Page 80 of The Invite (The Massacre Ball #1)

Nessa

Returning to school is a bittersweet feeling.

Several reasons are contributing to it.

I hate that things blew apart just as I was getting into the stride of teaching. It was a reprieve from the loneliness and the stress of everything else in my life. Until Amber’s death came in like a wrecking ball and dismantled all the progress I made.

As if I’m not nervous enough, I have to face Ace too and pretend he’s not the man I thought he was. Sweet, my ass. A friend, hardly. I also need to pretend he hasn’t seen me naked and tasted my pussy while Augustus…

I can’t even finish the thought.

Even after two days, I feel like I hallucinated it all. How stupid could I be? Why did my instincts stray me wrong? Ace is a wolf hiding in sheep’s clothing. A disguise he played too excellently.

I’m also mad at Augustus. However, I also know I’ll forgive him, especially with all the groveling he’s been doing since Saturday.

Kissing me, washing my hair, feeding me junk food, and binge-watching all of Al Pacino’s movies with me. He didn’t even fuck me, just gave me countless orgasms until my legs turned into jelly. Without bothering about his pleasure.

Who am I kidding? I have forgiven him.

Besides, we have much bigger problems to deal with. Like how I need to contact Agent Michael for my weekly call. But I’m yet to buy a burner phone.

Augustus hardly ever lets me out of his sight. So, I don’t know how I can sneak away to meet either Detective Arjun, who is my point of contact to update Michael in case I can’t call. I debated texting him from my normal phone, but it’s too risky.

Plus, I’m under strict orders not to unless it’s through a burner phone.

Again, I can’t go buy one with Augustus attached to my hip twenty-four seven. If it’s not him, then it’s Maverick.

The worst part is it’s coming from a place of protectiveness, not control. I can’t fault him for that. It’s one of the things I love about him.

After Anonymous, the deadlier danger is Debolina, who has her eyes set on me. I know deep down that she’s waiting for the right time to attack.

She won’t succeed.

I’m not the weak little girl she remembers.

Parking the SUV in my spot at the school, I grab my purse from the passenger seat and step out of the car.

Immediately, all eyes fall on me.

Judgmental.

Disgusted.

Invasive.

My skin prickles like I’m being stung by a group of bees. I’m so glad I didn’t let Augustus drop me off. Coming with him would’ve drawn extra attention I didn’t need. He only agreed because he has a tracker in the car, so he’s aware about my whereabouts at all times.

It takes every ounce of strength to keep walking with my chin held high. The whispers start. Students and teachers alike. Unlike the adults who have the sense to keep it quiet, the spoiled teenagers do not.

“What did Augustus see in her?”

“Isn’t she, like, super old?”

“You mean cougar?”

My gait falters and so does my gaze, burning in shame. They continue insulting me without a hint of fear.

“Yeah, why would Augustus want saggy boobs?”

“Must be th—”

Their voices cut off abruptly, making me frown.

A shadow falls on my right. “Chin up, sweetness.”

I glance up at Ace, his hand squeezing mine secretly. His eyes are on the girls. One glare from him sends them running. Even I’m low-key terrified of his expression, which is why I don’t even react as he guides me inside the brick building.

As soon as we’re alone in the teachers’ lounge, clarity comes and I whip toward him. My pissed-off stare is met with boredom as he strolls past me to his desk and dumps his satchel on it.

There’s nothing friendly about the man before me, even though he just rescued me. His handsome features are set in stone. The energy exuding from him is cold and impassive. I may as well have imagined the old him.

He is much worse than Augustus, if I’m honest.

No wonder they became close friends after meeting through Maverick.

I also learned little tidbits about Ace. Most of what Ace shared with me is true. He moved here three years ago after his mom passed. It was his choice to keep his connection to the Sinclair family hidden by using his mother’s maiden name, Melrose.

As for him not knowing his father, Maverick’s dad’s brother, it’s a lie he told me to gain sympathy. His dad died when he was a child.

Apart from that, Ace is a mystery.

Dumping my purse on my desk, I tell him, “If you’re expecting a thank-you, don’t.”

“Here I never thought I’d see the day,” he taunts, sitting down on the chair.

His unbothered tone makes me snap. “And stop calling me sweetness.”

Swiveling the chair, he twirls in my direction and stretches back. Gaze becoming hooded as it travels up my calves, he drawls, “You taste like candy. The proof was on my tongue on Friday, sweetness . Remember?”

The blush creeps up my cheeks as the memory flashes before my eyes. Of course he’d bring that up. I have no regrets about it.

“You never apologized for tricking me, Ace.”

“An apology is for when the person regrets what they did,” he says. “I don’t. And I still more than made up for it. An exception I made solely because Augustus is head over heels for you.”

It dawns on me that I’m wasting my breath on him, and I retort, “You’d make a fortune in acting.”

The bell rings, indicating it’s ten minutes before the first period begins. I grab my purse and the books before walking out of the room. Ace’s gaze burns into my back until I’m out of his sight.

This time around, I meet the stares of the students and staff head-on as I pass them in the hallway. I dare them to utter a word.

It’s a strange feeling when I enter the classroom.

A different one. Yet my eyes automatically flash to the middle of the room, expecting a body dangling from the ceiling.

I blink away the haunting memory. However, when I look at Kaid, Wolf, Scarlett, and Maverick—who’s back after his suspension—I know we’re all picturing the same thing.

The energy in the room is heavy and awkward as everyone quiets down.

“Morning, kids,” I greet with a small smile. “How’s everyone doing?”

A few replies ring out.

“Before we start, I’d like to take a moment to talk about the tragic loss of one of your peers. Amber. While she may have committed a crime by lying about her identity, she didn’t deserve to die. She was an intelligent, sweet, and vibrant girl. I’m going to miss her.”

