CH 1-10

Summary

He’s the best kind of revenge a girl can ask for… Nikitta Baldwin can’t believe her hot senior boyfriend dumped her. She thought they were doing soo well. It wasn’t like she was expecting their relationship to last forever. A whole school year was all she was hoping for, really. But it turned out that Zac McCarthy had other plans……and they suddenly didn’t include her. When her best friend suggests they come up with a revenge plan, Nikitta seriously considers it—egging her ex-boyfriend’s car does sound tempting. But not quite as tempting as Gunther Lawrence’s advice–her best friend’s brother; get a fake boyfriend to make Zac jealous. Totally crazy? Yes. Completely childish /juvenile? Oh definitely. But Nikitta believes she can pull it off for now. She just has to convince the guy she has in mind to get it with the program. After all, it was his idea to begin with….

|♠ 01: Freaking Zac.

I’m in one of those un-official clubs that no one really wants to be in. You know like the ‘Association for people who got jilted by their boyfriends’ or ‘The Secret Society of Dumplings Who let Scammers Empty their hearts and toss them like used tissue.’

In this case, I’m Nikitta Baldwin, the latest fully paid member of the ‘Collective of fools who had relationships that lasted for less time than a pregnant woman conceives her child.’

Three months to be precise.

Its not even as if I have the folly of youth as an excuse. 17years old on this planet is kind of long enough to learn some vital life lessons. For instance healthy oral hygiene, always floss morning and night. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. If you get caught in a riptide, swim parallel to the shore. Potpourri has no purpose. And if your getting into a relationship, ensure that it’ll last longer than the flowers he gives you on your first date.

Otherwise you’ll be me, the idiot who’s sitting on her best friend’s wide plank, oak floor, consumed by fear that the whole school will use her story as a human-interest feature, surrounded by pitiful stares and fake smiles that she needs to return….

“Do you feel like an idiot?” Daphine Lawrence, my best friend asks handing me a drink it’s too pink it could very well be radioactive.

She was the first member of the Friend Emergency to respond to my text and rushed over to my house thinking i was there yet I was here at her’s while she was out with her brother. I hoped she kicked the bin bag containing the last of my short lived boyfriend’s picture memories on the way out of my house.

I realize now that it always felt like he was just visiting. Maybe that should have been the hint, so to answer Daphine’s question, did I feel like an idiot?

“No.” I lie, only to be met with her raised eyebrow of cynicism. I capitulate like an eight year old caught spray painting the school toilet walls. “Okay, of course, I do feel like an idiot. I mean even Jace Norman’s shortest relationship lasted 120days. Its sad when i make worse life choices than an actor who built his career on a tacky television comedy series.”

I take a sip of the drink she gave me…..”What’s this?” I ask, when my taste buds throw their hands up, at a loss as to what they are faced with.

Daphine shakes her head, her light brown ponytail swinging as she does so. Even on a school evening, in the midst of this traumatic episode, she still looks great. My best friend is one of those girls who have visible cheek bones, naturally long brown hair, so you could pretty much put her through a car wash and she’d cone out the other end, sweep her hair up in a messy bun and look fabulous. Her appearance and personality are the complete opposite of each other. On the outside, fierce, bold, striking. On the inside, restrained and the most conservative. Now she is shrugging.

“No idea, I just put a bit of everything in the fridge into the cocktail shaker. There’s grin, cream, raspberry juice, pineapple–”

“You didn’t have pineapple last time I checked.” I interrupt.

Daphine doesn’t break stride. “—crushed pineapple from a tin….you’ll find it lurking at the bottom of the glass. Vitamin C has so many benefits……. “

“Will it prevent me from having dickhead boyfriends in future?”

She glides over that. “No, But it does help with absorption of iron, decreasing blood pressure, combatting heart diseases and……..” Off she goes into full education mode, not only is she restlessly organized and can calm a class of stroppy eight year olds with the same kind of Jedi mind tick but she has a remarkable memory of facts and an absolutely pitch perfect technique for delivering them.

Unfortunately in this case, her pupil has zoned out. What does it matter what is in here? As long as it contains alcohol that will reduce my feelings of general crappiness by even one degree, I’m game.

Suddenly she stops rumbling and bursts out. “I can’t believe he did that.” She says, gaping like a fish.

Haha. I happen to think my best friend thought this was a joke or like she’s waiting for me to yell ‘Fool’s day’ or ‘April fools.’

But its not April.

And I wasn’t joking when I told her Zac McCarthy a.k.a ‘Maca’ my boyfriend of three months just dumped, me. Dumped me like a freaking hot potato.

I should have seen it coming but how was I supposed to know? The shithead didn’t even give me any hint that he wanted a way out. Until when he drove me from school a couple of hours ago and told me it was over. I laughed five good minutes, thinking he was just being a joker.

But when he didn’t share my humour and stared at me crazily and somberly, I realised he was completely serious. And that was when the shock settled in. “I’m not feeling it anymore.” He said softly his eyes pleading with me to understand.

What a load of crap!! He was definitely ‘feeling it’ when we made out in the back seat of his car two days ago. Why did he suddenly have a change of heart in that small span of time??

I wish I could say our beak up ended with dignity. That I acted cool unaffected and uncaring of the fact that he didn’t want to be with me anymore, but my reaction was totally the opposite. I spent a good twenty minutes screaming at him while tears ran down my face. If there was any consolation, Zac looked completely remorseful and totally freaked out.

Drinking this aweful thing my bestie gave me doesn’t stop me still from bawling my eyes out. I probably look hideous already, what with my makeup all smudged up and running down my face. The large pile of tissues tinged with black on the coffee table practically confirms it.

Freaking Zac.

“I don’t get why he dumped you, your a great catch.”

“Right?” I sniffle, blowing a snot into the tissue before tossing it on the coffee table.

Daphine wrinkles her nose at it then turns back to me. “I mean you’re one of the prettiest girls in school. And popular too. Did he get his head hit while playing basketball or something?” She asks.

This is what I love most about Daphine. She says the right words-–well kind of the right words at the right time I’m at my lowest she knows how to lift up my spirit.

But its true, I have one of the prettiest faces in Horizon High. I’m not even going to pretend to be humble about it. I’m very well aware of my physical attributes. I have long silky reddish-brown hair that flows down my back. Naturally thick, curly lashes that frame my hazel eyes. Pink soft lips with a peaked cupid’s bow, and small dimples on either side. I wish I could say I have curves to die for but they’re pretty average. No big boobs and an hourglass figure on this girl-just you’re regular B-cup and slim waist and hips. I have a good height though, standing five feet nine inches.

All in all. I’m happy and confident the way I look.

But back to the real issue.

Zac and I were good together. We rarely fought. There was little to no drama in our relationship. And I always made sure to be a supportive girlfriend. If there was a basketball game, I would be there to watch. If he wanted to go to some party I was right there with him. And whenever he had a problem –like difficult homework. I always provided help. Our relationship wasn’t perfect, but it was great. Which is why am completely stumped that he broke up with me. Had I been too demanding? Or maybe he found my kissing skills not good enough? But he always complimented for being an excellent kisser.

But what did I really know, He dumped me!!

“I gotta say Red, this is the prettiest I’ve ever seen you.” Comes an amused male voice that makes me stiffen.

I lift my eyes and see Gunther, Daphine’s older brother, smirking down at me while balancing several plastic bags and a tray giving off a distinctly ‘lasagne’ aroma on his forearms.

“Shut up.” I snap, uncaring that he’s seeing me looking like a hyena.

Its just Gunther.

I’ve known this guy since I was like, five. I’ve seen him run around the playground naked, chasing girls making them scream by showing them his tiny sized dick. I’ve seen him plucking boogers from his nose and I’ve unwillingly smelled his disgusting farts every time he farted in front of my and Daphine’s faces back when he was at the obnoxious ages of eleven. He’s different from any other guys, he’s the one gut I’ll never be self-conscious with.

But I digress.

Because here’s the thing about Gunther Lawrence; he’s a senior just like Zac and a year older than me and Daphine. And again like Zac, he plays basketball. In fact he’s the captain of the team which makes him the most popular boy in school. The little title which I know my ex has always wanted for himself. He’s also extremely hot. Right now, he’s in a maroon T-shirt with gray sweatpants, his thick light brown hair damp like he just came out of the shower. Which is probably the case since I can smell the clean and cool scent of his shampoo from where I am sitting.

Which does nothing to me because again, its just Gunther.

His green eyes flash a tad sympathetic as he stares at me. “Sorry to hear about Maca.” He says before dropping the bags on the floor and wandering out in the direction of the kitchen, clutching the lasagne.

I freeze. What the hell?? How did he know about that?It’s only been hours since the break up.

“How did you find out?” Daphine demands, beating me to it.

I hear the sound of the oven door banging shut, before he re-enters. Gunther cocks an eyebrow. “You two haven’t seen it yet? He already changed his status to ‘single’ on Facebook.”

I gape. Is Zac for fucking real. “Are you kidding me?”

“Nope.” Gunther says, looking like he’s trying not to laugh..Glad to see he finds amusement in my heartbreak.

“What a jerk!!” Daphine exclaims, eyes flared wide in disbelief.

I ball my fists on my lap. How could he do this? Wasn’t dumping me unceremoniously enough, and he had to announce it to the whole world? It hasn’t even been a day. The shithead didn’t bother to wait. And the news should’ve come from me, Damn him.

Now everyone knows he was the one who initiated our breakup…

|♠ 02: Gunther himself?

“Rat bustard.” I angrily wipe the fresh set of tears rolling down my cheeks.

Daphine narrows her eyes into slits. “We should get him for this.” She snaps her fingers. “I have an idea. Why don’t we egg his house, or hell his car? He loves that damb thing, doesn’t he?”

“Lame.” Gunther snorts while grabbing one of the bags he neglected on the floor and chews the fries rather loudly.

Daphine and I glare at her brother. “Do you have another idea?” Daphine snaps.

Gunther’s lips twist into a smirk. “Course’ I do, baby sis. And it doesn’t take rocket science.” He gloats. “Everyone knows that if someone dumps you, the best thing you can do is hook up with someone else in front of your ex. It’ll make you look unaffected by the breakup.”

Daphine makes a face. “That’s disgusting, Gun.”

Gunther rolls his eyes. “I’m not suggesting she have sex with him, in front of Maca. All she has to do is make out or whatever with another guy.”

“Still disgusting.”

I kind of agree with Daphine—but is it bad that am actually considering this crazy idea? Now that my breakup with Zac has reached everyone, people will surely expect me to mop around school.

Well! Screw them, I’m not giving them the satisfaction of seeing me look like a duckling. “I can do better.” I say.

Daphine whips her head to me. “Uh, what’s that?”

I raise my eyes to Gunther. “Instead of hooking up with another guy, I can get fake boyfriend.”

He flashes me a wary look. “Okay, but why are you looking at me like that?”

Silence permeates the air for a brief moment before Daphine blurts out to me. “No way, are you out of your mind?”

On the contrary, its one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made. What better way to show Zac he made a mistake than getting the guy he’s always been jealous of to pretend to be my boyfriend —Gunther himself..

**********

---

I’m taking books out of my locker when I feel someone stand next to me. Judging from the strong scent of flowery perfume, its none other than my locker neighbor, Yvonne Lambsoft.

“Nikky i’m sorry.” She says, her dark brown eyes filled with pity. “I heard Zac McCarthy dumped you.”

I grit my teeth. She’s not the first one to express sympathy about what happened. Just as I had assumed, news of the breakup already reached everyone and since the school day started, I’ve been getting variations of “I’m sorry” and “are you okay?” from people even the ones I don’t really know or talk to.

I’m getting sick of it. I get it. They know am the dumpee—thus, the outpouring of ‘support’ but can’t they see am handling it pretty well. I’m walking down the halls with a permanent smile on my face, reacting like everything is fine and yipsy. They need to stop reminding me about the breakup every ten fucking seconds.

Ughhh. If I hear another ‘I’m sorry.’ I swear to God…….

This is all Zac’s fault. He put me in this humiliating position. If only it were legal to murder and mutilate your ex boyfriend!! I haven’t seen the dickhead around yet!! I think he’s purposely avoiding me. He probably knows I’m likely to kick his sorry ass the moment I see him. He knows what he did, that wiwi-head.

“I can’t believe he broke up with you.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. Patience Nikitta….

“Honestly, you were so cute together. People are all talking about how ‘Zakitta’ has fallen. I thought you were one of those couples who grow old together, you know?”

Apparently, Zakitta was mine and Zac’s initial when we were a couple. Wherever we went, people would always be like, ‘Looking cute Zakitta’, ‘hey Zakitta.’

