Page 2 of Hold ‘Em Tight (Solidarity Academy #4)

CHAPTER TWO

“ D o not even think about it, Lennox. Don't forget about the little film I have,” Missi sneers, pulling her phone out of her designer purse.

“You're a bitch,” I mutter, and she smiles, showing me her teeth.

“Yeah, but you're stuck with me, Lenny boo,” she coos, and I can feel her claws digging deeper into my arm.

“I haven't forgotten. Leave Rylee and Mateo alone.”

“I don't know why you have to hate me. You loved me once. Now, you're so mean to me!” Missi sniffles, then begins to cry and throw a fit.

I ignore her, staring longingly at the door. Rylee is long gone, and the others chased after her. My heart aches because I can't follow. Not that she’d even want me to.

This was never supposed to happen. I told Colt to come alone. Why were they here?

Everything is fucked now and I'm trapped. Ever since Missi stormed into my room and showed me the videos, I haven't had a moment's peace.

She's moved into the manor, and into my room. She monitors my phone, and I can't even piss alone these days.

I should have known she'd pull a stunt like this. I glance around the gym for one last time, taking in the memories of when I was happy here.

Missi is angry texting someone while giving me the stink eye, still crying.

“Let's go,” I mutter, then walk toward the door.

The sobbing stops, and I watch as Missi wipes her eyes and gives me a smile.

“See, Lenny, if you ask me, I did you a favor. That little bitch will never look twice at you again now. I should have been an actress.” She sighs, then rubs her stomach. Bile rises in my throat every time I'm reminded of the baby.

My baby.

The thought makes my stomach turn.

“But I’ll settle for Mrs. Crane,” she finishes, and I close my eyes. I'm trying so hard to hold it together. My hands shake, and I could really use a drink.

Pulling out her phone once more, she dials a number and my stomach turns. Not that there is anything inside of it to expel.

“Hi, Daddy,” Missi coos into the phone, and I roll my eyes.

When she grabs my hand, digging her freshly manicured nails into the skin, I don’t even flinch or fight as she drags me to the door, and then to my car.

I’m numb. I’m destined to stay in this perpetual Hell, and I can’t even blame anyone. I did this. I ruined everything.

I climb into the passenger seat and Missi takes the wheel. She’s already planning for me to buy a new SUV. Said we need more room for when the baby comes, but I know she’s just trying to get rid of any memories of the guys and Rylee.

Fuck, I am never going to unsee the hurt and betrayal flashing in her green eyes. I’ll be haunted until the day I die.

Missi flips on her playlist and starts belting out the lyrics to some pop song after she ends her call. My ears bleed from her shrill voice. She sounds like cats fighting on top of a chalkboard, as they scrape their nails into it.

It’s not pleasant by any means.

The volume lowers and I groan. “Missi, just sing your songs. I don’t want to fucking talk,” I grumble, and my temple stings from where she hits me. I shouldn’t be surprised. I’d blame the pregnancy hormones, but all they have done is make her more irritable, and irrational.

I found out from her dad that she stopped taking her medication because she was worried it would hurt the baby. Even though her psychiatrist said they were perfectly safe.

The car swerves and then she starts to cry, but I know it’s fake.

“Lenny, baby, I’m so sorry. Why do you have to make me so angry? You know I don’t want to hurt you, baby.”

“I know,” I mumble, putting on a fake smile. It's better to play nice.

“Pull over. Let me drive,” I say, and she hesitates, then nods.

After we switch seats, I drive us to a small bakery, and pull into the parking lot.

Missi squeals and claps her hands. “Oh, Lenny, how did you know the baby and I wanted a cupcake?”

I park and turn the engine off. I didn't know. I'm just not ready to go home yet. Missi pouts, waiting for me to walk around and open her door.

Her hand raises quickly, and my cheek stings from her slap. This time, she caught my lower lip with her ring, and I know it'll bruise.

“I don't like being ignored,” she hisses, pointing her nail at my face.

“I wasn't ignoring you, Missi. I'm just tired,” I mumble and she sighs.

