I obviously didn’t shower and change with the guys; I used the bathroom down the hall. All of my things were already in there waiting. I was going home and straight into the shower, but I needed to give back the pads since I wouldn’t be using them anymore. Lachlan stopped in front of me.
“Fine.”
“You know how it is. Marissa is going to want to pick out my clothes and go with me,” I said.
“What are you wearing?” he asked, his mouth pulling into that sexy smile of his.
“I have no clue.” I shrugged. “I just go with whatever she throws at me.”
“She picked the outfit you wore to the last party?”
“Yep.”
His eyes darkened, and he hooked his finger through the front of my jersey, leaning down so we were at eye level again. “I’m getting hard just thinking about it.”
I leaned in and licked his lips. He groaned and kissed me. When we broke apart, he nodded at the bathroom door.
“We can go in there.”
“Hell no. I’m disgusting right now. I barely want you to kiss me, let alone fuck me.” My face pulled in disgust. “I hate sweat, which is hilarious since I spent most of my life running on fields, sweating.”
“You’re so fucking weird.” He chuckled and gave me another kiss, letting go of the jersey.
“I’ll see you tonight.” I kissed him one last time. He tried to deepen it, but I pulled away from him. “Tonight, Lachlan.”
“Fine,” he groaned and stepped away. “Tonight.”
* * *
Sometimes, wings are built from despair. That was something my grandmother used to say, and it was the thought at the forefront of my mind as I stared at my car and fought the cold chill slithering down my spine. At first glance, it looked like a random act of vandalism, but I knew the truth. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, glass crunching under my shoes as I circled to the driver's side. I opened the door and used the t-shirt to wipe the driver's seat before sitting down. As soon as I shut the car door, the smell of cigarettes filled my nostrils and I gagged. It was a visceral reaction. I tried to push through it by squeezing my eyes shut and tightening the grip on the duffel bag in my lap.
My breath caught in my throat when I turned to set my bag on the passenger seat and saw a piece of glass very deliberately placed on the left side. My hands shook as I switched on the engine. There was another cigarette butt on the dash. I left it there as I drove away, careful to show no reaction. I knew he was watching. I didn't know where he was, but I knew he was watching. He got off on shit like this, but he didn't deserve access to my emotions, and I wouldn't grant it. We both knew his message was clear.
I drove home feeling sick with anxiety, but otherwise, I was calm. As soon as I parked, I raced to my apartment, locking the door behind me. I dashed to my bedroom and did the same. With a heavy heart, I looked at the photos before me, my silent reminder of why I shouldn't have let my guard down. Marissa had laid out an outfit for me. I considered skipping the event. I should have, but I'd spent the last two years of college living like a hermit.
I was tired of it. I was tired ofhimwanting to destroy everything that brought me joy. I just wanted to go to a party like a regular college student and not worry about the consequences. There were strict rules for this particular party — a small and vetted list of guests, no phones, and no pictures. I knew I could go without worry. I knew he wouldn't come after me there. He couldn't. I wasn't sure it even mattered anymore. He already knew about us. In five days, we'd be out of here. Five days. I stood up and looked at the dress one more time. His message reminded me of what he could still do to me. He'd tried to cut my wings before. He probably thought he'd rip them up and burn them this time. I wouldn't let him. I stood up and got ready for the party.
CHAPTER15
LYLA
“Everything will be okay,”Marissa said, holding my hand as we walked to Prescott’s house, which was only a block away.
“I know,” I said, reassuring both of us.
My window was fucked, but thankfully, we knew a guy from high school whose dad owned a car shop where they happened to repair windows. He would pick up the car tonight while we were at the party and return it as soon as possible. I was trying not to think about it too much. The glass would be fixed, and we would leave and never have to deal with this crap again. I refused to waste any more energy on him. I’d given him enough of that and more through the years. I was done. I’d go to this party, have fun with my friends, and act like a regular college girl. It didn’t take much to deduce that if it weren’t for Lach, I would have been at the apartment right now, watching whatever television show caught my attention. God, I couldn’t wait to get out of here and go somewhere where we could hold hands — without me having to look over my shoulder constantly. I pushed all of that aside. Tonight was about having fun.
“Do you think I look naked?” I asked, looking down at the dress I was wearing.
I didn’t look naked inside the apartment, but now, I thought I looked naked.
“Not really.” She glanced over at me, eyed me up and down, and started laughing. “Okay, maybe a little since it’s dark out here. Lach’s going to fucking die.”
“Marissa!” I slapped her arm. “It’s going to be dark there, which means I’ll look naked.”
“Who cares? You wore a dress covered in holes at the country club with only a bikini under. This is a one-piece.”
“I was wearing a cover-up and a bathing suit to the pool that day,” I pointed out. “This one-piece looks the same color as my skin, and this mesh and glitter dress just adds to the nude look.”