Unable to stand it any longer, I close my locker a little too hard, and with a fake smile, I turn to Yvonne. Her ears instantly perk up. If anything Yvonne loves, its hot gossip. You tell her something and in just a few hours, everyone is already on it. Which just gives me the inspiration for what to do next.

“He actually did me a favour, you know? He’s never been really good giving me the satisfaction.” I wink at her. “If you know what I mean.” Now everyone will think that Zac sucks in the department. Which I find hilarious considering him feeling my boobs often, now in that area, I can honestly say, he truly sucks.

Yvonne’s eyes almost pop out of their sockets. “Oh, my God. That’s major— I mean horrible.”

“I know right?” I let out a dramatic sigh. “So really, he’s not much of a loss to me.”

“Well that’s good to know, girl. Good for you.” She slaps my arm a little too enthusiastically. “Because I just saw him making out with Lytton Hollister in the parking lot.”

I go completely numb, my heart dropping to the floor as Yvonne walks off, unaware of the effect of her bombshell on me. Zac’s with Lytton now. Because, of course, why wouldn’t he? She’s one of the FFB’s ( Fantastic Four Blondes), the hottest and most popular clique in school. He probably thought she would be good for his ego and social status.

Pain and fury lace through my chest as questions molest my mind. How long have they started seeing each other? Did Zac cheat on me? Hell why am I even asking that? Considering, its only been three days since we broke up, it’s very likely he did.

Blinking back the tears welling in my eyes, I’m about to head for my next class when I catch sight of Gunther. He’s alone. Its the perfect opportunity for me to once again broach the subject. Now more than ever, do I need to. Matching his steps, I infuse cheerfulness in my voice. “Hey, Gun.”

Amusement dances in his eyes as he shifts his gaze to me. “My answer is still an echoing NO, Red.”

When I realised Gun was the perfect candidate to play the part of my fake boyfriend, I didn’t waste his time and instantly asked him. To my dismay, he laughed and said no. But It didn’t deter me from trying again.

“You haven’t even heard the whole plan yet.” I protest.

“I don’t have to.”

“Please.” I plead giving him my best puppy-dog look. “Do it for my friendship with your sister.”

“Because your relationship with Daph has nothing to do with me.” He chuckles.

Not at all. I just thought pulling the brother card would work.

“I really want this fake boyfriend thing to push through. Anyway, its your fault that I’m thinking of doing this in the first place. It was your idea, remember?”

He suddenly stops causing me to do the same. “Whoa. That thing wasn’t my idea. I specifically suggested you pretend to hook up with someone in front of Maca, not get a fake boyfriend.”

I roll my eyes. “Its definitely the same thing Gun.”

“Whatever. I’m still not doing it. Find another guy who’s willing to do your biding. You’re hot Red. I’m sure you can easily get one.”

I preened at his compliment but then quickly register the rejection. “Oh, come on Gun.”

God!! Why is he being so difficult? Its not like am telling him to have my twins. All he has to do is pretend that were dating, and it won’t take that long, just a few weeks tops. Where is the harm in that? He doesn’t have a girlfriend at the moment which means his perfect for the position, so I refuse to ask anyone else.

Okay so the reason I want him and no one else is because he’s the one guy Zac has been jealous of. Zac hates that Gunther is hotter than him especially hates that Gun is a lot better at basketball and got the captain position instead of him.

So yeah having Gunther as my fake boyfriend will be the ideal revenge. “Uh oh.” Gun’s eyes drift over my shoulder..

“What?”I prompt. Grabbing my shoulders, he spins me around. Its the FFB’s- Fantastic Four blondes. Well just three. Gabriella Donovan their unspoken leader, is flanked on the either side by Gyina Fox and Paris Sydney. With their silky blonde hair flowing down their backs and million-dollar outfits, they look like teen models who just stepped out of a glamorous magazine. And they’re all sauntering through the hall like they own it.

Did Gun turn me around to ogle them? Pftt. Please. I’m about to roll my eyes when I see who’s walking behind them. Lytton Hollister. With Zac, right next to her. His arm is draped over her shoulders as they stride down the Hall, a wide grin spreading his cheeks like he just won the lottery.

“Shithead.” I mutter, tears threatening to form in my eyes once again as my nails dig into my books in my arms. How could he publicize his new relationship so soon after dumping me? He couldn’t wait a little longer and spare me a little dignity? As if he hears my raging thoughts, Zac turns his eyes to me. His face pales and he averts his gaze looking guilty as hell.

“He ain’t worth it Red.” Comes Gunther’s soft voice behind me, as if he can sense the hailstorm within me.. I hear him blow out a breath, then… “Okay. I’ll do it for you.”

With wide eyes I whirl around. “Do you mean that? For real, real?”

“Yeah for real, real.”he chuckles. “I’ll be your fake boyfriend.” He gives me a firm nod, even though there’s a hesitant look in his face.

---

When school ends, I hitch a ride in Daph’s car. Now that her brother has agreed to be my fake boyfriend, I have to tell her about it. She needs to hear it from me before someone else can beat me to it.

But instead, were talking about Zac and Lytton. Well she’s talking —ranting, really –about how much of a jerk my ex is. I’m just listening, preferring to gaze outside the window than contribute to the conversation.

What I’m I supposed to say anyways? After Zac pratically announced his new relationship, the news had spread through out the school and no amount of fake smiles could erase the look of pity in everyone’s eyes.

I even heard the words ‘pathetic’ and ‘dumped potato’ being whispered when I walked down the halls. It was all I could do not to barricade myself in the girls’ bathrooms and cry. It was the worst feeling in the world.

|♠ 03: Son of a biscuit!!

If anything else, the whole thing just strengthened my desire to show all of them especially Zac that breaking up didn’t affect me in the slightest.

And Gunther will help with that.

Several minutes later, Daphine is pulling out from the curb and I’m walking into Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones, my dad’s bookstore located in the central hurb of Shelbourn falls. I inhale the homey scent of the books on the shelves, the aroma of the blue raspberry, pins colada, watermelon, cherry snow cones already making me feel better. This……. This is why I come here.

Dad is ringing up the customers at the counter, checking that he doesn’t need any help, I make my way to the reading area and drop my bag next to one of the plush single-seaters before retrieving the book I’ve been waiting to read for months. Its a young Adult urban fantasy novel by one of my favourite authors.

I can’t wait to drive back into the supernatural world she’d created and resist my favourite characters. Zac may have hurt and disappointed me but Josephine Angelini will never let me down. I’m a few chapters in when Dad rounds the corner, a pile of books in his arms. “Hey cookie.”

A smile curves my lips. “What you got there?”

“Just Some books the customers decided they didn’t want to buy at the counter.” Putting them back on the shelf, he asks. “What are you doing?”

My dad is a total book nerd, which I’d inherited to his absolute joy and relief—his own words. So when he left his job four years ago to start Baldwin Reads &Sno-cones, I was one hundred percent on board with it. Mom wasnt really convinced, but seeing the bookstore flourish eventually won her over.

A few times a week, I’d come here, providing assistance where I can and devouring my snowcones, and books in my favourite genres. Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones has become my favourite place in the world.

“Beautiful Dead by Yvonne Woon, have you read it yet?”

“No but let me add it to my MRL.” ( Must Read List.)

“So how was your day?”

Zac just let the whole school know that he’d dumped me and is now dating Lytton Hollister, so everyone thinks I’m loser. But on the plus side, Gunther finally agreed to be my fake boyfriend. So its been good I guess. “Uneventful.”

Dad’s hazel eyes— that were so much like mine now narrow. “Don’t you have any plans with Zac?”.

Considering we already broke up, that’s a big fat no. “Nope, I’d rather stay here.”

“Well, I could use some company.” he winks.

I should tell him about Zac–and I definitely will–but I’m not in the mood to discuss what happened right now. I just want to curl up in this sofa with a pina colada snow cone, so I can forget about the breakup even for just a few short hours. Then I’ll focus on how I’ll be able to get back at him with Gunther’s help.

Totally doable right?

*********

“So you’ve totally lost your mind?” Daph says dryly.

We’re eating lunch in the cafeteria,and I just told her that her brother finally agreed to help me out. I didn’t tell her yesterday because I was so upset on seeing Zac and Lytton together, I hadn’t been in the mood to talk. But more importantly, I knew she was against the plan from the start. She tried to talk me out of it when Gun came up with the idea.

Tried being the operative word. My mind is already set. I’m not surprised that she’s not being supportive about it, though. While I tend to be impulsive and reckless, Daphine is level-headed and cautious. That’s why she makes sure to keep me grounded. That’s what she’s been doing since we met and became fast best friends back in kindergarten.

While I appreciate that, sometimes I wish she’ll say “scerw it” and throw caution into the wind. A little adventure can do her good-but while our personalities differ, we share some similar physical features. She stands at five-nine like me. We also have the same slim body build. And we both have long hair, although hers is light Brown, she has the same deep green eyes as Gunther’s though, which she frames with her purple-rimmed glasses.

I bite into my cheese burger. “Its going to be fine, Daph, don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t. You know worrying is what I do.”

I pat the back of her hand. “I know hun, but try not to. Trust me, its going to be fine.”

“But Nikitta, seriously, are you okay? You were awfully quiet yesterday. We haven’t really talked about the um, new development.” By ‘new development’, I take it she means Zac and Lytton.

“What is there to talk about? He moved on just like that. No amount of talking will change the fact that he heartlessly dumped me and replaced me with one of the FFB’s.” I exhale an audible breath. “Anyway, I’m doing fine. I was upset when I found out, but I’m okay now.”

“Are you sure? If you want, we can skip last period and go to the mall or something?”

I blink at her. “You want to skip last period?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Since when do you skip classes?”

“Since my best friend got her heart broken by some douchebag and needed cheering up.

“Awww Daph,” I coo, putting a hand on my chest. “That’s soo sweet.”

‘Shut up.” She rolls her eyes; her cheeks burning.

“Seriously, its sweet and all, but really I’m fine. No need to get in trouble just to cheer me up.”

And I’m not lying. Surprisingly, I wasn’t as upset as I’d been yesterday. The whole thing still stings– as it should– but I don’t feel like moping anymore. In fact, I feel rejuvenated. Like I just found a life-changing purpose. Maybe I did, maybe that purpose came in the form of my revenge plan. Or maybe I wasn’t as invested in my relationship with Zac as I thought I was. Either way, I’m not about to think much of it.

“If you say so.” Daph sighs, popping a chicken nugget into her mouth pushing her glasses up her nose. “So are you, like going to make out with Gun in public now.” She shudders. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

“I don’t know.” I give my shoulders a small shrug. “I mean, I guess if the situation calls for it.”

Her mouth falls open comically. “But its going to be weird. I mean, its Gun, he’s like your brother.”.

“No,he’s not.” I snort

Aside from the fact that I don’t have a brother, I have an adorable sixteen month-old baby sister named Lupita— I’ve never seen Gun like a sibling. It’s not like I have a secret crush on him or anything. I know he’s very attractive, but I’ve never been attracted to him. He’s always been my best friend’s older brother who I sometimes hang out with. He’s my friend by extension, I think.

And who you’ll possibly make out with.

Ehh, who knows? Maybe it won’t even come to that.

Maybe all we have to do is act flirty and sweet towards each other, and that’s it. Although I’m also desperate enough that I can totally see myself doing that. Whatever it’s just Gun. If it happens, I’m sure its not going to be weird. We’ll just probably laugh it off afterward.

Unlike most girls in our school, I’m immune to his charms. I’m confident one measly kiss won’t change that so I don’t need to worry about developing feelings for the guy. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. Right now, I need to focus on how to make the plan work.

Glancing past Daphine, my eyes shift over to where Zac is sitting. Lytton is right beside him, feeding him lasagna from his own plate like he isn’t capable of doing it himself.

Bitterly, I wonder if it’s one of the reasons why he broke up with me. Because I don’t spoonfeed him things–literally and figuratively. Or maybe because she’s a senior like him while I’m still a junior. If I have to make out with Gun a million times just to exact my revenge, I will. As if hearing my thoughts, Daph shakes her head.

“Its still going to be weird.”

I shove the remaining chunk of Burger into my month and smile. “Then, you’ll just have to deal with it.”

°°°

---

“She’s already posting pictures of them? Ughhh. How tacky.”

I’m lying on my bed, scrolling through Instagram-spescifically Lytton’s Instagram’s feed. What can I say? I’m a masochist.

And right now, masochistic me is staring at a picture of Lytton kissing the cheek of a grinning Zac. Its captioned, “best day ever.”

Son of a biscuit!!

As much as I hate to admit it, they look perfect together, like a real-life version of Barbie and Ken with their identical brown eyes and gorgeous blonde hair. As if to show how inferior everyone else is compared to them. Unlike the first picture, the next one only contains Zac. He’s standing in the basketball pitch in his maroon Jersey, his hands around a ball, looking off into the distance. This one says, “how did I get soo lucky?”

