I stopped a few feet away, keeping my head down but catching glimpses at Pax as people continuously moved about, greeting the other band members and guests.
Paxton frowned, then shrugged, letting Jay drop something into his palm with a smug grin.
A deep ache settled into my chest. My heart was being ripped layer by layer, the muscle quivering and bleeding. I wanted to run away, to forget Paxton Ross once and for all, yet that scrawny boy who'd saved me from the cheerleaders, who'd given me strength to face my mother, who'd shown me a love that seemed to live even now, years later, needed me.
Pinching his index finger and thumb together, Paxton raised the pill to his lips. He hesitated for a moment, shook his head, then swallowed.
Katrina chuckled and lifted the back of her hand to his nose. A white line of powder sat on her skin.
"Stop." I pushed someone out of my way as I stalked toward them. "Wait—"
Paxton inhaled, then turned in my direction. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.
"You sorry motherfuckers." As I reached Katrina, I grabbed her by the shoulders and shoved her backward. She became a pinwheel caught in a raging windstorm as she tried to keep her balance.
"You bitch," she gasped as Jay grabbed her teetering arms. Once she regained her balance, he divided his attention between Paxton and me.
Paxton took a step in my direction. Fear, shock, or embarrassment flushed his cheeks.
Jay thrust out a hand and jerked him backward by his collar. "Stay away from that crazy bitch, man."
"Get your filthy, grubbing paws off of him or I'll make youwishyou had." I clenched my fists, fighting to stay calm yet wanting to shake sense into Paxton. At the same time, I also wanted to slug the other two on their jaws.
With a sneer, Katrina propped a hand on her chest and straightened her back. "Well, look who wants to be Pax's protector now. The loser from high school." She let out a condescending laugh. "Where'd you get those clothes? The Salvation Army?"
That old, buried hatred flared hot again and for a moment, all I could feel was that sweaty-smelling mascot head descending over mine.
No, I'm stronger than them. And smarter. And meaner.
I stomped directly toward her. With my extra four inches of height, I looked down my nose at her scrawny form.
Her eyes flashed with startlement, and she took a tiny step backward before stopping and squaring her shoulders.
"You are just as vapid and conniving as I remembered. You and your boyfriend are nothing but leeches eager to lap up the crumbs left by others because you aren't smart enough or talented enough to create your own music."
She pressed the tip of a fingernail against my sternum. I narrowed my eyes but she spoke before I could. "Andyou'rejust as big as I remember. What's the matter? Still hurt over Paxton choosing us—people who actually matter—over the fat girl who let Mommy dress her up like a baby every day?"
It seemed as if there wasn't enough air in the room. In the background, music streamed over speakers, but it seemed like the constant chatter of the partygoers had lessened.
Everyone's probably getting a good show right about now. But I will not let them tear me down, tear Paxton down, any longer.
"You have about five seconds to get your ass out of here before I do it for you." I pushed my nose closer to her face. Small beads of perspiration popped on her brow. "One..."
"Who the fuck let you back here?" Jay pushed himself between Katrina and me. He pressed his lips together and pulled Katrina a few inches away from me.
Paxton's eyes met mine, then his gaze slid to the floor.
I couldn't decide if I was angrier at Paxton for letting these guys treat him so poorly or pissed at myself for caring in the first place. Regardless, I owed Pax for helping me find myself, so I'd fight this one last battle and then leave him to his life.
"These guys giving you trouble, Terri?" Kyle's voice, low and steady, drew my attention. He slid an arm around my waist and gave Jay and Katrina an easy smile. I didn't miss the hard steel in his tone.
Paxton peered at Kyle's fingers as they wrapped across the top of my hip bone. His eyes, glassy and bloodshot, met mine then he shrugged.
Katrina threw Kyle a confident smile. "Hey, you're from Macabre Maniacs. We’ve opened for you before."
"Youdidn't do anything but book the gig." Kyle gave a cursory glance at Paxton, then turned toward me. "Do I need to call security?"
"Naw. I can take care of this problem myself. As a matter of fact, been dying to do it for years."
