Crux Year

Chapter Fifteen - Royal

The blood drains from Shay's face as he gapes at me. He's confused and looking to me for answers. As though I know something he doesn't.

I guess I do.

Dad Vince.

He must have changed things up after the night we broke into his office. There had to have been cameras or something. A creepy tingle skates down my spine at the thought of him watching us kiss while alone.

It's forbidden.

But he was supposed to be my match...

I'm dragged to the present when a flash of movement across the stage catches my eye. Nicky Ewing pulls my Shay into his arms, hugging him to him in a possessive way that makes my blood boil. I want to smash his face in with just my fists—anything to keep him away from Shay.

A hush falls over the crowd. It's then I realize I'm still staring at Shay and Nicky, but Dad Vince must have called my name. My match—Shay's friend, Trace—stands on the stage beside my father, frowning hard at me.

My feet are rooted to the ground. I can't move or breathe. All I can do is feel. Fury rushes through my veins like lava. I curl my hands into fists, eager to pummel my way through everyone to get to him.

"Mr. Ever."

Still, I'm unable to drag my stare from Shay. I'm frozen in place, my heart twisting painfully in my chest. It shouldn't matter because I'm leaving, but it does.

It matters.

So damn much.

Someone starts for me. As they approach, I'm able to tear my stare from Shay to discover who it is. Mr. Preston. His features are hardened into an angry scowl. I don't care if I'm in trouble right now. All I care about is Shay.

Mr. Preston's firm grip curls around my bicep. His hold his fierce as he begins to drag me to the stage. I'm about to shove him off me when he leans in and hisses something at me.

"Keep it together, kid. You have to or he'll make your life a living hell just like he did Morgan's. Now is not the time."

I can feel Dad Vince's furious stare burning a hole into me, but I ignore it to glance at my teacher. His eyes flash with an emotion I can't exactly pin down.

Mr. Preston deposits me in front of Trace. His face is blotchy red beneath his smattering of freckles. Shame coats my every nerve ending. It's not his fault this is all a mess.

"Keep it together, kid."

Swallowing hard, I force a smile that physically hurts. All the muscles in my jaw are tense and burning. I awkwardly hug Trace, wrinkling my nose at his overpowering cologne, and then quickly pull away. My gaze searches out Shay's. He's tucked under Nicky's arm and I hate it. I've never hated something so much than seeing Nicky draped over Shay.

Dad Vince continues his speech, thanking everyone for coming out to witness this year's Crux ceremony. When he dismisses everyone for the banquet that will be held at the nearby community center, I start for Shay, hoping to get him alone. Nicky cuts me off, stepping in front of Shay like he has to protect him. From me.

"I will physically move you out of my way if I have to," I snarl, spittle landing on his face. "Move, Ewing."

He sneers at me. "You're one step away from going to a rehabilitation center. Everyone saw your little meltdown out there, Royal. Especially your dad. Hope they fry away the crazy in your brain for Trace's sake."

Shay sidesteps Nicky. When he appears in my peripheral, all anger melts away at seeing his dejected expression. I want to cradle his cheeks in my hands and kiss his lips while I assure him everything will be okay.