Chapter 17: CHAPTER 17

Under the stark light of the girl's bathroom, I dabbed another layer of tinted moisturizer over the bruises scattered across my neck. It took all my effort to hide them from my mom this morning. Thankfully, the cardigan I paired with my maxi skirt helped, but it only covered the lowest one. The other two still bloomed above my collar bone, impossible to miss. I'd swept all my hair to one side in a desperate attempt to conceal them. Still, it was unnervingly risky. The momernt I shifted even slightly they

became apparent.

That jerk.

He just had to go and brand me in the most visible spot, a constant reminder that when playing against him, I would always lose. The bruises mocked me beneath the futile layer of coverage. If anything, they looked worse. I should've let my mother buy me that concealer when we went shopping. Wetting a fresh paper towel, I wiped at them furiously.

Amy herself didn't know yet. She was too drunk last night to remember anything, and this morning she sported a throbbing headache that had her slumped against the dashboard as I drove. The moment we parked I slipped to the girls bathroom like a coward, unwilling to stand with the cheerleaders or the boys. Before talking to anyone, I wanted to at least attempt to blur these with makeup, hoping it would somehow also blur the memory of everything that happened last night. Unfortunately, I remembered it all with crystal clarity.

“Goodnight, beautiful."

He'd said it so easily. A stark difference from his previous "high average". He had no need to flatter me with compliments, so did he actually mean it? I sighed helplessly. Now my skin was slightly red from all the wiping. Throwing away the paper towel, I arranged my hair as I normally would.

Leave it alone and maintain composure.

That's all I needed to do. The more I fussed and tried to hide it the more suspicious it looked. It was just a no need to make it bigger than that game.

The bathroom door creaked open. Jennifer froze mid-step, eyes initially panicked before easing the moment she recognized me.

"Hey," I said. My hand instinctively flew over the most obvious mark. All it did was draw her attention to it.

Stupid. That's exactly why I needed to stay calm. I awkwardly dropped my hand and pretended to fix my already-neat hair.

"Hey" she echoed. Her voice was raspy, like her throat was raw.

It was then I realized I'd been so self-conscious I missed the red-rimmed eyes, the puffy lids of someone who had cried many tears. It was obvious she wasn't okay.

She stepped closer, gaze zeroing in on the exposed view of my neck. "Can I... ask you something?"

"Sure."

"You and Cross, did-are you guys a thing?" Her voice cracked at the end.

My eyes widened in horror. "No. You were there. This was a dare." That she would even ask that meant the rumors out there were running a direction I didn't want.

Her brows drew together. "But the dare was suppose to be for you, so why did he" She broke off mid-serntence, words failing her.

"It's a dare." I repeated, mny tone laced with finality. The bell rang, slicing through the heavy silence.

I gave her a soft 'goodbye' and left. In the halls I pretended I didn't notice the curious eyes, searching me, then widening when rumor met reality. It also didn't help that my quick steps sent strands flying behind my back, further exposing the parts I'd attempted to conceal.

Arriving in technology class couldn't be more relieving. But that was short-lived; my heart couldn't help but stutter at the view of Cross sitting lazily on a chair, legs apart, thrumming his fingers across the desk with calm ease as Mr. Griffin took out his attendance book.

"Clara James?" he called.

"Here."

Cross looked up at my voice. A maddening grin overtaking his features at the sight of me. As much as I wanted to avoid him, it was important I act natural.

I forced myself to take the desk beside him, but my nerves betrayed me by selecting the one a foot apart.

"Clara," his caress over my name brought the smallest blush, the events of last night flashing through my mind like a movie trailer.

Ugh. I hate this.

He chuckled. "I'm glad you're in class." Keen eyes observed me as I fumbled with some papers in my tote, pulling out a due assignment.

"Of course I'm in class. Where else would I be?" I

mumbled, forcing myself to face him and putting on a casual expression.

His knuckles brushed my cheek. "I didn't see you outside. Or with the cheerleaders...I thought you were avoiding me."

His hand dropped to my desk, a sweet smile as he grasped the edge and smashed it next to his in perfect alignment. It sounded aggressive, like a hammer hitting a nail into place. He grabbed my chair and did the same. I squeaked as my body shifted, and I would've fallen too if it weren't for his body cushioning the momentum.

I straightened quickly, clearing my throat. "As you can see. I'm not."

Angling his head, he studied me. His lashes lowered, narrowing in a way that was uncomfortably critical.

l felt like a suspect on trial, one wrong word and I'd be condemned. He was probably checking to make sure I hadn't taken last night seriously. Or worse, develop feelings that would make me just as annoying as his obsessed lovers.

