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“Sure,” I nod.
Half an hour later, I’m on my knees, two hands pressing on the harsh sponge as I violently attack a stain that’s not going away. I put my whole body into it, scrubbing back and forth. My tights are soaked, and my knees are wet from being on the mopped floor. Strands of hair have come out of my ponytail, falling in front of my eyes.
“Ugh,” I grunt out of frustration. My white Xi Ep t-shirt has wet patches, which causes my fuchsia bra to be visible underneath. I’m meant to be volunteering right now, not acting like I’m in a poorly scripted porno.
Two worn-out black boots step into my field of vision, right next to the stain I’m working on.
I peer up only to find Xi’s tall, broad form looking down at me.
23
ALEXANDRA
Better With – Friday Pilots Club
I blow on the hair in front of my face and my heart explodes in my chest. He looks like a god right now. His hands are in the pockets of his black cargo pants, and he’s wearing a khaki t-shirt that looks too small, hugging his solid shoulders and biceps so beautifully.
And a pink heart-beaded bracelet.
He’s wearing the bracelet I made for him after he broke the vending machine for me yesterday. I spent the afternoon doing it while he was painting and gave it to him before I left. Now he’s wearing it.
My heart threatens to explode out of my chest.
I wipe my sweaty forehead with my forearm, and the corner of his mouth tipping up tells me he’s enjoying the view too.
“You’re wearing my bracelet,” I whisper.
Instead of acknowledging my shock, he says, “I’m pretty sure I dreamed about this last night.” He bites his lower lip with his perfect teeth. “It started with you on your knees…”
I sit back on my haunches, eyes darting around. “What are you doing here? Wearing my bracelet.”
My serious voice seems to do nothing to tame him. He steps forward, towering so close to me I’m straining my neck to look into his eyes.
“I was watching Billie’s fight with Dickie in his office. He trained her. And yeah. I’m wearingmybracelet. Thatmygirl made for me.”
He shakes his wrist in front of my face, but I’m not really listening. This gang question has been weighing heavy on my mind since the talk on the bus and I want to clear the air before anxiety swallows me whole. Not very comfortable talking like this, I drop the sponge and stand up.
“I need to ask you some—”
“You’re bleeding,” he cuts me off. I follow his gaze to my left knee and notice the hole in my tights and the blood there.
“Oh.” I grab a paper towel from the bucket of cleaning supplies next to me. “I can’t even feel it. It’s just a scratch from being on my knees.”
I dab my knee before peering up.
“Anyway, I was just saying. I know this is coming randomly and I kind of hate that I’m asking that. I just…God, I hope you don’t think I’m judging you or anything. I—”
“Alexandra,” Xi says low, his eyes returning to my knee. “You’re still bleeding. I can’t fucking focus.”
“It’s just a graze,” I snap back. “I’m trying to address something here.”
A low growl rumbles in his chest as his eyes harden. His hand wraps around my wrist firmly and he starts walking, ultimately pulling me with him.
“Xi,” I squeak as he strides across the room and to the stairs. My eyes dart around, noticing how the Xi Ep girls are looking at me with wide eyes.
He walks us into Dickie’s office and closes the door behind him. Dickie’s not in here, but it doesn’t help me relax in any way.
“Xi,” I hiss as he releases my wrist only to grab me by the waist and sit me on Dickie’s old-looking desk. It shakes when it takes my weight, and I’m worried it won’t hold me.
