004

Astrid’s POV

By the time I got back to the hostel after a fruitless struggle with Ocean, my legs felt like they might give out from under me.

The corridor was quiet, too quiet for a school day but I welcomed it as I wanted that quietness.

I was already cooking up the perfect tale to say to Dawn but when I got into our shared dormitory, her bed was empty.

Her bag was gone, which meant she was probably at practice or the library or anywhere that wasn’t here.

I was grateful she wasn't here to interrogate me. I would have loved to find out where she was but didn’t have the energy to check.

Exhaling, I dropped my bag on the floor and slumped onto my bed, staring straight up at the ceiling like it might offer answers if I looked long enough.

My heart wouldn’t slow down.

It continued to thump violently against my ribs, every beat echoing the same question over and over again.

What have you done?

No matter how much I tried, Ocean’s voice continued to replay in my head with cruel clarity.

What if I tell the whole school what happened last night? – I pondered as my heart lurched painfully against my chest.

My fingers curled into the sheets and I squeezed my eyes shut, but it didn’t help.

All I could see was Hannah’s smirk, the way rumors spread like wildfire in this school, the looks and the whispers that would follow suit.

Slut, whore, she jumped from one guy to another. – The words were so cruel and it made my stomach twist painfully.

I hadn’t slept with him, nothing happened but the truth had never mattered much around here.

Not when Hannah Blake decided otherwise.

Frustrated, I rolled onto my side, pulling my knees to my chest.

Accepting Ocean’s offer felt like swallowing glass which was sharp and dangerous but refusing it felt worse.

I hated that he had power over me and I hated even more that he knew it.

After a while, a shaky breath escaped me.

“Get it together, Astrid,” I whispered to the empty room.

Slowly and mechanically, I forced myself to get up. I showered, got dressed and tied my hair back with hands that still trembled slightly.

Every movement felt heavy, like I was wading through water and by the time I stepped outside, my chest felt hollow.

Dragging my feet down the corridor, I tried not to think about anything but then my phone beeped.

Thinking it was Dawn, I quickly pulled out my phone to reply her message but it turned out to be Ocean.

The first question that came to mind was how he got my contact and he answered it with his next text, saying Dawn gave it to him.

Staring at the screen of my phone cold beads of sweat gathered on my forehead.

Hey, I'm still waiting for your response. – This was Ocean’s next text.

Rolling my eyes, I shoved my phone into my bag. He was the last person I was going to allow to bother me.

My plan was to go through my classes without hassle today and return to my dorm unnoticed but fate wasn't in support of my decision.

Out of the hundred people I would run into that morning, the first person I saw was Hannah.

She stood near the entrance with her usual group of minions. They all had glossy hair, sharp smiles and were blocking the path like they owned the place.

Her eyes landed on me immediately, lighting up with something ugly and delighted.

“Well, well,” Hannah drawled. “If it isn’t yesterday’s charity case.” She chuckled, trying to get my attention but I kept walking.

“Hey, Astrid,” one of the girls chimed in sweetly. “Where were you last night? You missed all the drama.” She shrieked.

“Reis got tired of waiting for you. He had to go with Hannah because she didn't air him unlike you.” Another chirped in.

Fuming with rage, I clenched my jaw and tried to slip past them, but Hannah stepped directly into my path.

“Oh no,” she said, fake concern dripping from every word. “Don’t rush off, we were just talking about you.”

My pulse spiked and before I could stop myself, I yelled, “Move.”

Amused for reasons best known to them, they all laughed, drawing attention to us.

“Why so defensive?” Hannah asked when she returned from her high horses.

Before I could answer, another girl leaned closer. “Maybe because she doesn’t want us asking where she slept.”

My throat tightened as thoughts of Ocean carrying out his threat flooded my memory.

“Get out of my way.” I bit out.

Hannah’s smile sharpened. “Did you cry yourself to sleep after Reis kissed me? Or did you find someone else to comfort you?” She pressed.

I felt it then, the sting behind my eyes, the pressure building and my control slipping.

“Leave me alone,” I said, my voice barely steady.

They circled closer like a pack of wolves that were eager to have a bite off their prey.

“Touchy,” Hannah mocked. “Guess it didn’t take you long to move on.”

My hands shook at my sides. I could feel it happening, the tears threatening and my chest burning.

I looked around desperately, hoping for an escape, that was when I saw him.

Ocean was walking toward us from across the quad, tall and unhurried, hands in his pockets like this was just another day.

The sight of him made my heart drop straight into my stomach and I let out a quiet sigh.

It was not relief, not panic, but something heavy in between.

As expected, he stopped beside me without a word and before I could react, his arm slid around my waist.

I stiffened as he pulled me against himself, my back fitting flush to his chest like it belonged there.

His touch was warm, firm and possessive in a way that made every head around us turn.

Hannah gasped, she actually gasped.

Ocean looked down at me briefly, then back at them, his expression calm, bored even.

“What’s the problem?” He asked, his deep voice reverberating but no one answered.

“Cat got your tongues?” he asked lightly.

Hannah recovered first, her eyes darting between us. “Ocean… what is this?” She chuckled awkwardly.

His arm tightened slightly around my waist, grounding me. “This?” He tilted his head.

“You're harassing my girlfriend.”

My breath caught as the word hit me like a slap.

Pretending not to be affected, I stared straight ahead, my mind screaming.

Hannah let out a laugh. It was sharp and disbelieving. “You’re joking.” She bit out.

Ocean's lips parted into a slow and dangerous smile then he asked, “Do I look like I’m joking?”

Her gaze snapped to me then back to him. “You expect us to believe her?”

The next second, he leaned down, his lips brushing close to my ear. “Tell them.” He urged.

My heart pounded once as I lifted my gaze slowly, “Ocean…”

“Tell them,” he repeated softly.

I swallowed hard, unable to move and speak.

His voice dropped lower, for my ears alone. “Say yes, or I'll let the school tell your story for you.”

My blood ran cold at the threat.

Terrified, I forced myself to breathe and when I finally parted my lips, I saw him from the corner of my eye.

Reis Blaze.