Page 8 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

I put my ear buds in and fiddle with the treadmill until I find the settings I want. Junior’s put me in a foul mood so I pull up my Dark Signal playlist and start blasting Drag Me to Hell. That prick is going to make this year difficult. I wonder how far he’s going to push it. If it’ll be run of the mill douche baggery or something original.

Either way, I’ve seen way worse than any of these trust fund dickheads could ever imagine. I’m confident I’ll be able to handle anything they throw at me. Show no fear, just I like I did my first day at Lincoln High. I bet none of these rich kids have ever walked through a metal detector to go to class.

I finish my run and walk over to grab the sanitizer spray and a paper towel. “Better make sure to sanitize the equipment like a good little girl,” I mutter under my breath mockingly. “Jerk.”

“Talking to yourself, little girl.” I hear a voice whisper in my ear.

I spin around, surprised and irritated to see Connor right behind me. “Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I squeak, my heart racing.

“Missed a spot.” He points at a drop of sweat on the track of the treadmill.

Fucker.

I swipe the paper towel over it and stomp over to the trash. I slam the sanitizer back on the shelf and turn back toward the dickhead with the totally expressionless face. “Do you need something?”

“For you to leave.” Cold, green eyes meet mine.

“Hmmm,” I tap my finger to my mouth, “I think your father would say otherwise.”

“Ready to suck his dick already? You work quick.” He spits maliciously.

“What?” I pull a disgusted face. “God, no. Fuck you.”

“You’ll end up on your back for one of us. I know how this goes.”

“I won’t be on my back for anyone in this town. Did you come in here for a reason or just to be a raging asshole?” I say as I brush past him.

He reaches out and grabs my arm in a tight grip. “I was sent to tell you to be ready in the foyer at 5 for dinner. We’re going to the city. Try to look like you belong.” He sneers over his shoulder at me.

God, I fucking hate him.

I spend the rest of day cursing and muttering under my breath.

* * *

It takes me longer than usual to get ready for this dinner tonight. I take time to curl my hair into soft waves that cascade down my back. I pull out my contouring palette to highlight my bone structure. I chose a coppery brown eyeshadow and smudge it into a smoky eye. I finish off my look with a dewy pink lip gloss on my naturally plump lips.

I only have a few dresses so I settle on my blue dress. It’s fitted through the bodice with a full midi skirt. I haven’t worn it in over a year and my boobs have definitely grown. I grimace when I notice the amount of cleavage. I try moving my boobs around to minimize it but it just keeps making it worse. I bend at the waist and jiggle them to get them back in a more natural position. This will have to do.

Jesus, I need girl friends.

I grab a pair of black strappy sandals. Dad gave me diamond earrings for my 16th birthday so I put those in. I debate spritzing on some perfume but grab my roller of lavender essential oil instead. I think I’m going to need all the help staying chill that I can get. I check myself one last time and take a selfie to send to Z for his opinion before going out into the living room.

“How do I look?” I come twirling out of my bedroom.

“Beautiful, as usual.” Dad checks his watch. “Shall we?”

“We shall.” I follow him out the door and down the hall.

As we get to the staircase we meet Victor and Connor on the landing. Connor and I lock eyes immediately. I feel his searing gaze as he looks me up and down. I see a flash of desire in his eyes, like a predator locking onto his prey. Disturbingly enough, it shoots heat through my body.

I look him over just as closely. He’s wearing charcoal gray dress pants, a black button down shirt rolled up to his elbows. His hair is effortlessly styled, like he just ran his hands through it once or twice. He’s wearing a fancy looking watch on his left wrist, a black leather belt and expensive looking shoes. As much as I hate myself for thinking this, he looks really damn good. If he wasn’t so rude I’d probably be catching feelings for him.

“You two coming?” Victor says from the bottom of the stairs. He and my dad share a look.

We each go down the stairs closest to us.

“Not sure I like how you’re looking at my daughter, son,” Dad says to Connor.

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