I jog back inside, heading down the hallway near the band room.
Voices carry through the metal lockers. That’s when I freeze.
It’s Nico’s.
“Mind your fucking business,” he spits.
My stomach drops. I creep closer, hiding behind a row of lockers.
Rod’s voice follows, smug. “You were never supposed to join the pool.”
Pool? My chest tightens. What pool?
“You’re mad because she’s my fucking woman,” Nico snaps. “Get over it. If you ever thought I’d let you have what’s always been mine, you’re out of your fucking mind.”
My pulse hammers in my ears. Something isn’t clicking.
Rod’s tone turns razor sharp. “What happens when you humiliate her in front of the school? Don’t worry, I’ll be there to pick up the broken pieces.”
Humiliate who? My throat closes.
A sudden crash—then a groan. Someone has been struck.
“Touch her and I’ll gut you like a fish,” Nico growls.
“But you won’t,” Rod says smugly. “Too many cameras, you fucking mobster.”
Another crash. Another blow. More groans echo down the hall.
Rod’s laugh slithers through the hall. “You won the bet, Nico. Kissed her. Fucked her. Made her fall in love with you. But that look of hurt on her face? You’ll have to live with that forever.”
A bet.
The words hollow me out from the inside.
He made a bet? Took my virginity on a fucking dare?
Nico didn’t deny it. Not once.
My body shakes, rage clawing at my skin. My heart splinters, but I refuse to break down here in the hallway. Not where they can see me.
I spin on my heel and storm toward the student store, fingers flying across my phone screen.
Me: Javier, bring Fitz. Meet me at the student store.
Javier: On our way.
They arrive within minutes, eyes sharp, hands ready.
“What’s going on?” Javier asks.
“Don’t let anyone in,” I order, voice cold as ice.
“No problem,” Javier and Fitz answer in unison.
I key in the code and step into the dark office. Flick on the lights. My hands don’t shake. Not yet. The tears I swallow burn my throat, but they won’t fall. Not until I’m done.
A smile curves my lips as I walk to the intercom.
