Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 94874 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94874 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 474(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
I snort out a disbelieving laugh. Usually I’m the one who is the eternal optimist, not my brother. I’m the one who is always there, championing him, lifting him up, propelling him forward. It’s disconcerting to find our roles reversed.
“Are you still going to football practice?” I ask.
Having polished off his lunch, he picks up his bottle of water and guzzles the rest of the liquid. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I?”
Even though I had been encouraging Austin to go out for the team only last night, now I’m rethinking my position. These people are frightening. I don’t want him anywhere near them. Especially alone.
“Like you said, they’re a bunch of assholes and I don’t think you’ll be anymore welcome on the team than we’ve been in this school.”
He shrugs before an evil grin settles on his face. “Want to guess who’s the bigger asshole?”
A mirthless chuckle escapes from my lips. Leave it to Austin to compete for that particular title.
When I don’t respond, he tilts his head. “Isn’t it your job to disagree and tell me how amazing I am?”
“I think you have me confused with our mother.” Tension leaks from my shoulders. “And for the record, you already seem to know how amazing you are.”
Humor flickers in his eyes. “Of course, I do. But it’s always nice to hear.”
“You’re amazing, Aus,” I rasp, hot emotion stinging the back of my eyelids. There’s no way I could get through this moment without him.
He nods, looking pleased with himself. “Right back at you, sis.” He pauses for a beat before adding, “These people won’t break us.”
Movement from the corner of my eye captures my attention and my gaze slides from Austin’s green eyes to Kingsley. I’m jolted into awareness when I find him watching me from beneath a thick fringe of dark lashes.
As his unfriendly gaze holds mine, I get the feeling that Kingsley would like nothing more than to break us.
Me, specifically.
Chapter Eleven
I stare at the clock on the wall, willing the seconds to tick down. Two more minutes and this hell that has been Hawthorne Prep will be over.
For today.
Only one hundred and eighty-nine more days to go until I graduate and never have to step foot in these hallowed halls again. Sad that it’s my first day and already I can’t wait for it to be my last.
Mr. Timmons, the AP Psychology teacher, drones on, but I’ve tuned him out as I fidget restlessly on my seat, a mental countdown running through my head.
Ten.
Nine.
Eight.
Seven.
Six.
Five.
Four.
Three.
Two.
My muscles stiffen with anticipation.
The bell rings and I grab my notebook and pen before hauling ass to the door. A handful of grumbles follow in my wake as I shove people out of my way. They can fuck off for all I care.
With my head down, I maneuver through the crowded hall to my locker before shoving my books into my backpack and going in search of my brother. His locker is a couple of classrooms down from mine.
I stride toward him as he shoves his books on the shelf. “Are you still planning to stay after?”
Kingsley mentioned playing football when we spent the day together on his boat. After what happened this morning, I don’t want my brother anywhere near him. Austin isn’t afraid to throw down. And it would seem like Kingsley isn’t either. That makes for a particularly dangerous mix.
A renewed look of determination settles over Austin’s features. Deep down, I know what his answer will be. He only confirms it when he says, “I already told you at lunch that I was going.”
My teeth sink into my bottom lip before worrying it.
He has no idea that I met Kingsley at the beach this summer. I should probably give him a heads up, so he isn’t thrown off if something gets mentioned. But the words stay locked deep inside where I can’t set them free. After today, all I want to do is forget I ever knew the guy.
“I wanted to make sure you hadn’t changed your mind before I took off.”
My brother shifts his weight as a hard glint enters his eyes. “If they don’t want me here, they’ll have to force me to quit.”
Austin’s life revolves around football. He performs in school solely so he can step onto the field and play. You take that away and his whole entire world would crumble. It’s a scary prospect.
“Okay,” I sigh as my shoulders wilt, “I’ll see you at home later.”
“Bye.” He hoists his backpack onto his shoulder and takes off.
Silently I watch as he strolls down the hall before vanishing around the corner. It takes a moment to realize I’m alone.
A more disconcerting word flashes through my head.
Vulnerable.
I need to get out of here before anyone takes advantage of that situation.
With my shoulders hunched and my gaze trained on the marble floor, I move swiftly through the building, trying to draw the least amount of attention to myself. Whispers dog me through the corridors. My anxiety rachets up, reaching a fever pitch as I burst through the heavy glass doors into the late summer sunshine. Fresh air hits my cheeks and my feet stall as I draw in a shaky breath before expelling it from my lungs.