“Waking up where?”
“Doesn’t fucking matter. What matters is who the fuck thinks they can mess with me.” His molten gaze pours over my skin. “So, who the hell were they?”
Michelle angles her body protectively before me. “Why are you asking Blair?”
“Because she was giving one of them a blow job.”
I feel all the blood drain from my face.
This is quickly spiraling into pure chaos, and I’m not sure I’ll survive the aftermath. Everyone within a twenty-foot radius is listening in, their attention glued to the drama unfolding. Phones are out. Rumors will swirl—they probably already are. My entire reputation hangs in the balance.
“Dude, just how hard did these people punch you? Did your memory get scrambled?” D’Andre continues to back me up, still clinging to the perfect image I’ve crafted.
But Michelle takes a step back, suspicion clouding her eyes as she rakes her gaze over my appearance, picking out all the flaws I’d so shoddily tried to hide. “Blair?”
“I...”
I can’t think of anything to say.
Phantom is just some hot online video game streamer. This is supposed to be a night of harmless fun. I’m not supposed to be sitting here under their judgement.
It isn’t fair.
“I fucking saw her on her knees, Michelle.” He punctuates each word with pure condescension. “The little masked freak she blew threatened me like they’re dating or some shit.”
Something inside me cracks. My taste of freedom tonight breaking down the perfectly crafted walls to reveal the girl within.
“What does it even matter, Riley?Weare not dating.” My frustration pours from my chest.
“You’re mine, Bear. Everyone knows our breakup is just temporary.”
“No, it’s not. I’m not getting back together with you. Ever. You need to get that through your head. I’m done here.” I spin on my heels, refusing to be part of this messed up fight any longer.
But life isn’t that simple.
The next sixty seconds are a blur. I barely even process what the hell happens.
Riley grabs my wrist within just a few steps, halting my retreat. The force has me wincing because it’s the same one he used to drag me around earlier. Pain shoots up my forearm, causing tears to spring in my eyes. But just as soon as the pressure is there, it’s gone…paired with the sound of bone on bone.
I whip my head around to see a set of knuckles crack against Riley’s cheekbone. It’s not enough for him to stumble back, but it does throw him temporarily off balance.
Phantom stands before me, shaking out his hand.
“Dude, you really can’t take a hint. She’s over you and under me. Move on.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BLAIR
Ireallyshouldn’t be turned on right now.
But something about Phantom punching Riley just has my core doing all sorts of cartwheels.
“You,” Riley seethes.
There’s no delay as he sets his sights on the new target, throwing a counterpunch at my masked man. Phantom dodges it easily, which only ignites the fire. They dance around for a few seconds. Riley on the attack. Phantom on the defense. Even though he doesn’t hit back, his every move aggravates Riley further. He’s toying with him…and I can’t tell if that makes him brave or just stupid.
“Who”–jab–“the fuck”–jab–“are”–jab–“you?”
