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Chapter Twenty-Four
Stryker
Hearing the music from the parking lot, I cautiously make my way to the studio entrance, right where I know she will be. The party two days ago didn’t have the outcome we hoped for. My spitfire had gone to the ground. She never went back to Logan’s house, but I knew she would be here.
Checking the hallways and other studios, I realize that we are alone, it’s just us—or so I thought. As I approach her studio, I peer into the room, suddenly halted from what’s in front of me.
My spitfire isn’t alone like I thought she’d be. No, she’s in there with Man-Bun. The way they move around the space has me wanting to march in there and insert myself in his place. If sex were a dance, then that is what you could describe this very moment as. It’s raw, unbridled, and I can feel the desire they have for each other from here.
She looks beautiful, and as I watch on, I feel drawn to her. This level of intimacy would be enough to make anyone run, but not me. I had her in my hands, and somehow, she slipped away. Now I can only watch in agony as she shares this part of herself with someone other than me.
He pulls her in from behind as he wraps one arm around her waist, the other slowly glides over her skin and up her arm, entwining her fingers. My breathing picks up as I watch their noses almost touch before he spins her, her sheer skirt flying out, exposing her toned thighs. God, what I would give to have them wrapped around me again.
Groaning, I readjust myself. He picks her up effortlessly, dipping her back before pulling her in close, that beautiful long blonde hair cascading over his shoulder. Suddenly I hear a door close just down the hall.
Was someone else hiding out here watching my spitfire? Something wasn’t right.
It’s been a week, and she still hasn’t been back to school. Her friends have been very tight-lipped about her whereabouts, not that I blame them, really. I haven’t exactly been the nicest person toward her. In fact, aside from the few brief moments here and there, I’ve been everything that my parents taught me not to be.
I’ve developed feelings for Phe, even though I wasn’t supposed to. I’ve got this strong need to find her, wrap her up, and comfort her, but I know she’s seeking comfort from another set of arms now.
Logan showed me the sick video footage from the night her diary was stolen, but he refuses to do anything about it. He won’t even tell her, he’s too worried about giving up his cameras in her bedroom to do what’s right. I’m tired of playing by Logan’s playbook. I’m done with it. He’s too bitter and too pigheaded, and I’m honestly afraid that he may go too far in his twisted need for revenge.
It’s time to play by my own book, and the first thing for me to do is make it up to Phe. She is all that matters right now. I will protect her no matter what, even if it costs me my best friend.
It’s why I’m at the studio again. I know it’s late, and I’ve seen everyone but Phe leave, which means she’s in there alone. That thought makes me angry—with a mystery stalker on the loose, I need to make sure she’s protected a little better. I’m gonna need to talk to Jonah and let him know what’s going on.
Pushing the door open, I walk through the foyer into the corridor that leads to the studios. As I’m heading toward the music, I see an open studio door and my girl giving it hell. She looks graceful, flying through the moves like a swan effortlessly gliding over water.
Just watching her takes my breath away. The way she moves coupled with the words of this song, breaks my heart as shame washes over me. How could I let someone hurt her? She deserved to be treated as a queen. Lord only knows she’s been through enough and stood strong on her own for far too long. Her words are like an echo in the back of my mind.
Breathing deeply, I square my shoulders and walk into the room to do something I should’ve done when I realized what was being passed around at the party. I needed her to know that I’m sorry—truly sorry—and that I’m here for her. She needs to know I’ve got her back from now on. I’ll fight for her.
“What are you doing here, Stryker? Shouldn’t you be with Logan and the rest of your merry little group of friends planning how to come at me again?” she spits. I understand her venom toward me, and it sends a knife through my gut, thinking about the shit we’ve done to her over the last few months.
“I didn’t come here to fight, Phoenix. I came here to apologize, and to tell you I have your back. I know you probably don’t believe me—and I haven’t done anything to suggest otherwise—but I am truly sorry about everything we have done and put you through.” Stepping forward, I look her straight in the eyes, hoping my sincerity is coming through. I need her to understand that I’m here for her.
“You’re right, Stryker. I don’t believe you. Why should I, huh? Why should I believe a single word that comes out of your lying, scheming mouth?” God, she is stunning when she is fired up. My little firecracker has some heat under that gorgeous exterior. I never want to see it die out.
“You should believe me because I know what happened to you back then.” I don’t miss the look of shock and pain that flashes quickly behind her icy blue eyes before she schools her expression. “I worked it out from your diary and the way you reacted the other night.”
“H ... H ... How exactly would that have helped you figure it out?” she whispers, her stuttering failing to hide the almost inaudible gasp of shock. It takes everything for me not to rush her and pull her in to shield her from the pain. The vulnerability is written there all over her face. I never want to see that look ever again.
“I haven’t told anyone Phe, I promise, and I won’t tell anyone. That is your story to tell. I just want you to know that I won’t be taking part in anything he has planned anymore.” I move closer to her, having already pleaded my case. I need her to give me a chance—a chance to win her heart, to show her how much I care.
The few moments we’ve had over the last couple of months have been fleeting, but every time I’m around her, I can’t think straight. I have this primal urge that screams at me to whisk her away and keep her safe. “I want you to give me a chance—I care for you, Phe.”
“This is a joke, right? Another one of your sick games that you are all playing?” scoffing at me as she walks over to her bag and starts shoving her dance gear in.
“No, Phe, it’s not. I like you. I like you a lot, and I want the chance to prove that to you. I can be the person you need me to be. I want to stand by you and help you through this.” I know I must sound like a pussy right now, but I don’t care. This girl in front of me has been through enough, and it’s time that she knows I’m going to fight for her rather than against her.
Phoenix
Grabbing my bag, I spin around and march right up to Stryker. I’m tired of all the crap they’re putting me through, the games, harassment, and bullying. I want it to stop. I’m doing everything that my therapist told me to do. I haven’t let them see it bother me, and I’m always with one or two of my friends. Up until this past weekend, I haven’t retaliated in any other way but to stick up for myself. Sure, I got physical a couple of times, but that was totally justified.
“You haven’t told anyone?” I sneer. We may have our moments where he makes everything inside me quiver with anticipation and desire, but to say he cares, when it was obvious on Saturday night he showed anything but care, is a joke. “YOU CARE ABOUT ME? How is what happened on Saturday showing you care? You were in that room with everyone else passing around something that had a traumatic effect on me. Something so personal, not even my closest friend knew the extent of what I went through. YOU WERE BLOODY LAUGHING AT IT, STRYKER.”
I am shaking with anger, hurt, fury, and pain. God, how can I have feelings for this guy when he’s treated me with such disregard? What is wrong with me? After what happened over the weekend, I haven’t been back to the house. I went home Saturday night, packed a few bags, then had Jonah pick me up. I know I said I needed space, but as I walked home after the party, I had to be honest with myself. I no longer felt safe with the Ducanes.
