Page 20 of Cruel Titan

“Is there some reason you believe differently?” Nathan asks.

“No. We’re just trying to get the timeline straight and make sure we aren’t missing anything.”

“I’ve already told you everything I remember. I don’t think there’s anything else.” I just want all of it to be over. The questions. The lies. The nightmare.

“What about Davis? Did he approach you outside of the investigation?”

“No. Why?”

“Just have to ask. Since his memory is bad, we need to know of anything he might have asked or researched before his accident.”

“Anything you can think of?” Candace speaks up, looking to me.

“No. Nothing that I can recall.”

Candace looks to Taylor. “If anything comes up, we’ll give you a call, but I think that covers everything. This has been a difficult time for my daughter, so unless there’s a question she hasn’t answered repeatedly, I’ll show you out.”

For once, I’m thankful for Candace. I’m so ready for this to be over. I don’t want to relive that night over again, even aside from the mess of all the extra drama. That’s a night I just want to forget about as much as I can.

The detectives stand from the table as Nathan and Candace lead them to the front door, leaving me at the table alone. A hand lightly rests on my shoulder as I startle, looking back with relief when I spot Francis. “You did great, sweetie. Are you going to be all right?”

Nodding, I stand from the table. I hope so, anyways. I head back upstairs to my room, praying that I answered everything correctly to ensure Davis’s safety more so than my own. And now I’m questioning Asher’s motives even more than before, which isn’t surprising. He makes sure to throw me into turmoil at every turn, reminding me that I can’t trust him while questioning his true motivation. Hopefully, I get the opportunity to kick him in his pecker again soon. Hard.

14

Asher

Tilting the bottle, I down another heaping swallow of whiskey. My vision is starting to blur, but it’s clear to me that Elliot was right. Downing another generous gulp, I lean back against the stiff leather of the couch. I’m sitting in the corner as the party is in full swing around me, but I don’t join in because I don’t want to be here. With her is the only place I want to be. Turning the pint up, I drain the remaining amber liquid from the heavy glass bottle before releasing it to shatter against the marble floor.

“Whoa!” Elliot shouts. “Party foul!”

“It was empty.” It hadn’t been a full bottle when he’d passed it off to me, so he shouldn’t be surprised I finished it off. Leaning forward, I watch Elliot make his way over before holding his phone out as he plops down on the couch next to me.

“Call her. Just say you’re sorry. Kiss, fuck, make up.”

Shoving the phone away, my eyes scan the crowd that’s gathered, dancing as loud music fills the room. The blaring music should be enough to overpower my noisy thoughts, but it’s not. Nothing can draw me out of my head. I should know because it’s been my endless—and failed—quest for the last few months. “It’s not that simple.”

“It can be.”

“No. It can’t. You of all people should know that.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them, but his optimistic attitude is pissing me off. And even if it could work, I’m not about to grovel at her feet. She’s already turned me into a weak, pathetic version of myself that I don’t recognize and sure as hell don’t like.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Elliot asks, the optimism nowhere in his voice as a hint of soberness overtakes him. He continues in his quest to get my attention, asking the same question over and over as my fuzzy thoughts can’t form an answer I’d want to reveal to him.

“Figure it out since you’re so wise and full of shitty advice.”

“I’m glad she kneed you in the balls.”

Rotating to look at him, my furious glare has no effect as he continues to grin at me and takes another shot where he knows it will get to me. “I wonder if Coach Reed is spinning her around the dance floor as we speak.”

“Shut the hell up.” My fist balls up as Elliot stands, knowing even he can only push me so far, especially when it comes to Quinn. And that definitely hit a button because the ridiculous thought had crossed my mind—more than I care to admit.

“Just saying … even if she isn’t hot for the teacher, she’s bound to find someone to replace you soon enough. What are you going to do when you get that kick in the pecker?” Elliot steps backwards, pointing at me as he winks, “Maybe you should reconsider the kiss, fuck, and make up advice.” His amused expression finally disappears into the crowd to my relief.

I don’t want to think of her with anyone, but he’s right once again. It took everything I had not to knock Reed’s head off and shove it up his ass. There’s no way I can sit back and watch her with another guy. She will always be mine. I’ve known it since the first time I laid eyes on her. It’s my turn to make a move. Pushing off the couch, I head to the dance floor to put my plan in motion. I told her I’d play dirty, so here goes nothing.

15

Quinn