Brothers Best Friend (Vinnie Hacker)

Chapter 16

As we stride into the school grounds, the usual gazes follow us. Amidst the crowd, a girl catches my attention, blatantly rolling her eyes in my direction. "Who do we have here?" she taunts.

"Are you dense or just pretending? I've been a fixture in this school forever," I retort, fixing her with an icy stare. Vinnie interjects, squeezing my hand. "Come on, babe, let's just ignore her," he urges.

But Samantha doesn't let up. "Oh, it's the little princess and her lackey," she sneers. I pivot to face her. "So, it's me with the lackey? Last time I checked, you treat everyone like they're your lapdogs," I shoot back, glancing at Vinnie for support. "Let's go, Riley. She's not worth it," Vinnie advises, leading me inside hand in hand.

"Who was that?" I inquire, still fuming. "Samantha. I think she's been through every guy in this school," Vinnie responds casually. "Does that include you and the guys?" I probe. "Don't worry, we don't mess with girls like that," he assures me. Normally, I'd bristle at such a statement, but in this case, he's spot-on. I let out a laugh, giving him a squeeze as we navigate to our separate classes.

In class, I settle beside Mac just as the bell chimes. And who strolls in but Samantha, arm in arm with some guy. I try to ignore her, but it's difficult when she plunks herself down right in front of me. "Where's your lapdog today?" she goads. I roll my eyes. "He's my boyfriend, and if you don't turn around and shut up, I'll kick you," I warn her, earning a worried glance from Mac. Samantha smirks. "Well, I won't turn around until you admit it," she challenges, leaning in closer.

"Admit what?" I ask, irritation simmering beneath the surface. "That you're just using him," she insinuates. With a loud sigh, my foot seems to move of its own accord, connecting with her leg in a resounding kick. The room falls silent, and the teacher fixes me with a stern glare. "Riley Storms, the principal's office. Now," she commands. With a smirk, I rise from my seat, brushing against Samantha's foot before striding out of the room, all eyes on me.

In the principal's office, I'm met with a mixture of sternness and curiosity. "What do you have to say for yourself?" the principal inquires. "Who should I call to pick you up?" he continues. "What for?" I counter. "Because you're suspended for a week," he announces. Without missing a beat, I reply, "Chase Hudson," much to his surprise. "So, that's why you did it?" he muses. "What?" I retort, incredulous. "Yeah, I know Cole," he adds. "Chase. His name is Chase," I correct him with a pointed look. "Fine, fine. I'll call him. But if you try to bail, I'll extend your suspension to two months," he warns.

Skipping ahead to when Chase arrives

Spotting Chase at the door, I rush over and embrace him. "Let's get out of this place," he declares, slinging an arm around me as we laugh. He hands me his leather jacket, and we hop into his newly minted car, speeding off to HypeHouse.

"So, Riley, what went down?" Chase inquires once we're en route. "This girl, Samantha, was being a total jerk, so I whooped her ass," I explain with a sigh. Examining my hand, Chase marvels, "Damn, you've got quite the slap." Chuckling, I nod in agreement.

"So, about that pool party," I segue, excitement bubbling. "Count me in," Chase replies eagerly. "Great, I'll invite you, the HypeHouse, and the SwayHouse crew. It's going to be epic," I declare.

"Alcohol?" Chase queries. "Of course," I confirm, knowing full well it's underage, but what's a party without a little thrill?

Arriving at HypeHouse, I'm enveloped in a hug by Avani. "Spill the tea," she urges as we settle onto her bed. Recounting the events, I sigh, "This chick Samantha called Vinnie my lackey, and things escalated from there. I kicked her."

Avani's eyes widen. "Damn, you're a badass," she declares, and I can't help but giggle. Some secrets are best left buried, like the other comment Samantha made.

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hey guys, yay new chapter, i have made this a lil shorter cause i got writers block and i want to update it today so yeah

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<Laura>