Page 30 of Mad As Hell

As if on cue, my phone started ringing and my blood chilled. I’d given Gary a different ringtone so I’d know when he was the one calling.

I spun away from the door and stomped to the table where I’d dropped my backpack and phone.

My free hand curled into a fist as I answered the call, lifting it to my ear. “Yes?”

“You’re not in class.” Gary’s cold voice sent chills down my spine. “Do I need to remind you what’s at stake?”

“There was an incident,” I muttered through clenched teeth.

“Do you think I give a shit?”

I closed my eyes to keep from screaming. “I know. I’m handling it.”

The door snicked shut and I looked over to see that Ryan was now in my room.

Awesome.

Actually…

“I have to go. Ryan’s here. We’re trying to talk things out.” I barely managed to get the half-truth past my lips.

Ryan gave me a curious look.

Gary chuckled in my ear, the sound not exactly warm but definitely not as cold as a moment earlier. “Well, then. Carry on. Consider your absence excused for today.”

I was still gritting my teeth as he hung up on me. It took everything not to throw my phone against the wall.

“Maddie?”

Ryan’s soft voice was almost too much to handle.

I held up a hand. “Just… don’t.”

He stayed quiet. In fact, he didn’t move from where he stood just inside the room. His brows were drawn low as he frowned at me.

But he didn’t actually speak.

I dropped my phone back onto the table with a clatter.

Gary wanted me with Ryan. I guess I should have counted it a blessing that I didn’t have to fight Gary and Ryan. Ryan was totally on board with us reconciling, but I wasn’t ready to risk my heart again.

“I want a schedule,” I said slowly, finally looking at him. “Like before.”

His frown turned into a scowl. “Mads, that’s not what I want. I—”

“I really can’t say this enough, Ryan. I don’t care what you want.” I channeled all my fury and hurt and helplessness into a glare that I leveled at him. “The only reason I’m here is because I have to be. Whatever was between us is over.”

“You don’t believe that. Don’t tell me you don’t feel this pull between us.”

“The only pull I feel when you’re around is to the nearest bathroom so I can throw up,” I retorted icily. I crossed my arms and gave what I hoped was an indifferent shrug.

The corner of his mouth hooked up. “You’re lying, baby. Your right eye does this cute little twitching thing when you’re not telling the truth.” He held up his hands. “But I’ll play it your way. For now.”

I dragged in a shaky breath, watching warily as he walked to the couch and sat down. He gave me a pointed look and patted the cushion beside him.

“Sit down so we can work out our schedule.”

Ugh.

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