonde bombshell of yours. A little high school role play. Kinky. So tell me, what’ll you give me if I get my ass over there to play white knight?”
I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to put my fist through the nearest wall. Trust Penn to try and squeeze something out of this for his own amusement. The fact that Oakley’s safety is on the line doesn’t seem to matter to that selfish prick.
“How about I don’t beat the ever-loving shit out of you the next time I see you?” I growl. “Would that be enough incentive for you?”
He lets out a low whistle. “Damn, baby bro, you’ve got a hell of a way of asking for favors. Fine, I’m on my way. But you owe me one. This isn’t something I’ll be forgetting anytime soon.”
The line goes dead, and I resist the urge to chuck my phone over the edge of the roof. Instead, I pocket it and turn to Oakley, my free hand coming up to cup her cheek.
“Penn’s on his way,” I murmur, holding her gaze. “I’m gonna get you out of here safe, bunny. I swear it on my life.”
Whatever shit is about to go down, I’ll be ready. No one takes from me and gets away with it.
Not anymore.
Time stretches, thins out. Every minute is an hour, waiting for Penn’s arrival, but at least it’s finally stopped raining. The overhang was just barely big enough to fit Oakley under it to keep her from getting hit with anymore droplets.
The faint sound of footsteps, a silhouette emerging from below. Penn.
“Brother!” I call down, relief flooding through me, washing away some of the dread. “It’s about damn time.”
“Keep your panties on,” Penn’s voice floats up, that trademark slyness interlaced through his tone despite the gravity of the situation. “You owe me big for this one.”
“Put it on my tab,” I shoot back, but my hands aren’t shaking anymore, and my breath comes easier. With Penn here, the odds shift back in our favor.
“Let’s get you two off this rooftop before you turn into a couple of drowned rats,” he says, looking between us, taking in the scene. “Or worse.”
“Thanks, Penn,” Oakley says, her voice steady, her sass undiminished even now. “Your chivalry is noted.”
“Chivalry’s my middle name, lil Ashford,” Penn quips, butthe tight line of his lips tells me he’s taking this seriously. “Now, let’s figure out a way to bust this door open and get the hell out of here.”
Penn tinkers with whatever the fuck is on the other side of the door before finally it pops open.
