Chapter 17

The One Where He Faces An Enemy

“Life is like a car. If you keep going in reverse you won’t get to your destination, but if you speed up and don’t take the time to enjoy your surroundings you might get lost.” — Unknown

A/N: is this thing on?? hello, love me (even though y’all lowkey hate me) I feel like y’all have left me and I’m sad without you:( this chapter is long for you guys so please show it some much needed love!

Z A Y N

Seeing Hayes across the parking lot makes me roll my eyes and pull out my cell phone. I can hear him bragging about Arielle from here and I nearly gag at the sight of him alone. We’ve been listening to him yammer on about Arielle for what feels like forever and at a voice that is so loud it has to be on purpose.

Asshole probably saw that I’m here and decided to brag about his little dates with her.

I nudge Nate’s arm and nod over at the fucker.

“Quick Draw?” Colt uses our nickname for him, born because of our true hate of the man. I’m surprised that he’s here—at a meet—but then again, I’ve been seeing a lot more of him lately than I’d like. He seems to be showing up often at shit like this because of his friends and it’s annoying as fuck.

I nod my head, telling Nate, “C’mon, let’s go fuck with him.”

“Jesus, she’s hot.” I hear some guy say as he glances at Quick Draw’s phone where he’s obviously showing him a photo of her.

“So hot.” Hayes replies and then starts into some story about her. I listen as he recalls going on a date where they shared cotton candy. “And we were just sitting there and she grabs me. Next thing I know, her tongue’s down my throat and man, she’s a hell of a good kisser. When we were finally done making out, we—”

Approaching him and his friends, I joke, “Bro, if you crawl any further up her ass someone’s gonna’ have to tie a rope to your feet.”

I get that he wants to brag about seeing the hottest girl—that I’ve ever laid eyes on—in town, but c’mon. How magnanimous of him to send flowers! Spot the sarcasm laced in my tone.

He gives me a harsh glare that the other guys can’t see. They all—minus Hayes—laugh at my joke and greet me. Hayes stays quiet, irritated with my presence and the fact that I interrupted his tale about taking her to an amusement park.

Fuckin’ lame.

As if I want to hear him tell tales of him throwing himself at her.

He forces a chuckle and turns towards me, “I didn’t know it was any of your business.”

Pursing my lips, I shrug. “You kinda’ make it everyone’s fuckin’ business when you’re talking loud enough for the entire fuckin’ block to hear.” I watch as he pushes his shoulders back in order to make himself appear taller.

Every damn time I see him he’s threatening me with his height as if I give a single fuck.

His friends laugh and Quick Draw becomes even more tense. “Why do you care so much that I’m seeing her?” He insinuates that I’m jealous of their relationship and it makes me laugh.

“I don’t.” I reply. “She’s a grown woman who can see whoever the fuck she wants. I’m just not sure why she chooses to see pieces of shit like you.”

“At least I’m seeing her,” he snaps back like a twelve year old fucking child. His friends turn into a chorus of ohs as Colt stands beside me knowing very well there’s more.

I laugh humourlessly, running a hand over my stubble. “Who said I’m not, mate? She goes out with your stale ass and then comes and spends the night at my place.”

Everyone but Quick Draw and myself breaks out in a fit of obnoxious laughter. The two of us are sharing an intense gaze, ready to knock one another the fuck out. I wish I could just punch the fucker and be done with it but the numbers aren’t in Colt and I’s favour.

“Get the fuck out of here before I knock you on your ass for talking about her like that.” He clenches his jaw, balling a fist at his side. Clearly I’ve struck a nerve.

“Like what?”

“Stop being disrespectful, you prick.”

“Disrespectful how?” I bite. “She’s a grown ass woman. Stop insinuating labels on her.”

Internally I’m rolling my eyes at the fact that this dick is jumping to the assumption that since I’ve mentioned we’ve had sex a few times, he thinks I’m calling her a slut. That’s the last thing I’d ever say. A word that I wouldn’t label anyone.

A label that he’s placing on her by even bringing it up.

He stands forward and puts his hands against my chest, shoving me backwards. “Stop using her like she’s worthless.”

I stumble backwards, holding his gaze.

“I’m not using her, mate. It isn’t one sided. How many times do I have to tell you that she’s a grown ass woman before that gets through your thick skull?” I hold my ground, deciding not to shove him back.

Like I said, I’m not here to start a fight.

But if he wants to push me around, fine. Just shows the type of person he is.

However, when he swings his arm and punches me square in the cheek, I don’t expect it. I never would’ve anticipated he had balls like that and so I jump back in surprise. Pain shoots through my jaw and I stay completely still—head still turned away from the force.

Everyone is suddenly dead quiet, anticipating a fight. When I lick my lips and make no move to initiate anything, he seems confused.

I told you, I didn’t come here to fight with him.

He cradles his hurt knuckles in his other hand, soothing the pain that’s likely furious in his bones. “I told you not to,” is all he elaborates with.

Hayes is nothing more than a fucking phoney. He must have two damn personalities because the guy I always seem to meet has a stick up his ass and there’s no way that Arielle can actually enjoy being around someone who’s like this.

He’s a total asshole and for me to say that, of all people, means a lot.

“Whatever.” I spit, “Fuck you.”

I give him one final glare before turning on my heel and walking away from him. When we’re finally out of earshot, Colt asks, “What the fuck was that?”

“What was what?” I reply, running a hand along my aching cheek.

Getting punched in the face has me in a bit of an irritated and shit-disturbing mood and so I pull out my phone as we walk along, bringing up Arielle’s contact. I quickly type her a short one-worded text and hit send, turning my attention back to Nate.

Nate: Babe

“Why’d he flip his lid so fast?” Colt questions and I shrug my shoulders.