Page 19

Alex

“I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

Adrian’s words coming out of Jordy’s mouth is one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever heard. Even more bizarre than Jordy nearly punching a hole in my car window on the way to Mason’s and then spending the next four hours acting like nothing ever happened.

But Jordy’s good at putting up a front. As hard as she works to make herself look like an airbrushed goddess, she’s shockingly deficient when it comes to basic self-esteem. Her confidence comes from fear, and she knows I don’t pine for anyone, including her.

“I decided this before we were even a thing.”

She pinches her brows with disgust. “Well, what am I supposed to do, Alex?”

I stare back at her blankly. “What do you mean?”

She rolls her eyes like I’m being intentionally daft. “Am I just supposed to pick up and follow you wherever you go?”

I long blink.

Shit.

“Jordy,” I speak slowly and clearly, “I think you’ve misunderstood our relationship in a very fundamental way.”

“And what way is that?” she snaps with indignance.

“This was never meant to last past graduation.”

Assumptions were made in Leland Wiltshire’s pole building and silent terms agreed upon. Jordy and I party together, we have a good time, and my house is the perfect escape for her when she needs it. It doesn’t go any deeper than that. But clearly, the terms have changed. Regardless, Jordyn Harrington’s not going anywhere with me. When I leave Dire Ridge, I’m going alone.

“This isn’t over, Alex,” she hisses. “You can’t just throw me out like trash once you’ve gotten what you want.”

Apparently not, because she storms out of the bedroom and forgets her goddamn phone. I don’t even know why I bother picking it up, I know she’ll be back for it in less than five seconds because it might as well be surgically attached to her hand. But I’m sick of dealing with her and don’t want her coming back later.

But then I pause, noticing my name on the screen. Her texts are still open to her perpetual conversation with Lori. Shock of shocks…

But the more I skim the texts, the clearer—and more disturbing—everything becomes.

JORDY (9:14PM): Alex says he’s going. He’s a stubborn fucking asshole and he’s not going to change his mind.

LORI (9:15PM): Didn’t you say he has a trust fund?

JORDY (9:15PM): Yeah I think so

LORI (9:16PM): Well if he won’t marry you then make sure he knocks you up before he leaves.

JORDY (9:17PM): He won’t care

LORI (9:17PM): He’ll care when he’s on the hook with a child for 18 years

I read the last text over…and over…and over.

And when I finally look up, Jordy’s standing in the doorway, staring at me like a deer in headlights.

●●●

If I could bottle Dallas Lutz’s facial expressions, I would. I’d keep a case hidden from everyone else, so I could guzzle them whenever I want. I don’t actually want to scare her, but the look on her face and the sound of her voice when I fuck with her makes me want to do it even more.

Like clockwork, Dallas comes waltzing across the parking lot to Colson’s car 10 minutes after dismissal. Her eyes gloss over me, as expected, and she tosses her bag in the passenger seat and climbs inside to distract herself with her phone.

I upped the ante this afternoon, so she probably thinks I’ll lay off. But she’ll get no relief from me. Instead, I pull out my phone and shoot her a text.

ME (3:42PM): You forgot your glasses case. Again.

I know she sees it, because she starts looking around impatiently until Colson gets in the car. I turn away with a chuckle and head to my SUV, debating whether to actually give her case back or just keep it. It’s the only thing I’ve put down her throat so far, and I didn’t expect her to be so good at it.

As soon as I turn down the next row, I see a tall figure standing at my hood, leaning against the grill guard. I recognize the unruly blonde hair and let out an exasperated sigh. For whatever reason that Austin Bostwick is waiting for me at my vehicle, it’s not lost on me that he chose to do it when no one else is around. I'd say he's smart, but smart would be if he didn't approach me at all.

He pushes off my bumper and turns in my direction with a snotty look of disdain. I walk straight past him to my door, unlock it, and toss my backpack across the console. Only then do I acknowledge his presence.

“Stay away from Dallas.”

He gets right to the point.

“What are you, her bodyguard?” I grin.

He ignores my sarcasm and takes a step forward. “She doesn’t need you fucking with her head.”

Except that’s exactly what she needs right now. Because while I’m setting up shop in her head, she doesn’t have time to dwell on the horrific details of her sister’s death.

“Valiant,” I nod, gazing across the parking lot. “Did she ask you to talk to me?”

If I didn’t already know the answer before, his silence confirms it.

