Page 79 of Jerk

Rye appears at the end of the gallery walkway, blocking my path ahead.

He locks eyes with me like we’re in an old western showdown, forcing me to break rule number two. Again.

“I told you we weren’t done," he says, taking a step forward.

“You also said you’re on my side, but that’s not true, is it?” Looking behind me, I take a step back. Looking ahead, he takes another step forward. “You also said you’d give me time.”

“That’s not what I said.”

When I turn to walk away, I hear quick footsteps behind me before my back hits the wall. His chest pushes against mine, and now I'm breaking rule number one.

I hate the way heat takes over my body again. The way my eyes immediately fall to his lips. “Get off me, Rye.” I have to be strong.

“You know…” His eyes scan my face, the alcohol on his breath telling me he’s way beyond one drink. “Considering who you try to be, it's funny that you break the second someone pushes back.”

“I’m not breaking.” Rule number two is long gone as my eyes narrow into his.

“Then admit you’re avoiding me.”

“I am.”

“Pretending I don’t exist doesn’t change anything. It only makes youweak.” His words make my jaw tighten, and he sees it, a smirk forming on his face. “You’re a small dog. All talk until things get hard. Then you run. The way you parade around with that confidence? That’s all fake. I know it, and you know it. And right now, you’re proving that you are. Fake."

“And you’re nothing without a sense of control. Look the hell around you,Rowen. Krystal? She’s running this place now, not you.”

“And your friends are all behind her. I still got The Crowns. You? What about you? I’m the only thing keeping you swimming. You’ll drown without me.”

“I can have everythingdespiteyou.” My hands come to his, ignoring the warmth that spreads through me before I place his hands on my ass. His immediate grip is enough to have my skin on fire. “Touching this? It’s a privilege.” Bringing my mouth close to his, I let the soft skin on my lip graze his. “Kissing me is a privilege.” Lifting my leg, I place my heel against his ass, and I don’t miss the growl that escapes him. “Fucking me is a privilege. And I get to say when that happens. Not you.” With everything I have, I push my hands on his chest. It startles him enough to take a small step back before I slip out from his trap. “I’ll speak to you whenIwant to.”

Holding my head high, a burst of electricity flows through me, my body shaking as I move quickly down the hall. I fight everything in me not to turn around or look over my shoulder to see his face. I stand my ground, but something weird settles in my chest when he doesn't come after me.

My body burns all the way to class, but I’m hoping one win will lead to another.

Rye can wait. I need a motherfucking internship.

Once I enter the lecture hall, I smile at Professor Williams as I move to my seat. Someone else is in it, and that makes me freeze.

No one ever takes my seat. It’s been the same since I started here.

Fists clenched, I make my way towards it.

Weak? I'll show him weak.

“Hannah Alfonso, please report to Dean Patel’s office immediately.”

My feet stop in my path, and I can feel all the attention in the class turn to me.

“I’ll take your assignment once you're back, Hannah,” Professor Williams says from behind his desk.

My eyes still on my seat, I nod, turning for the door as that glob in my throat thickens.

What now?

All the way to the office, Rye’s voice plays in my head.

“You’re weak.”

I’ve heard that before, my father flashing in my head.