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Chapter 16 Oakley
For a moment I thought she came back to me.
I should have known better.
The muscles in my chest draw tight as I continue sweeping up the trash in the hallway.
Even if Bianca wasn’t marrying someone else, it still wouldn’t change anything.
She’s gone…
Because of me.
And now I have no choice but to man the fuck up and live with the consequences of my actions.
The sound of someone laughing callously has the tiny hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.
I know that laugh.
I’ve heard it a hundred times before.
Usually at the expense of whoever was dumb enough to piss Jace off.
A moment later my former best friend comes into view.
Eyes narrowed, he drops the soda bottle he was holding…even though the trash can is a mere three feet away.
“It’s fu
His anger is more than warranted, but he’s off his rocker if he thinks I’m going to stand here and let him hassle me while I’m trying to work.
I glare at him. “Pick that up.”
He takes a step in my direction. “Fuck off.”
Goddammit. Shit between us is fucked now, but it doesn’t negate the fact that he used to be my best friend.
Jace was the one who took me under his wing and had my back when I was new in town.
The one I could talk to about all the fucked-up thoughts going on inside my head whenever I was having a shit day and missed my mom.
The one who took care of me whenever I’d get high and have a seizure.
At one point in my life, I would have done anything for him.
Hell, I still would.
But it’s obvious the feeling isn’t mutual anymore because here he is…going out of his way to start shit with me.
He kicks the bottle down the empty hallway. “You pick it up, motherfucker.”
I’d rather eat shit.
I take a step toward him. “You might be able to bully everyone else in your life, asshole, but you can’t bully me. I ain’t the fucking one.”
His nostrils flare. “You ain’t shit, bitch.”
The fucker was clearly looking for a fight.
Well, now he’s got one.
Something inside me snaps and I shove him. “You wa
I’m no longer mad. I’m fucking enraged.
At him. At the situation I’m in.
But mostly? At myself.
Because I killed someone and lost the girl I love.
“Take your best shot, mofo.” I tap my chin in invitation. “Right fucking here.”
He levels me with another cold glare as he winds his fist back.
I brace myself for the impact. Because I want it.
But it never comes.
“Stop it,” Bianca screams in the distance.
A moment later, she squeezes herself between us. “Leave him alone, Jace.”
He pushes her away. “Stay out of this.” He winds his fist back again, but Bianca clutches her head and cries out, “Ouch. Holy shit that hurts.”
That’s all it takes for us to forget our feud and rush to her side.
My gaze darts over every inch of her, sca
“What happened?” Jace questions, his voice filled with concern.
It takes everything in me not to pummel him. “She might have hit her head when you shoved her.”
Jace blanches. “Fuck.” He looks at his sister. “Are you okay?”
She rubs her temples. “I don’t know. I have a really bad migraine.”
Without thinking, I reach out and touch her cheek. “Do you want me to—”
“Get the fuck away from her, asshole,” Jace bites out as he slaps my hand away. “Now.”
As if sensing another fight between us, Bianca looks at Jace and utters, “Can you walk me back to my dorm?”
Jace shakes his head. “No. I want to take you to the doctor and get you checked out.”
Finally, something we can both agree on.
Despite looking like she wants to object, she nods. “Okay.”
Jace drapes an arm around her shoulders, and they start ambling down the hallway. “Can you walk? Should I call an ambulance?”
“I can walk,” she assures him.
They’re almost to the end of the hall when she tilts her head and our gazes collide.
It’s a visceral punch to the gut when she gives me a small smile.
Forcing myself to stay away from her kills me, but keeping my distance is the right thing to do.
Because she hurt me in ways she doesn’t remember…
and I hurt her in ways I can’t forget.