Page 16 of Sadistic Obsession (Rise of Phoenyxx #1)

P hoenyxx

A soft knock on Valley’s door startles us.

She wrinkles her brow. “I don’t know who it would be.

No one pays any attention to me here.” She gets up to answer the door, a gasp of surprise coming from her lips.

I can’t see beyond her; she blocks the doorway.

A male voice says, “Hey beautiful! You busy? I wanted to hang out for a while, if that’s okay. ”

Bryan. I let out a little laugh of glee, “Tell him to come in! I can go?”

“No, you don’t have to leave,” she answers, looking at me over her shoulder. “Come on in, Bryan!”

“Hey, Phoenyxx! Good to see you!” He gives me a genuine smile.

“What’s up? Come join us! We have snacks!” I announce.

“Well, I certainly can’t resist two beautiful girls AND snacks!” He grins. Valley and I both laugh.

“Well now...just what in the ever-loving fuck is going on in here?” a deep voice rings out. I cringe, realizing she forgot to close the door. Purge strolls in, coming straight to me. He grabs me by the arms and pulls me up. “You are coming with me, Doe.”

Bryan stands up, saying, "You're not taking her anywhere if she doesn’t want to go. Let go of her.”

Purge releases me, stalking over to Bryan. “The fuck you just say? Know your place, BOY.” He grabs him by the neck firmly and squeezes.

Bryan stares daggers at Purge. He swings at him, causing Purge to let go, only for Purge to punch him straight in the face.

“Never address me or question me. Phoenyxx belongs to The Six.” He comes back over to me, jerking my arm. “I said LET’S GO!”

I look back at them, an apology in my eyes. “I’m so sorry, guys. Ignore the caveman. I'll catch up with you later.”

“Like hell you will,” Purge says dryly. I punch him in the arm as he drags me from the building.

“Whoa, Caveman Boy! You can’t just drag me around whenever and wherever! I’m not now, nor will I EVER, be someone's object! I can hang out with my friends, for fuck’s sake!” I yowl as he herds me outside, across the courtyard, and over in the direction of the cafeteria.

“It’s cute you think you have a say,” he grunts. “We claimed you. Learn fast, or it won’t be easy for you.” He smirks, still guiding me with a rough grip on my upper arm. I can tell there will be bruises by morning.

I go to snark back, when I am pulled suddenly from Purge’s grip.

“Be nice to Bambi, brother. She deserves better,” Trikk declares, shocking the shit out of me.

And to Purge’s surprise, too, apparently.

His mouth gapes open like a fish, his face turning red with anger.

“What’s your problem? Trying to steal her away, brOTHER? ”

Whoa...fighting words! “I’m flattered...really. How about you work this out among yourselves, and I’ll go get my lunch. Cool?”

Trikk lets go of my arm, snaking his arm around my waist. He hits me with a million-dollar smile, leaning over to whisper in my ear. “I’d like a do-over. Will you accompany me to lunch, and we can get to know each other...better?” He gives me a once-over with that last bit.

I sigh dramatically. “I guess I don’t have a choice. BUT don’t freaking manhandle me!” His eyes crinkle in the corners as he just grins. I shake my head. “Lead the way, then.”

I can’t get the visual of Trikk pushing me down to the floor with his foot, or the look in Purge’s eyes as they all beat me and molested me. It made me so scared, but so angry, as well. No way will I let my guard down!

My emotions are playing ping-pong in my brain. The “don’t do it” vs the “DO IT”. The heat rushing through my body is pretty loud, too. I look over at him. He is so blindingly beautiful. I can’t deny I’m attracted, but what does that say about me?

He removes his arm, walking ahead of me once we’re in the cafeteria. “Follow me, Bambi.”

I frown, seeing where he’s heading. He stops in the “elite” section of tables, next to The Six’s table. “Um...I can’t sit here.”

He laughs. “Don’t be silly, we’re going to eat together today. Chat and get to know each other.” He winks, asking, "What do you want to eat? I’ll get it for you.”

I look around in confusion, not seeing any direct opposition. “I’m feeling pasta and cheesy bread today.”

“Got it! I’ll be right back. Stay here!”

I feel glares so I look around again. Destiny's posse is openly death-staring me. I roll my eyes, flipping them the bird. They stay seated, though. I laugh to myself, knowing how pissed they are that I’m sitting here.

Trikk comes back, balancing both our plates on a tray and two bottles of water. He passes me one and sets my plate down in front of me. A heap of droolworthy rigatoni awaits me, and chunks of extra-cheesy bread lie on the side. “Thanks,” I mutter.

