Hayden looked like he hated me.
Hayden's eyes stayed on me, cold and empty. I thought he'd be glad I saved him, but instead, he had glared at me like I'd ruined his life.
Our relationship hadn't even started, and already he wanted nothing to do with me.
He'll thank me later,' I told myself, even as I watched him walk away.
"Look at me!" Kai's voice snapped me out of my thoughts as his palm smacked against the locker right beside my head. The sound echoed in the room, making me flinch.
"I know what you're trying to do," he growled, leaning close. "But I won't let you kill him again."
I forced my voice out calmly. "Kai, something's wrong with you. You should go to the infirmary."
He turned his head away, shaking it slowly like he was tired of hearing words that didn't fit what he knew. I understood that feeling; when I'd first been reborn, I couldn't explain it either.
"Look," I said softer, stepping a little closer. "It's not too late. And you don't have to be scared about… you know… people saying you're crazy. Maybe they'll give you medicine. Something to help. Just trust the process—"
"Shut up!" Kai snapped, his face jerking back toward mine. His eyes were wild and he leaned in so close I could feel his breath. "Just… shut up."
For a second, I froze. The way his head hovered over mine, I thought he might kiss me. Instead, his forehead dropped onto my shoulder. His voice came out hushed. "The f*ck… is wrong with me?"
I knew what was happening. This was what rebirth did. The body alive, but the brain drowning in two lives' worth of memory. He was fighting it, but he wouldn't last.
"Don't fight it," I whispered, pressing my lips close to his ear. "Just give in."
I shoved his head off my shoulder. His whole body gave out, falling to the ground like dead weight. His limbs didn't even twitch. He couldn't move or speak.
I looked down at him and smirked. Then I kicked him hard on his torso. "That's for shoving me around earlier."
As I stepped out of the locker room, I saw Alabama jogging toward me. "Hey, Alabama," I said, smiling.
She leaned in close, whispering, "They're saying it's because of you." I widened my eyes. How did the news spread so fast?
"Of course I defended you," she cut in. "Told them it wasn't true. But…" her voice lowered to a hesitant tone. "Is it true?"
"Well—"
A hand clamped down on my shoulder and yanked me back. My body tensed and I was ready to throw a punch; until I smelled the expensive perfume.
"Walk with me."
Sofia Hamilton tossed her handbag into my arms, wrinkling her nose like I was something dirty. She grabbed her sanitizer, muttering, "Eewh," as she rubbed her hands.
If anyone else had thrown their bag at me, I'd have stuffed it full of rocks before tossing it back. But this was Sofia Hamilton.
Her father, Mr. Hamilton, was the only reason I was even here. My mother worked as his housekeeper, and in his "mercy" he let me, the bastard daughter, attend this school. My mom called it generosity, I called it debt. Cause he only wanted me watching Sofia.
Sofia paid me well to cover her tracks, though. She was a rebel, and I was her shadow.
I walked her to the car. Usually, that was it. But when she slid inside, her driver opened the other door; for me.
I stood frozen. She'd never let me ride with her before.
"You think I'd let you carry my Chanel on a bus?" she said flatly.
I climbed in.
Sofia's eyes stayed glued to her iPad, tapping and scrolling. Minutes passed before she glanced at me. "What happened between you and Hayden?"
So that's what this was. She wanted the truth.
"Nothing," I said.
Her gaze snapped up. "Don't f*ck with me, Steph."
"It's Stephanie to you," I corrected bluntly. "And I don't think I want to f*ck you."
She gave a short laugh. "Rumor says you got him off the team after framing him. Locker room, playbook, all of it."
"Framing?" I scoffed.
"Weren't you found in the locker room before the playbook got found?"
So that's what he's using. That I framed him?
Her smile grew cold. "And Hayden confirmed it himself. Said you're a b*tch."
I clenched my fists. Hayden… really? Acting like a child?
"I don't owe you, or anyone, an explanation."
She chuckled again.
The car jolted, making me glance out the window. Why weren't we on the usual road? My brows furrowed. "Sofia, where are we going?"
Her eyes didn't leave her screen. "I wanted a long drive."
Was all she said, but just like that, minutes turned into hours. My nerves rose higher with every passing mile. I wanted to speak again, but then the car stopped.
I looked out the window... We were in the middle of nowhere!
"Get out," Sofia said.
"What?"
"Step down from my car." Her voice was calm, like she was asking me to hand her a pen.
I stayed frozen, hoping she was joking.
"Or I'll make him drag you out." She nodded toward her driver.
"You're not serious." My voice cracked.
She leaned forward slightly. "Consider this the beginning of your punishment for what you did to Hayden."
What I did?
First off, she and Hayden weren't even together. Yet. Why is she acting like his guard dog now?
I didn't have time to ask. The driver yanked me out, shoving me hard enough that I slammed into the pavement. My knees and palms stung as sharp concrete bit into them. I winced, cursing under my breath as I pushed myself up.
"F*ck you, Sofia!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the darkness. "Do you hear me? F*ck you!"
Her only reply was a raised middle finger from the car window.
Rage boiled up in me. I snatched a rock from the side of the road and hurled it at the car. It hit dead-on, shattering her back window.
A wild grin spread across my face; until I heard a whistle.
I froze, turning toward the sound.
At the corner of the road, half-hidden in the darkness, a group of bikers leaned on their motorcycles. Their grins were wide and hungry.
Upon this disturbing sight, my smile instantly vanished.
F*cking Sofia!