5
QUINTON
Until five minutes ago, I had no intention of messing with her. I knew she would be here and that our paths might cross, but that didn’t matter because I never put the blame for what happened on her. My hate was solely reserved for her father and the people involved in the attack on my family back home.
All that went to shit, and the rage shifted the moment her spiteful words met my ear.“Your life is still perfect, as it always has been and will be.”
She had no fucking idea, not a clue as to what the past year has been like for my family and me. What her father did was merely the icing on the cake. If she wants to play the innocent card and pretend she’s done nothing, then she’s in for a rude awakening.
“She’s a rat. Don’t let anything she says bother you.” Ren’s voice takes on a calming tone, and I become hyperaware of his hands on my shoulders. I peer over his shoulder, my gaze going to the spot where Aspen was standing just moments ago.
She’s gone now, but her presence still lingers. Her words still swirl in my head. My anger toward her plateaus and my muscles burn, the need to expel the hate and rage burning like a blazing fire across my skin. I already know no amount of time at the gym is going to help. It’s only going to be a drop of water on a hot stone.
No, I need a new way to calm the storm inside me, and that way is going to involve Aspen Mather.
A smirk forms on my lips as I imagine all the things I can do to her, the ways I can make her pay and cause her pain. I’d never considered myself a sadist, but the feelings she brings out in me are making me second-guess myself. I know I’m going to enjoy every minute of bringing her to her knees.
“What the hell are you smiling about?” Ren asks, dropping his hands and taking a step back. He looks as confused as I feel.
“I think I just found a new hobby.”
Ren raises his eyebrow. “Yeah? What’s that?”
I ignore his second question since it’s obvious. “I’m going to head to the administration office and get some info on Aspen. I want to know what classes she’s taking.”
I don’t say it out loud, but I actually want to know everything about her. The more I know, the easier it’s going to be to hurt her where it counts.
Ren doesn’t even question my request. He knows me well enough to know that when I get fixated on something, nothing will get in my way. Whether Aspen likes it or not, making her life a living hell just became my newest obsession.
“How about I get you her class schedule, and you go to PE? A little workout is going to do more for you than trying to charm the panties off some secretary, especially when you look as pissed off as a grizzly bear.”
I pin him with a stern look. “We both know I won’t have to charm anyone. They’ll give it to me out of fear and simply because I ask them to.”
“True, but sometimes you catch more flies with honey. Plus, my class isn’t for another hour. Let me do the panty snatching, and you can do the scheming.”
“Fine.” I nod. “I’ll see you after lunch.”
Ren slaps his hand on my shoulder and leans into my side. “Don’t kill the girl. You know the rule. Can’t end her while we’re here.”
“Killing her is the last thing I want to do. That would give her an easy way out. What I have planned will make her afraid to step foot out of her dorm room.”
“I like the way you think.” He grins and saunters away.
I do my best to shake off the lingering rage and head to PE. The building that houses the main recreation center is closer to the surface. I take the elevator up with a few other students and make my way to the large gym. The inside is the size of a football field, the ceiling high and slightly bowed, making it look more like a hangar than an actual gym. The only thing giving away what this place is meant for is the field markings on the ground and the various sports equipment scattered around.
I walk up to the small crowd of congregating students, trying to figure out what everyone’s doing. It’s then that I notice the floor mats, and I catch sight of the teacher handing out hand wraps. He’s about my height but bulkier with black buzzed hair and olive skin. He’s of Asian descent, but when he talks, it’s without an accent.
“Welcome to class. I’ll be your instructor for today. First thing you need to know about me: I hate repeating myself. So pay attention the first time because I won’t show you twice. You can call me Quan. We’re gonna start with basic hand-to-hand combat. Most of you are probably well versed in it, but I need to see where everyone is at, so we’re going to start out slow.”
All I can do is roll my eyes. I don’t need this class. There’s nothing he can teach me that I don’t already know. I’m about to turn on my heels and walk out, but then as fate would have it, I spothersitting on the ground with her back against the wall.
Aspen.
Sparks of excitement form in my chest as I take in her small frame just as she’s pushing herself to stand. She tucks a loose strand of blond hair behind her ear, her gaze trained on the instructor. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I slowly move closer to her, making sure to stay hidden behind a few other students.
Quan continues talking, but I drown the sound of his voice out and give Aspen my full attention. I study her delicate face, map each curve of her body, twitch of her muscles, and hair on her head. The more I know about my enemy, the better.
“All right, everyone, find a partner.” Quan’s voice booms through the space, and students start to pair up immediately.