He sits down right next to me, throwing another megawatt smile my way. “Now, tell me about you, Phoenyxx.”

“Like what?”

“Favorite...anything, really, to start.”

“Well, I’ve never been socialized until now. So, music? No clue. Movie? Still no clue. Food...well, anything cheesy and anything sweet.”

“Really? That's...odd.” He looks over my face, concentration etched into his brow. “Do you even know who you are? The real you?”

I look sideways as I answer. “Why would you ask me that?” I am silent for a minute, digesting the question. May as well answer. “I guess I’ll figure it out.”

He reaches over and squeezes my thigh. My blood turns to lava, stupid jolts going through me again.

“I’d be happy to help you figure it out.

” His head turns as I turn mine back to look at him, as his attempted peck on the cheek turns into a kiss.

He lingers for a moment, slowly pulling back.

My eyes glaze over, too dazed to say anything.

Then, I remember where I am and who I’m with.

“Back off, too close,” I demand. I feel the bench on my other side shift as someone sits next to me. I turn to look, and Ghost is sitting there. “Hi,” I whisper, as I redden, thinking about our closet encounter.

A soft smile graces his lips as he dips his head in acknowledgment.

“Bro...cock block much?” Trikk scoffs.

I turn towards him, smacking him in the chest. “Ow! Why would you do that?” he pouts.

“There is no cock to be blocked, brO,” I respond with a smile, tickled by my own humor.

Ghost shakes his head and starts to eat his food. Trikk slides his hand up my thigh again, and I give him a warning look. On my other side, I feel Ghost tentatively reaching for my hand, lacing his fingers with mine.

I feel like I’m in an alternate universe. I have two of The Sadistic Six beside me, both touching me. My mind burns more than my body at the moment. I leave it for now, rushing to finish my food before jetting to my next class.

The final class of the day, PE, thank fuck. I am nervous about going into the locker room again. I definitely won’t be showering after; I’ll wait until I get back to the dorm.

I blow out a breath, walking through the door, heading to what I now know is my locker. I was told my uniform is inside it. I see Destiny, but she just quickly looks away. Ha! That lifts my mood!

I make quick work of changing my clothes once I’ve entered the combo on the locker door. I stride out to the gym, going to sit on the bleachers as we wait for our teacher. I don’t see Valley, but I DO see Frost and Razor across the room, by the boys’ locker room. Fuck.

Of course, they make a beeline towards me. “What?” I snap out, leaning back like I’m unbothered.

Frost leans into me, caressing my cheek.

“Hi to you, too, beautiful Doe. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day.

” Before I can respond or stop him, he leans in and leaves a ghost of a kiss on my lips.

He hovers for a moment, smiling softly at my intake of breath.

Razor just grabs a handful of my hair and lays a hard kiss on my upturned mouth. “Sexy little thing,” he growls.

My whole body lights up like a firework, igniting a burn that settles between my legs. Why am I responding like this? I don’t understand it at all! Never did I respond to those...fucks who came into the attic. But these guys?

Frost takes my hands and pulls me up to my feet. Razor sits down where I was sitting, pulling me down onto his lap. “Let’s talk,” Frost starts to say, when the teacher FINALLY comes in. Well, teachers, one woman and one man. I quickly jump to my feet, putting distance between us.

“Come on, boys, hustle!” the man calls, clapping his hands. The guys roll their eyes; Razor whispers, “Later,” like it’s a promise.

“Ladies, line up!” the woman calls. I follow the rest of the girls, lining up in a row. “Most of you know me already, but to those who don’t,” she pauses right in front of me, “I’m Coach McCleary. I take no shit, no excuses, and no whining. Do what you’re told when you’re told. Got it?”

Coach looks like a hard-ass too. Short, almost boyish brown hair, no makeup, complete with a whistle around her neck. How cliche! I will be sure to cooperate. I don’t need any more enemies—especially adults!

“Running laps today, ladies!” she announces. A chorus of groans sounds throughout the group of girls. Laps? I can’t run! This is going to suck so bad!

With a sigh of defeat, I attempt to follow everyone. I am jogging, but I can’t keep up with even the stragglers. “Pick it up, Solomon! Or else you’ll be doing push-ups!”

I am wheezing and sweating bullets as I increase my speed, gaining a little headway. “That’s it!” she yells in encouragement. I think I’m going to drop before I can even get back to my room.

I groan in thanks when the last bong sounds for the end of class. I hustle into the locker room to grab my shit, deciding to shower and change back at the dorm. It's probably safer.