"You're blushing," he noted. He was so close I caught a whiff of his wintergreen gum.

At that moment I wanted to disappear. "I’m not blushing," I denied.

"You are," he countered, leaning in. "Your cheeks are pink. You're not into me - are you?"

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest. "What?!"

Stressed, I looked away to gather myself, but Cross seized my chin and forced my gaze back. I looked at him pleadingly. Why was he hounding me like this?

"I’m embarrassed!"

His brows lifted inquisitively, then softened as he laughed, flashing white teeth. "I went easy on you. You should've sat on my lap."

"You should've left me alone and picked some other

girl!"

Cross popped his gum, unbothered. "You're more fun. Your nervousness makes me excited." His gaze flashed with the wildness I recognized from yesterday, the one that made him a hunter and me the target.

"You're twisted for saying that. You know someone asked if there was something between us?"

His interest sharpened. "What did you say?"

"What do you think? Did you do all that to make me your girlfriend?"

"Of course not." But even as he denied it, he drew closer. Frustration lining his features. "You're not my type."

"Well, there's your answer." I looked down to avoid his eyes, piercingly blue and highly interrogative.

What he said wasn't anything new. I already knew this. Yet somehow, it didn't slow the trickling ache in my chest.

His fingers threaded through my hair, sweeping every strand behind my shoulders. His touch settled at the base of my neck, raising my sight with his thumb. "You're not disappointed, are you?"

"I was just thinking..." I deflected. My hand fell over his, halting his mindless touching as he traced my bruises so softly it made me twitch.

"Thinking what?" His grip tightened, rebellious as though nmy shoulder belonged to him.

With notable effort I plucked each finger loose. I know he let me, because afterwards he took hold of my hand.

"Even if I were your type..." I hesitated. "You're not ready fora serious relationship."

A beat of silence. "No. I'm not."

He squeezed my hand, pulling it onto his lap until the motion drew me closer. His face dipped low, the gum stretching into a perfect circle.

Pop.

Right on my cheek. And he left it there!

"Eww!" My palm rose to wipe it of, but that was all he needed to catch my wrists and pin them down, locking me in place. "Stop it!"

Undaunted, he leaned over me, mouth covering my cheek. His teeth grazed my skin as he retrieved the sticky substance, taking his sweet time in spite of making me squirm. I helplessly veered my head back, only to have him shamelessly follow the movement, his chest connecting with mine.

"Please," I begged.

Another bite. He murmured against my damp skin, voice teasing. "Since you said it so nicely."

Finally, he retreated and sat perfectly composed, popping his gum as if he hadn't just eaten my face.

I wiped my cheek and glared at him. He tilted his head, all mock innocence, like a pet who didn't understand what it had done wrong.

"Stop doing stuff like that," I snapped, adjusting my chair a few inches away to further drive the point.

None of his admirers were in this class. He didn't need to do unnecessary things.

He smiled unrepentantly. "I like your cheeks." I gave him a look. Really? I wasn't his type, yet he likes my cheeks, of all things. Now that I thought of it, there wasn't a common trait amnongst his flings,there wasn't other than being pretty. I couldn't even remember him pursuing any of them, he just chose from the ones who threw themselves at his feet.

"What is your type?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

There was humor in his eyes. He popped his gum one last time before spitting it neatly into a piece of paper. Finding the trashcan, he tossed it with perfect aim.

"Hump and dump."

My lips twisted in disgust. Figures. He was allergic to forming true connection. Good thing I knew better than to ever fall for the likes of him.

"You monster!" Theodore thundered, pulling my shirt aside, aghast. "How could you do that to my CJ?!"

He rubbed the area soothingly, giving Cross a disapproving look.

David raised his eyebrows, thoroughly surprised.

"Did you guys..."

"NO!" Theodore and I shouted in unison.

I turned to Theodore's chest, allowing him to envelop me in one of his comforting hugs. "Only you truly know me," I whined pitifully.

"You're too smart to fall for that beast." He petted my hair like I'd just survived a tragedy.

Cross rolled his eyes. "If I wanted to, I could've done worse."

"How did this even happen?" David looked at me. "You dared him to give you a hickey?"

I gaped at him, offended. "Do I look like the type?! He's the one who trapped me with that stupid Dictate Card!"

David blinked as though the pieces still weren't fitting together. "Then if the dare was for you, why are you the one with a hickey?"