“Then let me know when she does.”

“Does her brother know what you’re doing? Maybe someone should enlighten him.”

I cock my head with intrigue. He must be some kind of bothered if he’s threatening to run off and tell Colson— my best friend—some juicy stories about me and his sister.

“That’s a solid idea, Bos. Tell Colson your theory. You know how much he loves unsubstantiated rumors about one of his sisters.”

He clenches his jaw, knowing damn well Colson would never take his word over mine.

“Since when do you give a shit about someone like her?” he shrugs. “She’s nothing special.”

I don’t know whether he says it to get a rise out of me or if he’s actually serious, but I’m about two seconds from making his face a permanent fixture in my grill. Instead, I raise an eyebrow, unimpressed with his strategy.

“I’ve been going in and out of that house since before your balls dropped. You think I don’t know what Dallas does when she thinks no one’s watching?” I smirk. “If you knew, I bet you’d think it was pretty special.”

That one lights him up.

“ You don’t know a fucking thing about her, ” he growls.

“Maybe not. But I bet it gets pretty slick between those thick little thighs of hers whenever I walk through that door.”

He glares back at me, then opens his mouth like he’s going to say something, but thinks better of it.

Done with this conversation, I wink at him, duck into my driver’s seat, and slam the door. I’ve grown bored of Bostwick and his weak attempts at intimidation. I doubt he’s ever tasted blood on his tongue from a fist to the mouth or ever returned the gesture. And if I could ever be afraid of anyone, it certainly wouldn’t be someone like him.

I crank up my music and head home. I’ve been staying away from my house more than usual. I don’t feel like arguing with Adrian, and if I can avoid Luca until graduation, then I’ll be happy. On one hand, it maintains my sanity, but on the other, there’s no one to keep an eye on the things I’ve hidden away—the irreplaceable things. After what happened last summer, I’m not taking any chances.

As soon as I open the closet door, the walls start screaming at me, calling me to the one place I hope no one can see but me. Crouching down, I shove aside a tote full of camping supplies and run my fingers over the smooth seam on the wall, only slightly visible. The irony is staggering; my brother runs an entire contracting firm and, yet, I’m the one who knocked a hole in this wall and did such a shitty job repairing it.

Adrian would be mortified. But it doesn’t matter; the wall is still intact and everything hidden behind the scraps of drywall, spackle, and paint. I don’t know how long it’ll stay here. I can’t take everything with me, but I also don’t want to leave it here.

Dallas has seen some of my secrets. She doesn’t know what most of them mean, but I already know, without a shadow of a doubt, that if I asked her to, she would keep them safe. I’ll keep her secrets safe, maybe she’ll do the same for me.

Maybe she’ll guard them with her life instead of using them to destroy me.

●●●

The idea that I’m hiding out at Aiden’s house while trying to escape my own is laughable. The Rafferty house is a haunted Pandora’s box ready to burst at the seams, only more expensive. It’s like Siberia; cold, foreboding, and full of predators. But still, I run to the grey stone mansion with its marble floors, Persian rugs, and priceless black-market antiquities without hesitation.

The house is usually empty during the week. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Aiden lived by himself on the sprawling grounds. His father travels often, typically overseas negotiating land development deals. His stepmother, Alaina, may or may not accompany him, spending money and doing whatever the hell she does.

I’m waiting for Aiden to come downstairs so we can finally start a movie when I get a text.

DALLAS (7:34PM): Mads…which one should I wear tomorrow? Can u see either one thru this shirt?

Mads? She has to be referring to her friend, I think her name is Maddie.

A few seconds later, a barrage of images come through. The first one is a picture of Dallas in front of a bathroom mirror from the waist up, dressed only in a light pink bra. It doesn’t look like the Lutz’s house, though.

I glance up, tracking Aiden across the second floor as he disappears into another dark corridor. I scroll to the next picture, where she’s wearing a light grey tank top. I immediately return to the first, admiring her shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders, framing her round face.

The next set of pictures is more of the same, except she’s wearing a white lace bra instead of a smooth pink one. I listen for Aiden’s footsteps and rake my teeth over my bottom lip. She has the most bored look on her face, but fuck if her eyes aren’t the most vibrant blue I’ve ever seen. I smile to myself, gazing at her wide hips and the tight curve of her tits. She can’t be more than a B. All of it went to her ass, anyway, which is how I like it.

