Page 6 of Make You Want Me

“This is going to scar,” I say, gently running my fingers over it.?

“It’ll look pretty badass, though.”?

“You’re an idiot. You didn’t have to do that.”?

“I told you, you could trust me, that you were safe with me. I should have been there.” His hands cup my face as his green eyes search mine. I can't describe the look on his face. His expression is full of remorse.?

“Even if you were there, you couldn’t have done anything. It all happened so quickly. Fucking asshole practically snapped in an instant. I didn’t even see it coming.”?

“Next time, I'm going to do more than just knock him out…” For some fucked-up reason, my heart swells at his promise of violence. The fact that he’s willing to protect me at all costs.?

Standing, I grab his arm and pull him up along with me. “Come on, Champ, let's get you cleaned up, then this mess.” I motion to the sea of frozen peas scattered around the floor.?

“Don’t worry about me. You go rest. I’ll handle it.”?

“Will you stop that? Let me take care of you. Please,” I plead. Lennox’s inability to let me help him confirms one of my many suspicions. His shoulders are heavy with the burdens he carries, all on his own.?

“You’re not going to stop until I do, are you?”?

“Nope,” I say, popping my ‘p’, trying to lighten the mood. A rare small smile spreads across his lips.?

“Alright, fine, but then you rest.”?

I smile brightly. I’ve learned over the past couple of years, Nox can’t say no to me.

Three

Age 17

August - Present

The sound of knuckles on my door breaks my concentration, causing me to smudge my mascara.?

“Shit,” I grumble as I grab a tissue to clean up the black smear on my cheek.?

“Come on, we're going to be late,” Lucian says, not bothering for me to invite him in before he steps into my room.?

“We’re not going to be late. The party doesn't start till 7:30.”?

“Frankie asked us to get there early. You know how she gets.”?

“We're not going to be late. Calm down. Geez, you really are pussy-whipped, aren't you?” I tease.?

“I am not pussy-whipped. You would have to be getting some to qualify for that title. I just don't want to hear Frankie bitch.”?

“Alright, alright, I'm almost done.” I smile at my reflection in the mirror, pleased with the way I look. My newly dyed purple hair is curled in soft waves that cascade down my back. I was getting sick of the light pink and decided I needed a change.?Thankful that I have enough skills to dye it myself. Gives me the ability to change it when the timing’s right.

Lucian takes a spot on my bed while I finish up. He’s become such an essential part of my life; it's hard to believe he’s only been here for a little over two years now.?Boy, was he in rough shape… I overheard he was kicked out of his last home because of fighting, and that he was a troublemaker. I think that's just some shit foster families make up when they no longer want to deal with one of us, though. He swore it wasn’t his fault, that he’s just a big guy and most people like to start shit with the big guys to prove their own strength. Lucian said he was so sick of one of the other kids shit-talking and instigating, and he finally snapped. Literally broke the guy's nose and arm, which is very out of character for him. He’s more like a gentle giant, if you ask me.?

My phone chimes with an incoming text.??

COLTON

Yo Emmyyyy… when are you getting here??

ME

You’re there already? So unlike you.?

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