Chapter 138 Chapter One Hundred And Thirty Eight
JACE'S POV
The Harley's engine rumbled between my thighs as I pulled into the Westbrook parking lot, the vintage bike purring like a goddamn predator.
It wasn't my first choice, nothing could ever replace the Bentley, but it was all I had right now. My father had made damn sure of that.
But at least it looked cool as hell, especially driving into a crowd as big as this one on the first day of school after the break.
Heads turned as I rolled in. Nothing new, because they always did, but damn did it feel good to be back.
A group of sophomore girls stopped mid-conversation just to stare, their mouths practically hanging open.
I cut the engine and pulled off my helmet, adjusting the collar on my leather jacket and running a hand through my hair as the whispers started immediately.
"Oh my God, is that Jace Dawson? He looks so hot on that motorcycle,” one said, her eyes going big with adoration.
The other one sighed, “Biker boys are just so sexy, it’s literally unfair. Do you think he’ll give me a ride if I ask him nicely?”
A third giggled, “Probably not, but I bet he’ll let you ride something else.”
I gave them a polite but distant nod, instead of shamelessly flirting like I often did, and swung my leg off the bike.
The leather jacket creaked as I moved, and I couldn't help but notice more eyes following me across the parking lot, looking very impressed.
On second thought, maybe this wasn't such a downgrade after all.
"Yo, Dawson! Shit, haven’t seen you at all throughout spring break, did you get taller?" Marcus's voice boomed across the lot.
He was climbing out of his Range Rover, grinning like an idiot. "Sweet ride, man! But what the hell happened to your car?"
I shrugged, going for casual. "You know how it is. Just trying something new out."
Donovan pulled up in his Jeep, parking beside Marcus.
He jumped out, eyeing the Harley with appreciation. "Dude, that's sick. Vintage, right? My uncle is a collector, I bet he has one of those. Thing's a fucking beast."
"Yeah, she runs smooth," I said, patting the seat proudly.
There was no way in hell I was admitting I'd been grounded within an inch of my life, forbidden from ever driving a cr I didn’t buy myself.
Marcus might be my best friend, but he was also a loudmouth, and reputation was everything at Westbrook.
One slip, one sign of weakness, and you were done. I couldn’t have problems with my social life on top of all the other shit I had going on, or I would lose my fucking mind.
"Bro, I saw that viral video of you fucking up your cousin," Marcus said, lowering his voice. "I don't know what the hell happened, but I bet he had it coming."
My jaw tightened as I whispered back. "You know how I told you I was in love with Lena?"
"Yeah?" He asked, staring in confusion. “What bout it?”
"She's with him now."
"Shit. Are you fucking serious?" Marcus's eyes went wide.
"It's all good. It’s just a phase, and she’ll get out of it. I’ve got it all under control.” I lied, forcing my voice to stay level and confident. "It wouldn’t be the first girl I’ve stolen from her boyfriend, would it?”
Marcus clapped me on the shoulder, laughing. "Dude, I totally get you beating his ass. I would've put him in the fucking hospital if he made a move on my girl."
Before I could respond, the distinct purr of an expensive engine cut through the morning air.
A sleek black Lamborghini glided into the parking lot, Allison’s ride judging by the size of it, pulling up like she owned the whole universe. And knowing Allison, she probably thought she did.
Her driver opened the door with a flourish, and Allison emerged out of the car wearing head-to-toe designer, strutting down the parking lot with a sharp, seductive smile.
Her friends, Madison, Tracy, and the rest of her mindless vulture followers, piled out after her, standing on either side of her in perfect formation.
I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt, groaning with annoyance. Mental note: make sure to corner that girl later about leaving Lena the fuck alone.
Marcus whistled low. "Fuck, it's like she gets hotter every year. No offence, Jace."
"None taken. She’s yesterday’s news," I muttered, watching Allison catwalk past a crowd of students who'd gathered near the entrance, looking every bit like the Queen of Westbrook.
They parted for her like the Red Sea, phones already out and recording while they praised her, inflating her already oversized ego.
“She’s literally an angel.” One girl whispered. “ I could never have spent all that time in a hospital caring for my boyfriend like she did if I knew he cheated on me with another girl.”
“I think she’s a demon from hell, but at least she’s hot.” Another one responded, waving a frantic hello to Allison while she passed.
"Aww, did you all come out to welcome me back?" Allison cooed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "You guys are so sweet I—"
SPLASH.
Just as Allison was in the middle of addressing her subjects, a car suddenly roared past, hitting a massive puddle at full speed and splashing water all over her.
Muddy rainwater erupted like a tidal wave, drenching Allison from head to toe until she was dripping to the floor.
She screamed so loud it could've shattered glass, yelling "WHO THE FUCK WAS THAT?"
The crowd gasped, then exploded into barely-suppressed laughter and excited chatter, because other than being incredibly embarrassing for her, it was also fucking hilarious for nearly everyone else.
“Oh no. Allison your clothes are ruined.” Her friends frantically got napkins out of their purses, making pathetic attempts to blot some of the worst stains out of her dress.
“Don’t touch me!” Allison screamed, causing them to flinch away from her in fear.
While all of this was happening, a lot of students brought out their phones to record the scene, capturing Allison's designer dress which was now completely trashed, along with her perfectly styled hair now dripping muddy water as she screamed and stomped her feet.
“Shit. Is she okay?” Marcus muttered under his breath. Meanwhile, I had to bite down on my cheek to keep myself from laughing. It was fucking priceless to watch.
But then I noticed something weird. The crowd wasn't thinning out.
It was perfectly normal to have big groups outside school just after break, with different students stopping to catch up with their friends and classmates before actually breaking up for homeroom.
But the crowd wasn’t going anywhere this time, even though it was almost time for the bell to go off. If anything it was growing bigger.
And they were all pushing forward too, surging toward the parking lot entrance to see who would come out of the new car. Who had the misfortune of offending the Queen.
It was as if they’d all been waiting patiently for something… Or someone.
"Hold on," I said, my amusement fading into suspicion. "Why the fuck is everyone outside? What the hell are they waiting for? Who’s in that car?"
Marcus and Donovan exchanged a tense look.
"You didn't hear, dude?" Donovan asked.
"Hear what?" I pushed through the crowd, heading for the front to see what all the fuss was about.
Marcus and Donovan followed behind me, all of us craning our necks to watch what would happen.