“Yes,” I say simply.
“It’s gonna take more than this.” She holds her hands out wide, gesturing to me and the two guys I brought. I knew she’d be harder to catch than Demi. Austin Lowes grew up having to fight to survive. My sister has always been handed everything.
I also knew I wouldn’t be able to get them both on my own. I needed help. They’ve been helping me all along. “Oh, I’ve got an entire night planned for you.” Her green eyes narrow on me. “And you know what?” I chuckle. “This isn’t the first time I’ve ever fucked you over.”
Six months ago
“I need a ride,” Kellan says, leaning up against the locker beside mine in the senior hallway.
“Go away,” I order.
He gives me a charming smile that makes him look like he’s a nice guy. If I didn’t know he was so evil, I would give him a chance. I hear he’s a good fuck. “Come on, Becky. Help me out.”
“No.” I slam my locker and turn my back on him.
He grabs my upper arm and yanks me into the women’s bathroom. “Kellan, what the fuck?” What is it with me and him always being in a bathroom?
“I’m not asking, Becky. I’m telling you that I need a ride.” His brown eyes bore into mine. That smile no longer present. The charming act over.
“You have a car,” I snap. “I’m pissed off at you, Kellan.” He wasn’t supposed to touch her. Hurt her that night of her birthday. Of course, Cole was pissed, and I was fucking terrified. He could have killed her.
“Like I give a fuck.” He shrugs. I want to knock his head off with my books, but it wouldn’t kill a shark. “Give me a ride, or I’ll make sure that Cole finds out you were the one who allowed me entrance to the Lowes house on Austin’s birthday.”
My heart begins to pound, and I look around the women’s bathroom to make sure no one overheard him. “Don’t you dare …”
He grips my chin, forcing me to look at him. “I think it’s funny that no one has questioned you as to why I shoved Austin’s face into a mirror, knocking her out and taking her phone, yet you stayed the night with her and never heard me.”
I try to shove him away as panic crawls up my spine. “Fuck you—”
“Cole will kill you.” He interrupts me, gripping me tighter, and I whimper. “If Austin doesn’t get to you first.”
“What do you want with Celeste?” I ask, trying to forget the betrayal of my best friend. I failed her, and she can’t know that. Deke can’t know it, and Cole sure as fuck can’t know it. I’ve faked it this long, so I’m not going to allow Kellan to bring me down now.
Letting go of me, he takes a step back, giving me some space. “She fucked with the wrong person.” He gives me a cryptic answer.
I let out a sigh. “Austin—”
“Has a date with Myers tonight.” He interrupts me. “She won’t be home.”
“How do you know that?” I haven’t got to spend much time with her since she and Cole broke up again. They got back together last time the morning after her birthday party. But the night after prom, they called it off. Well, I think she did because he’s acting like a sad little bitch. I’m always with Deke, and he’s always by Cole. Austin steers clear of him.
“I overheard Myers fucking running his mouth about it. They’re going to a movie.”
I bite my bottom lip. “I can’t stay …”
“Just drop me off and go.”
“Who is gonna pick you up?” I ask, confused with his half-assed plans.
“That …” He steps back into me, running his finger along my jawline, and whispers, “Is none of your business.”
“I felt awful when the news broke that you had been shot. Especially since I was the one who drove Kellan to your house.” I smile.
She gasps.
“He couldn’t get the job done, but I will.”
She lunges for me, knocking me onto my back in the middle of the road. “Fuck you, you fucking bitch …” she shouts before punching me in the face.
Instead of hitting her back, I cover up my face, not wanting anymore marks on my damn body from these crazy fucking sharks. “Get her off me!” I shout, trying to dodge her hits.
She’s dragged off me a second later. I get up and dust the snow off my clothes. The snow seeping into my jeans makes me shiver. She’s like a feral cat in his arms, kicking, screaming and trying to head-butt him. “Throw her ass in the SUV and let’s get the hell out of here before someone sees us,” I snap. We had this planned. We’ve been watching Shelby’s house, knowing they were coming in for Thanksgiving.