As I expected, the comments on both pictures are praising the new ‘IT couple. ‘

“You guys are so perfect together,”*three red heart emojis*

“Lucky indeed.”*heart struck with an arrow emoji*

“You’re prettier than the last one. Just saying.”*smirking emoji*

My mouth falls open. “Prettier than the last one? What an asshole!!” I snarl. “What the hell? She even liked the comment!”

Well it’s official. I don’t like Lytton Hollister at all. Considering there’s very real possibility that she stole Zac from me, this just sealed the deal.

“Who are you taking to?” Mom’s voice startles me. Looking up. I see her leaning against the doorframe.

With a sheepish smile. I say. “Just myself. Hey, are you making a new video?”

My mom runs a YouTube channel that features recipes, crafts and even DIY home repairs. Its pretty popular. Last time I checked, she already had over two million followers. She started it when she was pregnant with my sister and got bored during her maternity leave. It was only supposed to be a hobby, but the cash started coming in, so she eventually left her job in market directing and focused on it instead. She’d rather stay at home after Lupita was born, anyway. So the career shift had been a Godsend. She’s never been happier.

And nowadays, Doreen Baldwin is quite the celebrity around town.

“Yes, I was just about to finish up.” She has on her denim overalls, and her auburn hair is gathered in a bun ontop of her head. Which tells me she’s recording a DIY video.

“Where’s Lupita?” I ask

“Sleeping soundly in her room.” She pauses. “Is there a reason why Gunther is downstairs looking for you instead of Daphine?”

Holy shit!!

|♠ 03: Son of a biscuit!!

If anything else, the whole thing just strengthened my desire to show all of them especially Zac that breaking up didn’t affect me in the slightest.

And Gunther will help with that.

Several minutes later, Daphine is pulling out from the curb and I’m walking into Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones, my dad’s bookstore located in the central hurb of Shelbourn falls. I inhale the homey scent of the books on the shelves, the aroma of the blue raspberry, pins colada, watermelon, cherry snow cones already making me feel better. This……. This is why I come here.

Dad is ringing up the customers at the counter, checking that he doesn’t need any help, I make my way to the reading area and drop my bag next to one of the plush single-seaters before retrieving the book I’ve been waiting to read for months. Its a young Adult urban fantasy novel by one of my favourite authors.

I can’t wait to drive back into the supernatural world she’d created and resist my favourite characters. Zac may have hurt and disappointed me but Josephine Angelini will never let me down. I’m a few chapters in when Dad rounds the corner, a pile of books in his arms. “Hey cookie.”

A smile curves my lips. “What you got there?”

“Just Some books the customers decided they didn’t want to buy at the counter.” Putting them back on the shelf, he asks. “What are you doing?”

My dad is a total book nerd, which I’d inherited to his absolute joy and relief—his own words. So when he left his job four years ago to start Baldwin Reads &Sno-cones, I was one hundred percent on board with it. Mom wasnt really convinced, but seeing the bookstore flourish eventually won her over.

A few times a week, I’d come here, providing assistance where I can and devouring my snowcones, and books in my favourite genres. Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones has become my favourite place in the world.

“Beautiful Dead by Yvonne Woon, have you read it yet?”

“No but let me add it to my MRL.” ( Must Read List.)

“So how was your day?”

Zac just let the whole school know that he’d dumped me and is now dating Lytton Hollister, so everyone thinks I’m loser. But on the plus side, Gunther finally agreed to be my fake boyfriend. So its been good I guess. “Uneventful.”

Dad’s hazel eyes— that were so much like mine now narrow. “Don’t you have any plans with Zac?”.

Considering we already broke up, that’s a big fat no. “Nope, I’d rather stay here.”

“Well, I could use some company.” he winks.

I should tell him about Zac–and I definitely will–but I’m not in the mood to discuss what happened right now. I just want to curl up in this sofa with a pina colada snow cone, so I can forget about the breakup even for just a few short hours. Then I’ll focus on how I’ll be able to get back at him with Gunther’s help.

Totally doable right?

*********

“So you’ve totally lost your mind?” Daph says dryly.

We’re eating lunch in the cafeteria,and I just told her that her brother finally agreed to help me out. I didn’t tell her yesterday because I was so upset on seeing Zac and Lytton together, I hadn’t been in the mood to talk. But more importantly, I knew she was against the plan from the start. She tried to talk me out of it when Gun came up with the idea.

Tried being the operative word. My mind is already set. I’m not surprised that she’s not being supportive about it, though. While I tend to be impulsive and reckless, Daphine is level-headed and cautious. That’s why she makes sure to keep me grounded. That’s what she’s been doing since we met and became fast best friends back in kindergarten.

While I appreciate that, sometimes I wish she’ll say “scerw it” and throw caution into the wind. A little adventure can do her good-but while our personalities differ, we share some similar physical features. She stands at five-nine like me. We also have the same slim body build. And we both have long hair, although hers is light Brown, she has the same deep green eyes as Gunther’s though, which she frames with her purple-rimmed glasses.

I bite into my cheese burger. “Its going to be fine, Daph, don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t. You know worrying is what I do.”

I pat the back of her hand. “I know hun, but try not to. Trust me, its going to be fine.”

“But Nikitta, seriously, are you okay? You were awfully quiet yesterday. We haven’t really talked about the um, new development.” By ‘new development’, I take it she means Zac and Lytton.

“What is there to talk about? He moved on just like that. No amount of talking will change the fact that he heartlessly dumped me and replaced me with one of the FFB’s.” I exhale an audible breath. “Anyway, I’m doing fine. I was upset when I found out, but I’m okay now.”

“Are you sure? If you want, we can skip last period and go to the mall or something?”

I blink at her. “You want to skip last period?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Since when do you skip classes?”

“Since my best friend got her heart broken by some douchebag and needed cheering up.

“Awww Daph,” I coo, putting a hand on my chest. “That’s soo sweet.”

‘Shut up.” She rolls her eyes; her cheeks burning.

“Seriously, its sweet and all, but really I’m fine. No need to get in trouble just to cheer me up.”

And I’m not lying. Surprisingly, I wasn’t as upset as I’d been yesterday. The whole thing still stings– as it should– but I don’t feel like moping anymore. In fact, I feel rejuvenated. Like I just found a life-changing purpose. Maybe I did, maybe that purpose came in the form of my revenge plan. Or maybe I wasn’t as invested in my relationship with Zac as I thought I was. Either way, I’m not about to think much of it.

“If you say so.” Daph sighs, popping a chicken nugget into her mouth pushing her glasses up her nose. “So are you, like going to make out with Gun in public now.” She shudders. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

“I don’t know.” I give my shoulders a small shrug. “I mean, I guess if the situation calls for it.”

Her mouth falls open comically. “But its going to be weird. I mean, its Gun, he’s like your brother.”.

“No,he’s not.” I snort

Aside from the fact that I don’t have a brother, I have an adorable sixteen month-old baby sister named Lupita— I’ve never seen Gun like a sibling. It’s not like I have a secret crush on him or anything. I know he’s very attractive, but I’ve never been attracted to him. He’s always been my best friend’s older brother who I sometimes hang out with. He’s my friend by extension, I think.

And who you’ll possibly make out with.

Ehh, who knows? Maybe it won’t even come to that.

Maybe all we have to do is act flirty and sweet towards each other, and that’s it. Although I’m also desperate enough that I can totally see myself doing that. Whatever it’s just Gun. If it happens, I’m sure its not going to be weird. We’ll just probably laugh it off afterward.

Unlike most girls in our school, I’m immune to his charms. I’m confident one measly kiss won’t change that so I don’t need to worry about developing feelings for the guy. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. Right now, I need to focus on how to make the plan work.

Glancing past Daphine, my eyes shift over to where Zac is sitting. Lytton is right beside him, feeding him lasagna from his own plate like he isn’t capable of doing it himself.

Bitterly, I wonder if it’s one of the reasons why he broke up with me. Because I don’t spoonfeed him things–literally and figuratively. Or maybe because she’s a senior like him while I’m still a junior. If I have to make out with Gun a million times just to exact my revenge, I will. As if hearing my thoughts, Daph shakes her head.

“Its still going to be weird.”

I shove the remaining chunk of Burger into my month and smile. “Then, you’ll just have to deal with it.”

°°°

---

“She’s already posting pictures of them? Ughhh. How tacky.”

I’m lying on my bed, scrolling through Instagram-spescifically Lytton’s Instagram’s feed. What can I say? I’m a masochist.

And right now, masochistic me is staring at a picture of Lytton kissing the cheek of a grinning Zac. Its captioned, “best day ever.”

Son of a biscuit!!

As much as I hate to admit it, they look perfect together, like a real-life version of Barbie and Ken with their identical brown eyes and gorgeous blonde hair. As if to show how inferior everyone else is compared to them. Unlike the first picture, the next one only contains Zac. He’s standing in the basketball pitch in his maroon Jersey, his hands around a ball, looking off into the distance. This one says, “how did I get soo lucky?”

As I expected, the comments on both pictures are praising the new ‘IT couple. ‘

“You guys are so perfect together,”*three red heart emojis*

“Lucky indeed.”*heart struck with an arrow emoji*

“You’re prettier than the last one. Just saying.”*smirking emoji*

My mouth falls open. “Prettier than the last one? What an asshole!!” I snarl. “What the hell? She even liked the comment!”

Well it’s official. I don’t like Lytton Hollister at all. Considering there’s very real possibility that she stole Zac from me, this just sealed the deal.

“Who are you taking to?” Mom’s voice startles me. Looking up. I see her leaning against the doorframe.

With a sheepish smile. I say. “Just myself. Hey, are you making a new video?”

My mom runs a YouTube channel that features recipes, crafts and even DIY home repairs. Its pretty popular. Last time I checked, she already had over two million followers. She started it when she was pregnant with my sister and got bored during her maternity leave. It was only supposed to be a hobby, but the cash started coming in, so she eventually left her job in market directing and focused on it instead. She’d rather stay at home after Lupita was born, anyway. So the career shift had been a Godsend. She’s never been happier.

And nowadays, Doreen Baldwin is quite the celebrity around town.

“Yes, I was just about to finish up.” She has on her denim overalls, and her auburn hair is gathered in a bun ontop of her head. Which tells me she’s recording a DIY video.

“Where’s Lupita?” I ask

“Sleeping soundly in her room.” She pauses. “Is there a reason why Gunther is downstairs looking for you instead of Daphine?”

Holy shit!!

|♠ 03: Son of a biscuit!!

If anything else, the whole thing just strengthened my desire to show all of them especially Zac that breaking up didn’t affect me in the slightest.

And Gunther will help with that.

Several minutes later, Daphine is pulling out from the curb and I’m walking into Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones, my dad’s bookstore located in the central hurb of Shelbourn falls. I inhale the homey scent of the books on the shelves, the aroma of the blue raspberry, pins colada, watermelon, cherry snow cones already making me feel better. This……. This is why I come here.

Dad is ringing up the customers at the counter, checking that he doesn’t need any help, I make my way to the reading area and drop my bag next to one of the plush single-seaters before retrieving the book I’ve been waiting to read for months. Its a young Adult urban fantasy novel by one of my favourite authors.

I can’t wait to drive back into the supernatural world she’d created and resist my favourite characters. Zac may have hurt and disappointed me but Josephine Angelini will never let me down. I’m a few chapters in when Dad rounds the corner, a pile of books in his arms. “Hey cookie.”

A smile curves my lips. “What you got there?”

“Just Some books the customers decided they didn’t want to buy at the counter.” Putting them back on the shelf, he asks. “What are you doing?”

My dad is a total book nerd, which I’d inherited to his absolute joy and relief—his own words. So when he left his job four years ago to start Baldwin Reads &Sno-cones, I was one hundred percent on board with it. Mom wasnt really convinced, but seeing the bookstore flourish eventually won her over.

A few times a week, I’d come here, providing assistance where I can and devouring my snowcones, and books in my favourite genres. Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones has become my favourite place in the world.

“Beautiful Dead by Yvonne Woon, have you read it yet?”

“No but let me add it to my MRL.” ( Must Read List.)

“So how was your day?”

Zac just let the whole school know that he’d dumped me and is now dating Lytton Hollister, so everyone thinks I’m loser. But on the plus side, Gunther finally agreed to be my fake boyfriend. So its been good I guess. “Uneventful.”

Dad’s hazel eyes— that were so much like mine now narrow. “Don’t you have any plans with Zac?”.

Considering we already broke up, that’s a big fat no. “Nope, I’d rather stay here.”

“Well, I could use some company.” he winks.

