AVERY’S POV
After lunch, I walked back to my locker with Noah.
“So, who’s the new kid?”
I shrugged. “I met him once, but he seems like every other guy.”
“Conceded, horny, complete asshole?” He chuckled.
“Yep. Except you, of course, Noah. You’re just such a cutie,” I smiled, pinching his cheeks—he hates when I do that. I guess that’s why I find it so funny.
“Shut up,” he mumbled, fixing his hair. “I’m gonna head to class, see you later?”
I nodded, and he walked away. Turning back to my locker to grab some books, someone leaned against it beside me. I looked up, startled, and met Justin’s gaze. “Justin,” I said, sharper than I intended.
He smirked. “Princess.”
I crossed my arms and stared. He stared back. Eventually, I had to look away, and he chuckled. My cheeks burned. “What do you want? Or are you just here to bother me?”
“I need a favor.”
“No.”
He took another step closer, only inches between us. He laughed unexpectedly. “No? You’re cute. That wasn’t a question, Kitten.”
“Kitten?” I frowned. “What makes you think I’ll help you?”
“I knew you’d say that.” He grabbed my arms and pushed me against the lockers. My heart hammered so hard I was afraid he could hear it. He leaned in close, warm breath tickling my ear. “Avery…” When he said my name, I shivered.
What the hell is wrong with me?! Do something, Avery!
“I know something you don’t. About your brother, Zach. I need your help. And this one *isn’t* a choice.” He’d return the favor.
What. Is. Happening!
“What if I don’t?” I challenged, and he moved his head to look me straight in the eyes.
“You will. I’ll make sure of it.” He rested his hands on my waist, just staring.
I glared and tried to push him off. “You weigh like 500 pounds! Get off me,” I snapped.
He chuckled. “Oh, Avery. Sweet, beautiful, innocent Avery.” Did he call me beautiful? I quickly looked down to hide my red cheeks. I couldn’t move—I was frozen. He pulled away but still held one of my wrists. “Meet me here after school.” With that, he walked off, leaving me stunned.
Do I tell anyone what happened? No, they wouldn’t believe me anyway.
~•~
I stuffed my textbooks into my bag and waited for that goddamned Justin Carter. “Ready, Princess?”
I ignored the question. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
“What do you know about my brother?”
“I don’t even know him. I just wanted to make sure you were listening.” A small grin tugged at his lips when I frowned.
He led me to his car and opened the passenger door, but I stood there. There was no way I was getting in his car. “Look, dude, I don’t even know you. I’m not getting in your car.”
He rolled his eyes. “Just get in.”
I huffed and hesitantly sat down. The black leather interior was cool, matching the black paint job. “Where are we going?” I asked stubbornly again.
The same answer: “You’ll see.”
I honestly had no idea what was going on. Was he going to kill me? Oh God, please no—I was too young to die. I didn’t know him. He was practically a stranger! Why did I agree to this? Or even get in his car? I was so dumb. Questions flooded my mind, and before I realized it, I blurted out, “Are you going to kill me? I knew it! But please, I’m sorry for whatever I did wrong. I don’t want to die!”
He just stared at me in shock and confusion. “I’m not going to kill you, but you better stop yapping or I may consider it,” he growled, looking away.
Okay, I admit that was a little extra. Or a lot extra…
“Who lit the fuse on your tampon today?” I rolled my eyes and leaned back. He started the car, muttering something under his breath. About ten minutes passed, and I was already bored. “Are we there yet?”
“No.”
“When will we get there?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, where *is* there?”
“Somewhere.”
“Fine, be stubborn.” He smirked, as if he’d won. Not even a minute later, I asked if we were there yet.
“YES!” He yelled.
I smiled as he pulled into a parking spot in front of a gas station. He got out, and I did too. “Stay right here, Avery. I mean it. This part of town isn’t safe.” He frowned sternly.
“Why?”
“Just do it! Goddamnit, Avery. I’m just going into the gas station to talk to…” he hesitated, “a friend.”
“You need my help talking to a ‘friend’?”
“No, you’re not done here yet. Just stay, alright? If anything happens to you, I…” he sighed, “just don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right out.”
His gaze lingered on me for a second before he looked away and walked into the store.