ME (7:39PM): The second one

Dallas must not be too put off if she’s texting me half-naked pictures of herself. In fact, she’s being downright inviting after what happened today. So much so that I’m about to cut my night short and head home with enough time to stop at Dallas’s house. Her evil little plan is working; now I want to see her more than anything.

While I’m contemplating this, another text comes through.

JORDY (7:42PM): Are you going tomorrow?

I don’t even bother responding. Jordy won’t let up about the goddamn prom, even after I tossed her ass onto the floor in front of the entire cafeteria. And now she’s asking if I’ll be at the old railroad bridge with everyone tomorrow night. Instead of the usual pre-prom gathering, we have something else planned, and it doesn’t involve finger foods and 50 photos in front of someone’s grand staircase.

Bryce Decker took it upon herself to organize a different kind of party. There’s a reason she’s the valedictorian, always meticulous, preparing and thinking ahead. Less than one percentage point separated her and Colson from the honor, and it’s up for debate whether she spent her high school career working harder to get into the Ivy League or Colson Lutz’s good graces.

Bryce ended up getting accepted to Princeton. Now, she’s hell-bent on one more type of acceptance before giving her farewell speech and leaving Dire Ridge for New England. And as much as Colson’s been stringing her along since the first day of senior year, I’ll be shocked if she doesn’t get her wish.

I keep my texts open, waiting for a response from Dallas, but the next one’s just another disappointment.

JORDY (7:46PM): I’m not going to bother if you aren’t going to be there

I bet you won’t . It’s been a long year, and I’m just trying to make it to graduation. It doesn’t help that Jordy and I have so many mutual friends. I can’t just ice her out like I’d do with anyone else because she’ll just pop up somewhere like a tick on a dog.

Finally, I get what I’m waiting for.

DALLAS (7:47PM): Sorry wrong number

The fuck it is.

ME (7:47PM): Where you going?

DALLAS (7:48PM): Out

ME (7:48PM): With who?

DALLAS (7:49PM): People

Maybe she is that put off, in which case she’s going to make me chase her around town again. While I’m mulling over the logistics, Aiden’s heavy footfalls signal his return. With a flick of his wrist, he knocks over a silver picture frame on the antique sideboard as he passes. The wedding photo of his father and stepmother falls face down with a clink.

“Where’s Alaina?” I ask as he swaggers toward me.

“Why?” he smirks. “You interested?”

“Even if I were, I haven’t seen her around here for—” I pause to think, “at least a couple months.”

“Yeah, neither have I,” Aiden gives a coy smile before it morphs into a loathsome sneer. “Fuck that bitch.”

“Is she…” I arch my brow, “ gone? ”

I ask knowing it’s highly improbable that a gold-digging trophy wife like her would ever leave Aiden’s father. The man is cutthroat and ruthless, and there’s zero chance that any woman would leave that marriage with a penny from him. But, still, the Rafferty house runs on routine, and I know exactly when I’m likely to see Aiden’s parents and when I’m not.

“Who can say?” Aiden muses. “Karma catches up with everyone eventually.”

Whatever. I’ll find out later, I always do. In the meantime, I have business of my own to attend to.

“I need to go to Col’s—Dallas’s.” I’m not used to referring to the Lutz’s house as anything except Colson’s.

“Perve,” Aiden snickers.

“You would know.”

“What for?”

“I need to return something.”

“Well, then,” he picks up the remote and turns off the flat screen above the stone fireplace, “let’s go on a field trip.”

Dallas hates Aiden, but I figure if she’s not home, then she doesn’t need to know he’s with me. When we arrive, the house looks dark and Colson’s Civic is gone. Regardless, we jog up the front steps and ring the doorbell. If Christy or Scott are home, they’ll let us in, just like every other time any of us knock on their door.

“What are you returning, anyway?” Aiden asks, gazing out across the dark lawn.

“Her glasses case.”

He shakes his head. “God, you’re such a skeeze.”

“Fuck off.”

When there’s no answer, we head to the garage and I type in the code we’ve all had memorized since middle school. Seconds later, we’re inside the house and making our way upstairs. Arriving at Dallas’s room, I open the door and step inside without a thought. But as soon as I look up, I catch sight of a figure sitting upright at the head of Dallas’s bed, their back against the wall and legs straight out in front of them.

It’s definitely not her.

