Chapter 44 CHAPTER 44

Chapter 44 CHAPTER 44
Much to my relief, it seemed hardly anyone saw my photos on the exposure page. The student body was more focused on the anonymous photographer. Unease rippled through the school at how disturbing the situation was.

Can you believe someone stalked her that way?'

It's creepy!

Someone whimpered. "What if I'm next?'

The page once hailed as the spot for validating the hottest girls became the page no one wanted to associate with. In less than an hour, it lost over half its following.

During health class I couldn't stop glancing at the door. The school overhead called another student, Anthony Wallen, to the front office. I assumed he was the art kid Cross slammed into the mac and cheese. I kept hoping Cross would walk in, but he never did.

Hilary tried to calm me by saying she saw cop cars parked outside of school-and they weren't for Cross but to investigate what had been escalated as a possible adult targeting young high school girls.

My heart didn't ease untilI caught a glimpse of him at football practice. Sports privileges were the first to go for students undergoing discipline. The fact that he was still allowed to play was a good sign. It meant he walked away unscathed from the administration's perspective.

As for the girls…

Cross was hailed as the knight in shining armor who defended his girl's honor. Wistful sighs dispersed as his protective display in the cafeteria spread. There was no more debate-in their eyes Cross and I were officially a couple. His first real girlfriend.

Out of courtesy, I texted Amy to let her know I didn't need a ride home today. She didn't respond. Later, I caught her in the locker room frantically reporting her own pictures on the exposure page in hopes it would delete off the page. If this spread beyond the school, she'd be in serious trouble with her mom.

I still didn't understand how Cross knew the person behind that page. Last I checked, he didn't follow them, nor did he interact with that crowd.

"I’m sorry about what happened today." Kelly's gentle words drew me from my thoughts. Practice was over, and a thin sheet of sweat covered our foreheads from exertion.

"Thanks, Kelly. I'm just glad the pictures got taken down quickly."

She shuffled in place before clearing her throat. "Um...I saw Cross talking to that new girl in the hallway earlier. It looked heated..." she tapered off, letting the sentence hang in the air.

I realized belatedly this was her way of looking out for me. My tongue ran across the inside of my teeth. "Ive been wondering about the history they have. He promised to tell me after school today:"

Kelly nodded, her shoulders relaxing. "If it helps, I don't think he likes her."

"I don't either. Did you overhear anything in their conversation?"

The corner of her mouth dipped apologetically. "Not really. The only thing I caught was her yelling 'I didn't do it"

Interesting.

If I was reading the situation correctly, Cross probably suspected Larissa was behind those photos. It's possible. She clearly didn't like me. I briefly entertained Amy as the culprit, but that didn't fall in line with her style of stunts. Amy's schemes were always aimed at pulling Cross and me apart.

Those photos…

They were purely aimed to humiliate me, and me alone. Not to mention, I connected the pieces to Amy's conversation with Eliza yesterday. Larissa called every girl on TheExposure Vault classless for wearing lingerie, even if it was a page of the hottest girls. Why would Amy get me on a page she was proud to be featured in?

I sighed. No matter what happens, I trusted Cross. He promised he'd get to the bottom of this, and I believed him. One way or another, the truth would come to light.



The sound of running water drifted through the adjoined bathroom. Cross's light hums weaved through the door left slightly ajar. I'd told him to lock it, but he insisted it got too hot when fully closed.

I was already dressed in jeans and a cute blouse. After school I'd convinced Cross to swing by my house so I could shower first. He'd been more than happy to chat it up with my mom while I rushed to get ready.

Imagine my surprise when we reached his home and his car was the first to park in the driveway. Apparently, dinner with his mom was delayed.

She had texted him about an unexpected deadline keeping her late at work.

I hugged a pillow to my chest and flopped back onto his bed. Cedarwood and warmth wrapped around me like a hug. I closed my eyes and smiled. I'd seen this room various times on video call, but being here in person felt..surreal. My fingers brushed over the dark duvet. Everything was so soft. And it smelled like him, it was intoxicating and comforting all at once. I could fall asleep here.

"So why don't you?"

I shot up, realizing I'd accidentally voiced my thoughts out loud. Whatever I was going to say died at the view before me. Truly, it was a sight for sore eyes.

Cross's damp hair lay flat in messy strands, partially covering his eyes. Still, his ocean eyes shined like brilliant tropical waters. I could see myself leap into them and land in paradise. Droplets slid down his jaw, caressed his neck, and rolled down his toned stomach. I watched them trace the curve of his abs and disappear beneath the towel hanging dangerously low on his hips. The water drops gleamed like they were winking at me, promising things I had no business imagining.

"Like what you see, babe?"

A furious blush colored my cheeks, so intense even my ears turned red. I shoved the pillow over my face and flopped backward again. Cross's musical laughter filled the room.

"Didn't you bring the clothes with you to the bathroom?" I made an indignant sound. Of course he would take any opportunity to tease me.

I could hear his smile when he responded, "I changed my mind on the outfit choice."

Drawers opened and closed. I heard minor shuffling at what I assumed to be him putting on clothes. Finally, silence.

"You can stop hiding now. I'm decently dressed." Cross tossed his towel over my head., But when I released the pillow and plucked the towel off me, what met me was a sculpted body in boxers. Before I had only seen his stomach, but now his powerful legs were on display.

A high pitch squeak escaped my throat. To my dismay, when I reached for the pillow again, Cross snatched it and threw it on the ground.

"None of that here, babygirl."

Cross climbed onto the bed, the mattress sinking at his additional weight. His body loomed over me like a hungry shark. I felt the heat of his body as he crushed me to him, the faint scent of pine clouding my senses and leaving me dizzy. I pushed weakly at his chest, to no avail. I could feel every contour of his muscle, even his legs as they encased mine to keep me from shimmying away.

"I will not kiss you while you're half naked!" I said, alarmed. "Why aren't you wearing clothes?!"

"Since I got a view of you half naked, I figured it was fair you see me half-naked too." He smiled cheekily.

I blinked, stunned at his rationalization. He was so full of it. I never demanded he do that. When he refused to come off, I smacked his chest. Cross caught my wrist and held it to his chest, his heart pounding rapidly beneath my palm.

"Ever since you kissed me, I can't get you off my mind," he whispered breathlessly. "I knew I liked you, but now I know I'm in lov… "

"Don't finish that sentence," I hissed. He was getting way ahead of himself.

Cross skimmed his nose along my cheek, slowly drifting to my neck. In an instant his teeth latched and he began to suck.

"No, no, no," I squeaked, panic filling my chest. "Your mom cannot see me with a hickey, you understand?!"

He kept sucking, grip tightening on my waist.

"Fine, I'll kiss you!"

I felt the smirk on his lips the moment he covered my mouth. This kiss was different… slow and lazy, like he had all the time in the world to savor me. As we kissed I felt a tremor go down his body. He hips ground into mine, a sharp hiss escaping him.

"I really want to pound into you right now," he said huskily.

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A/N: Did you really think I'd leave you guys hanging like that?
Chapter 45 posted already!
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