Page 31 of Cruel Titan

Stepping into the kitchen does nothing to deter my parents. They continue to argue while the housekeeper places lunch on the table. “Good.”

Victoria shoves past me, whipping around to stand in front of me. “You went too far this time.”

“Okay.” Walking to the refrigerator, I grab a water, then search the cabinets where the aspirin is usually kept. My head had been pounding before, but the sound of angry, yelling voices is making it worse.

Tossing a few pills into my mouth, I down them with a gulp of water while watching my dad become more and more infuriated, slamming his fists against the table. Standing from his chair, he snatches a plate, throwing it across the room. It smashes into the wall, shattering into slivers with a loud crash as my mother jumps up from her seat, backing away from him. He stalks forward, his arm snapping out to strike her across the face with a loud smack before his hands wrap around her throat.

Rage consumes me as I rush across the room, slamming into him. Right on cue, his hands release her neck and reach for me. I pound my fist against his face, striking his eye, then cock back for another swing, but his fist crashes into my jaw, knocking me to the side. I regain my stance and swing, my fist connecting with his stomach.

My mother screams in the background, pleading with us to stop. When a strong grip wraps around me, hauling me back, I fight against the hold. Elliot yells for me to calm down but I can’t while I’m being restrained, which he’s aware of. He releases me, shoving me away, putting himself in between me and my dad.

Victoria’s sobs grow louder, and my mom’s screams cease as she hurries out of the room.

“Let’s go,” Elliot commands, pushing me back farther. He grabs Victoria by the arm, hauling her out of the kitchen and to the garage. Elliot slams the button on the wall, causing the garage door to open, revealing his car parked just outside. He yanks the passenger door of his car open, releasing Victoria’s arm. “Get in.”

“No,” Victoria slams the door shut, shoving against him as she heads to her car.

He attempts to stop her while yelling at me, “You too. Let’s go.”

I don’t want company, and it looks like they are more than occupied with each other, which gives me the opportunity to get into my own car and drive away. Leaving won’t change the disaster left behind, but I still drive away as fast as I can.

23

Quinn

Grant is telling me how his project is going as we walk out of class, heading to our vehicles. I’m so grateful the school day is over. I thought this Monday would be the worst but since I’ve kicked a few things into motion, the day was quite fun. Even Grant isn’t as bothersome as usual, but I still don’t plan on talking to him outside of woodshop related discussions.

“Quinn,” Connor jogs up as we make our way through the hallway.

“Hey, Connor. How’s it going?”

His infuriated look tells me he’s already gotten the news. “You know how it’s going.”

I giggle, looking over at Grant. “I don’t think he’s having a good day.”

Grant shoots me a confused look as we push through the doors, making our way down the front stairs. Casually, I pull my key fob out of my bag, looking to Grant who is still unsure about what’s going on. “See you tomorrow.”

As I continue walking, I hear Connor yell out, “Hastings.”

Good. I grin, looking back to Asher as I continue walking through the parking lot, Connor on my heels as Asher joins the party.

Connor turns to Asher. “Did you know she was going to do it?”

“Do what?” Asher asks flatly.

“My dad just got fired. The entire football season has been suspended.”

A cheesy grin fills my face. I was hoping it would be more than a slap on the wrist, and Principal Huntington didn’t disappoint.

Asher looks to me with curiosity then back to Connor. “Okay.”

“‘Okay’ … are you frickin’ kidding me? She got the entire department disbanded.”

“Are you sure it was my fault?” It was. But Connor gave me the motive. He screwed with my life for money. I’m turning his upside down for fun.

Connor steps in front of me, leaning in my face. “I know it was you.”

Standing firm, I reply with delight, “Ding, ding, ding! You’re correct. Hope the money was worth it.”