“Well then, let's go home and take a nap,” she purrs, rubbing my chest now and licking her lips.

My stomach curdles and I have to swallow a few times. Just the thought of her touching me… I still don't know how I could have ever slept with her—tricked or not.

“Not yet. Let's get something to eat,” I suggest, and her eyes sparkle.

“Oh, Lenny, we should set up an appointment for wedding cake testing while we’re here,” she squeals, and my stomach drops.

You did this to yourself, asshole.

I sigh and nod, then rub my sore lip. Just another cut to add to the collection. Missi usually doesn’t leave visible marks. My phone vibrates, but I ignore it.

It can only be one person, since Missi has blocked all of my other numbers. Not to mention, my dad has been harassing me about attending some event. Missi keeps bringing it up, but I've never been one for the spotlight.

Plus, I can't have him sniffing around the house again. My mom was finally feeling some peace of mind. Well, until Missi moved in, that is.

I don't blame her for packing her bags and going to the beach. I wish I could have gone with her. Hid in her designer suitcase.

Taking Missi's hand, I lead her to the door of the bakery, then hold it open for her. The scent of rich coffee beans and confectionery sugar smacks me in the face.

My stomach growls and I frown. I haven't had much of an appetite lately, and I know I've lost some weight.

Honestly, I look like shit.

Missi walks over to the case of cupcakes, and I follow along like her obedient puppy.

I'm surprised that she hasn't tried to leash me already.

Someone calls my name and I glance over my shoulder at the table in the corner. I recognize the guy from one of my classes, but I can't place his name.

I wave at him, then point at Missi. He nods and gives me a grin, raising his cup at me as if in a toast.

I want to tell him he has the wrong idea. That I'm being blackmailed into being with her, but I can't risk the safety of my real family.

Missi catches our silent conversation, and I watch as the wheels turn in her head and she puts on her fake mask.

Ugh, I am so sick of this.

Taking my hand, she leads me over to him.

“Hey, Lennox, how are you? Haven't seen you in class lately,” he says, and then offers his hand to Missi. “Jason Wilkens,” he introduces himself, as she takes his palm and shakes it, before leaning into my side and placing her hand on my chest.

“Missi Kondum… soon to be Crane,” she replies with a huge smile. Jason's eyes widen as he looks at me.

“No shit. That's awesome. Congratulations, man,” he cheers, and I try to smile.

I'm so tired of playing pretend, and honestly, I don’t have the spoons to do this right now.

“Thanks. It was good to see you, Jason. I better get this one fed before she flips her switch,” I say, ignoring how Missi's nails are now digging into my skin.

“I get that,” he chuckles. I laugh and shake my head.

No, he has no idea how insane this chick really is.

Turning, I walk Missi up to the counter again and she places her order. I look around at the retro decor, searching for a free table. It's a lot busier than I expected.

This place is kinda cool though. Donny would love it… Shit, I can't think about them right now.

Tears fill my eyes and I blink them away before anyone sees. I don't have a right to be upset.

I'm the monster in this scenario. It doesn't matter that Missi tricked me. I should have known.

“All set,” Missi asks, standing in front of me, pulling me back to the here and now.

I nod and offer her my arm after taking the bag from her. I lead her to a small table for two in front of the big bay windows.

“This place is so cute, and Maggie, the girl behind the counter, said they can do a tasting at any time. We just need to walk in. How great is that, Lenny?”

“Yeah,” I mumble, pulling out her chair and waiting until she's sat before pushing it back in. I place the bag in front of her, then plop down in the other seat.

Missi moans obscenely as she pops open the container holding the cupcakes she ordered.

I roll my eyes and look out the window, watching the happy couples strolling down the street.

Not a care in the world.

“Lennox!” Missi snaps, pulling my attention back to her. There is a young, pretty blonde hovering over the table now.

I shake my head and yawn. “Sorry, I didn't sleep well,” I murmur, and she gives me a smile.

