Page 17 of Sadistic Obsession (Rise of Phoenyxx #1)

P hoenyxx

After my shower, I drop into bed, exhausted—and it’s just my first full day.

I didn’t intend to fall asleep, but I must have.

I wake up in the morning with a strange buzzing sound coming from somewhere.

I frown in confusion, tracking the sound to my bag.

I pull it onto the bed, unzip it, and reach inside.

It's the phone—the one I’ve never used. I push the button to pull the screen up.

It tells me I have a new text message. The only two I know have my number are Valley and Bryan, besides the pre-programmed teachers.

I manage to fumble my way into the messages, clicking on the new message.

Unknown: Good morning, Phoenyxx. I can’t wait to see your beautiful smile today.

What the fuck? Who...?

Unknown: It’s Trikk, gorgeous.

I jump in, typing.

Me: How did you even get my number?

Trikk: Oh, love, we all have it. We need to be able to contact you.

Me: Yeah, ok. Well, see you later.

These guys keep surprising me. I hate them so much. But at the same time, my body lights up when they touch me. I have never been this unsure over a man—let alone multiple men!

I am still half-asleep as I drag my ass out of bed, toss a clean uniform onto the bed, and grab my toiletries, phone, and keycard.

I walk to the bathroom closest to my room.

Walking in, I expect it to be crowded. Surprisingly, there aren't many girls here.

As I wander towards the showers, someone grabs my arm.

I jerk back and whirl around to see who it is.

It's Betsey Zuman, one of Destiny’s squad. “What the fuck do you want?” I snap.

“No issue here, I promise,” she answers, throwing her hands in the air to prove her point.

She tucks a stray blonde strand of hair behind her ear, her green eyes wide and luminous.

She's flawless, as they all are. “I wanted to let you know I have nothing against you. And I'm sorry for my behavior before.”

“Why? Why be civil to me now? Because I made Destiny my bitch?”

She blushes, shaking her head. “Well, in part. But mostly, since you’re with The Six now, you’re untouchable.”

“Wait...what? How do you even know about that?”

“The guys have spread the word around campus—to both students and faculty.” She shrugs, continuing, “You won’t have to worry about being bullied anymore. The penalty for defying them is...hardcore.”

“Okay...well, thanks for the info, I guess. We're good.”

“Thanks, Phoenyxx! You’re actually pretty cool!”

I give her a fake smile and a nod and turn in the direction of the showers. My phone buzzes again, so I flip up the screen to see who it is.

Unknown: Hey bestie! It’s me! Where are you? Wanted to go to breakfast together!

Me: Oh shit, hey! I am in a hurry; I don’t want to be late for class.

Valley: Girl- it's Saturday!

Me: OMG! I am so dumb!

I laugh out loud at myself.

Valley: Meet me at the caf, ok? Dress however you want! No uniforms on weekends!

Sweet! Casual day!

Me: I’m having a quick shower, and I’ll be there shortly!

Valley: Roger that!

Me: ?? Who’s Roger?

She sends a bunch of laughing emojis, so I guess I committed another social faux pas. Oops!

I shower quickly and go back to my room to get dressed.

I pull out the drawer, grabbing a black T-shirt, a pair of black leggings, and Val’s borrowed black combat boots.

I throw my hair in a ponytail, liking the way it swings when I move.

Picking my phone and keycard back up, I head out and over to the cafeteria.

Valley is waiting for me outside the cafeteria doors. “Hey bestie! You look hot!”

“Aw, thanks, girl! You look amazing too!”

We link arms and head inside. We get into line, the smells making me drool, as usual. Someone behind me snakes an arm around my waist, jerking me backwards. “The fuck?”

“Relax, New Girl,” the unmistakable deep voice says.

“Fuck off, Synn. Let go of me!”

“You will be eating with US from now on. At our table.” He glances towards Valley. “She may come, too, as your friend.”

He lets go, and I turn around, gaping at him. “You are unbelievable. I will sit wherever the hell I want.”

Valley turns to me, leaning in to say softly, “Just go. It’s easier, okay?”

“Valley has somewhere else to sit, anyway,” Bryan retorts, sliding up next to us.

I sigh, giving in, for now. Razor sidles up and grins, putting his hand at the small of my back to herd me towards their table. “Don’t worry, Synn will get your food.”

I steel my spine, as everyone turns to stare. The whispers are all around me. I don’t care what anyone thinks, dammit! I will not back down ever again!

We make it to the table, and I slide in towards the middle of the lavish booth.

The seats are soft and comfortable, and everything on the table is black.

From the tablecloth to the napkins, the dishes, and even the silverware.

Before I can even get settled, the others crowd in, minus Synn.

Ghost and Trikk on my right. Frost, Purge, and Razor sit on the sides, leaving a space for Synn.

I stay silent, waiting for Synn to get here with my food. I am simmering with anger. Not even the soft squeeze on my hand from Ghost or the kiss on the cheek from Trikk distracts me.

I watch him make his way over, balancing a tray.

He moves like a silent and sleek panther, his utter maleness coming out of his pores.

He is beauty in motion-with a black soul.

His electric blue hair sparkles under the lights, and the heat in his grey eyes is scorching.

He slides my food in front of me, and I hate that he picked things I like. How does he even know?

I glare at him, my face heating. “What. The. Fuck? Why did you tell the school I was YOURS? Who gave you that right?”

He sneers, grabbing me by the throat, and squeezes. So hard, his knuckles turn white. I make to suck in a gasp, but can’t get any air in. I never break eye contact, refusing to buckle.

“Man, she’s turning purple! Let go!” Trikk yells.

“Bro...leave it. We're in public here,” Purge adds.

He abruptly lets me go, and I take in gulps of air, coughing.

“Motherfucker!” I hear yelled across the cafeteria. I look towards Valley, holding up a hand to stop her. She is standing, fists clenched. At the shake of my head, she reluctantly sits back down.

“I will not take shit from you. ANY of you!” I announce, glancing around the table.

“Enough now, let her eat,” Ghost says quietly, stroking my thigh under the table. He leans in and whispers, “You want some company after breakfast? In your room? I’ll behave, I promise.”

My face heats, and my pussy throbs. I give him a half-smile, whispering back, “Yes, please.”

I don’t know what I’m doing, but this unusual and quiet man is drawing me in. I can’t deny my attraction and am intrigued to find out more about him.

“I’ll meet you there, Malishka.” He smiles briefly and turns towards his food. I also focus my attention on the food, eating with enjoyment. Maybe the day is starting to look up.