Kaid avoids my gaze as I look in his direction. Guilt, perhaps?

Clearing my throat, I ask the class, “If any of you would like to say a few words in her memory, please come forward.”

Not a single hand rises and it’s heartbreaking that she had no friends.

And the one she thought she did—killed her.

***

The rest of the day goes by uneventfully.

As I’m walking to the parking lot, deep in thought, someone steps up to me. I slap a hand on my chest, trying to calm my frantic heart. “Ace, what the hell?”

“I’m catching a ride with you,” he replies, matching his stride with mine.

“Why?”

“Meeting with Augustus to discuss the plan for the ball.”

I forgot about that. “Then drive on your own.”

“Flat tire.”

We reach my car. His is parked beside mine with all four tires intact. I arch a brow. “Really? Lying again?”

He walks to his car, opens the driver’s door, and yanks something out. Then stabs it in the front tire until the air hisses out. Turning to me, he gestures to the tire. “There. It’s flat. Can I get a ride now, sweetness?”

My jaw hangs open and I shut it with a huff. Every single one of them is nuts. “Fine. No talking. I don’t want to hear a peep from you.”

His lips tilt up. “How long are you going to stay mad?”

“I’m not mad. I just don’t trust you anymore. I was happy that I formed a genuine friendship with someone. A first for me. Only for it to turn out to be a sham.”

I’m disappointed at the lack of remorse.

“Fair enough,” he finally utters, and rounds the SUV to the passenger side.

I unlock the car and slide into the driver’s seat. Once he’s in, I start the engine and drive us to my place. He wisely stays quiet the entire time, fiddling with the radio instead.

At this rate, I’ll never get a chance to call Michael.

It’s time to take a gamble.

With Augustus being busy forming a plan with Ace and Maverick, today is my best chance. I need to come up with a believable excuse.

When we arrive at my house, Augustus is waiting on the porch. My mood brightens at the sight of him. Love and warmth overdose my bloodstream. While my body trembles with the need to throw myself into his embrace.

As I pull into the driveway, he jogs to my side, mirroring my emotions.

The window is down, so he’s easily able to reach inside and unlock the door. I laugh as he eagerly picks me up and fuses his mouth with mine. I open up to let his tongue in and kiss him back with twice as much passion.

“Missed you, honey,” he groans, before diving in again.

“Me too,” I pant, caressing his cheek. Kissing me lazy and sweet until my toes tingle, he pulls back and sets me down. I note it’s just the two of us. “August?”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t think I can be around Ace or Maverick.”

His roaming hands pause on my hips. His eyebrows pulling together in concern. “Tell me how to make it up to you, Ness. I can’t stand you being mad at me.”

“I’m not upset with you.” I brush my fingertips over my name inked on his throat. “It’s just hard. Okay? I need some time.”

“I understand that. You don’t have to be their friends or forgive them, but try to be around them.

At least until we put Anonymous into the ground,” he implores.

“These men are the only ones I’d trust to bring anywhere near you.

If something happens to me, I trust them to guard you with their lives. ”

“If something happens to you, I’m not spending another minute on this earth.”

His face crumbles. “Honey.”

“It goes both ways, Augustus. My heart beats as long as you’re near it.” Hugging him, I whisper against his chest, “You die, I die. That’s how it goes. You’re not convincing me otherwise.”

He sighs, kissing the top of my head. “I won’t.”

“I’ll give Ace and Maverick another chance when I’m ready.”

“Take however long you need.”

Pressing a kiss against the ink on his neck, I pull back. “You all can discuss the plan or whatever. I’ll just go to the mall and get my nails done.” And buy a burner phone. “I’ll return once they’re gone.”

His features harden. “You’re not going alone.”

“I’ll be fine. No one’s attacking me in broad daylight,” I reason with him, praying he agrees. “You have me tracked. So, you’ll know where I am the entire time. I’ll be around hundreds of people.”

He mulls it over for long seconds, leaving me tense.

“Fine.”

I sigh.

Cupping my face, he sternly orders, “Video call me when you get there. I want to see you the entire time. Okay?”

“Okay,” I reply happily, and press a quick smooch against his lips.

“One hour, Ness. Then I’m coming to get you.”

“Yes, sir.”

His eyes flash with mirth. Slapping my ass, he playfully warns, “Go before I change my mind.”

I’m inside the car, reversing it, and pulling onto the street in less than a minute. Augustus’s body reflects in the rearview mirror until I turn to the main road. I drive fast, cutting through traffic.

Once at the mall, I take the elevators straight to the electronics shop I visited the last time to purchase a secondhand phone. The same lanky teen stands behind the counter. I can’t tell if he recognizes me, though.

“Yes?”

“I need a burner phone.”

“It’ll be fifty dollars.”

Damn. “I’d like one.”

“Cool,” he replies. “Let me get it.”

After ten minutes, I’m all set and find a quiet spot to first text Arjun and lie I have no news regarding my spying mission. Then I dial Michael’s number. My feet tap on the ground nervously as I wait for him to pick up.

“Nessa,” his voice filters through, “I was waiting for you to call.”

“I’m still alive,” I flatly reply. “Are we done?”

“I have good news.”

I’m instantly alert. “You caught Debolina?”

“Close. We’ve found a solid lead. The cabin she’s been staying at on the outskirts of town. We’re preparing a team to catch her.”

My heart soars with hope. “When?”

“I can’t share the details, but it’ll be soon. Until then, stay alert.”

“I will.”

“I’ll talk to you soon.” He hangs up.

I exhale a rough breath. One more week and I’ll eliminate the two biggest threats in my life. The sixteen-year-old me never thought she’d get a happily ever after. Now, I’m more closer to it than ever.

Hope blossoms inside my chest.

Fallthorne just may turn out to be my second chance at a new life.