“He was home when I hugged you earlier and…” He turns the phone to show the selfie he posted on Instagram. The caption says, New Leaf. Go Elites.
My lips part to object, but I end up saying, “I don’t think it matters.”
“It does. He wants to move on, but there’s something holding him back.”
“Something like what?”
“I thought you would know.”
“I’m not sure.” If he can’t forgive me because of what happened seven years ago, then he shouldn’t act this way.
He shouldn’t kiss me, corner me, tell me I can’t hide from him.
It’s too cruel.
Ronan raises a finger. “Let me try one last push.”
He types for a few seconds, then
shows me his texts to Xander.
Ronan: Feeling cute, I want to fuck a cute girl tonight. Like Kimmy.
Ronan: Jackpot! She just said yes.
Ronan: Wish me luck. Wait, I won’t need it. Tell the school we won’t be coming for a few days.
His words don’t surprise me since I know he’s joking. What makes my chest tighten is the fact that Xander saw all his texts, but there’s no reply.
Not even currently typing.
“He’ll snap.” Ronan smiles
I wouldn’t be so sure.
“Or we can do as planned.” His grin widens. “My place? I have the best stash of weed.”
My phone vibrates, and I startle.
The moment my eyes fall on the name across the screen, my heart nearly bursts out of its confinement.
Xander: Remember when you promised you’d never leave me?
My fingers tremble as I read and re-read the message. Before I can fathom a reply, another text comes.
Xander: I free you of that promise.
15
Xander
Get your shit together. You’re not a kid anymore.
If Lewis had punched me, it probably wouldn’t have hurt like the stab of his words.
Being a politician, he has a way with them, words. He knows which to use to make you feel as if you’re the filthiest scum walking the earth. There’s no differentiation between family or strangers.
Lewis has allies and enemies. Spoiler alert, I fall on the last line.