I should tell him about Zac–and I definitely will–but I’m not in the mood to discuss what happened right now. I just want to curl up in this sofa with a pina colada snow cone, so I can forget about the breakup even for just a few short hours. Then I’ll focus on how I’ll be able to get back at him with Gunther’s help.

Totally doable right?

*********

“So you’ve totally lost your mind?” Daph says dryly.

We’re eating lunch in the cafeteria,and I just told her that her brother finally agreed to help me out. I didn’t tell her yesterday because I was so upset on seeing Zac and Lytton together, I hadn’t been in the mood to talk. But more importantly, I knew she was against the plan from the start. She tried to talk me out of it when Gun came up with the idea.

Tried being the operative word. My mind is already set. I’m not surprised that she’s not being supportive about it, though. While I tend to be impulsive and reckless, Daphine is level-headed and cautious. That’s why she makes sure to keep me grounded. That’s what she’s been doing since we met and became fast best friends back in kindergarten.

While I appreciate that, sometimes I wish she’ll say “scerw it” and throw caution into the wind. A little adventure can do her good-but while our personalities differ, we share some similar physical features. She stands at five-nine like me. We also have the same slim body build. And we both have long hair, although hers is light Brown, she has the same deep green eyes as Gunther’s though, which she frames with her purple-rimmed glasses.

I bite into my cheese burger. “Its going to be fine, Daph, don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t. You know worrying is what I do.”

I pat the back of her hand. “I know hun, but try not to. Trust me, its going to be fine.”

“But Nikitta, seriously, are you okay? You were awfully quiet yesterday. We haven’t really talked about the um, new development.” By ‘new development’, I take it she means Zac and Lytton.

“What is there to talk about? He moved on just like that. No amount of talking will change the fact that he heartlessly dumped me and replaced me with one of the FFB’s.” I exhale an audible breath. “Anyway, I’m doing fine. I was upset when I found out, but I’m okay now.”

“Are you sure? If you want, we can skip last period and go to the mall or something?”

I blink at her. “You want to skip last period?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Since when do you skip classes?”

“Since my best friend got her heart broken by some douchebag and needed cheering up.

“Awww Daph,” I coo, putting a hand on my chest. “That’s soo sweet.”

‘Shut up.” She rolls her eyes; her cheeks burning.

“Seriously, its sweet and all, but really I’m fine. No need to get in trouble just to cheer me up.”

And I’m not lying. Surprisingly, I wasn’t as upset as I’d been yesterday. The whole thing still stings– as it should– but I don’t feel like moping anymore. In fact, I feel rejuvenated. Like I just found a life-changing purpose. Maybe I did, maybe that purpose came in the form of my revenge plan. Or maybe I wasn’t as invested in my relationship with Zac as I thought I was. Either way, I’m not about to think much of it.

“If you say so.” Daph sighs, popping a chicken nugget into her mouth pushing her glasses up her nose. “So are you, like going to make out with Gun in public now.” She shudders. “I can’t believe I just said that.”

“I don’t know.” I give my shoulders a small shrug. “I mean, I guess if the situation calls for it.”

Her mouth falls open comically. “But its going to be weird. I mean, its Gun, he’s like your brother.”.

“No,he’s not.” I snort

Aside from the fact that I don’t have a brother, I have an adorable sixteen month-old baby sister named Lupita— I’ve never seen Gun like a sibling. It’s not like I have a secret crush on him or anything. I know he’s very attractive, but I’ve never been attracted to him. He’s always been my best friend’s older brother who I sometimes hang out with. He’s my friend by extension, I think.

And who you’ll possibly make out with.

Ehh, who knows? Maybe it won’t even come to that.

Maybe all we have to do is act flirty and sweet towards each other, and that’s it. Although I’m also desperate enough that I can totally see myself doing that. Whatever it’s just Gun. If it happens, I’m sure its not going to be weird. We’ll just probably laugh it off afterward.

Unlike most girls in our school, I’m immune to his charms. I’m confident one measly kiss won’t change that so I don’t need to worry about developing feelings for the guy. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. Right now, I need to focus on how to make the plan work.

Glancing past Daphine, my eyes shift over to where Zac is sitting. Lytton is right beside him, feeding him lasagna from his own plate like he isn’t capable of doing it himself.

Bitterly, I wonder if it’s one of the reasons why he broke up with me. Because I don’t spoonfeed him things–literally and figuratively. Or maybe because she’s a senior like him while I’m still a junior. If I have to make out with Gun a million times just to exact my revenge, I will. As if hearing my thoughts, Daph shakes her head.

“Its still going to be weird.”

I shove the remaining chunk of Burger into my month and smile. “Then, you’ll just have to deal with it.”

°°°

---

“She’s already posting pictures of them? Ughhh. How tacky.”

I’m lying on my bed, scrolling through Instagram-spescifically Lytton’s Instagram’s feed. What can I say? I’m a masochist.

And right now, masochistic me is staring at a picture of Lytton kissing the cheek of a grinning Zac. Its captioned, “best day ever.”

Son of a biscuit!!

As much as I hate to admit it, they look perfect together, like a real-life version of Barbie and Ken with their identical brown eyes and gorgeous blonde hair. As if to show how inferior everyone else is compared to them. Unlike the first picture, the next one only contains Zac. He’s standing in the basketball pitch in his maroon Jersey, his hands around a ball, looking off into the distance. This one says, “how did I get soo lucky?”

As I expected, the comments on both pictures are praising the new ‘IT couple. ‘

“You guys are so perfect together,”*three red heart emojis*

“Lucky indeed.”*heart struck with an arrow emoji*

“You’re prettier than the last one. Just saying.”*smirking emoji*

My mouth falls open. “Prettier than the last one? What an asshole!!” I snarl. “What the hell? She even liked the comment!”

Well it’s official. I don’t like Lytton Hollister at all. Considering there’s very real possibility that she stole Zac from me, this just sealed the deal.

“Who are you taking to?” Mom’s voice startles me. Looking up. I see her leaning against the doorframe.

With a sheepish smile. I say. “Just myself. Hey, are you making a new video?”

My mom runs a YouTube channel that features recipes, crafts and even DIY home repairs. Its pretty popular. Last time I checked, she already had over two million followers. She started it when she was pregnant with my sister and got bored during her maternity leave. It was only supposed to be a hobby, but the cash started coming in, so she eventually left her job in market directing and focused on it instead. She’d rather stay at home after Lupita was born, anyway. So the career shift had been a Godsend. She’s never been happier.

And nowadays, Doreen Baldwin is quite the celebrity around town.

“Yes, I was just about to finish up.” She has on her denim overalls, and her auburn hair is gathered in a bun ontop of her head. Which tells me she’s recording a DIY video.

“Where’s Lupita?” I ask

“Sleeping soundly in her room.” She pauses. “Is there a reason why Gunther is downstairs looking for you instead of Daphine?”

Holy shit!!

|♠ 04: Phase One

“Gun’s here?” I wrack my brains for any plans we made at school. But nothing. Well, maybe he wants to discuss our arrangement. “Um, can you send him up?”

Her eyes narrow. “Is there something you need to tell me?”

“What? No,” I lie, shaking my head, briskly. “He’s just helping me out with something.” Now, that part is technically not a lie.

She gives me a suspicious look but thankfully drops it. “Fine. Just make sure to leave your door open.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. What, does she expect us to make out or something in here?

A minute after she’s gone, Gun walks into my room. “Huh, no pink?” He comments, his eyes taking in the whole interior.

I sit up on my bed. “Pink is not my style. Its your sister’s.”

Daph’s room looks girly, mine is rather straightforward and somewhat minimalistic. Its washed in hues of purple and maroon. My queen-size bed, the bedside table next to it, and the study table in the corner are the only pieces of furniture in my bedroom. Everything else I own is in my walk-in closet and bathroom. I don’t even have a couch— just a reading nook with built-in bookshelves on either side by the window. And hardly any pictures on the wall, well except for the posters of Crystal Stewart, Barbara Palvin. The other pictures I have in my room are the two ones on my bedside table— one with my family and the other with Daphine.

“Considering the two of you are practically attached to the hip, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were.” He pulls out the chair of my study table and plops down on it. “But colour me impressed, Red. Your room is actually neater and more impersonal than mine.”

I smile sweetly. “Probably smells even better too.”

That makes him scowl. “I’m not a slob, Baldwin.”

Its true. I’ve been to his room countless times over the years— to help Daphine retrieve the things he stole from her. And every single time, I never see any laundry or boy stuff lying around the floor. Even his bed is always fully made up. At first I thought their mom, Belinda was the one cleaning his room. But then I caught him tidying it up himself.

His neatness shows in his appearance, too. Right now, his hair isn’t styled by any gel but it doesn’t look messy at all. And he looks really nice in a long sleeve gray tee and black jeans. But this is Gun we’re talking about. He probably looks good in anything.

“Whatever,” I let my hair loose from my messy ponytail suddenly feeling self-conscious— for some crazy, weird reason— in my faded oversized T-shirt and sweatpants. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

“You want me to be your fake boyfriend, right?”

“Um, yeah.” I nod

“Then get up. We’re going to Vicente’s. Its time to make this fake relationship public.”

I blink at him. “We are?”

He waggles his eyebrows. “Unless you already changed your mind.” He smirks and takes out his phone. “Shame. I heard Maca and Lytton are there right now.”

“Oh, we’re definitely going.” I’m already up from the bed and scurrying toward my closet. “And FYI, my mind is already set.”

Gun’s low chuckles trail after me.

Fifteen minutes later, we’re walking into Vicente’s. Its a pizza placed slash-cafe and a major hangout of students in Shelbourne Falls. Kids head over to this place to get together when school ends.

So when Gunther told me that he heard Zac and Lytton were there, I quickly slid out of bed and tugged on the prettiest let-my-ex-eat-his-heart-out dress I could find in my closet. Judging from the way Gunther whistled when I stepped back in my room, I made the right call.

I instantly spot my douchebag of an ex and his new girl trophy out in the back. They’re sitting with some of Gun and Zac’s teammates. And look. Gabriella Donovan, who happens to be Lytton’s best friend, is there with them too.

Here’s another thing about Gabriella: She has a huge-not so-secret crush on Gun.

This should be fun.

Rodney Jackson, Gun’s best friend and basketball teammate, whistles when he sees us. “Oh, look, here comes the new ‘IT Couple.”

I snap my gaze to Gun. Did he tell Rodney of our arrangement?

“I texted him on our way here,” Gun says out of the corner of his mouth.

“Does he know?” I demand.

“He’s my best guy. He can be trusted.”

What the hell? I can’t believe this guy. But before I can chew him out for being a blabbermouth, we’re already at their table.

Gun exchanges fist bumbs with the Guy’s— with the exception of Zac— while I engage in a stare off with Gabriella and Lytton.

“What are you doing here?” Their eyes are telling me.

“To hang out, what else? But feel free to leave, if you like. No one’s stopping you.” I shoot back unperturbed.

I give them a sweet smile as Gun pulls up chairs for both of us. If these girls think they can intimidate me, they have another thing coming.

Zac’s eyes are on me, but I pretend not to notice. I can tell he isn’t happy to see me, much less Gun, which pleases me immensely.

He’s probably seething inside.

Good.

“So, you guys are dating now?” Eric Johnson, the guy sitting next to Zac asks.

Here we go.

I smile and thread my fingers through Gun’s on top of the table, noting how good his hand feels against mine. “I guess you can say that.”

“Didn’t Zac just dump you?” Gabriella says sweetly, tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder, silencing everyone.

“Hey, don’t mess with love” Rodney snickers.

I’m about to give a scathing response to her, but Gun beats me to it. “Actually Maca did me a favour. I’ve always wanted to ask Nikitta out. He just gave me an in.” He winks at Zac. “Thanks, man.”

“Don’t mention it,” Zac grits out, the muscles in his jaw ticking.

“And honestly, I’ve always had a huge crush on Gun,” I giggle. Then give Zac a fake-sheepish glance. “No, offense, Zac.”

He just nods, looking even more pissed.

Shooting her boyfriend a sideways frown, Lytton forces a smile. “Well, you guys look great together. I’ve never seen a better pairing.”

“Should we start a ship name?” Gabriella mocks. “Okay, I’ll start. How about Nikunther, or hey, Gunitta? Both cute, right?”

I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. God, she’s such a jealous hag.

Gun chuckles. “I think we’re good with our respective names, Gabby.”

She gives him a coy smile. “But if you want to change your mind, let me know. So we can discuss it further.”

I mentally roll my eyes. Girl is flirting with my fake boyfriend right in front of me. Trying hard much?

I’m about to put her in her place when my eyes connect with Zac’s accusing ones. Lytton is whispering something in his ear, but he isn’t paying her any mind. He’s only focused on me.

