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I rip off more flyers and toss them in the trash can. “I don’t think they did it. I know they did.”
Londyn tears a flyer off a locker, her fingers slightly trembling. “How did they find all this dirt on us?”
I shrug, tearing a flyer in half. “I’m not sure.” But I do know why they probably started searching for the info.
Back when I spoke to Rhyland, I accidentally let it slip that my sisters got into trouble and sometimes even with the police.
This is all my fault.
I need to find a way to fix it, whatever it takes.
Nine
I’m a prideful person, have been for as long as I can remember. That pride can sometimes get me into trouble, like this whole ordeal with the Porterson brothers.
Maybe I should’ve just ignored Blaise’s baby and sweetheart comments. That might have been easier. But ignoring isn’t always necessarily the right thing to do, easier or not. And I’m sick of guys talking to me like I’m a ditzy girl who should just get all swoony because they glance my way or pay me a bit of attention when I don’t even want it.
By the time I make it to first period English, I’m fuming mad. I haven’t seen the Porterson brothers, but they have to be here, right? How else could those flyers have been put up?
“Fuck the Porterson brothers,” I mutter as I slump lower in my desk, waiting for the bell to ring while doing my best to ignore the gawks and whispers floating around me.
“Do you mean that literally?” Blaise’s amused tone makes every single one of my muscles wind into knots. “Because, while that sounds interesting in theory, I’m not sure you can handle all four of us. Or even one of us.”
I restlessly drum my fingers on top of my legs as I sense him take a seat in the desk behind mine. So many comebacks burn at the tip of my tongue, but I simmer them out, reigning back on my temper before turning around.
“Was it you?” I ask in an even tone.
He cocks his head to the side. “Was what me?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t play dumb with me.”
He slants forward, crossing his arms on his desk, his eyes swirling with a look that makes the air get caught in my lungs. “Then don’t play dumb with me, sweetheart.”
“Stop calling me sweetheart,” I hiss. “And I’m not playing dumb.”
“Yes, you were, by asking me if I did it instead of just accusing.”
“Is that your way of confessing you put those flyers up all over the school?”
He works his jaw from side to side. ““Confessing would mean I care, which I don’t.”
My fingers fold inward. “I warned you to stay away from my sisters.”
The corners of his lips kick up into a cold grin. “You really need to stop threatening me, sweetheart.”
“And you need to stay away from me and my sisters.” I lean in, my voice like ice. “And stop calling me sweetheart.”
He rubs his lips together. “You know, most girls would be flattered by my attention.”
I roll my eyes. “I highly doubt that.”
He cocks a brow. “Don’t believe me. Take a look around you.”
I discreetly peer around and notice a few of the female population smiling at Blaise. And some dudes. “They’re probably just staring in shock.”
“About what?” His lips span into a grin. “My shocking good looks.”
“No, that someone so conceited actually exists.”
He rolls his tongue in his mouth while restlessly tapping his pen against his desk. “You know, you’ve got quite a mouth on you, sweetheart.”
“And you’ve got quite a misconstrued self-perception, small dick.”
He nearly drops his pen. “Did you just call me small dick?”
“Yep, it’s my new nickname for you. And I’m going to use it every time you call me anything else besides my name.”
Blaise studies me with a mixture of curiosity and irritation, his lips parting. “I think—”
The bell rings, cutting him off, and he appears pretty grateful for it.
Moments later, the teacher walks in, along with Jaxon. He hurriedly takes a seat in the desk across from Blaise’s, but his attempt to rush into class doesn’t go unnoticed, and most of the people in the room sneak a glance at him. They do the same thing with Blaise. The more I observe the attention they’re getting, the more I question if it isn’t because of how good looking there are but because they’re the town troublemakers.
As Jaxon pulls out his book, he offers me a coy smile, which I return with the dirtiest look I can muster.
His gaze nervously drops to his desk, which sort of makes me feel bad. Out of the four of them, Jaxon seems a bit shy. But I keep the apology to myself as the teacher announces class is starting.
I rotate around in my seat, putting my back to Blaise and Jaxon, and try not to think about any of the Porterson brothers. When the teacher calls out my name, the entire class snickers. My jaw ticks, and before I can even comprehend the consequences of my action, I kick my foot back and straight into Blaise’s shin.
He groans, cursing underneath his breath. Then I feel him lean forward, his breath hot against my skin.
“So you like it rough?” he whispers. “Good to know.”
I shield my forehead with my hand as I lower my head, my cheeks flushing.
When his chuckle tickles my ear, I consider kicking him again, but after what he just said, I keep my feet glued to the ground, knowing I’ll be giving him more satisfaction than anything else.
No, if I want to get him back for outing my sisters’ and my secrets, I’m going to have to find a non-violent way to do it.
And I will get my revenge.
Because no one messes with the Harlyton sisters and gets away with it.
Ten
When the bell rings, I gather my books and hurry out of class, taking the front exit instead of the back. As I’m distractedly wandering out the door, I smack straight into a solid chest. And to add to my embarrassment, I accidentally step on their toe and elbow them in the stomach.
“Sorry,” I mutter, my gaze snapping up to meet Rhyland’s gaze.
Great, out of all the people to run into. r />
The corners of his lips kick up into a half-smile. “It’s okay. I’m sorry too.”
“I don’t know why you’re apologizing.” I shift my books in my arm. “I’m the one who ran into you.”
“Yeah, but I wasn’t really watching where I was going.” He offers me a charming smile.
I almost smile back until I note the abundance of staring being aimed in my direction.
“Man, they don’t let up, do they?” I mutter through a weighted sigh.
“Yeah, people around here have a bad habit of staring at my brothers and me.” No arrogance is evident in his tone, just a simple matter of fact that he seems sort of sad about.
“I’m sure they do. But this time, I’m pretty sure they’re staring at me.” I turn around, ready to head to my next class and get the hell away from all the gawking.
“Wait.” Rhyland jogs after me, tucking his books under his arm. “What did you mean by that?”
I throw him a really look. “Like you haven’t heard the rumors.”
He shakes his head. “I try to not listen to rumors, so no, I haven’t.”
I can’t tell whether he’s lying or not. “Maybe you should ask your brother then.”
“My brother?” A crease etches between his brows. “Alex?”
“No, Blaise,” I quicken my pace.
“Hadley, please just wait a minute.” He captures my sleeve, and I grind to a halt. He waits for me to turn around before he says, “What do you mean I should ask Blaise …?” He releases my sleeve. “Did he…” He seems so lost. “Did he do something to you?”
I search his eyes, questioning if he’s really as clueless as he’s acting, but I don’t know him very well to be able to determine that.
Huffing in frustration, I move over to the trash can, grab a flyer out of it, and slap it against Rhyland’s chest. “Those were all over the school this morning, and I’m pretty sure Blaise was behind the prank. I also think maybe you had something to do with it since I told you about our … colorful past with the law.”
He skims over the flyer, then his gaze elevates to mine. “I didn’t have anything to do with this. I swear.” He appears sincere but I don’t know him well enough to be certain. “And trust me, neither would Blaise.”
