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DUNCAN
My life isan episode ofPretty Little LiarsorRiverdalebut without the supernatural aspects. I think because I honestly have never seen an episode of either, but from what I’ve picked up from school conversations, there’s a lot of backstabbing and morally gray relationships. Right now, I feel like there’s a knife between my shoulder blades shoved there by my da—my uncle Cooper—that not even my backpack full of books could stop. It doesn’t feel right to call him Dad anymore, not when he has a real son out there.
I knock my head against the brick wall of the school a few times until my forehead starts hurting. Cousin? I can’t even believe it. I don’t want to believe it. Why does destiny hate me so much? Like what did I ever do to her? A new cousin who hates my guts and a another new cousin who I want to fuck into oblivion.
I bang on the bathroom door. Sadie’s been in there long enough. It’s time for us to talk. The door falls open on my fifth or tenth knock. I wasn’t keeping track. A girl I barely know scowls at me.
“Duncan? What are you doing here?”
“My—” I can’t bring myself to say it. “I’m waiting for Sadie.”
“Who’s that?”
“Is anyone else inside?” I don’t want to have a conversation with this girl. I want to see Sadie.
The girl scowls. “You’re a real dick, Duncan. Anyone ever tell you that?”
“Everyone?”
She rolls her eyes and stomps past me. I catch the door and walk in. Sadie is leaning against the sink, staring at herself in the mirror. Her mouth moves, but I can’t hear what she says. Hell, she’s so pretty in her mini skirt with the folds—pleats or whatever they’re called. Her long legs end in a pair of white socks bunched around her ankles. On her feet are thick-soled black loafers. While her legs are on display, her arms are covered by a long-sleeved sweater also in black. A bit of white peeks out of the top of the sweater. She’s very put together, like she could be on the cover of a teen magazine. Prettier than anyone on television. The back of my teeth ache with want. I swallow a groan. “Sadie?” I say gruffly.
She spins around, her mouth opening in surprise. “Dunc? This is the girl’s bathroom!”
“I know. Let’s get out of here before someone comes in and reports us.”
“Us?” She points at her chest. “I’m a girl. I have every right to be in here, unlike you.”
“Maybe so, but when I tell them that you asked me to meet you here to make out, then it’ll be both our problems.”
Her eyes narrow. “You wouldn’t.”
“I would.”
“Has anyone told you?—”
“That I’m an asshole?” I cut in. “Yes, many people. Let’s go.” I jerk my head toward the door.
She doesn’t budge.
I take a step toward her and stop when she raises her hands. “It’s a violation of the student honor code to touch someone without their consent.”
The bell rings, and I wait for it to stop before replying. “I’m a guy in the girls’ bathroom. I’m sure I’m violating about five honor code sections without laying a finger on you. We can either go quietly or you can go kicking and screaming over my shoulder. Either way, we’re leaving.”
“You take after your dad.”
I pause for a half a minute and remember that my da—I mean Cooper—carried Sadie’s mom off. I guess I do take after him. I was raised by him, so it makes sense.
“Then you know what the end result is going to be.”
She makes a face but pushes away from the wall. “I’m only walking out because I have to go to class. Don’t touch me,” she says as she passes by.
I follow docilely behind her, hands in my pockets because that’s the only way I can keep myself from reaching for her.
Once we’re out in the hall, I silently herd her toward the exit. At the heavy glassed-in entry, she pauses and tilts her head. “This is not my class.”
“We’re not going to class. Neither of us are in the right mind to listen to a lecture.”
Sadie’s small white teeth capture a corner of her lower lip. I switch my gaze to the ceiling so I don’t fall on her like a ravening wolf.