Good. Get pissed. Regret the day you dumped me. And get jealous of the fact that I’m with the “better” version of you now.

This revenge plan kicks ass…

|♠ 05: Egging the ex’s car.

“I still think your plan is crazy.”

“Maybe. But its working.” I close my eyes as a soft breeze blows through my hair.

It feels good to be out in the quad for some sun and fresh air. Since Daph and I both have the same free period, we decided to hang outside instead of idle around the hallways or library. Besides, I have better use of the free time—like chill, people watch and tell my best friend what happened at Vicente’s.

“But it doesn’t make it sound less crazy.”

I give my head a little shake. “Seriously, you should have seen the look on Zac’s face, it was priceless! I bet he’s dying of jealousy right now.”

When we left Vicente’s yesterday, I couldn’t get the scowling image of him out of my mind. I was grinning all the way home that Gun had to ask if something was wrong with me. But I was fine. Hell I felt great, knowing the plan was working and I was getting to Zac. No more mopping around for this girrlll…

“Gun shouldn’t have suggested that idea in the first place. Now your acting like a dog with a bone. I feel like you’re getting obsessed with it by the day.” Tucking her hair behind her ear, she blows out an exasperated breath. “Tell me Nikky, what’s your end game?”

My brows pinch together in confusion. “What do you mean? Didn’t I already tell you?”

“What are you planning to achieve? Do you want Zac to crawl back to you so you can be together again?”

“Don’t be silly. Of course not!” I scoff. “He broke my heart without a second thought. We are so done. There’s no coming back from that.”

It’s getting clear, that he’s been cheating on me with Lytton. I’d just been an idiot not to see it. And I’d be even more of an idiot if I take him back. This is me just getting back at what he did. I want to bruise his ego. Make him see that I’m not pinning over him in some dark corner. Prove to him that he’s not my loss.

My eyes narrow. “Although —”

“Why don’t I like the sound of that?” Daph cuts me off sarcastically.

“What I meant to say was” I continue with a glare. “I wouldn’t mind if he’d come begging for me to take him back.”

Zac realising that letting me go was the biggest mistake of his life and proceeding to plead for another chance? Things can’t get any better than that. Before she can interject, I add. “But, it doesn’t mean I’ll give him another chance. I really won’t. Maybe in the beginning, yeah I probably would’ve jumped on it the second he asked. But trust me, that ship has already sailed.”

“I don’t know, Nikky. You once said that he could be persuasive.”

Sighing, I grab her hand and squeezed it. “Listen, I know you don’t agree with this plan. But you can at least be supportive of it? It is unreal and crazy? Totally. But this is what I want, and I really believe I can put it off with the help of your brother. I need this Daph.”

“Alright.” She exhales, conceding. “I won’t be a Negative Nancy anymore.” A small smirk forms her lips. “But we can still whisk his car you know?”

I bark out a laugh. “Its called egging and don’t tempt me.”

“I’m serious. We can ask for Gun and Rodney’s help.”

“I don’t know. They might get in trouble.”

It’s not lost on me that she’s the one persuading me to carry out some mischief when its usually my M.O. It’s like our roles have switched. That or she read my mind when I thought she needed a little adventure.

“Only if we get caught.” She gives me a ‘duh’ look. “Trust me, they’d be all over it. The two of them don’t like Zac, together.”

I arch a brow. “Really? Even Rodney?”

She shrugs. “He thinks Zac’s a douchebag, especially after he dumped you.”

“That’s kind of sweet.” I nibble on my bottom lip. Then take a deep breath. “Okay, let’s do it.”

*******

---

“I can’t believe we’re doing this.” A near—hysterical laughter bubbles out of Daphine while we hide behind the bushes outside Zac’s driveway.

It turned out she was right. Gun and Rodney had been instantly on board with the egging plan. I didn’t even have to convince them . they were already saying yes before I even finished talking. So when school ended, the four of us trailed at Daph and Gun’s house and gathered all the eggs we needed. We managed to collect at least two dozen. They should be enough to do some damage. It wasn’t like we wanted to wreck his car, anyway.

We waited until it was dark to to head over to the McCarthy’s so we wouldn’t get easily detected. Since, obviously that was the last thing we wanted to happen. So here we are, currently hidden in the bushes. Probably not the brightest idea, but there aren’t exactly, other hiding places in Zac’s family property. Plus we can quickly leave and make a run for it.

“This was your idea, remember?” I whisper to Daphine.

When I thought that she could use a little adventure, this wasn’t what I had in mind. Not that I’m complaining. Oh! Not at all.

“I know! I can’t believe I suggested it.”

“Sushh. Keep your voices down. We don’t wanna get caught before we even start.” Rod chides in a low voice.

“How about we don’t want to get caught, period?” Gunther says dryly.

“We won’t.” Daph says. “We just have to make it fast.”

“Okay.” I draw in a deep breath. “Who’s going to first?”

Gun gives a gentle nudge. “How about you do the honours, Red? Its your payback after all.”

Well, can’t argue with that.

“Here goes nothing.” Grabbing two eggs from the carton, I swing my arm back and throw them at Zac’s car as forcefully as I can. A victorious smile curves my lips at the satisfying sound of the eggs hitting the side window. “Who’s next?”

“Let’s try and hit from the front side, shall we?” Rod snickers before swinging his arm making ago for it.

We takes turns throwing the eggs —laughing as quietly as possible among ourselves —until the cartons were empty. And when the porch light switches on, we run from the scene of the crime as fast as we can. Gun parked his jeep a couple of blocks away, so we’re practically panting when we get there. Well at least, Daph and I are. The two guys look like they just took a walk.

Damn athletes!!

“That was a fantastic idea, Snookie.” Rodney grins at Daph as he fishes a cigarette out of his back pocket and sticks it between his lips. “We should do it again.”

‘Snookie’ is his nickname for her. That’s because when we were kids, she loved to wear snookie hats commonly known as Beanie hats. She took them everywhere. And I mean everywhere —in the bathroom, in her bed, wherever she went. Thankfully, she managed to outgrow it, but the nickname had stuck.

“Stop calling me that.” Daph snaps even though her tongue suggests that she loves it when he calls her that.

Rodney’s smirk and the twinkle on his azure blue eyes tell me he knows it too.

I narrow my eyes between the two of them. Is there something going on that I don’t know about?

“As much as I’d like to do that again, I don’t think we’d be able to get away with it a second time.” Gun says, oblivious to the weird banter between his sister and his best friend. With soft eyes, he turns to me. “How do you feel, Red?”

You know when people say that revenge makes you feel empty? That in the end, it doesn’t really provide happiness? Only hollow satisfaction?

Well, I beg to disagree.

“I feel so awesome!” I declare with a wide grin. And I’m not even done yet. In fact I’m just getting started…

|♠ 06: One hell of a kiss

The mouthwatering aroma of Bacon and eggs greet me when I walk into the kitchen. Mom and Dad are already seated at the table, and so is my little sister –Lupita, who’s tucked in her high chair and eating baby cereal. She smiles wide when she sees me, her arms flapping about. “Niinwwita.”

So stickin’ adorable.

“Good morning Lulu.” I place a kiss on her chubby cheek inhaling her sweet baby scent.

“Morning cookie.”

“Morning, Dad, Mom.” I chirp, pouring myself a steaming mug of coffee. Whistling under my breath, I pour myself a cup of coffee and pull up a chair across Dad. Then fill my plate with toast and a helping of Bacon and eggs. By the time I’m done, my parents are practically gaping at me.

I blink at them. “What?”

“Why are you in a good mood?” Mom asks with a suspicious look on her face.

“Pumpkin?” Dad chides.

“Oh, stop. You know she’s never been a morning person.” She points at me with her coffee mug before taking a sip. “This is new.”

Well, it’s true. I’m not the best person to deal with in the morning. I wake up and get out of bed a grumpy, moody mess until I’m filled up with caffeine.

But today is an exception. Because I’m still riding high of messing up Zac’s car last night.

I grin at Mom; taking a sip of my coffee. “Just had a good dream, that’s all.”

“Well, I had a good dream too.” Dad tells me. “Didn’t I tell you about it honey?” He winks at mom.

“Ricky,” she admonishes her cheeks red. “Not in front of the kids.”

“Oh my God. Seriously?” I gag. “I didn’t have to hear that.”

But that’s my parents marriage in a nutshell. They’re one of those lovey-dovey couples that can be sickeningly sweet. I’m grateful that they’re not the kind of couple who fight and act like they hate each other. I really am. But sometimes, its just too much.

“I saw Zac yesterday.” Dad says all of a sudden. “He was with someone….a girl.”

Aaaaaand my good mood vanishes.

I remain still, my eyes trained on the food on my plate, painfully aware of my parent’s eyes on me. When I don’t react, Dad prods. “Did you two breakup?”

I guess I have to tell him now. “Yes.”

“Oh, cookie, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay.” I shrug trying to sound casual. Not wanting to let on that I’d been unceremoniously dumped. “Our relationship has run its course.”

“Well, I never really liked that boy in the first place.”

My dad is awesome. He already knows whose fault it was without me saying it. Well, that or he’s just being biased because I’m his daughter. Probably the last one. Either way, what he said was true. I once overheard him telling mom that he thought Zac was a jerk. I didn’t confront him about it or anything though, and he didnt let it slip to me.

In retrospect, he probably didn’t want me to think that he was meddling with my personal life. He trusted my own judgement and my ability to make decisions for myself. Just another reason why he’s awesome.

“I like Gunther a lot better than him.”

I almost chock on my food. Where did that come from? My eyes cut to my mom who’s conveniently not meeting my gaze.. Did she say something to Dad?

“Yes, Gun is a good kid like Daphine. Well, it isn’t surprising, Belinda and David raised their kids well.” Mom says, her tone deceptively casual.

Oh, she definitely said something. Which meant she didn’t buy my alibi when Gun came in here to see me.

Way to be sneaky, Mom.

Whatever, it’s not like they’re going to find out about my deal with Gun, anyway. Finishing up my coffee and breakfast, I kiss Mom and Dad goodbye. “I’m going off to school.”

Dad empties his own mug then hops up from his chair. “I’ll drive you. I have to be at the bookstore early, anyway. I have a scheduled delivery at nine.”

Great. I was about to ride the school bus, which I absolutely loathe.

“Give me five minutes then.” I run up the stairs, making a quick word of brushing my teeth and applying makeup. Then once satisfied with the way I look, I grab my things and dash out to meet Dad in the driveway.

“Are you sure you’re okay, cookie?” My dad presses once we’re out on the road.

“The breakup still stings.” I find myself blurting out. “But I’m dealing. One day at a time and all that.”

“You know I’m around if you need anyone to talk to.”

Mom and I are pretty close. But i have a closer relationship with my dad. I guess it can be chalked up to us having similar interests —like our mutual love for books and our preference for fantasy films like Maleficent, Jumaji, Warcraft, Fantastic Beasts. Mom often jokes that we’re two peas in a pond. But more than our shared interests, he’s the first one I talk to whenever I’m going through something. I always seek his advice and wisdom. Mom doesn’t mind though. She already has her hands full with Lupita and her mommy blog, as Dad and I jokingly call her channel.

“Do you want me to talk to his dad?”

I give him a horrified look. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“It’s just an offer, cookie.” Only he sounds serious. Like he’ll drive to the McCarthy’s right this minute if I so much as say the word.

But I don’t want him to go there. Daph, Gun, Rod and I were there last night. What if Isaac McCarthy connects the dots and realises that I had something to do with his son’s car? I’m sure he’s discovered the Carnage by now. He’s probably pissed as hell about it.Which means if my dad gets anywhere near their house today, we’ll likely to get busted. And that’s the last thing I want to happen.

Thankfully, by the time he drops me off to school, I’ve already convinced him that a dad-to-dad confrontation is completely unnecessary.

---

I’m outside the boy’s locker room waiting for Gun to come out so he can drive me home. His basketball team finished a couple of hours of practice. When I had watched from the bleachers, shamelessly ogling the guys as they moved about. Who knew contact sports were pretty hot to watch? Why hadn’t I noticed that before?

But what I did notice was the permanent pissed-off look on Zac’s face whenever he glanced in my direction. Like he couldn’t believe that I actually came to watch Gun practice when I’d never even gone for him when were still together. No matter how many times he’d convince me to come, I wouldn’t budge. “Its just practice.” I always reasoned, completely dismissing his request. Seeing me back at the bleachers had probably infuriated him like hell.

I’m soo nailing this fake-girlfriend thing.

But then I remember his car– specifically what my friends and I did with it. What if he was in a bad mood because he somehow found out we were the ones who egged his car? Crap! Why didn’t I think of that sooner. Well, Gun better come out of that locker room before Zac can even think to confront him. If he hasn’t already.

