Page 23 of Brutal Titan

Asher continues as Elliot walks by, smirking at my distress solely a result of his actions. Lingering for another moment just to further my torment, Elliot goes in for another dig as he says, “Grant’s here. Don’t you want to say hi?”

“You’re an even bigger jackass, and I will get you back for this!”

He disregards my threat, which causes more anger to surge through my body. Throwing my arms in the air, I yell a few more profanities at the backs of the two idiots entering the coffee shop. They couldn’t care less that I’m having a fit in the middle of the parking lot. Spotting Allison’s red BMW pulling into the lot, I know walking to school is a better option than going into Java Knox.

Spinning on my heel, I stomp across the parking lot, heading to the school. It doesn’t matter how far it is. I just need to get away from Elliot Bass. No need for me to make the slow, cruel torment he is hell-bent on causing me any more enjoyable for him.

As I’m walking across the street, Quinn pulls up beside me and asks if I need a ride.

Dropping into the passenger seat, I’m grateful to see her and even more grateful that I don’t have to walk down the winding two-mile driveway, although it was still the more appealing option, given the scenario. “Thank you.”

After riding the short distance that would’ve taken me forty minutes to walk, we exit the car and weave through the parking lot into the school together. I’m thankful Grant isn’t glued to her side for a few minutes. He might be attempting to torment Asher, but it worries me to no end. “Are you going to the bonfire?”

“I don’t know yet,” Quinn responds.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful if you do.”

“Are you going?”

I hadn’t planned on it, but the thought of Quinn being there with Grant makes me so nervous. And it would give me an opportunity to get back at Elliot. “Probably, it’s better than staying home.”

“Maybe I’ll see you there.”

Anxious, I look to her, wanting to tell her everything but fearing Grant would take it out on her and not me. “Yeah, find me when you get there. And please just be careful, Quinn.”

Hurrying away, I step into the bathroom. Slipping into a stall, I realize it’s time. I have to tell Quinn, or at least Asher, even if he isn’t my favorite person right now because there’s nothing to stop Grant from taking it too far. Again. And if he does, I’ll never forgive myself.