Page 41 of Iced Out
I glanced toward the tree line where I’d told her the truth. “She came back.”
“And?”
“I still want her.” The words tasted of blood in my mouth.
Jax smirked, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Then what the hell are you doing sitting here?”
I didn’t smile, just drained the last of my beer and crushed the can in one hand.
“I’m not done with her.”
Chase stood, brushing ash from his jeans—leftovers from embers that had burned out and drifted down. “Just don’t forget who she used to be.”
“I haven’t,” I said.
He walked off without another word. Jax looked at me, like he was waiting.
“Where you going?” he asked.
My eyes tracked toward the fire’s edge, where I’d seen her last.
“Nowhere,” I muttered. But I was lying. Mostly to myself. I wanted to go to Mila, but I wouldn’t go to her, not yet.
Because no matter how much I hated what she’d done—I still wanted her. And that want wasn’t a choice anymore. It was a curse.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
MILA
The bell rang, signaling the end to second period, echoing down the hall as I ducked into the bathroom between classes. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow against the mirror. I slipped into a stall then when straight to the sink to wash my hands, avoiding my reflection. I didn’t want to see if there were half-moons hanging beneath my eyes. I was tired of everything—my mom, Luke, the bullshit games with him and his crew, and Elise’s posturing.
The bathroom door opened. I didn’t need to look—I felt the malice oozing into the space before I saw them. They came into view in the mirror. I sighed then grabbed a few paper towels.
Elise. Flanked by Nina and Tori. Three shadows under the fluorescent lights.
Eliseleaned in, pressing me against the sink’s edge. “You're stepping where you shouldn't.” She pushed her straight black hair over one shoulder, chin tilted, cutting as glass. Her eyes narrowed into menacing slits.
I shut off the tap, wadded the towel up in my hand and taunted, “Oh? Please elaborate.”
Ninacrossed her arms, taller than Elise, looming behind her. Torihovered by the door, shoulder pressed to the frame, eyes flicking between us. She didn’t concern me. Not yet. She was more of a sidekick, and her impact with the group lessened if Theo was around. I was counting on that to influence her to walk a careful line between Elise and the guys.
Elise jabbed a finger under my collarbone, pushing me back. “Charity projects like you don’t get legacy.”
Every nerve fired up. I swatted her hand off me before she could press further. My stance was rigid, ready to pivot if she wanted a fight. I let my lip curl. “Do tell.”
“Stay out of what doesn’t belong to you,” Nina hissed.
“Ahh, I see. You think you’re… special?” I mocked. “Here’s your permission slip to try to make me stay in my place.” I wanted them to make a move. I was itching for a physical fight, but these three? They didn’t have it in them. Or, at least, I didn’t think they did. “What you’re saying isn’t anything new. You’re tired. Boring. Not worthy of listening to.”
“If you weren’t so dense, I wouldn’t have to repeat myself. So listen up, charity case, and hear my words as law,” Elise sneered. “The guys? They’re ours. And Luke is mine.”
“Excuse me?” Laughter bubbled up, dark and sarcastic. “Does he know this? Good luck with that one—you want a leash? Get a dog.”
Nina smirked. “You don’t know him. Don’t pretend you do.”
Funny about that—I knew him in ways Elise only wished she did. My body heated at even the hint of that thought before I shoved it back in the vault in my mind. Now wasn’t the time.
Tori chewed her lip. I caught her eyes, and she blinked, smoothing her expression out, puffing up her shoulders, masking herself in hive mentality, pretending she agreed.
