Page 26 of The Lies We Steal

I didn’t want trouble. I wanted safe.

This opportunity, this school, is my chance to have that one day. A life I don't have to run from. Yet, I was still allowing myself to be affected by him.

Even though I knew what would happen if I involved myself with a boy like him.

My hands are sweating, this itching feeling on my palms. The same feeling I get every time I'm about to steal something off someone. It puts the taste in your mouth like nectar. Sweet and addictive.

It's why walking away from the wrong side of the tracks is so hard.

You know how bad it is for you. You've seen what it can do to you. But it feels so fucking good that you just have to have it.

You crave it. You'd do anything for it. You'd die for it.

“You have a grudge against that pen?” He says, still facing the front of the classroom.

It would seem I’m not the only one using their peripheral vision at the moment.

His voice does nothing but agitate me more. I mean, why is he even here? Does he even take this class?

I'm annoyed that he is stirring me like this.

It’s not unexpected, but you would think he would at least bring a sheet of paper and a pencil, a book even? Who shows up to class without supplies?

People like him have alwaysbotheredme. The ones who let their parents’ money manage all their problems. Never grasping what struggle means because mommy and daddy bailed them out of everything.

Sure, the people in this town were afraid of him. Him and his frothing dogs.

But what were they excepting four spoiled brats who relished in throwing tantrums? I mean they weren’t killers for Christ's sake, they’d be in jail if they were! They are just a pack of rich kids with bad attitudes.

“Are you even in this class?” As soon as I say it, I want to take it back. Not because I didn’t mean it, but because I know he’ll reply.

I shouldn't have even acknowledged him. But my mouth has never been good at keeping shut, especially when I'm annoyed.

We sit in silence and I hope, I fucking pray, he didn't hear me. That way I can forget I even spoke and get out of this class without a scratch.

He twists his head casually, looking directly at the side of my head as if he can’t believe I said anything either.

“No.” Is all I get.

Just leave it alone, Briar. Leave him alone.

“So what, you just sit in whatever class you want? Is that a perk of having your last name on a plaque outside of the library?” I glance over at him, his dark eyes observing my face.

Screw that. I'm going to make it clear to him that I'm not afraid of him or his friends. That messing with me is not a good idea.

A grin unfolds across his lips and I can’t help but wonder what he would look like when he smiles. If the simple movement would soften his features at all.

“Careful,” He suggests, “I wouldn’t go around speaking about things you don’t understand. You have no idea theperksI have because of my last name.”

I roll my eyes, clutching my pen tighter in my hand like it’s going to protect me somehow.

“Oh, I understand completely.” The only way you get over what scares you is to face it, tear it down so it becomes nothing but a pest. “You’re a posh boy who probably got his AMEX taken away? Are you punishing mommy and daddy for grounding you from your Lambo? Bored of your extravagant lifestyle and wanna cause a little trouble? Get over yourself and welcome to every rich teen cliche. You’re not special.”

Yikes, Briar, that was harsh. More so than I would have liked to be, but I wanted to make it very clear I wasn’t going to let him or his crazy-ass friends push me around. I refused to be invisible Briar here.

It’s not like they could do anything to me.

Nothing too damaging.