It was boring. I wanted to *do* something. He’d asked for my help, and here I was. I wasn’t just going to sit around all day. But why did he hesitate when he said he needed to talk to someone? And why didn’t he finish his thought when he said what would happen if something happened to me? I swear he was more confusing than calculus. With nothing to do, I leaned against the hood of his car and observed my surroundings.
A strong hand grabbed my arm, and another covered my mouth. My first instinct was to scream, but the pressure muffled it. Oh my God. This wasn’t happening. No, no, no, no.
I tried to pull away, but they held me as if I weighed nothing.
“Well, well, well… What do we have here? Justin fucking Carter’s new little girlfriend? Or maybe little toy?” A deep voice chuckled in my ear. Girlfriend?! You?! I’d known him for less than a day!
I couldn’t move or talk, barely even breathe. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening, only that I might be dead in less than two minutes.
“Please, let me go! I barely know him!” I cried as loud as I could, but it was still muffled.
But I guess he did.
“SHUT UP BITCH!” He yelled, pulling me into a dark alley literally ten feet away from Justin’s car.
My eyes burned with tears, and my heart felt like it was going to explode.
“He took something from me, now I’ll take something of his,” he hissed, pulling a knife from his pocket.
God, please forgive me for whatever trouble I’ve caused. I never meant to, just please save me.
Another guy, just as scary, came around the corner, smirking. “Not so fast, we should have some fun first.” He tried to slide his hand under my shirt, but I kneed him where the sun didn’t shine.
THEY’RE TRYING TO RAPE ME! WHAT THE FUCK DO I DO?
“THAT LITTLE CUNT!” He roared, pulling out another knife.
My sobs were hysterical, and I couldn’t think straight. Please don’t let this be the end for me…
JUSTIN CARTER’S POV
After taking care of business, I shook his hand and walked back outside. I spotted my car, but no Avery. I’d given her one fucking direction!
“Fuck,” I groaned. This city was full of gangs and sadistic people. I wasn’t letting anyone get their nasty hands on my girl.
Wait what?
“My girl”? What the hell was wrong with me? I couldn’t do shit like this. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if she got involved in this mess I’d caused.
I scowled and made my way over to the car. Where the fuck was she?
“Fuck!”
I ran over to the alley where the scream came from.
“Please no!” A girl cried. “I DON’T EVEN FUCKING KNOW HIM!”
No, not just any girl… Who…?
“PLEASE JUST LET ME GO! DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME!” The girl’s voice cracked, and I felt every muscle in my body burn up. I swear to god if that nasty motherfucker touched a single bone on her body! FUCK!
Oh God, please no. Not her! Anyone but her!
It was all a blur then… I just remember punching the fuck out of those dicks who touched my Avery.
Seriously?! Again with the “my” shit.
Blood covered my knuckles, and I realized we had to leave quick.
“Avery, are you okay—” she slumped against the wall, crying, holding her stomach. “Fuck!” I muttered under my breath. I grabbed her by her arms and pulled her up. This wasn’t happening to her. I wanted to hold her forever and not have to worry about someone pulling us away from each other.
“Did they hurt you?” I whispered.
“Th-They had a knife…”
“Did they stab you?” I felt myself getting angrier again.
“No… They just kicked me,” she said so softly I barely heard her.
I pulled back but still kept my arms around her. “Don’t cry, please,” I said quietly, but my voice cracked. Fuck, why now? Her beautiful, green eyes looked up at me.
I wiped away the remaining tears on her cheek and wondered what was going through her head.
“I’m sorry, I should’ve brought you with me.”
“No, it’s not your fault.” I mumbled.
“Did they touch you? Are you hurt?”
“They um… They tried to but I didn’t let them,” not wanting to go into detail, I left it at that.
His eyes started to fill with anger, “how?”
I explained what happened and he got even madder.
“You’re cute, Avery.”
I sighed and sat down in the passenger seat.
We drove in silence for a while until he looked over at me. “Did they hurt you?”
“No.”
“What do you want?”
“Just drive.”
“I’m scared.”
“Me too.”
I closed my eyes, and he whispered something but I didn’t catch it.
A/N
Hiya! I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. I’m going to try not to make these author notes super long. They’ll be longer as the book goes along, probably, but oh well:)
I just wanted to thank you all for reading this book! I appreciate any comments and feedback you have.
– ch ????