Beauty and the Outcast by Lucy Darling

10

Knox

Ican still feel the ass-ripping my sister gave me last night. I was sure when she came pounding on my door it was going to be over Jamie. Oh, she hit that subject too, but it was clear that she was most pissed about Whitney.

Whitney thought my behavior was because of her and told Oz and Kennedy she was willing to leave if she needed to. If anyone is going to leave it would be me. Healing Homes is a safe place, but here is safer. This is where she needs to be.

None of this is her fault. It’s my own fucked-up head that is the problem. After weeks of trying to show Whitney I wasn't a threat, I’d gone and fucked it all up. I didn't really have much of a choice. I guess I could have pulled Jett off her and left it at that. Instead, I let my rage take over. It’s still simmering inside of me even now. The thought of that privileged asshole scaring her still has my blood boiling.

If Whitney hadn’t stopped me, who knows how far I would have taken it with Jett? The rumor mill is going full force around school. Everyone wants to know what happened to Jett. He’s one of the star receivers on the football team, which only brings more attention to the situation. He’s been keeping his mouth shut on the topic, thankfully.

Something about football drives some of these people crazy, and I don’t want anything blowing back on Whitney. People love to twist shit, and I’m sure they’d wrap it around to Whitney being at fault in some way.

I change my shirt before I head out of my bedroom. Whitney’s bedroom door stands open, but the lights are off. I walk down to Faith’s room and see she’s gone too. It’s Friday night. What the hell are they up to?

“Where are the girls?” I ask, walking into Oz’s office.

“Out” is his only response.

“You’re not going to tell me?”

“Nope. If you want to know where Whitney is, ask her,” he challenges. I shake my head but pull out my phone, already heading toward my car. I fire off a text to Ace asking what he’s up to right now.

Ace:Why don’t you ask me what you really want to know?

Me:Cut me a fucking break will you.

Ace:Westcott twins are having a party.

I already knew that. I just didn’t think it was something Whitney would want to go to. The Westcotts’ parties can get a bit crazy. Their parents are loaded and are out of town more often than not. My phone chimes again, this time with a picture that has me moving my ass a whole lot faster.

Me: Going to tell my sister you’re taking pictures of other girls in swimsuits.

Me: Delete it.

He doesn't respond. I’m sure he’s laughing his ass off at me. If it was anyone else I'd be pissed, but I know Ace only has eyes for Faith and it’s merely to get my ass moving.

The drive isn't long to get to the party, but I have to park pretty far back. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this packed here before in the few times I’ve come by. Faith usually has to drag me out of the house in order to get me to be social or try to get me to date someone.

I only attract two types of girls: ones that want to piss their daddies off or ones who think they know my type. They are looking for something dark in the bedroom. I don’t get off on hurting women. In fact, seeing a woman be hurt is when I tend to lose control. Men overpowering them because they know they are bigger isn’t something I’m into. Maybe it’s because I know what that feels like.

I push my way into the house. People are freaking everywhere. I don’t recognize a lot of them. Other high schools must have been invited, and there may even be some people from the university here too. It’s only a matter of time before the police show up.

I pass through the kitchen where people are taking shots and playing beer pong, making a beeline straight for the backyard to the pool. The picture Ace sent was of Faith and Whitney standing side by side smiling in their bathing suits. If they are even considered that. Faith was in a one-piece, but Whitney was in a freaking bikini which left nothing to the imagination. Her perfect body was on full display for everyone to see. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m just being a selfish prick who wants to be the only that’s seeing.

I try to check my anger before I find them. It’s a bikini. It’s no big deal. Girls wear them all the time. It’s stupid to be jealous over it. I did take note that my sister was in a one-piece, which I’m sure is because of Ace. Fucker. He knew what he was doing when he sent that picture.

I spot Ace first. He’s got his back to me, facing the area marked off for dancing in front of the DJ booth. I follow his line of sight to see Faith dancing with my Whitney. I stop walking to watch her sway her hips to the music. Her cheeks are flushed, and her eyes are a bit glassy. She’s been drinking.

“Ace,” I growl.

“What?” He doesn't even spare me a glance, his eyes staying trained on the girls as they dance.

“They’re drinking?”

“They had a few frozen drinks. They're fine. I’m watching them.” He shrugs. Again, I try to remind myself to cool it. I run my hand down my face.

“How is she?” I hate that I have to ask Ace this question.

“Quiet, but she always is. She loosened up after the two drinks she had. Faith got her to dance.”

As much as I want to storm over there and throw her over my shoulder and leave with her, I don’t. She’s smiling and having fun. So I stand there and watch, unable to take my eyes off of her.

“How do you do this all the time?” I ask.

“It’s not always easy, but nothing worth having is.” I grunt my agreement.

I don’t know if she feels me staring at her, but she turns my way. Her eyes lock with mine. They widen for a moment before she jerks herself around, giving me her back.

“You’re really in the doghouse. This whole kissing ass and begging for forgiveness is new to you, I’m guessing.” I cut him a glare that does nothing to Ace. “Eyes up.”

I snap my gaze right back to Whitney, searching for what Ace is alerting me to. I spot two fuckers in polo shirts with their collars popped up letting me know they’re extra douchey. They’ve got their eyes locked on our girls whispering to each other. I’m sure coming up with some stupid plan to divide and conquer. I almost feel sorry for them. Ace is calm and collected… until he’s not.

When they make their move, we do the same. At this rate I’m never getting out of the doghouse.