Torment Her (Rebels At Sterling Prep #5) - Caitlyn Dare Page 0,74
do anything she's not happy with. But also, you need to trust yourself. You're a good person, Conner. The best. You'd never hurt anyone."
I almost choke on nothing at her words. If only she knew what I did tonight.
"Someone you care about, I should say. We've all seen you in the ring. You've got a mean left hook."
A laugh rips from my throat, and it feels so fucking good after the last few hours.
Tugging on her hand that's still attached to mine, I pull her into my chest and wrap my arms around her shoulders. Dropping my lips to her hair, I kiss her, needing her to know how incredible she is.
"Conner," she mutters against my chest after trying to pull away but finding herself unable to because her embrace, her support, feels too good.
"Uh huh?"
"Let go, you're wet."
"Hmm... shouldn't that be my line?"
"Fucking hell," she laughs, swatting my chest playfully.
"You are though, right? I mean look," I gesture to my naked chest. "I'm practically naked right now."
I drop my hands to the top of my towel as if I'm going to rip it off, and she runs to the door, laughing and covering her eyes. "Don't even think about it, Jagger."
"Your loss. It's so much bigger than Cole's."
"It's good to know you haven’t lost your sense of humor," she says, stopping in the doorway and turning back to me.
"Nah, I'll always be funny, Hads. It's who I am."
"Funny. Riiight."
Shaking my head at her, I lift my hand to push my wet hair out of my face.
"Seriously though, you know where I am if you need me, right?"
I nod at her before she disappears down the stairs. Probably to find Cole and to let him do fuck knows what to her in the gym, exactly as they should.
Falling back onto my bed, I stare at the ceiling once more.
Time.
Is that really the answer to all my issues?
And if it is, how much is necessary? Because I'm already bored of waiting.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Kennedy
I can’t believe we’re back to this. Conner avoiding me and me growing more anxious by the minute.
After he dropped me back at the dorms Monday night, I haven’t seen him. He texted yesterday to apologize and say that he needs some more time.
Then today, when I texted earlier suggesting we do something fun with our Friday night, like head to the pier or hang out at the pool house, he said he had a family thing.
Irritated, I dial Hadley’s number. She answers on the second ring. “Hey, you.”
“Hey, have you seen—”
Laughter sounds in the background, laughter I’d know anywhere.
“I was going to ask if you’d seen Conner, but I guess you’re part of their family now.” I can barely contain my hurt.
“Kennedy, it isn’t even like that.”
“No? So why the fuck am I sitting here alone, and you’re there with my boyfriend? Can I talk to him?”
“I...” The line goes quiet, and I hear muffled voices.
“K?” The agony in his voice cuts through me like a blade.
“Where are you? What’s going on?” I hate the insecurity in my voice, but this back and forth is driving me crazy. If Conner can’t be with me yet, I understand. What I don’t understand is why he has to continually push me away.
“My dad and Sarah wanted to celebrate their engagement. It was kind of last minute.”
“You’re all there?” Without me? I swallow the words.
Of course they are. Remi lives there, and Hadley stays over there more than she does here.
“I didn’t think...”
“Yeah, no. Of course. You should go be with your family.” The word is like ash on my tongue.
“Kennedy, wait—”
“It’s fine, Conner. I get it. I’ve got to go.” I hang up and curl into a ball, letting the tears fall.
He says he loves me. He says that he wants me, that he needs time.
So why does it hurt so much?
My cell vibrates and I read his message.
Conner: I swear it was a last minute thing. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry, K... for everything. Why don’t you come over when we’re done? We can hang out?
I stare at his words, wishing they would ease the knot in my stomach. I’d suggested that earlier and he’d blown me off. I don’t want a pity invite.
Me: I have a ton of homework. Find me when you’ve sorted your shit out.
I don’t, but he doesn’t need to know that. Powering off my phone, I pull the covers over me and close my eyes.