Page 22 of Disobedient Pawn

“Just getting to know your new roommate,” Nash said, all too casual, like he hadn’t just been borderline threatening me.

He walked away, and the sizzling sensation humming through my body eased off, but it didn’t make me feel better. I hugged my journal tighter.

“Why would you want to get to know her?” Vicky shot me a dark glare.

Great, just great. We weren’t on the best of terms before Nash’s little stunt, and I could only imagine what she was thinking. Based on the look, I guessed it was nothing good. I put my journal back into my nightstand but knew I would be moving it.

“Nash was trying to talk me into giving Myles or Blake a chance,” I said. “I already told him no, though. Thanks for passing along the message Nash. So good of you to do it in person, but they really could’ve made the effort themselves.”

They both looked at me as if I’d spoken in tongues. Ignoring them, I put my headphones back on and sat down at my desk. I could feel Vicky still staring at me and heard her say over my low music that she didn’t blame me. She wouldn’t touch Myles with a ten-foot pole.

“I doubt he wants to touch you either,” I mumbled under my breath as the door closed behind them.

Why that comment bothered me, I didn’t know. The guy was a pain in my ass and I quickly squashed the feeling. Slumping in my chair, I stared at the door and then at my bed, where Nash had been stretched out moments ago.

Standing up, I leaned over and smoothed out the comforter. Glancing around the room as if someone had magically appeared, I made sure no one was watching before I leaned over and sniffed the pillow that now had a soft cologne scent. Bloody hell, now my bedding smelled like him.

No way in hell was I ever getting involved with someone like Nash. He was a jerk, and I could already tell he was used to getting what he wanted by intimidating people. He and Vicky were a match made in hell, and I didn’t want any part of it.

But the swirling butterflies and thumping of my heart told me I was a liar.

* * *

November 5 – Friday 3:03 am

Ren

The sound of the door handle rattling startled me awake, and I stayed still, just listening. I didn’t sleep well anymore. Not since my mum…not since those men broke into my old house. Now I heard everything. The tiniest scrape would have my eyes snapping open, and the bang of a door made me jump, but the thump of a boot would make me shake. The memory of the officers marching around the house with their black boots and serious faces somehow haunted me just as much as my mother’s death.

Then I heard the giggling and slipped deeper under the blankets just before the door opened, and light filtered into the room. I could just make out the edge of the door frame from where my bed was situated as I peeked around the edge of my comforter, but I heard Vicky and Nash clearly.

“I had so much fun tonight. Thanks for taking me. I really think your dad likes me,” Vicky said, her voice all sing-song. I nearly retched as I pictured her sucking up to Nash’s father like a cat in heat.

“I’m sure he does,” Nash said, and even without seeing his face, I knew that was a bald-faced lie. Well, at least his father had some common sense. Something that his son seemed to be lacking.

“Do you want to come in? I can make it worth your while,” Vicky whispered.

Really? You really want to come in here while I’m sleeping and fuck your boyfriend? I was so done. I would find a way out of this place as fast as I could, even if that meant I had to emancipate myself from my father.

“You know I can’t. Our last competition is tomorrow,” Nash said but didn’t bother to whisper.

“Aw, come on, you always say that your coach is stupid for believing that crap about not having sex. Besides, I’m horny.” I wasn’t sure anyone would believe me if I told them this happened.

“Get your hand off me,” Nash growled, making me shiver involuntarily. “If you’re horny, take care of it yourself.”

Please don’t. I wanted to jump up and smack him for suggesting such a thing. Then again, I had a feeling he’d bite my hand off.

“Fine, whatever. Did you want to chill in here with me for a bit, at least?”

“What about your roommate?”

Well, at least he realized I was still in the room.

“What about her?” Not that Vicky cared.

“Isn’t she going to be pissed off or wake up? I thought you were going to try and get along with your next roommate.”

“She’s not my type of friend, besides we can use earbuds so we don’t bother the little freak.”