Thankfully, as if listening to my thoughts Gun is the first one to step out. He looks like he just got out of the shower, his hair damp, dressed in a white hoodie and a pair of khaki shorts, his bag hiked over his shoulder. He doesn’t look pissed. Which means there hadn’t been any confrontation.

A smirk forms his lips when he spots me. “If it isn’t my fake girlfriend.”

“Lower your voice down.” I whisper-yelled, glancing around to check if anyone heard him.

“Relax Red.” He chuckles. “No one else is around. Its just us. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were already gone.”

“I’m here so everyone will think I’m being a supportive girlfriend.” I flash him a sweet smile. “Besides, your my ride home.”

“You mean you didn’t come to watch my awesomeness on the court?”

I snort. “Does your neck hurt from carrying that big head?”

“Just stating facts, baby.” He winks..

Ughh. He’s so cocky at times.

It’s true though. He’s really great on the basketball court. The way he moves and plays has been a sight to hold. My eyes kept tracking his movements out there. He definitely deserves the Captain positioned. Despite what Zac had been saying, he earned it fair and square.

It just goes to show that Zac is being bitter about it. I don’t know why he is though, its not like he was even in the running. It was either Gunther or Rodney.

But I’m not about to tell Gun that. His ego is big enough as it is.

“So what’s the plan Red? Are we going to wait for Maca to come out so he’ll see us together.”

“Oh my God! Can you say it a little louder so your teammates can hear you? Seriously, why are we even keeping it a secret at this point?” I throw my hands down in exasperation.

He laughs lightly. Then to my irritation, he reaches out to pinch my cheeks, hard. “You’re so cute when you’re mad.”

“Stop it.” I swat his hands away. Rubbing my cheeks, I glare at him. “Have you always been this obnoxious?”

“You mean charming?” He winks.

“No.” I roll my eyes. “Obnoxious. Just obnoxious.” He’s about to retort to that when Zac suddenly walks out.

I don’t even think. I simply grab a fistful of Gun’s shirt and pull him to me, slamming my lips against his..

WRONG. FREAKING MOVE!!

Here’s the thing. Gun is very popular with the girls of Horizon High— especially, the ones he’d hooked up with. And if there’s one thing that they all agree on, it’s that Gunther Lawrence is a phenomenal kisser. Like toe-curling, knees-going-weak kisser. And they swear it isn’t an exaggeration.

Well, let me tell you something— they’re all telling the truth.

I was the one who initiated the kiss, but it didn’t take him long to take complete charge of it and basically drag me along for the ride. His lips move over mine in a sensual dance that has me moaning wantonly against them, guiding me into a rythym that steals every coherent thought i have. Its a slow sensual pull that sends my heart racing through me. Normally I’d be embarrassed about it, but I just can’t bring myself to care right now. Not when Gun is kissing me like he’s done it a thousand times— and then some. Not when he’s giving me the best kiss I’ve ever heard. Goodness…how are his lips that magical? Holy helllll

When we finally pull away, my eyes are glassy, my lips throbbing and my heart is going a mile a minute. But I’m not the only one who feels affected. Gun’s eyes are hooded and full of heat, his chest rising and falling rapidly as if catching his breath. We stare at each other for a long moment, stunned confusion mirrored in each other’s, wondering what in the world just happened.

And I know, right now, were thinking the same thing: Did we just cross a line?

|♠ 07: Feelings for my fake.

“So, anyway, I told Cash I preferred to go to a fancy restaurant than hit the mall. Because duhh, were not in middle school anymore. Then he took me to Angie’s and, oh my God, their filet mignon was to die for. I swear, like you’d never believe and—” Yvonne is talking my ear off in front of our lockers, oblivious to the fact that I’m not even paying attention.

My mind is preoccupied. I can’t stop thinking about what happened between me and Gunther. How could a simple kiss affect me like this? But then, there wasn’t anything simple about the kiss, was there? It was a total breath-stealer, that’s what it was. I don’t think I’d ever been kissed like that. Not even by the guys I’d kissed before, not even Zac— he was a good kisser, but he wasn’t that skillful.

And wait, he saw us kiss, didn’t he? He’s the reason why I panicked and practically mauled Gunther after all. It was supposed to be all for show.

But it didn’t work that way. Instead, I ended up getting lost in that mind blowing kiss. I no longer cared if he was still standing there or not. And afterward, I didn’t bother to check. Frankly, I forgot about his presence the moment Gun’s lips touched mine.

“You should check it out.”

I blink a few times. “Uh, check what out?”

“Angie’s. Ughh. Haven’t you been listening?” With an eye roll, Yvonne tosses her wavy brown hair over her shoulder. “Aniways I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

Clutching my books to my chest, I shut my locker and face her. “About what?”

“Is it true your dating Gunther Lawrence?”

I just shrug.

“You sly girl!” She swats my arm playfully. “And here I thought you’re still moping around for Maca. But look at you moving on at a lightening speed, with the hottest guy no less. Maca must be foaming at the mouth right now.” Her eyes dart around the hall as if searching for him. Then she steps closer and drops her voice to a whisper. “But he’s with Lytton Hollister right now, right? So maybe he doesn’t mind at all.”

Zac’s scowling face flashes through my mind. Oh I’m pretty sure he does.

“I don’t care what he thinks Yvonne. He’s nothing but a thing of the past. I’m with Gunther now, and frankly, I couldn’t be happier.” I say in an airy tone as we stroll down the halls to our next class.

I haven’t seen Gun around since he drove me home yesterday. To say that it was a quiet ride would be an understatement. The awkwardness in the car had been palpable. We couldn’t even seem to look into each other’s eyes as we said our goodbyes when he dropped me home. So much for thinking that a kiss wouldn’t make things weird between us. So much for thinking that it was just Gun.

One kiss and those assumptions were blown out of the water. One kiss and I’m already feeling things I shouldn’t feel. But who knows? Maybe the awkwardness will only last a day. Maybe we were just caught off guard by the kiss, I mean we’ve never done it before. So maybe a little weirdness is normal then, maybe tomorrow, we’ll finally laugh it off.

I really shouldn’t make a big deal out of it anymore. It’s still Gun after all..

“Is it just me or is Zac making his way towards us?” Yvonne’s voice pulls me back from my thoughts. I glance towards the direction she’s looking at, and sure enough Zac has his eyes zeroed in on us. And by us, I mean me.

Uh-oh. Is it about his car? But something tells me this has nothing to do with it.

“Can we talk?” He asks without preamble when he’s just a feet away.

“Yeah no.” I scoff, keeping a casual front, not even bothering to stop. “We don’t have anything to talk about.”

He has no trouble taking my quick strides. “It won’t take long.”

“I told you I’m not interested.” I turn to Yvonne who’s staring at us with wide eyes instead of paying attention to where she’s going. “We’ll be late for class Yve, come on.”

Just in case he decides to bust me about his car.

“Yvonne, why don’t you go ahead? Nikky will be with you in a second.” Zac gives her a blinding smile, intending to charm her off into submission.

“Sure.” Yvonne smiles dreamily, which only makes me roll my eyes and my stomach sink in disappointment. “See you later Nikitta.”

Traitor.

“Don’t waste your breath, I’m right behind you.”

“Damn it Nikitta, just wait.” Zac grabs my arm forcing me to stop.

I glare at him. “Seriously, your manhandling me now?”

People turn their heads to stare at us, but I don’t care. It’s Zac who’s making a scene here not me.

He pulls his hand away giving me a sheepish smile. “No, of course not. I only want to talk to you. I swear. Just give me five minutes please.”

“Three minutes, that’s it.”

He nods. “I’m okay with that.”

Hesitating for a bit, I walk over to an empty classroom, hearing his footsteps right behind me. I don’t bother closing the door. The sooner this conversation gets done, the better. Leaning against the wall next to the open door. I demand. “Okay, what do you want?”

Please don’t let it be about your car. Please don’t —

“I can’t believe your going out with Lawrence.”

Well that’s a relief. Although the accusation in his tone is almost laughable.

I flash him a sweet smile. “And how is that your business?”

Nose flaring, Zac starts to pace the floor. “You know how much I can’t stand that conceited piece of shit.” He shoves his fingers through his hair messing it all up. He looks completely flustered. Like he’s frustrated that he has no control of the situation. I’ve never seen him this way before. It’s like he’s crazed or something. And did he just call Gun a conceited piece of shit? That’s funny coming from him.

“You should look in a mirror.” I snort.

He blinks. “Why?”

I forgot that its one of the things I disliked about Zac. He’s slow on the uptake sometimes. Well, I no longer have the patience to dump it down for him.

“Oh, look your three minutes are up. Nice chat Zac.”

“Come on, you’re not being fair. We haven’t even crossed the two-minute mark yet.”

“Oh, I’m not being fair?” I cross my arms over my chest and give him a challenging look. “Do I have to remind you who dumped who?”

He hangs his head, unable to say anything. “Honestly Zac what’s the difference? It’s not like I care about anything you have to say. Especially if your just going to bad mouth my boyfriend.” I glare at him ignoring how referring to Gun as my boyfriend sounds natural and right to my ears.

“A week ago, I was your boyfriend!” Zac snarls, his face going red.

Which only makes my blood boil. How dare he throw those words at my face? Like I was the one who wronged him?

“Are you kidding me? You dumped me!!”

He flinches, guilt flashing through his eyes. But only for a brief moment. It’s quickly replaced by indignation. “So, that’s your way of getting back at me? By dating Lawrence? What, you’re trying to make me jealous?”

“Well what does that matter to you? Have you always been such an asshole?”

It makes me feel even more not guilty for what I did to his precious car. Granted, his accusations are true. But I won’t ever admit it to him. As far as he’s concerned, I’ve moved on.

“Nikky—”

“I guess I should thank you for breaking up with me, huh? You actually did me a favour.” I continue sarcastically. “Now I’m with a much “better” version of you. I don’t know if I can say the same about you though. I heard Lytton’s track record when it comes to relationships isn’t anything to be glad about. Whatever, have fun with her.” Giving him one last sweet smile, I step out of the room, making sure to close the door behind me.

*****

So that’s your way of getting back at me? By dating Lawrence?

Floating on my back in Daph’s swimming pool, I grin up at the afternoon sky.

I have a couple of reasons to smile about. One: Zac still hasn’t confronted me about the egging incident. And two: I officially made him gag with jealousy. I already know that my fake relationship with Gun is infuriating him, but hearing it from him makes it a thousand times better

It means my revenge plan is working. But even though I’ve achieved the ultimate goal, I can’t put a stop to it yet. Otherwise, Zac would think that I “dumped” Gun because of him. That’s the last thing I want to happen.

I’ll just have to convince Gun to prolong our charade a little longer. Its not like he’s dating anyone at the moment anyway. But what if he’s planning to date someone?.

Jealousy slams through me out of nowhere. Who’s the girl trying to steal my boyfriend away from me?

Uh, hello? Boyfriend?

I throw my head back into the water and groan in realisation. Do I seriously have a thing for Gun? One kiss and he already has me hooked. So much for thinking I’m immune to his charms, huh?

A splashing sound comes from one side of the pool, startling me and causing me to submerge my body into the water. I glance around to check if Daph rejoined me, but she’s nowhere to be found. In fact, I’m still alone in the pool. What the hell??

“Daph? Are you there?” I call out. When seconds pass and no one responds, I huff. “Are you seriously playing hide and seek with me? Haha very fun—” the words end on a squeal when Gun suddenly emerges from the water in front of me.

“Boo.” He chuckles.

“Seriously?” Fuming, I splash some water at his face, making him chuckle even more.

When I don’t stop, he grabs my spraying hand and traps it in his. “That’s enough.”.

“Your an ass.” I glare.

“And you’re still really cute when you’re pissed.” He shoots back with a grin.

Ughh. This guy.

I’m torn between smacking him or kissing him. Considering he’s shirtless and wearing nothing but swim shorts, his solid chest and toned arms in full display, I’m leaning more forward the last one.

Ughh. I do have a thing for him…

|♠ 08: Hell of a humiliation

Ughh. I do have a thing for him.

Of all the guys to be attracted to, I had to choose the one who happens to my best friend’s brother. Now, it makes things complicated. But I have to push through. Just a few more weeks.

I’m jolted from my thoughts when an arm hooks around my waist. “Umm, what are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing?” Gun’s green eyes glint with mischief, his lips curving in a wicked smile. God help me, but I really want to kiss those tempting lips.

He pulls me flash against his chest, and I’m overly conscious of the fact that I’m wearing nothing but a two piece pink swimsuit. We’re basically skin to skin. Oh boy. The temptation is strong with this one.

