He can’t know. No one can.
I avert my gaze and head to the sink to refill the bucket, adding extra cleaner to combat the slimy shower stalls.
This is bad. The fact I even thought for a moment that I could reveal myself is proof that Trey makes my brain weak. I can’t keep hanging out with him.
He’s too likable.
Too strong.
Too beautiful.
If I’m not careful, he’ll be the death of me.
Spinning around, I carry my bucket back to the showers. Trey dumps his rag into it, then drops to his knees to pick it out and start scrubbing. Glancing over his shoulder, he gives me a closed-mouth smile before getting down to work.
I’m unable to move as I stare at him. The width of his back, the way his muscles move as he scrubs. His strong hands. Those forearms.
They’d hold me tight.
Make me secure.
The force with which I want them around me is terrifying.
I have to get out of this place.
If I stay here much longer, I won’t be able to resist him.
#12:
Schizo Chris
Trey
I’m not sure what to think…other than there’s something wrong with Chris.
He’s acting weird right now. Sitting two rows away from me, with this tight look on his face. His lips are bunched with determination. There’s fire in his eyes.
He showed some fight this weekend, throwing a filthy rag at my head. I should have beat him down, but his laughter and bright smile stopped me. It was actually kind of fun messing around with him…and holding his hand.
Shit!
I squeeze my eyes shut, pinching the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger. This is messed up! I don’t like him. Not that way.
I’m not that kind of guy.
I like girls—their shape, their flavor, the way they feel pressed against me. It turns me on.
I’ve had to remind myself of that a lot lately.
Girls turn me on.
So why am I having all these feelings for Chris?
I feel protective around him, like I want to shelter him from trouble. But it’s not like it was with Riley. Back then, it was an excuse to pound Ivan, a chance to teach another guy how to stand up for himself.
This is different.
This time I want to put the guy behind me so he doesn’t even have to fight.
It’s insane.
I have to get over myself.
I like girls!
In spite of my warning, my eyes snap back to Chris. He’s slumped back in his chair, daring the teacher to respond.
Mr. Adler lets out a sigh and crosses his stubby little arms. “Mr. Lorden. I advise you against flat-out refusal. When I ask you to take out your study notes from Friday, I expect you to do it.”
“I don’t feel like it.” He shrugs.
Mr. Adler’s forehead crinkles. “I was informed by Headmaster Williams that you are a star student, not a star ass.”
“Ooooh.” Chris sniggers. “You speak to your mother with that mouth?”
“Get up.” Mr. Adler storms down the aisle and stops directly beside Chris’s desk. “I will not tolerate that kind of attitude in my class. Take yourself to Headmaster Williams.”
Chris makes a face, pursing his lips as if contemplating the order. Finally he shrugs. “Don’t feel like doing that either.”
What the hell? What is he doing? It’s so out of character it makes me suspicious. He’s trying to get kicked out.
But why?
Mr. Adler’s cheeks flare red, his double chin wobbling as he trembles with rage. “Get up!” he shouts, tugging Chris’s arm and hauling him out of his seat.
Chris gently shoves him back. Mr. Adler loses his balance and has to catch himself against Kade’s desk. His wince tells me it hurt, fueling the anger within him.
But Cocky Chris doesn’t seem to notice. “You really want to be touching a student like that, Mr. Adler? I could get you fired.”
“And I could get you expelled!” Spittle makes his bottom lip glisten.
“Perfect.” Chris smirks. “I hate this place anyway.”
It stings when he says it. I don’t know why. Like I should give a shit. But after we had so much fun doing one of the school’s worst jobs, I thought he’d be up for kicking around a little longer.
Something obviously switched in his mind, propelled him to want to get out, fast.
Was it me?
Mr. Adler’s nostrils flare and he points to the door. “I will walk you to the headmaster’s office myself!”
The class is quiet. Everyone’s too shocked at Chris the Schizo to make a sound.
Mr. Adler’s never been so red.
Still smirking, Chris grabs his bag and follows Mr. Adler to the door.
“Read over your notes while I’m gone,” Mr. Adler yells across the room. “We’ll have a civil discussion when I return!”
I ignore Mr. Adler’s rage. All I can do is stare at Chris, but he won’t catch my eye, even though he knows I’m looking at him. I’m sure of it.
He’s avoiding me on purpose and for some sick reason, I want to know why.
#13:
Eton Prep Code of Conduct
Christiana