Dynasty Boys

Chapter 12

Elle

"Morning, Elle!!!" Lila shouted over the blaring music as soon as I slid into her brand-new car.

"Hey! How was your weekend?" I smiled at her, doing my best to keep my mind from drifting back to that ominous text.

She turned the volume down and launched into an enthusiastic rant about her weekend, which could be summed up in one word: shopping. I nodded automatically as she talked, my gaze wandering out the window until the school came into view.

"We have gym class together, but I seriously need to pee first. Do you mind coming with me? Please!" Lila begged, giving me those big puppy-dog eyes. I really didn't want to be left alone in the chaos, so I agreed. She grabbed my hand and led me out of the car.

The bathroom was empty when we walked in, and I stared at my reflection. My face was pale, like I'd just crawled out of a grave. Lila, on the other hand, was glowing, her smile ever-present, always matching her bubbly, energetic vibe. Waves of joy seemed to radiate from her, and I envied that.

I took a few deep breaths before stepping into a stall. Lila kept talking, but as soon as we heard the bathroom door swing open, we both fell silent. I recognized the voices immediately, and my fists clenched in response.

"I was alone with Carter in that room, and she had to come in and ruin it! He really wanted me! Fuck!" Billie's voice rang out, venom was present in every word. My eyes widened. Billie was actually pissed because I'd interrupted them. I frowned, irritated by her stupidity. Why would I ever want to be left alone with Carter, of all people? He was my nemesis.

"Did I tell you what happened on Saturday?" Billie continued, her voice growing louder. "I went to the supermarket to buy new shoes, and guess who I saw?" She practically shouted, and I fought the urge to step out and give her a piece of my mind.

"Huh... Carter?" one of her friends murmured, curious.

" No! It was Elle and guess what? She was talking to Madden! She was hugging him like a bitch in heat. I wanted to cut her throat, she's such a little slut. Why does she think she has a change with him? Or Carter ?" A laugh escaped Billie's mouth, her hurtful words making me shiver.

I wiped away a silent tear, realizing that Lila had heard everything too. Billie hated me. Could she be the one sending those threatening texts? And what about the person in the "Kiss me" mask?

Was that her too?

"I know! Maybe she was there to buy drugs. That's why she was with Madden." One of Billie's friends offered, her voice innocent but laced with judgment.

Wait, Madden is a drug dealer?

" He sells drugs but I don't think she would do them... dammit did you look at her ? but then again I didn't think she would be a little slut and try to steal the Knight's brothers away from me." Billie added and after a few seconds, I head the door closing shut and her voices faded away. After I took a minute to clear my composure, I exited my toilet stall and Lila followed too.

"Elle! Wait, what the fuck happened Saturday and Friday? Were you with Madden?" She questioned and I didn't miss the urgency in her tone.

I told her everything that had happened at the party while she was in the bathroom. I also explained that I'd gone to the supermarket on Saturday and that's when I ran into Madden. A shadow of sadness crossed her face, and I knew she was disappointed, probably hurt that I'd kept these things from her. Guilt twisted in my stomach. Lila had been nothing but kind and honest with me from the start, and I couldn't return that same openness. I wasn't good at keeping secrets, but there was no way I could tell her the full truth about what was going on in my life. My world was a playground far too dangerous for anyone to step into, especially the people I cared about most.