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“Yeah, Nate made the mistake of mentioning Nox was a fighter, and I saw the determination on Chasity’s face. I think it doubled in size when she saw him.”?
“Well, he’s taken,” Ashley speaks up, and I secretly love her even more.?
Berkley lets out a little laugh. “I could tell he was taken. He hasn’t looked away from her for more than, like, five seconds.” She tilts her head to me. “I just wasn’t sure if she wanted to be taken.”???
“He can do whatever he wants,” is all I can manage to say.?
In all reality, my skin has been on fire all night. I’m not new to jealousy.?
I was jealous of Kacie Evans in the first grade because her mom never missed a school event. I was jealous of Randy Matthew's lunch every day, even though he would sneak me a piece of his snack, just so I had a little something other than the nasty cafeteria food. I was jealous of every kid who had a parent who gave a shit, a dad they knew, good food in their fridge, and who didn’t have a mom who chose drugs over them every day.?
But I have never been jealous over a guy…even Lennox.Until tonight.And I absolutely hate it. Takes me right back to that weak little girl.?
This is exactly why I didn’t want to do this with him. But right now, all I can think is if she touches his arm one more fucking time, I am going to break her pretty little manicured finger and shove her face down in the sand she’s standing in—way too close to him, might I add.?
Like he can read my mind, Nox starts walking toward me. Squatting down beside the chair I’m sitting in, he looks into my eyes. “You want to go for a walk?”?
I nod, trying not to seem too eager as I take his outstretched hand to stand.?
“Is Ford going to be okay without you? You looked like you were taking your wingman duties pretty seriously.” The insecure comment has me cringing. I don’t like being this girl.?
“If watching you is wingman duties, then I’d say I’m a professional.” Lennox tucks a piece of hair behind my ear as his gaze searches my face.?
Whatever he finds has him leaning down and kissing me, which is something we normally don’t do in public because of my stupid rules.More like protective tactics. But this time, I fall into him, savoring the taste of him and the way he makes me feel so...right.?
Lennox Monroe’s kiss has become my addiction, and thatterrifies me.
Thirteen
As usual, I'm greeted by an empty house when I walk through the front doors. Besides Lucian, my presence here is nearly tolerated. No“Hi honey, how was your day?”Not that I see them often, but acknowledgment would be nice every once in a while. Make it actually feel like a home, considering I've been here for five years.?
I can’t wait to have a place of my own, a place where I feel safe and athome. Something I’ve never truly experienced. One night, Lucian came up with the idea of the two of us getting a place together. We’ve been saving up ever since, and as of last week, we have enough for a down payment. Since Lucian will be graduating in less than two months, we will need to find a place to live ASAP. But we’re not worried; I know something will work out.?
Peeking in the fridge, I look to see if there is something to snack on. I’m starving, but Lucian and I have plans to go to Vinny’s tonight for a slice of pizza. It’s one of our most frequented spots, especially since we rarely have meals waiting for us, nor do we expect them. Not finding anything appetizing enough, I abort my mission and head to my room.?
Walking down the hallway, I notice the door to my room slightly opened. My steps slow as an uneasy feeling spreads throughout my body, considering I make it a point to always lock my door. When I peer through the crack, I see my bedroom has been ransacked. Without another thought, I storm inside, heart pounding in my ears.?
What the fuck!?
Not a single inch of my room has been left untouched. Bed flipped, closet stripped, everything ripped off my walls. My photo board is broken in two, and my collection of Polaroids and memories are spewed across the floor. Tears well in my eyes as I survey the damages. Then I see it, the contents of the old Vans shoebox on the floor of my closet and the box lying face down beside it. Flipping it over with a panicked speed—No, no, no.?
It’s all gone.?
It’s all fucking gone.?
Every dollar saved is just gone.?
I stand there in complete and utter shock as the severity of it all sets in. There’s only one person I know who could have done this. Who would have been foolish and malicious enough to steal from me, someone who practically has nothing in this life? And what I did have is now tossed around this room like it means nothing.?
The wrath rapidly building inside of me has me clenching my fists as I try to calm my breathing. My ears are ringing, and my eyes can't seem to focus on anything at all.?
“FUUUCCK!” I roar, crashing to my knees amongst the debris, not giving a shit if anyone can hear me. Good, let Michelle or Roger bear witness to their asshole son’s destruction—if they’re even home.
Footsteps sound down the hall a few minutes later, and I can smell his gross cologne before he steps foot over the threshold.?
“What the fuck did you do?” I scream, standing to face him.?
He doesn’t answer, just stands there with his head cocked to the side, taunting me.?