I swallow hard.

My thoughts must be all over my face. Because the playfulness on Gun’s face is quickly replaced by an intense dark look, causing my pulse to race and my skin to heat up. Then he’s tightening his arm around me, his face dipping until its mere inches from mine.

My breath catches in my lungs. Is he going to kiss me again?

Yes, yes please!!

I shake my head. “No, no no!”

“Yes, yes, yes.” He counters, amusement flashing in his eyes. The cocky jerk clearly knows what I’m thinking.

“We shouldn’t.”

“Why not? We’ve done it before. “

I gulp. “Once is enough.”

“I beg to disagree.” He growls, sending electric heat coursing through my veins.

I whimper. Why is he making this hard? “But you’re not…….we’re not…..”

Letting go of my hand I forgot he’d trapped in his, he lifts my chin. “Not what?” Gun asks softly, his breath fanning my lips. And then before I can answer, his lips are there, moving against mine in a gentle yet firm caress, obliterating every reason why we shouldn’t and showing me all the reasons why we should.

So I slip my arms around his neck and let myself get swept away in the moment, let myself get lost in him. His response is to groan against my lips and tighten his hold on me even more. Kissing me harder, kissing me deeper that everything around us blurs into nothing.

Until it’s just us.

I thought he already blew my mind when we kissed in front of Zac. But this…. This is soo much hotter than that. It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted. And I realise a minute later, when we part and stare at each other with fire still in our eyes, I’m in trouble.

Gun knits his eyebrows together at the pained look on my face. “Nikky what’s wrong?”

I swallow hard. “I—”

“Nikitta you’re not gonna believe this.”

Startled, I push away from Gun as Daphine strolls towards the pool. His jaw visibly clenches, clearly not happy about it, but he let’s go of me just the same. Thankfully, my best friend’s eyes are glued to the phone in her hand, clueless to what just transpired between me and her brother. When she looks up, excitement is written all over her features.

“Zac and Lytton just broke up.”

---

“Dad, you didn’t tell me the latest book in the Roman mysteries is already here!”

I squeak out, staring at the book in my hands. I just finished Born Queen days ago, and I’ve been in a book funk ever since. I’ve been waiting for the for The man from Pomegranate street since the author aka Caroline Lawrence announced it on her Facebook page months ago. I can’t wait to dive in.

Besides, with what’s been happening in the last few days, I need a good distraction. This should do it. “Yeah, I forgot to tell you.” Dad says apologetically as he stocks books on her shelf. “Its a good thing that you’re here then, huh?”

I came over to help with the new book deliveries. And, well, to check if I could add a few to my reading list. I can never resist whatever new books come into Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones.

“Well, you asked for my help.”

“Uh- huh.” He chuckles, knowing full well what I’m really about.

With a wistful sigh, I put the book back on the counter and walk over to the nearest box to help my dad with the stocking. It contains Stephen Barclays’ Latest release. He’s in the horror-genre, and a no-go author for me.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s absolutely great and has an awesome knack at writing stories. I read one of his books one time, after reading rave reviews about it. And it was really good, totally unputdownable. But I ended up unable to sleep for a few nights, paranoid that a monster would come out from under my bed or my closet.

I was thirteen.

In my defense, it was really scary..

I spend the next couple of hours helping Dad finish putting all the books on the shelves and tidying up the boxes. All the while, we talk about what we’ve read in the past months. He’s been reading mostly suspense thrillers while I’ve been pages deep in the urban fantasy world.

Dad just brought up the upcoming movie adaptation of one of my favourite authors when the double door swing open, signaling a new customer. Dad, whose facing the door, let’s out a welcoming smile. “Gunther, what can we do for you?”

My back stiffens, my heart stopping for a beat. Gun’s here? Swallowing, I turn around as casually as I can, putting up what I hope to be a friendly smile. “Oh, hey.”

Gun saunters over to us, and I take the opportunity to trail my eyes over him. His light brown hair looks a tad shorter. His wearing a black V-neck sweatshirt over a pair of black checkered shorts, his feet encased in white sneakers. He looks like a gorgeous preppy blonde.

My gorgeous preppy boy. Yeah, I’m owning up to my feelings for him.

“Um, What are you doing here?” I tuck stray strands of aurbun hair behind my ears, glaring aware of how haphazard my ponytail is at the moment. Discreetly, I glance down to check if there aren’t any food stains on my shirt. Dad and I ate chill cheese dog boats a while ago.

And did I even bother putting make-up on my face when I left the house this afternoon? For the first time, I’m painfully conscious of how I look in front of Gun.

He shrugs his broad shoulders. “I was just around the corner. I thought I’d drop by.” To my dad, he says, “Hello Mr. Baldwin.”

“Son, how many times do I have to tell you to start calling me ‘Ricky’?”

My eyes almost bulge out. Did he just call Gun “son”? Since when did he start calling him that?

“Right. Ricky.” Gun grins sheepishly. He clears his throat. “Actually, I was wondering if Nikky and I could go grab a bite? I’m kind of starving.”

“Like on a date?” I blurt out before I can even stop myself, butterflies crazing my stomach.

His eyes widen, clearly off-guard. “Uh, well—”

Heat crawls up my cheeks as realisation sets in. He’s not asking me out, he just wants some company.

I think I just died.

This is so humiliating.

“Kidding!” I practically yell, startling him a little, laughing the most awkward laugh I’ve ever laughed. “Got you there, am I right?”

Gun blinks a few times then nods, clearly not knowing what to say. Dad, on the other hand, is visibly cringing at my bumbling attempt to humour..

I seriously want to die right now.

Gun clears his throat. “So, uh, Vicente’s?”

I let out a weak smile. “Let me just freshen up a bit.”

°°°°

I’m staring hard at Vicente’s menu card, pretending to persue the food list when secretly, I’m still cringing at what happened in the bookstore. “Like on a date?” God I feel like an idiot.

No wander Dad looked like he was embarrassed for me. I acted like an inexperienced girl desperate to be asked on a date by her crush. But considering my growing feelings for Gun, maybe its not far off. Which means I need to curb my expectations and keep myself in check. Just because we made out twice doesn’t mean that we’ll end up going out for real. I have to remind myself that Gun never had a girlfriend. He mostly hooks up with girls in and out of Horizon High. Which should tell me everything I need to know.

“Are you ready to order?” Gun prompts.

I put the menu down and force a smile. “You know what? I’ll just have what you’re having.”.

He stares at me for a beat. “Are you sure?”

I just nod.

With a shrug, he calls the attention of the waitress and starts to order: Two plates of Roast beef sandwich, cheeseburger, cheese steak, a coke for him and a blueberry kale smoothie.

My stomach flutters. He remembers what my favourite smoothie is.

“What’s that smile for?” He asks suspiciously when the waitress walks away.

“Nothing. I just remembered something funny.” With a small head shake, I change the subject. “So, what brought you to my dad’s bookstore anyway? We’re you thinking of buying porn magazines?” I snicker. “Well sorry to disappoint, we’re not that kind of bookstore.”

“What’s this— the nineteens? Ever heard of the internet? Get with the times Red.” Gun teases smirking. “Besides, do I look like someone who needs porn magazines?”

Ugh. So cocky

I wrinkle my nose at him. “You’re such a pig.”,

“Hey, you started it.”

“Touché.” I mutter grudgingly.

“But to answer your question.” He clears his throat. “I was there because your mom said you’d be there. I went to your house first.”

“You were looking for me? W-Why?”

Curb your expectations, Nikitta. Curb your expectationssssss.

He blows out a breath, as if finding it hard to articulate what he wants to say. “I was, uh, hoping you wanted to hang out or something.”

I blink at him, then my mouth falls open. “Oh, my God. I was right. You were asking me out!!”

Heads turn in our direction, shooting annoyed looks our way.

I ignore them. This is important.

I keep my eyes on Gun, my heart racing like crazy. “Well?” I prompt.

His lips twitch in amusement. “Technically, I didn’t have the chance to ask. You beat me to it, remember? And then you quickly back pedaled.” To my absolute horror, he repeats my earlier words in a high-pitched voice. “Kidding! Got you there, am I right?”

“Oh my God, you’re the worst.” But there’s no heat to my words.

“Admit it, it was funny.”

“It really was.” Then we burst out laughing.

We’re still laughing when the waitress sets our orders on the table. She shoots us a funny look, which only makes us laugh harder.

“Okay, stop.” I choke out in between laughter. My stomach already hurts

“I’m not laughing anymore.” Gunther says even though his shoulders are still shaking.

It takes us another minute to finally settled own and focus on our food. But occasionally, our eyes meet, and we chuckle silently. As far as dates go, this one isn’t so bad. But are we already dating for real now? That’s the million dollar question. I’m tempted to ask, but I don’t want to look clingy and desperate.

And we haven’t even talked about Zac-—now that he’s single again. At least, according to Daph. I haven’t bothered to check it for myself yet. I’ve been avoiding checking my socials since Friday. I’d see the confirmation for myself when school resumes tomorrow, anyway.

Besides, I’d rather save the serious talk for another day. For now, I’ll enjoy my maybe-date with Gunther.

|♠ 09: Better and Better

I have a huge smile on my face— a huge, goofy smile. And it has nothing to do with the fact that Zac and Lytton have broken up and everything to do with my maybe-date with Gun yesterday. We didn’t go to a fancy restaurant —only Vicente’s— but it felt like we did, anyway. I had a really good time with him and the steamy make out session in his jeep that followed afterwards wasn’t bad either.

Not at all.

But back to Zac and Lytton —yes, they really called it quits. And everyone’s been talking about it with different opinion. Some are mocking the fact that their relationship only lasted for a week. Others are wondering if I had anything to do with it.

Or if I’ll be happy to take Zac back now that he’s single again. Are we going to pick up where we left off and be the happy ‘IT’couple again? The answer is both a big fat No, by the way. I haven’t seen my douchebag of an ex though.

But as I make my way down the hall, I spot Lytton crying in front of her locker and the rest of their clique consoling her. It doesn’t surprise me when they turn their heads in unison to shoot daggers when I walk past. Not one to cower in fear, I respond with a wave and a mocking smirk. Call me a bitch, but I’m not feeling sympathetic toward their friend at all. As far as I’m concerned, she’s made her bed.

And as far as their breakup? I frankly couldn’t care less. There are a couple of questions on my mind though. Am I really the reason why they broke up? And now that he’s single again, will he try to get back together with me?

But then again, maybe its only been a misunderstanding. Although judging from the sounds of Lytton’s sobs, it doesn’t seem like a simple misunderstanding. It sounds……….final. But those internal questions are simply out of curiosity and not because of some deep-seated feelings for the guy.

Honestly, I’m more than preoccupied with my current status with Gun. What’s going to happen to us, moving forward? We haven’t really had the chance to talk yesterday —not about the status of our fake relationship. But is it still a fake relationship when we already went out on a date— okay still maybe-date— and have been kissing like a real couple?

Those kisses, ughh, they’re all I can think about. I’m officially addicted to them and frankly I can’t wait for the next time we’ll get to be alone. My lips throb and my skin heats up just thinking about it. And the thought of us “breaking up” makes every nerve in my body scream their refusal.

But we have to, right? One way or another, we’re going to end our charade. It can’t last forever. I can probably give it another week.

What’s going to happen then?

“Why do you look so glum?” Daphine prods while we’re having lunch in the cafeteria. “Shouldn’t you be celebrating? Your revenge worked.” She mutters the last words in a hushed tone, after warily flicking her eyes around for eavesdroppers.

Shrugging, I grab a fry from my plate and pop it into my mouth. “We don’t even know if they really brokup because of me. For all we know, it was for an entirely different reason.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “You know for someone who’s been adamant to see her plan through, you seem incredibly blasé about the whole thing.”

“I’m happy, okay? It’s just…… I told you, I’m not sure if—”

“Oh, come on.” She interrupts me with a snort. “Didn’t Zac confront you about Gun already? Seriously, how convenient that they broke up right after that happened?”

The truth is, I’m also positively certain that Zac broke up with Lytton because of me. Our confrontation in the empty classroom should be enough proof. I know I should be making a big deal out of it. I should be gloating and celebrating my victory. But I just can’t bring myself to care.

I guess I’m to wrapped in the whole Gun thing to pay attention to anything else. I just hate that I can’t tell Daph about it. She’ll probably freak out if I did. Its her brother we’re talking about, after all. So I’ll have to keep it secret for now. At least until things are settled between me and Gun. It’s probably not healthy —with the way I’m obsessing about it. I mean, I should be focusing on the completion of my revenge more than anything else. Besides, I just got out of a relationship. Is it smart to get into a new one so soon?

What if what I’m feeling for Gun is nothing but a rebound? To be honest, I don’t think it is. But how can I really be sure?

