Page 83 of The Deceptions

Growing up in a criminal family definitely had its downsides. I wasn’t expected to go to college. In fact, my father wanted to marry me off to the highest bidder. Gary won that bid, I guess. I wonder where that old fuck is now? Hopefully, in a grave after he was murdered. Fucker. Although, at one point, I heard my father and Franco in talks for my hand in marriage to Hux.

Someway, somehow, my father fucked everything up. At least, I think he did. Sometimes I’m not sure why my entire family was wiped off the map. Why I died. Was there a real reason behind the attack? I’m sure in their eyes there was. But for me? There were no answers to my questions as I begged for my family’s lives. Only betrayals, with zero remorse and death.

“So, it’s your senior year, right?” Wade asks, looking at me expectantly as I lose myself to my endless thoughts of the past.

“Yup,” I say, running a hand through my shaggy locks–something I’m not sure I’ll get used to.

I haven’t had short hair since I was seven and took the scissors to my locks. Man, my mama freaked out, cursing me up and down the hallway. And then, when she calmed down, Mama took me to the hairdresser she used and fixed it into a cute bob. From then on, I swore I wouldn’t do that to myself again.

Sorry, Mama. I broke my promise.

It’s been an adjustment in the shower too, using less shampoo. Not to mention the men’sHead and ShouldersJordy left me and insisted I use it on everything. I mean, come on. They make men’s body wash. Why am I using this 3-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash on every bit of my body?

Ugh.

I can’t wait for this case to be over so I can leave and forget I ever came back here. But that would be too easy, wouldn’t it?

“Me too,” Wade says, filling the silence as more students walk through the classroom doors and take their seats, talking with their friends, and laughing loudly.

“You been here all four years?” I eye him as he nods, his shaggy blond hair falling into his eyes.

“Oh, yeah. I’m sure you’ve heard by now that my mom is the Dean.” His eyes roll toward the ceiling, and he huffs.

“It may have been brought up in conversation.” I shrug.

“I’m not a snitch, if that’s what you’re thinking,” he says, leaning into me slightly. “Your secrets are safe with me, I swear to fuck.” His hands go up in surrender.

“Uh, thanks, dude. I appreciate it. Your secrets are safe with me, too.” I nod in confirmation as the teacher walks in from a doorway near his podium at the front of the classroom, fiddling with a stack of papers.

“So, are you going to the Coliseum this weekend? I’m assuming Si is dragging you along.” He smirks, popping a dimple in his left cheek.

“Uh, maybe.”

“If Si is going, he won’t give you much of a choice,” Wade chuckles. “You’re all he can talk about these last few days. He’s been insistent I introduce myself, but I haven’t had time,” he sighs, running a hand through his hair.

“So, you volunteer at a shelter?” I inquire, attempting to get a read on the guy. Everyone seems to like him around here,including Simon. Students pass by, saying hello to Wade with grins and blushes.

Wade’s eyes light up, pride shining back at me. “Oh, yeah. The animal shelter a few blocks from here. My aunt owns the place, and I stop by to help bathe the dogs and cats before they see the vet. It’s really rewarding to get them healthy and adopt them out.” His chest puffs out with pride. “I really love the job. I try to go there throughout the week during the school year, but it’s hard sometimes. If you ever want to join, I’d be happy to introduce you.” He grins more, leaning over my way, ready to say more.

“Well, well, well,” a familiar voice taunts with a haunting voice that’s been slithering through my nightmares and kicking up my heart rate.

“I’ll always love you, Livy,” he whispers in my ear, pulling me closer to the warmth of his body. “Forever and always, Buttercup.”

“Forever and always,” I murmur sleepily on the treehouse floor as the moon shines brightly and the stars illuminate the dead of night.

This is where I find my peace.

Or did.

“Fuck,” Wade grunts, pulling back with a frown and flicking his eyes to the new figure standing in front of our table. “Mack.”

My heart skips a beat at the sound of Mack’s voice. His presence. The fucking aura emanating off him. The hairs on my arms stand on end when I finally lift my chin and stare into the iciness of his eyes. Being this close to the man who decimated my being makes me want to run in the opposite direction. My fingers twitch at my sides as he looks me up and down.

“You’re that fucker.” Mack points a menacing finger at me as a demented grin twists his lips.

I tilt my head, unable to utter a word in his presence, which doesn’t do me any good. I’m supposed to get on their good side, join their frat, and be their bestie. But after provoking Hux on Monday, I don’t think they like Oliver very much. Too bad, so sad. Those fuckers are going to have to put up with me whether they like it or not.

“Mack,” Wade warns in a low voice.