I smile, zooming in to watch his innocent, boyish features.
I have information that’ll keep Kimberly gravitating towards me and away from you.
Aiden’s words stab me in the stomach and bring a taste of nausea to the back of my throat.
It’s working. His threat is working.
My plan to lure, wait, then attack hasn’t even taken off since he didn’t take the damn bait.
I was so stupid to believe someone like Aiden would take the bait. He’s the one who got me hook, line, and sinker.
All I keep thinking about are his threats and what he’s capable of.
A presence looms behind me.
I startle, coming to a screeching halt. My phone falls, but Xander catches it.
Whoa. Nice reflexes.
He glances at my phone, face closing for a second too long, before he hands it back with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Got you, Frozen.”
The golden shade of Xander’s blonde hair is impossible to have even with chemicals. It’s so bright and shiny. Add his cobalt blue eyes and he’s the epitome cliché of a golden boy. Unlike Aiden, I haven’t noticed him manipulating people, but then again, what do I know about Xander Knight except that he actively makes Kim’s life hell?
He’s wearing his uniform with meticulous care. Even the cuffs of his shirt are rolled over the jacket neatly as if someone dresses him up. Which wouldn’t be surprising considering that he’s a minister’s son.
He leans against the wall, subtly blocking my way. “Why are you running away from me?”
“Why are you chasing me?” I shoot back.
“I told you. I have an offer for you.”
“Not interested.” I sidestep him and walk on my way.
“The bullying will stop,” he calls from behind me ever so casually.
I halt and slowly turn around. Xander is smirking as if knowing he got me.
I lift my chin. “How do you intend to do that?”
“I’m a star on the football team. If anyone sees you with me, it’ll be enough to stop it all.”
I finger the straps of my backpack. He’s right about that.
Just like Aiden stopped all the bullying for Kim by holding her, he can stop it for me, too, but only at the cost of ‘being his’.
I’m not naive to think that Xander is giving me the golden ticket without consequences.
The higher the offer, the higher the cost.
“What do I have to do in return?”
His gaze slides over me from head to toe.
I fold my arms over my chest. “In your damn dreams.”
He laughs, the sound long and genuine. “Sorry, love. You’re pretty but you’re not my type. I’d rather not be frozen to death.”
So he’s not after sex. Well, well.