“I sucked down what happened with Michael. I mean, he’s a guy. He can take care of himself. But watching it happen to you? That’s completely different. I’m done with this… this stuff. I’m done with Clint and his cronies screwing around with you just because he’s—”
I held my hand up. “Allison.”
She sighed. “Sorry.”
The two of us turned toward the bathroom exit.
“What the heck was that all about anyway?” she breathed.
And as my mind swirled with the encounter, my shock turned to rage. I knew exactly what it was about. I knew exactly where that information had come from. Though I didn’t want to admit it—nor did I want to believe it—I knew what was happening. I knew what Clint was doing.
“It was a wake-up call, Allison. That’s what it was. And it’s time I finally listened to the alarm.”
It was time for me to accept that my weakest moment would now be used against me. Especially if my suspicions regarding why were correct.
I turned to Allison. “Is Clint at school today?”
She paused. “Yes. He was in first period math today with Michael.”
“Good.”
I started out of the bathroom, feeling Allison trail behind as I turned my attention to him. That boy. The boy I had a strong feeling had been manipulating me from the beginning.
It was time f
or me to get some answers.
24
Clinton
Marina choked down that damn banana like she probably choked down Roy’s fucking dick. She sat on his lap, giggling and kissing the tip of his nose like the innocent girl Roy wanted her to be. He had a sick sense of humor, wanting to destroy innocence like that. I liked my women primed, though. Already knowing what they wanted, and ready to bestow their talents upon me.
Then again, I hadn’t thought about any girl since my encounters with Rae.
“Oh, Clint. Where’d you get those bruises?”
“Here, let me help.”
“Can I do anything for you?”
“Do you want me to get you some ice cream?”
I looked over at Roy and he winked. He was right. Women couldn't resist a guy with bruises on his fucking face. But if they knew how I’d gotten those bruises, it would be a different story. The line of girls coming up to me asked me where I got them, and each time my fight story became a little more dramatic. It went from some kid on the side of the road to some kid picking on a girl on the side of the road. Then, it morphed into some college kid on the side of the road picking on his fiancée before I offered to show her what a real man could provide.
It was the first time in my life I ever felt pathetic for it.
“Clint!”
Rae’s voice pierced through the cafeteria and my eyes fell upon her. She strode with intensity in her movements and a sour expression on her face. The girl at my side, trying to practically spoon-feed me ice cream, got up and stepped off to the side. Roy chuckled and out of the corner of my eye I saw Marina’s lips curve into a wide grin. I spread my arms out, letting my knees fall apart in the stance I was known for.
Spreading myself wide for all to see.
Gotta keep up appearances.
Rae stopped in front of me. “Fancy seeing you at school.”
I shrugged. “Can’t keep everything hidden forever.”