"I was being considerate of her virginal fragility" Cross replied, sounding ever so considerate though his smirk was pure savagery.

David groaned. "And you didn't think to, I don't

know, cover them?" His eyes fell to them again, bearing them in all its purple glory.

"I don't have strong enough makeup," I defended, feeling unfairly attacked. "Besides, there's nothing to hide. It was just a dumb game I will never be playing again."

And I meant it. I would not be going to a party like that anytime soon, let alone play such a vicious game. I prefer the comfort of my home and anonymity over thousands of eyes watching me and my namne swimming in the waves of gossip.

David turned to Cross expectedly. "So did you confess or what?"

I shot him a glare, anger spiking. "Don't even start. I'm already tired of hearing those dumb rumors. You know what, we're not friends anymore."

Theodore rested his head on my shoulder like a satisfied cat. "It's okay, I'm the only friend you need anyway."

David's mouth dropped, thoroughly offended. "Well, excuse me if after seeing these things, I’ve got questions!"

"I’m not his type, remember?" I fired. Then, twisting the knife that once hurt me, I quoted, "In his words, I'm just a high average."

Cross's jaw flexed, his gaze lowering threateningly. "Don't start with me. I told you I was joking and I apologized that day. Yesterday was the first time you ever said I was attractive. You never give me compliments." It sounded sour. Now he was the one who looked offended.

I shrugged him off. "What do you need compliments for? You've got, what, twenty girls on rotation?"

"I do not have twenty girls on rotation," he said passionlessly.

David was still reeling from the last matter, staring at the marks. "If that's what you do to a high average, what happens to the others? 'Cause I've never seen you leave a hickey on a girl."

Cross sagely tapped his temple. "I'm smarter than that "

"Wait," I said slowly, "How come you don't leave hickeys on other girls?"

He raised a brow like it was obvious. "Privacy."

My jaw dropped. Privacy? How considerate for them! Meanwhile, I'm left to fend for myself! "Why didn't you think of that with me?!"

His eyes never left me as he drew a long sip from his drink. Placing it down, his lips curved, dark and menacing. "As you said earlier, there's nothing to hide"

I played with my food, unnerved by his last comment. At this point, I wasn't even hungry anymore. I pushed my tray aside. "You could've been more considerate and picked a less obvious spot."

"Why would I when I get to know every time you look in the mirror you're reminded of me?" He reached for my discarded burger, biting it exactly where I left off. My stomach flipped. "Did your mom notice?" He asked casually.

"Of course not! I made sure to hide it this morning." Cross had the gall to look disappointed. "Oh. I was hoping she saw it and forced me to take responsibility."

"Responsibility for what?" I asked.

David gawked like he was witnessing a new person. "See, this is exactly how rumors get started."

"Exactly!" I slammed my hand on the table. "So stop feeding them!"

Cross smirked and proceeded to do just the opposite. "Don't worry, Clara. At least no one caught us in the act."

Unexpectedly, the three of them erupted in laughter. I blinked. "Wait, someone got caught? Who?"

Theodore dove to my ear, lowering his voice like it

was state scandal. "James.with Jennifer."

My eyes nearly bulged out of their socket. "Are you

serious?"

"Imagine being found mid-screw." Cross shook his head in mild amused. "At least I know how to lock doors." He tipped an imaginary hat at me like he did me a favor. That infuriating, suggestive smirk back in place. "You're welcome."

I refused to give him the satisfaction of a reply. Not to mention, my mind whirled. I knew Amy had an open relationship, but I thought for sure James was all in.

At the very least I expected indiscretions to be done in private, not in house parties. And to think, this morning Jennifer questioned me about Cross. She looked so wrecked. Is that post-alcohol regret? Bad mistakes?

None of it made sense.

Lunch ended, and classes blurred on until dismissal. On the way to cheer practice I spotted Amy by her locker. She was alone, her movements tired, but holding up nonetheless.

Just the person I wanted to see.

"Amy."

She paused at the sound of her name. Like a magnet, her gaze snapped to my neck. She released a soft gasp, color draining from her face.

"So it's true..." she whispered.

"Yes," I said, unable to stop a smug smile from curving my lips. For the first time today, I swept my hair to the unaffected side, allowing her to feast her eyes on each bruise.

"He's never done that." She was talking to herself, voice trembling, The hand on her locker tightened, as if bracing to keep balance.

"He did with me." I smiled wider, feeding the flicker of triumph blaring in my chest. It felt so good to be right, even at the expense of bitterness pulling at the recesses of my mind. "I got Cross's attention. I Won."