“Hold that thought,” she says, and walks back to the kitchen. Missi huffs, crossing her arms over her chest and pouting at me.

I shrug.

Sighing, she digs in her purse for her compact mirror and lip gloss, fixing her makeup. “Maggie said that we could taste test some samples now, since we are here, and they aren't very busy,” she explains, then blows a kiss at her reflection in the small mirror.

“Cool, cool,” I murmur, then place my shaking hands under the table, hiding them from view.

Being here is the last place I want to be, and I couldn't care less about wedding cakes. I have no intention of marrying Missi, but I know it's inevitable.

The girl returns with an espresso for me and a sweet tea for Missi. She places them in front of us and I thank her.

“So, what flavors would you like to start with? When is the ceremony? Winter, Spring…”

“We haven't decided,” I start, but Missi cuts me off.

“Late fall, early winter. We want to be married before our little one arrives, but I also don't want to be a whale in my dress,” she says, then does the fakest laugh I have ever heard.

“Oh, that sounds perfect. We have some rich chocolate cakes, or even red velvet. That's popular for winter weddings. Or we have the traditional vanilla, vanilla bean, or even a tart, refreshing lemon?”

The girl looks at me for my opinion, and I'm now guessing this is Maggie.

“I'm fine with whatever she wants. I'm just the bankroll,” I joke, then hiss as Missi kicks me under the table.

“Perfect. I'll bring out a sample platter for you.”

Missi glares at me and taps on her phone. I hear Rylee's laugh and Donny's voice playing through the speakers, from the day we went up into the mountains.

My heart races and I feel sick. I grab her phone and turn it off as she gives me a devilish grin.

I wish I could find the original copy and delete it. Then all of our troubles would be over. I can be a dad to this baby and not be with its mother.

People co-parent every day, but with the blackmail she continues to hang over our heads… Fuck, my life.

Maggie brings over some cakes, and I zone out as Missi feeds me, giving the occasional comment here and there. She doesn't notice how miserable I am, as she tells the girl all about this magical ceremony she's planned… Yeah, in her head. It's all in her head.

I glance at the time and sigh. “Well, this has been delightful, but I think it's time we go home. I need to make sure this one is well rested.”

Missi preens, rubbing her tiny bump before taking my hand as I help her to stand. Maggie waves as we leave, and I take in a huge gulp of fresh air.

I was starting to feel trapped in there.

“That was so much fun, Lenny,” Missi coos.

I nod again, and she babbles about all the flavors as we make our way to the car. I open the passenger door for her and place the bag of leftovers in the backseat.

Taking a few breaths, I shake my hands out, then climb into the driver's seat.

It doesn't take long to get home, and Missi hops out of the car with a pep in her step.

She waits for me at the top of the stairs, giving me an impatient look, pursed lips and all.

Groaning, I open my door, grab her cupcakes, then follow behind her. The quiet emptiness of the house hits me like a brick to the chest.

This place is too sterile.

I miss the cheer house. I miss Colton's books everywhere, and Donny's messes in the kitchen. I miss Cobbler greeting me at the door with a wag of his tail.

I even miss the smell of Teo’s gym bag. And Rylee… Fuck… I miss everything about her.

We had something special, but it doesn't matter now.

Missi walks up the stairs to the bedroom, kicks off her shoes, and plops down onto my king-size bed.

After that night, I couldn't sleep on the same bed. I replaced it. Not that it matters, since Missi is now sleeping on this mattress.

“I'm going to shower,” I say, and she yawns, rubbing her stomach. I wait for her to follow me, but she doesn't.

Grabbing my pillow, she curls around it and closes her eyes.

I leave her in the bedroom. I'm alone for the first time in two months. I enter the ensuite and close the door softly. I'd really like to slam it, to throw a fit, or shatter the mirror, but I don't.

Instead, I move to the shower and turn the water on, then climb inside, still fully clothed, and let the tears finally escape, washing down the drain.

I'm worthless. I fucked everything up. It's all my fault. I'm trapped here with Missi and a baby. I deserve to be miserable… This is just my penance.