Page 36 of Heresy

“Just admit it, you like me.”

I open my mouth to argue just how wrong he is about that statement, but he drops to the ground at my feet before I have the chance. The two cops who tackled him also drop.

Almost losing my footing in the mix, I shove against Ames to move away from the writhing bodies then look to her to find she’s holding back laughter.

“I think he likes you,” she comments, her words reminding me of what Jackass just said.

Between the two of them, my blood is beginning to boil.

My argument to her is cut off when Jackass pops up again, back on his feet, still fighting against the cops’ hold.

“So like I was saying,” he gets out, just before they all fall again, the cops now threatening to beat him senseless if he doesn’t stop resisting.

My eyes swing down to watch the wrestling match, the asshole who was originally down there after being punched finally managing to climb to his feet and escape the tangle of bodies.

More intelligent than me, he grabs his other friend, and they push through the crowd to leave the club entirely.

Actually, that’s a damn good idea.

I grab Ames to do the same, but the cops pull Jackass to his feet right in front of me, blocking my path. His eyes meet mine again, a charming smile somehow still gracing his gorgeous face.

The cops finally drag him away, successful in their attempt to arrest him despite his resistance. Laughter erupts from his chest while his stare never releases mine.

“You like me,” he says again, his words slurred from how intoxicated he is. “You may not know it yet, but we’ll definitely see each other again now that I know where to find you. You’ll know it then.”

Balking at that bullshit, I yell over the noisy crowd, “I promise you that day will never come. Have fun in jail where you belong.”

Shaking his head, he finally turns to let the cops lead him away, the crowded club calming down as the people disburse.

I feel Ames’s fake wings brush against my back as I stare out over the scene in horror.

How can one man cause so much chaos in so short a time?

And why does he think he has a fat chance in hell of ever seeing me again?

As far as I’m concerned, I’m running back to the security of school and the safe haven of the library without any intention of stepping a single toe outside.

It’s with that thought in mind that I lead Ames away from the bar to do what everyone else is doing and get out of this place.

It’s only when I step through the front door, the cool wind brushing my face and police lights flickering in the parking lot, that I remember I have no idea where Everly could have gone.

Shane

Two months later

“Any plans for tonight?”

I glance up to meet Priest’s careful stare, nodding my head as a sigh falls over my lips. I wish I could invite him out with me tonight. I’d prefer my plans include having fun rather than the task I’ve been assigned by Tanner.

“Yeah, I’m supposed to go out with Mason and Taylor.”

“What about Ezra and Damon?” His question carries an air of caution, of concern.

Dropping my wrench to the ground with an audible clank that echoes through the mostly empty garage, I settle down to sit on the stained concrete then lean back against the tire of the car I’m working on.

It’s been roughly two months since Damon and I were arrested together at Myth. Two months since he helped me teach Paul and his buddies a lesson while I helped him burn the rage he felt about his situation with Emily and Ezra… And the call he’d received from his father.

I have very little memories from that night, and I’m not sure if it was the amount of alcohol I drank or possibly head injuries I suffered from the love taps Paul’s largest buddy was able to get in before I dropped him to the ground.

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