It’s now a three-way conversation and poor fuck boy isn’t up for the challenge. Berkleigh’s incorrect use of his name seems like an important issue to address, but I just told him I’m her husband, and depending on his morals, he may want to apologize to me. My smirk may very well give me away but I don’t fucking care. This is the most fun I’ve had since I slit a pedo’s throat a few weeks back.
Not to brag, but I know damn well I’m intimidating—from my size to my build, but mostly from the perma-scowl on my face—so I can understand that PeeWee Herman here is hesitating.
“What?” It’s Berkleigh’s turn to be confused.
“My name is Gabe. And did you say…husband?” It’s like dropping a piece of cheese in an alley full of rats. Too easy to get them worked up.
“No, he’s got a mental disorder called Tourette Syndrome that makes random words spew from his dirty mouth. Your Uber is going to take off, you should hurry.” My half-dressed neighbor is already done with him when she turns her narrowed gaze on me. “What the fuck is your deal?”
I keep walking in her direction until I reach her porch steps then pin her with a glare of my own. “My problem is that you’ve got an endless line of random limp dicks and it’s dangerous for the neighborhood.” I fight my need to scan her tight little body. I want her scared of me, not thinking I want to fuck her.
“You’re so full of shit. Since when do you care about anybody but yourself?” She shifts from one foot to the other, popping out her other hip in the process.
“Since I don’t want one of your degenerates breaking into my house.”
“Oh please, nobody gives a shit about your house. Plus, you’ve got a fucking revolving door of women coming in and out of your place. You’ve always been an asshole, Tanner, but I didn’t peg you for being a hypocrite too.”
I have to bite my fucking tongue or risk lashing out and saying something I’ll regret.
A door opens and slams shut from across the road, catching both of our attentions. A robe-clad Mr. Reeves is shaking his fist at us from his walkway. Weird. I guess he isn’t as deaf as he’d like for us to believe.
Two seconds later, we’re back at each other’s throats.
“All I heard from that monologue is that you’re jealous.” I wink but it’s laced with venom. “I’m a generous guy, Berk. I’ll give you a pity fuck and let you ride my dick. Problem is, then you’ll be ruined for all other men.” I shrug like I’m being magnanimous and leaving the ball in her court.
“You’re an asshole.” With a frustrated grunt, Berkleigh spits her favorite insult then slams the door in my face.
I can’t help but grin as I make my way back to my house.
Getting under my neighbor’s skin is my favorite sport, by far.
Chapter Four
Berkleigh
Age 16
“Will you go to prom with me?” Ollie’s cheeks turn red as he asks me the question, holding a white rose out for me to take.
It’s out of the blue. I only have three classes with him, and I had no idea he liked me, but it’s also the only invitation I’m going to get. I’m basically a pariah and anyone seen talking to or being nice to me outside of class is usually given a warning from Taylor and Co.
Why are the cheerleaders and the football players always the populars? It feels so cliché, but there’s nothing I can do about the truth of it. They seem to have this power over the school population, which doesn’t work in my favor at all, considering they all actively hate me.
“Are you sure?” I should just say yes, but I’m not okay with him getting hurt because he took me to prom. He needs to know what he’s getting himself into here.
He clears his throat and nods. “Of course. Will you?” His smile is wavering, his cheeks twitching. It’s endearing. He’s nervous. That has to be a good sign.
“Yeah, I’ll go to prom with you.” A huge smile breaks across my face, the kind that’s real because I didn’t think prom would be an option for me.
Thoughts of what kind of dress I can wear flit through my mind and excitement begins to bubble in my chest.
Ollie leans in for a hug and I oblige, reciprocating by wrapping my arms around his neck.
The first sign that this was a bad idea is a glimpse of Taylor through the glass doors of the school building.
Clearing his throat again, Ollie pulls back, his wavering smile finally petering out.
A heavy impact on my head makes me fall to the ground with the force of it, thick liquid now sliding down my face and body, and I look at the mess surrounding me.