Ughh. I’m giving myself a headache with all these crazy thoughts.

I slap my hand on the table, startling Daph. Hiding my frustration with a smile, I tell her. “You know what? Why don’t we just wait and see if they’re really broken up for real? If it isn’t just some sort of misunderstanding and it sticks, we’ll go bake a cake or something.”

“And then we’ll throw it on their faces?” Daph asks gleefully.

I stare at her, then blink, and stare more. “Who are you and what did you do to my best friend?”

First the egging thing, and now this,….. Is Daphine finally ditching her goody-two shoes persona?

“I was just kidding.” She sticks out her tongue and sips her coke. “But it sure would be fun.”

I just shake my head and laugh.

Oh it definitely would.

*****

“We seriously need to stop doing this.” I pull at Gunther’s hair as his lips trail kisses down the side of my neck, sending a delicious ripple of electric heat through me. I can never get enough of his kiss, of his touch, of the way he makes me feel..

“That’s the third time you’ve said that.” He murmurs into my ear before nipping at the earlobe, making me shudder. “Yet, you’re still grinding my lap.”

We’re in the backseat of his jeep, just a block away from my house. He was supposed to drive me home, then the next thing I knew, he was parking his vehicle and we were making out like there was no tomorrow. I can’t even remember how and when we moved seats.

Now, its been twenty minutes and the windows have completely fogged up, but we’re not even close to stopping —no matter, how many times I told him we should. Damn Gun and he’s wicked lips. Every time they go near me, I lose sense of everything. It’s like the only thing that matters is kissing –lots and lots of kissing.

My lips can fall off right here, right now and I’ll still find away to make out with him.

“It’s you’re fault. Your so damn good at this.” I pant, before slamming my lips against his in a hard, all consuming kiss.

“Fuck.” He groans while I move my hips just right, creating the most delicious friction that makes me moan out loud, his fingers digging into my jean-clad thighs. “Back at you babe. Your soo damn hot.”

“Let’s be hot together.” I pant nonsensically, making his chest rumble with laughter.

I don’t want this to stop.

But it’s like the universe isn’t listening to me at all. Just as I finished thinking it, a phone rings.

“Ignore that.” Gun orders as he pulls down the neckline of my V-neck shirt, placing kisses on the swell of my breasts.

When he cups one of them under my shirt, my eyes screw shut and my back arch. “Its not my phone.” I gasp.

So I’m happy to comply to his command. But the phone continues to be a buzzkill. Which annoyingly kills the mood.

Blowing out a breath, I grab his roaming hands and pull back a little. “I think it’s your phone Gun.”

“Huh?” Gun has to blink a couple of times to get the lust haze out of his face and focus on what I’m saying.

I can’t help but giggle. I did that to him. “You’re phone. Its the one that’s been ringing.”

His response is to groan out loud. I try to get off his lap, but his one hand stops me from moving as his other reaches for his bag from the front seat to take out his ringing phone. Sooo, I guess we’ll go back to making out once the phone call is over? Obviously, I’m cool with that.

Frowning at his phone, he says, “It’s Rodney.” Cursing under his breath, he hits answer. “Dude, this better be good. I’m busy right now.”he winks at me.

I roll my eyes— and not out of pleasure this time. The guy is soo cocky, ughh.

But I love it anyway.

Damn him, but I do. Everyday, my feelings for him seem to grow. And its freaking the shit out of me.

The rebound question has already been answered: and its a definite No. My feelings for him are one hundred percent true and authentic.

But I can’t bring myself to tell him what I feel— what I really want out of this fake relationship. That I want nothing more than to make it real. I’m just afraid that we’re not on the same page.

Sighing inwardly, I let my eyes trail over Gun as he speaks with his best friend, his hair completely mussed, his eyes still a little hooded, his lips red and swollen. He looks good enough to eat. Apparently, our long make out session is still isn’t enough for me.

“Okay, we’ll be there.” He ends the call and tosses his phone into the empty space on the seat next to us. “There’s a party tonight at Rodney’s.” He tells me as he rubs the sides of my thighs.

I lift my brow. “On a school night?”

He shrugs his shoulders. “Rod feels like partying. Its just probably going to be a small group. Just our team. And maybe some girls.”

“Uh-uh.” I fold my arms. “Let me guess, you’re going to party with those girls?”

A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Jealous, Red.”

I give him a smirk of my own. “You wish, Lawrence.”

Chuckling softly, he leans up on his seat and plants a chaste kiss on my lips. “Who says I want to party with them? You’re going with me, and you’re the only one I’ll be partying with.”

“Really huh. And who says I’m coming?”

“Come on, we’re just going to chill out. Daph can come too. So if gets too much, you can hang out with her.” He pauses. “Besides Zac is going to be there. If you’re still intent on making him jealous, we should show up together.”

A hallow feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. Is that the only reason why he wants me to go to the party? So we can continue fooling Zac into thinking we’re together? Not because he wants me to there with him?

“What’s wrong, Red?” The gentleness and concern in Gunther’s voice, make my heart flutter.

Which only confirms what I already know. I’m falling for him.

I force a smile. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

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|♠ 10: Blackmailing bitch.

“Small group, huh?” I flash Gun a sarcastic look as we step inside Rodney’s house, the loud music and overflowing party-goers greeting us immediately.

Good thing I decided to dress up even when I thought it was just going to be a small party. I’m wearing a cute mikimouse crop top with a denim patra, red sneakers, my hair encased in a red bandanna and oval sunglasses.

Gun holds up both his hands. “I swear, I didn’t know.”

Oh, he’s soo full of shit.

But before I can chide him further, Daph —who looks pretty in her lace crop top over a floral-print skater skirt, her hair dolled up in a curled, high tail— is already hooking her arm through mine. “Come on, let’s go get something to drink. I’m parched.”

Well, we’re already here are we? Might as well have fun while were at it.

Leaving Gun by the door, we push through the thick crowd to head for the kitchen. Thankfully, we don’t have to. There’s a bar setup in one corner of the house, so we just make our way there instead, and grab ourselves two soda caps filled with beer.

After taking healthy swings, we make a beeline for the dance floor — or at least the spot where people are dancing —and shake our butts off the music. And for a while, I forget about everything: Gun, Zac and the conundrum that I’m in. I move my hips like no ones watching and get lost in the thumping beat of the speakers. I’m no graceful dancer, my movements are kind of sloppy, but I don’t care if anyone’s watching.

“Oh, I love this song!” Daph yells into my ears as Physical by Dua Lipa comes on.

“Me too!” I scream the lyrics along with her, giggling like crazy when we butcher them.

Every once in a while, my eyes connect with Gun who’s watching me in amusement from the couch with Rodney and some of their teammates. I blow kisses his way, making him chuckle and shake his head. I’d love to drag him to the dancefloor with me, but Daph would think that as odd. So I simply content myself with exchanging flirty, mischievous glances with him.

And because I’m in a Gunther-filled haze, it takes me a while to notice that Zac’s with the basketball guys too. He’s in the single-seater, shooting daggers at Gun.

God, I hope he won’t cause any scene.

And if he’s read my mind, his gaze shifts to me. He doesn’t give me the angry look though. Instead, his eyes turn soft, he’s looking at me the same way he used to. Like we were still together.

Only it’s not the same. That look used to make my insides flutter. Now, it doesn’t have any effect on me at all. I’ve truly moved on. I pretty much know it already, but this……this is the confirmation I didn’t know I needed. My eyes find Guns’ once again, and this time I feel something. My heart rate spikes up, my skin flushing as anticipation knots in my stomach. I can’t wait to be alone with him again.

Before I can do something stupid— like throw myself at him in front of this crowd —i tear my gaze away and approach the bar. Water. I need water. Preferably to cool my skin.

I blame Gun. And, okay, dancing too.

It turns out there’s no available water in the bar, so I amble to the kitchen to get some, waving to Daph and signalling that I’ll be right back. Thankfully, the kitchen isn’t packed like the rest of the house. There only a few stragglers chatting amongst themselves. I say hi to familiar faces before moving to the fridge, greedily guzzling down the water bottle I find inside and grabbing another one for Daph.

“Nikitta, can we talk?”

I remain still. Is that Gabriella Donovan? Turning on my heels, I almost bump into her. Taking a step back, I eye her warily. “What do you want?”

She lifts up a finger as if telling me to wait, before ordering everyone to leave the kitchen. I’m not even surprised to see them complying without protests. When the resident Queen Bee of Horizon High wants you to do something, you follow right away.

“Spill it Gabriella. I don’t have all night.” I say boredom lacing my tone.

Yeah, I’m not one of her followers.

“Fine. This won’t take long.” She huffs, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder, clearly annoyed that I’m not acting the least bit intimidated. “I know you’re just pretending to be in a relationship with Gun.”

My heart stops and lodges in my throat. Then picks up it’s pace and hammers against my chest. How the hell did she find out? Did Gun tell her?

“Don’t bother denying it. I heard you two talking outside the boy’s locker room.”

Relief courses through my body knowing he didn’t betray me. But then my mind races back to that day. I thought he and I were all alone in the hall. Apparently I was wrong.

Now that Gabriella knows our secret, it’s just a matter of time before everyone else finds out. They thought of me as pathetic when Zac dumped me. What will they think of me once they learn the truth?

Sneering, her eyes flick over me. “I have to admit though, you had me fooled there. Who would have thought you’d be desperate enough to enlist Gun’s help just to get Zac back?”

I raise my chin in defiance, even though I’m freaking out and my insides are knotted in anxiety. “So what? You’re going to blabber your mouth to everyone?”

“Yes.” She says with a smug smile.

I seethe, balling my fists at my sides, wanting nothing more than to clock that smug look off her face.

“Unless, you end your pathetic arrangement with him. He’s not what you want, anyway. You want Zac. You’re still not over him. You wouldn’t have come up with the stupid fake boyfriend if you were.”

This girl. She thinks she can blackmail me? Ha! Where does she get off.

I let out a mocking laugh. “And how do you know all those things? Are you a mindreader or something?”

Gabriella ignores that. “Go get your ex and leave Gun alone.”

“So you can have him for yourself? He doesn’t even want you.” I scoff, making her cheeks red and her nostrils flare. Truth hurts, bitch. “And isn’t Lytton your best friend? If there’s anyone who needs an ex back, its her.”

She waves a dismissive hand. “She’ll get over it.”

“Geez. You’re such a great friend, Gabriella. What will Lytton ever do without you?”

“Shut up. Are you going to do it or not?” She glares.

I smile sweetly. “How about this: You’re not the boss of me. So you can shove your demands down you’re throat. Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a party to go back to.”

“I’m serious. I will tell everyone.” She threatens at my retreating back.

“Suit yourself.” I yell back, flipping her off over my shoulder for a good measure.

I was worried for a moment there. But now that I think about it, there’s a high chance that Gabriella won’t even do it. Everyone knows she has a thing for Gun, if she decides to open her mouth, people will think she’s making up stories just to get his attention. She’ll look pathetic in their eyes, especially when they see us acting like a real loving couple.

And that’s the last thing a girl like Gabriella Donovan wants.

So I’m just gonna ignore her threat. That’s the best thing I can do. My steps slow to a stop when I see Zac just outside the kitchen, looking like he’s been waiting for someone. When he straightens up from the wall he’s been leaning on, I instantly know that someone is no one other than me.

Concern is etched on his face as he strolls over. “Is everything okay?”

Why is he asking me that? Warily, I narrow my eyes at him. Has he been listening to my conversation with Gabriella? Or what if he’s working with her?

How dare he……

Reading my thoughts on my face, he raises his hand in surrender. “Whatever you’re thinking, I have nothing to do with it.”

I cross my arms over my chest. I’ll be the judge of that. “Why do you sound defensive then?”

He blows out a breath. “Because I know you.”

“Oh, you know me?” I sneer.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Awww, don’t you two look good together?” Gabriella, who just walks out of the kitchen coos at us. Then winks at me as she passes. “Remember, what I said Nikky.”

Glaring at her back, I grind my teeth and ball my fists. Ughhh, why does she have to be a massive bitch?

“Ignore her. She’s just being a bitch.” Zac says, echoing my thoughts which only pisses me off.

I frown at him with glowering eyes. “And you’re an ass. First, you dumped me. And now, Lytton. Both in just a span of a week. Are you in a habit of breaking hearts know Zac?”

His cheeks burn a bright red, embarrassment crossing his features. “I didn’t mean for any of it to happen.”

“Bollocks.” I snap, controlling the sudden urge to wring his neck. Two weeks ago, I was head over heels in love with this boy. I cried buckets of tears over him. Now I simply want to wring his neck. It’s as if I never really fell in love with him. Like I thought I did.