The Styles Triplets

Chapter 20

My mind raced as I hurried out of the classroom, determined to avoid John's smug expression for as long as possible. My hands were shaking slightly as I opened my locker, digging through books without really seeing them.

I barely registered the noise around me until shouting echoed down the hallway.

"Get off me! Don't touch me!"

I froze. My head snapped toward the sound.

Edward.

Two teachers were dragging him toward the front office while he struggled against their grip, anger written across every sharp movement.

"I can walk myself!" he snapped, jerking his arm free before they grabbed him again.

"Edward?" I whispered.

As he passed, his eyes found mine instantly.

The anger drained from his face, replaced with something softer — something almost relieved.

"Alex..."

"Keep moving," one teacher barked, steering him forward.

What happened?! What'd he do?!
Across the hall, Zayn stood staring toward the office doors. 

"Z!" I called, rushing over.

He glanced at me, offering a small shrug. "Hey."

"What was that about? What did he do?"

"No idea," Zayn admitted, shaking his head. "But it must've been serious if they had to restrain him."

A cold unease settled in my chest.

"Well what could he have done?" I asked nervously.
Edward isn't dangerous. Right?

"You never really know with Ed," Zayn added quietly. "I've seen him do some messed-up stuff before."

My eyes widened, "How bad? What happened?"

"It's not my story to tell."

I nodded and thoughts rushed through my head.
What could he have done? What's Zayn talking about? Is Edward...dangerous? No he can't be he's harmless...right?

"I'll see you at lunch?" I asked weakly.

"Yeah," he said. "See you then."

- - -

As I walked down the hallway, my tension eased when I spotted Marcel at his locker. A smile spread across my face instantly. I crept up behind him and covered his eyes. "Guess who."

He laughed softly. "Hmm... tough one."

Before he could turn around, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his neck, teasingly nipping at his skin. A quiet groan escaped him.

"Alex," he whispered, half laughing. "Stop." He turned, eyes bright, touching the spot I'd kissed. "Did you leave a mark?"

"Maybe a small one," I said proudly.

He rolled his eyes playfully and then grabbed his things, "Here, I'll walk you to class."

His hand settled naturally at my waist as we moved through the hall together. The ease of it surprised me.

No hesitation. No uncertainty. Just... us.

We passed Harry, who wiggled his eyebrows dramatically and mouthed, Get some.

I flipped him off without breaking stride. 

When we reached my classroom door, Marcel lingered. "You're going to be late," I warned.