Page 125 of Satan's Spawn

Hendrix denies my offer to join me, not wanting to leave Archer alone with three quarters of the Royals.

Last I remember Archer could hold his own against the worst of them, but I take the hint and scurry off to the bathrooms at the other end of the dining hall.

The door to the boys bathroom opens just as I’m about to pass, Felix striding through it, who’s barely even looked my way since the pool party.

“What’s up Bex?” He asks, looking around to see if any of my unsolicited bodyguards are lurking in the background.

“Hey,” I smile softly at him. “How are you?”

Felix shrugs. “The usual, busy with classes. Football, etcetera.”

I nod my head, pursing my lips with discomfort. “That’s good…” I look behind me, finding Saint, Riggs, and Levi watching us like hawks. One wrong move on Felix’s behalf and I know Saint will be up and out of his chair ready to carry out Crayton’s wrath.

I keep things quick and simple, because I do want the guy to understand it wasn’t his fault I never reached out after the party.

“Hey, sorry for not like, texting you or anything after Sampson’s house. Things just got really complicated.”

“I can see that.” He glances over my shoulder. “I guess you belong to the Royals now.”

I rear my head back, appalled by his insinuation. “I don’tbelongto anyone, Felix.”

His expression falls. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s not your fault. When those assholes stick their claws into someone it’s nearly impossible to get ’em out.”

“You got it all wrong, Felix, trust me. I just want you to know it’s not personal. I think you’re a great guy, but I’m not really looking for anything serious.”

His lip twitches slightly with annoyance, and I don’t blame him; rejection can do that to a person. But he recovers quickly, and smiles. “No hard feelings, Bex. You’re a great girl, just be careful because those guys are bad news. Especially—”

“Especially who?” Saint snarls from behind me, pulling me into his chest with one arm.

Riggs and Levi surround us next, with similar scary faces.

Felix watches as Saint’s hand tightens around my waist, and his face is an unreadable mask.

Saint’s move is possessive, but not Crayton possessive.

This feels more protective than anything, but why would I need protection from Felix? The idea is absurd knowing how their best friend treats me.

Felix breaks his gaze from my waist. “I’ll catch you later, Bex.” He grins, ignoring Saint’s question. Felix attempts to pass us, but a growling Levi and his large body doesn’t budge for him.

Jesus. Why the hell do they hate this guy so much?

Leaving Felix no choice, he turns around and makes his way down the hall toward the kitchen, where we all know the back door is.

“Seriously?” I turn to Saint and fold my arms. “It was an innocent conversation. One I’m entitled to fucking have.”

“She curses.” Saint feigns shock. “Impressive.”

“I’m serious, dude.” I blink. “What’s the deal with Felix? Why do you have so much beef with him?”

Saint’s jaw tightens as he contemplates something. “Listen, trust me when I say he’s not who he seems to be. Guy’s a grade A piece of shit.”

“And I’m supposed to take your word on it because?”

“Because…I like you Bex. I don’t want you getting mixed up in some shit you can’t get out of.”

I let out an incredulous laugh. “Oh, like being blackmailed into being someone’s bitch? Being followed around by a bunch of guys to appease their psycho leader?”

“Hey,” he pouts as Riggs and Levi head to the table laughing, like they didn’t just morph into scarier versions of ‘Predator.’ “And here I thought we were becoming friends.”