Hate me

Aspen

I expected things to be awkward between us. Hell, at this point, I’d almost prefer it over this cool, detached energy emanating from him. 

I watch as he takes the key out of the ignition, waiting for him to say something.  

Anything. 

But he doesn’t. He simply opens the door of his jeep and gets out without so much as a grunt or a spare glance my way. 

Screw him. 

Muttering a curse, I pick up my bag, hop out of the vehicle, and make my way inside the school building. 

I will not play his stupid little games. 

So we slept together this weekend…big deal. People have sex all the time. 

It doesn’t have to mean anything. 

I refuse to be one of those girls who pine over an asshole just because he gave you good dick. 

I make a beeline for my locker, ignoring the groups of people huddled together talking in hushed whispers. They’re probably gossiping and spreading rumors like they always do, because that’s all ninety-nine percent of the students here at Black Mountain are capable of. 

God forbid they use their mouths and brains for the greater good. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I spy Brie darting straight toward my locker. 

She’s out of breath when she reaches me, and there’s no mistaking the concern lacing her voice.  “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah.” I give her a look. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

She opens her mouth to speak, but then clamps it shut and shakes her head solemnly, almost like she loathes the next words she’s about to say. “They, uh…they found another body at Devil’s Bluff yesterday.” She swallows. “The press haven’t confirmed it yet, but people are saying it’s Shadow.” 

A chill grips my spine, and my head feels heavy as I take a step back. 

“What?” 

“Another body was found at Devil’s Bluff yesterday,” she repeats softly. 

I nod because I comprehend what Brie’s saying…I just don’t understand how or why Shadow ended up dead. 

You’d think Knox would have mentioned it…

Unless he doesn’t know.  

Her eyes dart around nervously before she speaks. “Some people at school are saying Knox did it.” Her voice lowers a fraction. “You know…since he’s done it before.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to defend him, but I quickly come to my senses. 

Of course, it’s Knox. Not only because he’s killed previously and is the epitome of a psychopath…but Shadow was his ex. 

I close my eyes as a flash of her crying flits through my mind. 

The last time I saw her alive she was ru

But what if it wasn’t him? A tiny voice inside me probes. 

“Aspen?” Brie whispers, tearing me from my thoughts. “I know we’re not super close, but I’m here for you.” Taking a step forward, she reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “If you need somewhere safe to stay…I’ve got you. Okay?”  

I nod, tears prickling my throat. 

Her offer is incredibly sweet, but I wouldn’t even know how to forge a genuine friendship with her. 

I’d like to believe Brie wouldn’t judge me for stripping, or for being involved with a forty-eight-year-old man…or for sleeping with my stepbrother who happens to be a murderer.  

But the truth is, I just don’t know. We’re complete opposites, with Brie being on the good end of the spectrum. 

Trusting others is something that’s never come easily to me.

“Thanks.”  

Her eyebrows pinch. “Promise me you’ll reach out if you need anything?” 

“I will,” I assure her. 

The bell rings, signaling that it’s time for us to get to class. 

Despite looking like she doesn’t want to, she lets go of my hand. “Check in with me later?” 

“Sure.” 

The moment she’s gone, I set out to find Knox. 

I need to see how he’s reacting to the news. 

To know if he had anything to do with it. 

However, I’m stopped by a teacher walking down the hall. “You’re late for class.” 

I want to argue, but I know it will only put me in hot water. 

I’ll just have to see Knox later. 

Either he’s been intentionally dodging me all day, or his schedule has changed, because when I finally manage to catch up with him, it isn’t until after classes let out. 

Clutching the strap of my bag, I walk over to his locker. “Hey—”

“You need to get another ride home.” 

I balk at his impassive expression, and his statement. “Okay. Can we talk about Shad—”

The locker slams shut, effectively cutting me off. 

Next thing I know he’s stalking down the hall, heading for the exit doors. 

I know Knox well enough to know that if I chase after him, he’ll only make me look stupid in front of everyone. 

I’ll just have to confront him at home.