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The guy chuckles, like it’s a joke. “Oh, come on, man. She’s just a girl. We all know what she’s here for.”

I can barely breathe, the rage building in my chest, a hot, suffocating weight.

He doesn’t back off. Instead, he takes a step closer, his grin widening. “You’re not gonna do shit. You’re not even a real player here, man. You’re just following orders.”

I swing first. My fist connects with his jaw before he can even process it, and the fucker goes down like a sack of shit.

I barely have time to catch my breath before another guy is on me. We tumble, fists flying. My fists connect with this fucker’s jaw. My blood’s pumping, adrenaline taking over.

I slam my elbow into his gut, knocking him back. But before I can make another move, he’s already scrambling to his feet, laughing like it’s some fucking game. He rushes me, taking me to the ground. The wind is knocked from my chest, but I don’t let it stop me.

I don’t know how long we go at it, but eventually, the guy stumbles back. I don’t even check if he’s knocked out. I don’t care as long he’s fucking done.

I turn around, my eyes scanning the hallway, but she’s gone. Sienna’s fucking gone.

“Sienna!” I shout, but there’s no answer. The halls are empty.

I run down the hall, looking in every direction, but it’s like she vanished into thin air.

There’s no sign of her anywhere. I curse under my breath, heart pounding. I liked what we did — whatwedid. But I can’t let her be this messed up, this lost because of me. She deserves better than this shit.

After what feels like an eternity, I finally head back to the room, still looking for her. Still hoping she’s here, hiding, waiting for me to fix everything.

But when I open the door, the sight hits me like a freight train.

Caleb’s on the couch, some random blonde beneath him. Her moans fill the air, but it’s not the fucking that stops me — it’s the look on Caleb’s face. He’s fucking enjoying this.

I don’t give a shit about what he’s doing, but seeing this, it just makes the rage bubble back up. I thought maybe... maybe he’d feel something for her too. Maybe he’d give a damn.

But this? It’s like it doesn’t even matter to him. She’s just another body. Another conquest.

The fucked up part?

I relate to him, fucking any bitch that looks my way. I realize that I’m acting a fool over Sienna. Wasn’t it him who told me to be careful with the Coach’s daughter? But it looks like I’m not the only one who wanted a taste.

I don’t say a word. I don’t even look at the girl. Just grab my mask from the table and make my way to the door.

Caleb barely notices me. He’s too busy with his fucking toy.

“Eli,” he calls out, but I’m already gone. I don’t need to hear him. I don’t need to know what he’s thinking.

I step into the night air, the cold biting at my skin. But it’s nothing compared to what’s in my chest. It feels like I’m splitting apart from the inside out.

I want to go after her. But I’m too late. She’s already disappeared.

I grab another beer from the fridge, ignoring the people around me. The noise, the chatter, it’s all too much. I don’t want to be here, don’t want to deal with the superficial bullshit. This whole party? It’s a waste of time. I’ve got other things on my mind, things I can’t shake.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out. It’s a text from my dad’s lawyer, Mr. Coleman. Nothing helpful, just a reminder to “stay patient” regarding the case. Yeah, right. My father’s in danger, and I’m stuck here, pretending like I’m not a fucking mess. Pretending that Sienna isn’t a glimmer of hope in a dark time.

I toss the phone back in my pocket, chugging the beer instead. I’ll go back to my apartment, alone. That’s where I’m at right now. I don’t need people. Don’t need anybody. Fuck everyone.

The night drags on, and finally, I make my exit. Back to my place. My apartment’s quiet. Too quiet. I shower, trying to wash off the frustrations of the day, but it doesn’t help. I end up tossing and turning in bed for hours. Three a.m. rolls around, and I can’t take it anymore. I grab my sneakers, slipping them on before grabbing my keys. Time to go.

I get into my car and drive, no real destination in mind. But I know where I end up. The coach’s house. I park down the street, watching the sleeping house. It’s too quiet here. Too still.

I get out of the car, climb the tree near her window, and peer inside. She’s curled up in bed, sleeping. I should leave. I should. But something’s pushing me closer, making me want to do something I know I shouldn’t.

I break into her house, careful not to wake her, but she stirs the moment I enter her room. She gasps, panic in her eyes as she bolts upright. She’s going to scream. I know it.