30

Xander was beyond pissed off when Aiden held Kim the other week. He’s been unnecessarily aggressive with him during practice, too. And I noticed that they stand together only when Ronan and Cole are with them. “You’re doing this to spite Aiden?” I whisper-yell then inch closer to him when a classmate gives us the stink eye while passing by. Or more like she gives me the stink eye. She’s one of Xander’s endless admirers. Another reminder of what I’ll deal with if I agree to become his pretend girlfriend. Xander raises an eyebrow. “You have a problem with that?” “Not really, but…” I inch closer. “You’re overestimating Aiden’s temporary obsession with me. He doesn’t care about me.” He cares about belittling me, dominating me, and having me bend at his will. He only cares about breaking me. “Why do you think no one asked you out these past two years?” Xander lifts an eyebrow. “W-what?” “Other girls have boyfriends, but you don’t. Ever wonder why?” “Other girls aren’t bullied,” I grit out.