Page 54 of Toxic Obsession

I shuddered with rage, unable to control the emotions that crashed down on me. My sobs filled the room as my tears mingled with my fury. Wynter had broken through my defenses, leaving me exposed and vulnerable.

Rage constricted my throat and clawed its way through my veins as I renewed my vow of vengeance against Wynter. I was done making excuses. It was time to make her pay for destroying Bell.

I regained my composure and stood up, the reminder of my plan jolting my mind back into action. I didn’t care if Adam was in town or not—I was going to throw the biggest party Whitmore had ever seen, and I knew just who to call in order to make it happen. With my hands shaking, I pulled out my phone and dialed the number of the one person who could give me what I needed.

* * *

An hour later, Remington Barlow, a football teammate and member of the same exclusive society, sat across the room from me in the society’s dimly lit office. I tried to appear nonchalant as I propped my legs up on the mahogany table, but a trickle of sweat ran down my back. Remington crossed his legs at the ankles and leaned forward, elbows resting on the armrests of his chair as he studied me intently. I told him about the file and my plan as he listened without interrupting.

“Can you do that for me?” I fidgeted in my seat, ready to get to practice and pound motherfuckers on the field. It was the best place to take out my aggression.

“I can do it, but … Dude, are you sure? There’s no going back after that shit’s out.”

No.I gave the thought a bigfuck you, my mind returning to the conversation with Adam earlier that day. “Yes. I’m positive. She has to pay.”

Remington nodded. “All right. Whatever you need, man. You know that. We’re brothers.”

I ground my teeth and my jaw clenched tight with anticipation while I rubbed my hands over the smooth planes of my freshly shaven face. All the pieces of the plan had been set in motion and now I only had to endure the agonizing wait until Saturday night. If all went accordingly, Wynter Baldwin would be gone for good.

Chapter28

Quinn

In order to keep up appearances over the last three days, I texted Wynter pretty regularly, despite a raging fire in my gut that churned at the thought of her. Every time I conjured up the image of what she had done to Bell, my stomach rolled with disgust. But even as I had typed the hollow words that explained my need to “rest up for the game on Saturday and catch up on some assignments,” I hoped she felt the sting of rejection.

A sharp rap on my bedroom door as I yanked on a crisp new sports jersey momentarily pulled me away from my thoughts. Whitmore had won again that afternoon, and I was now ready to put my plan into motion and watch Wynter crash and burn in front everyone.

“It’s open!” I called out, knowing it wasn’t Adam or Brody since they weren’t home. Neither of them would return until tomorrow night, so I didn’t have to deal with any interference from either of them.

Remington strolled in with his hands in his jean pockets.

“What are you down about? We won the game, man. It’s time to party.” I grinned as I shoved my cell in the back pocket of my jeans. My stomach churned with nerves. The plan had to play out the way we’d wanted it to.

“I’m stoked we won, Q. I just have to ask if you still want to go through with what you have laid out for Wynter.”

I rubbed an imaginary itch on my nose. “Are you having second thoughts? If so, you should have fucking told me that before now.” My lips pressed into a thin line. “Are you bailing on me?”

“Nah. Never. But this is going to do a lot of damage.A lot. I’m down with revenge, but this is pretty intense … even under the circumstances.”

I fucking snapped and barreled across the room, my nose a mere inch from his while I fought to contain my anger. “You weren’t the one who lost your twin sister. Keep your judgment to yourself and do what you fucking said you would.”

Remington held his hands up in the air, surrendering. “You’re right, man. I haven’t lost a member of my family. For the record, I wasn’t backing out, Q. Just wanted to make sure you were ready for the aftermath.”

I released my hold on him and backed away, my emotions clouding my thoughts. “Sorry.” Shoving my fingers through my hair, I blew out a heavy sigh. “It’s been a lot. All the memories have fucked with my head.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine. I’m not sure how you kept it under wraps at Whitmore for as long as you have. That’s a lot to live with.”

I nodded and checked the time on my clock. “People will start showing up any minute. I have no clue about how many will fit in the house, but we’re about to find out.”

“Everything is set up outside, too. All systems are a go,” Remington assured me.

“Thanks, man. I’ll feel better once she’s gone for good. Then, I’ll be able to concentrate on football again.” Maybe my anger would fuel my focus.

The doorbell chimed, and I pasted a grin on my face. “Let’s have some fun. After the shit goes down, I’ll be fucking some chick’s brains out at the society.”

“Same. My dick and I are both seriously happy about that part too.”

I slapped Remington on the back as I led him to the hall and closed my bedroom door behind me.

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