Page 23 of Cruel Titan

“Stop it,” I say to Asher as Connor tenses, moving towards Asher instead of away. I really don’t want anyone else tangled up in Asher’s treacherous web, so I tug Connor back with all my strength. “Let’s go. Now.”

Luckily, Connor moves back, following me as we silently make our way out of the school. He follows as I walk to the parking lot, not speaking until we are at my car.

“Do you want to go grab something to eat or maybe a coffee?”

“I’m sorry.”

“That you don’t want to eat?” he teases, taking me by surprise after the tense situation we just walked away from.

Spotting Asher walking to his car, I look to Connor. “I’m sorry about him.”

“That’s out of your control, so don’t apologize. Or maybe just make it up to me by joining me for a quick bite to eat.” He’s laying the charm on thick, and it might have been working, but a furious glower my way reminds me why I don’t want to deal with more drama or create headaches for someone else.

“He’s not going to stop. He will make your life miserable just as he does mine.”

“Eh. I’m a big boy, I can handle myself, even if it didn’t seem that way before. I bailed last time because I thought I was making a move on someone’s girl, and that’s not my style. But now that I know a little more about you, I’m not going anywhere. Remember … strong chicken.” He flexes, showing a solid, strong bicep muscle. Those football workouts are really working in his favor.

“I don’t know.”

“No pressure. We can just hang out another time if you’re up for it.”

No pressure repeats through my mind over and over. All I feel is pressure from every direction. His choice of words couldn’t have been more perfect, especially since I’m used to dealing with a brash and full-of-pressure guy. “Another time sounds good.”

Sliding into the driver’s seat, Connor gently pushes my door shut behind me before giving a quick wave as he walks off. I don’t dare look anywhere but where I’m headed, straight ahead to go home. Maybe Nathan can help Reed not get into too much trouble. Even if he was out of line, no one should suffer simply because Asher enjoys sitting back and watching a shitshow.

16

Quinn

Plopping down on the wooden bench, I drop my messenger bag on the table as a smiling Victoria looks up from her strawberry shortcake.

“Where were you?” she asks, finishing off the last bite.

“Wasting my breath,” I mumble, unable to hide my irritation.

“Uh-oh. That doesn’t sound good. What’s wrong?”

Glaring in Asher’s direction, I’m met with his usual obnoxious look. “Nothing new.”

My irritation grows as Asher smirks. He’s probably already aware of my feeble, and failed, attempt to help Coach Reed. Principal Huntington was willing to listen, but he said he couldn’t discuss any details with me, assuring me he would take every side into account but Reed would be on leave until further notice. Since Connor mentioned during our text conversation last night that his dad was stressing about losing a coach for the remainder of the season, I doubt Reed will be returning anytime soon, if ever. I knew it wasn’t good when he was summoned to the principal’s office yesterday, but it seems to be decided already.

Connor steps into view, fortunately obstructing Asher’s clear viewpoint. “Mind if I join y’all? I brought food for everyone.” He holds trays up, gripping one in each hand.

“Yay, what do you have?” Victoria pushes her empty plate out of the way as I laugh, happy that she seems to have her enormous appetite back. The fact that she has been a little more cheerful hasn’t been lost on me. It’s nice to see some of the habits return that I’d taken note of when I’d arrived on the first day of school.

Connor looks at the trays then to me with a grin. “Chicken.”

Rolling my eyes, Connor steps around the table, taking a seat on the bench next to me. He sets the trays in the middle of the table, loaded with chicken among other dishes that all look tempting.

“This looks so good.” Victoria wastes no time grabbing a plate of peach cobbler.

Connor moves a plate of grilled chicken breast in front of him, taking a bite as he motions for me to make a selection. “Since you’re busy every afternoon with work and I have practice every day, I figured we could both use some extra fuel.”

“Thanks.” I select a slice of pizza, feeling guilty about pushing off our test run, but the reasons I gave him were true. Every afternoon, I’m at Vast Perception, and each day seems just as busy as the last. Nathan wasn’t lying when he said they needed some extra help.

“It’s all my pleasure.” He takes a bite of chicken as Victoria gives me a knowing smirk.

It’s not long before lunch is over and Connor jets off in the opposite direction. Victoria makes a point to walk to class with me. “So …”