“ Jesus! ” I gasp, stumbling backward into Aiden.

He grabs my shoulders with a curse as I smack the wall, searching for the light switch. I finally find it and light floods the room. But then my terror turns to utter confusion.

“ Rory? ”

He doesn’t move, only stares back at us from the bed. Goosebumps skitter up my arms and an uneasiness settles in my gut. He shouldn’t be here, and there’s something incredibly disturbing about the way he’s sitting leisurely in Dallas’s Pepto Bismol pink room, on her fluffy white comforter.

“The fuck are you doing here?” Aiden snaps over my shoulder.

“I should ask you the same thing,” Rory deadpans.

The more I look at him, the fewer patience I have. “No, really, what are you doing here?”

Finally, he cracks a smile. “I have a date with Elina.”

Oh shit...

“Dude, are you on something right now?” Aiden’s tone softens. “You’re in Colson’s house, sitting in his sister’s room, like a fucking creep.”

“Yeah,” Rory cocks his head, “and when she comes back, I’m going to lock that door and tear her ass up. She’s going to find out what I’m like face to face instead of behind a screen.”

The adrenaline is pumping, and the more he talks, the more everything melts away and tunnel vision takes hold.

Aiden gives an exasperated sigh. “What are you babbling about?”

“Since you’re here, you want a piece?” Rory asks with a flash of his eyes. “You can have as much fun with her as you want. I’ll get a few pictures, and afterward, it’ll be like we were never here.”

My jaw is clenched so hard that my teeth are about to crack.

“What?” Aiden asks again.

“Dallas is Elina,” I blurt out, not taking my eyes off Rory. “She’s been hustling him, pretending to be Elina the entire time. She sends him fake nudes and he sends her money.”

Rory’s eyes dart to me, his expression turning loathsome. Out of the corner of my eye, Aiden slowly swivels his head to look at me.

“You knew?” Rory growls.

“I knew.” The details don’t matter, only what I’m about to do.

Before Rory can respond, I storm across the room and grab the front of his shirt, jerking him off the bed and throwing him to the floor with a bang. I straddle his torso while he fights me, but I slam his chest back down and throw my forearm across his throat, pinning him to the floor.

“I’m going to make this really simple for you,” I snarl. “I’m going to let you walk out of here and not mention to Col that you were in here, lying in wait like a fucking ghoul.”

“Or what?” Rory sneers from beneath my arm.

I only have one response, and that’s to rip my knife from my pocket. I flip it open as Aiden steps in front of me and crouches down, grabbing Rory’s forehead with one hand and seizing his jaw with the other.

Holding him immobile, Aiden hovers over him. “Do you honestly think whatever juvenile shit she did to you is going to matter once Alex starts removing your teeth?” He pries Rory’s mouth open as he struggles. “You know we’ve done it before. And practice makes perfect.”

I adjust the black handle for precision and focus on one of his premolars, inserting the blade just past his lip.

“Last chance to reconsider, Ror,” Aiden glares down at him.

He replies with a garbled, “Fuck you!” and Aiden tightens his grip, pulling his lip up to give me a clear view of his tooth.

I slip the tip of the knife into his gum line and apply pressure. Immediately, his body goes rigid and he lets out a guttural howl. I press harder until blood starts beading at his gums and seeping across his tooth.

“Had enough?” I say through clenched teeth, to which he gives a sharp nod. I extract the knife and lean closer. “Mark my words, if you ever look at Dallas again, I’ll fucking kill you. ”

I let my words sink in for a few seconds before letting my arm relax and moving to stand. Aiden releases Rory’s head and does the same as I flip my knife shut and replace it in my pocket. Rory snaps his mouth shut, tonguing the wound while glaring up at us. When I’ve decided he’s not moving fast enough, I grab the front of his shirt and jerk him to his feet. He tries to come at me, but Aiden grabs the back of his neck and gives him a shove out the door.

I start to follow, but my legs don’t move, frozen in front of Dallas’s bed. All I can do is stare at the indentation from Rory’s body on her comforter. Once I hear the kitchen door shut downstairs, I know that Aiden and Rory are out of the house. But I keep staring at the bed for nearly a minute, until I force myself to move.

I start smoothing out Dallas’s comforter until there’s no sign anyone was ever there. And when I finally leave and shut her door behind me, I can only think about one thing.

What if I wasn’t here…

What if I wasn’t here…

What if I wasn’t here…