Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
It feels like that’s all anyone can talk about.
Even a few teachers gave me curious looks.
Like Mr. Pembroke, no one is blaming Jasper for outing Austin’s secret. Somehow, everything has been twisted up until it no longer reflects reality, and I’m the cheating whore who has been dumped by her boyfriend. My heart plummets, knowing that Jasper will continue to fuel that particular fire. And there’s nothing I can do to shut it down.
No one will listen to me.
Air seeps from my lungs as I drop down at a table on the outermost ring. I stare at the brown paper bag and realize I don’t have much of an appetite. The thought of consuming even a bite makes me sick to my stomach. Unsure what to do, I pull out the bottle of water and twist off the cap before lifting the container to my lips and taking a small sip.
As soon as the cool liquid hits my belly, it threatens to revolt. I have no idea how I’m going to get through this without falling to pieces. I will away the tears that threaten the backs of my eyes.
Just when I consider the merits of rushing from the cafeteria, two guys wander over before stopping. I keep my gaze averted, hoping they’ll move it along. The last thing I want to do is acknowledge their presence.
My heart sinks when one says, “Hey, Delilah.”
The laughter that lurks beneath the smug tone tells me everything I need to know about how this conversation will go.
I suck in a deep breath and force myself to meet their gazes.
Recognition dawns.
Both are on the football team, but I don’t remember either of their names. We’ve never said much to one another. There’s never been a reason to. What I do know is that the one who spoke is a loud, obnoxious guy who laughs at his own jokes. I’ve also seen him go out of his way to pick on and belittle other students. Especially ones he perceives as weaker.
That knowledge has my muscles turning rigid and the small pit at the bottom of my belly growing in size. It takes concerted effort to keep from folding in on myself with the need to be a smaller, less visible target. Although, I can already tell from the malicious glint in both of their eyes that it’s much too late for that.
Their sights are locked on me, and there’s no escaping.
When I fail to respond, loudmouth takes a step closer, forcing me to crane my neck to hold his gaze.
“I just wanted to put it out there that I’d be more than happy to slide into Jasper’s place now that you two are splitsville. He’s told all the guys how much you like sucking cock.” When he drops his hand, my gaze unconsciously follows the movement as he grabs himself. “You’ve probably already heard that I’ve got a pretty big one. It would be a real pleasure to watch you choke on it.”
His friend grins and they nudge each other like he just said the funniest thing ever.
Before I can tell them to go away, a deep voice says from behind me, “Get the fuck out of here, Wendt. Otherwise, we’ll see how flexible you are when I ram that giant dick you were just bragging about down your throat.”
Right.
Aiden Wendt.
It doesn’t take long for the smirk to fall from Aiden’s face as he straightens to his full height, which is still a good six inches shorter than Duke. “What’s the problem, Carmichael? I’m just offering my services in case she gets restless now that Morgan isn’t banging her on a regular basis.”
“You’re the last person she’d want looking in her direction. So do us both a favor and get lost.”
“What?” His upper lip curls. “You already claim the bitch? That was pretty damn quick.”
Duke’s nostrils flare as his eyes narrow. “I’m gonna count to three, and if you’re dumb enough to still be standing here when I reach three, I’ll give everyone in the caf dinner and a show.” One brow slinks upward. “Understand?”
“Who the fuck—”
“One.”
“Jesus—”
“Two.” Duke tosses his bagged lunch on the table and cracks his knuckles. The movement makes his biceps pop beneath the white button-down he’s wearing.
Aiden grumbles before stalking away without another word. His friend scurries after him.
The tension gripping me gradually dissolves as I track their movements from the corner of my eye to the table in the center of the dining area. Before I can look away, Jasper snags my gaze and a vicious smile spreads across his handsome face. It’s enough to send a chill slithering down my spine.
Whatever my ex has planned, this is only the beginning.
It takes every ounce of strength to rip my attention away before refocusing on the blond boy now parked across from me.