Say you love me

Twenty-two

TIVELLY POV

Chapter name: bitter taste

It's been eight days since we ate with the people I live with. Four days since Kaiden and I kissed. Four days since the last time I felt in danger.

Living with the people I live with isn't ideal, but at least I'm not questioning if every day is my last. The guys aren't that bad, I get along with them, but they usually try to keep him away from me when Monty comes. Kaiden comes over every day to ensure I am treated right, and the fridge always has raspberries.

I go to school with Leo, grab Chloe and Ray, and hang out with Kaiden and his group. At school, I avoid Pheobe and Able as best as I can. They usually avoid me too.

"Ok, but listen... you can't just talk fast and call yourself a rapper." Chloe glares at Jayce. "That's what rappers are doing these days. If I talk fast enough, I can be one." He responds, making Cole and Ray roll their eyes.

I look up at Kaiden, who stands beside me, watching the two idiots converse. His arms are crossed, and he looks relaxed for the first time in a while.

"Hey bitch, I've been missing you." I feel Pheobe's arm on my shoulder, pulling me down. Her words sound as if she is happy to see me. That must have taken days of practice.

I can feel the group's eyes on me, watching as if they've never seen us interact. Well... Jayce, Case, and Grey have never seen us interact.

"What do you mean you miss her? We have only been at school for a few hours." Ray asks, not knowing I'm not staying at home.

Chloe facepalms, shaking her head in irritation. Kaiden sees my awkward position under her arm and grabs my hand, pulling me towards him. I land on his chest, my hand touching his toned stomach. I can feel the group's eyes on us.

Phoebe's eyes go wide, making my heart beat faster with fear. I grip Kaiden's shirt, wondering if she's going to punch me or let me be.

"I... you've been gone for so long. Where are you staying now? I know it's not with our dear Chloe." Phoebe grits her teeth. I can tell she's holding back a slap. Her eyes are shooting daggers at me.

"You're not at home?" Ray asks. There's suddenly worry in his eyes. "It doesn't matter, Phoebe," I respond, my voice shaking.

"Wait, where are you staying?" Ray continues. Chloe nudges him. "It doesn't matter where she's staying." Kaiden's voice is laced with annoyance.

I watch in horror as Phoebe's hand flies up, swinging at me. I close my eyes, flinching hard as I wait for impact. I feel movement from Kaiden and then the sound of Phoebe grunt. I squint, seeing Kaiden gripping Phoebe's wrist, forcing her to stop in mid-air.

My eyes go wide as I realize everyone in the hall is looking at us. Shit. Shit. Shit. Everyone thinks that we are close. They just saw her try to slap me.

"What the hell are you doing to my sisters?" Able pops out of the crowd, glaring at Kaiden. "She was about to slap Tivelly." Case speaks before Kaiden does; his voice is blunt.

"Maybe she deserved it." Able scoffs. Phoebe yanks her wrist out of Kaiden's hold. "I don't think you want to play this game with me, Cooper." Kaiden grips me firmly. I can feel his heartbeat going faster; I can tell he's about to lose his shit.

Jayce and Grey look at each other, getting ready to jump in if a fight breaks out. I have to do something.

"Kaiden, please stop." I look up at him, my hand going up to his chest. He looks down at me. His eyes light up as he looks at me, studying my worried expression.