Dynasty (Boys of Winter 1)

The fact is, I was out of my league on Saturday night, no matter how hardcore I think that I am. I’d had one too many drinks, I wasn’t thinking straight, and I allowed Knox to take advantage of me. King warned me to stay away, but I was an idiot thinking that I knew best.

It comes down to the fact they protected me when I couldn't protect myself, and for some insane reason, I feel that I can trust them. Though deep down, I know that’s the last thing I should ever do.

I pull into the student parking lot and come right into my usual spot, only this time, the black Escalade is already here with all four of the guys standing around the car, all eyes on me. I glance their way, my gaze resting over Cruz’s first.

I hate how I walked out of his place yesterday, but I needed space to think and I couldn’t do it while those flirty, playful eyes were on me, distracting my every thought. He looks hurt but there’s no denying the interest that still shines bright.

My gaze travels to Grayson next, who just stares blankly like he always does, and I can’t help but wonder what’s going through his mind. Something tells me it won’t be long until I find out. He doesn’t strike me as the type who can hold his tongue and I can’t wait. If he wants to let loose on me about some stupid bullshit, then I’ll be ready, and I’ll happily give it straight back to him. As I watch him, a scowl pulls at his lips and I roll my eyes before moving on to the next.

I pull my helmet off my head and swing my leg over my bike, getting to my feet as I glance over at King. He still watches me as though we have some kind of secret, and it has me questioning if the rest of them actually know about us or not. Either way, I don’t have time for it right now.

I go to move around them when Carver steps directly into my path, bringing me to an abrupt stop. He looks at me with nothing but disdain in his eyes, making his message loud and clear; he doesn’t like me, and he sure as hell has a few things to say about it.

Boo-freaking-hoo. I have more important things to do.

Without a word, I slam my helmet into his chest and step around him before storming up toward the school. I feel the four boys fall in behind me but I don’t bother looking back. They’re only going to slow me down.

I get halfway before peeling my backpack off and dropping it into the manicured grass of the Academy. I hear it hit the ground, and not a second later, it’s instantly scooped up by one of the guys.

Dragging one finger across the top of my brass knuckles, I can feel the energy and need pulsing through me. I reach the school gates and fly through them without a second thought.

All eyes are on us, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s because I’m still the new chick who looks as though she’s ready to kick someone’s ass, or if it’s the sight of the boys at my back. To be honest, I don’t give a shit. I have one thing and one thing only occupying my thoughts. I’m just glad that one of the boys hasn’t tried to stop me.

I walk through the school, barging my way through the crowded hallway, but after getting halfway, the rest of the students figure out that they better get out of my fucking way.

I find who I’m looking for and grab his shoulder, spinning him around in the same instance.

Knox’s eyes widen before taking me in. “Babe, what happened to you on—” he cuts himself off, noticing the four guys standing at my back. His mouth drops, but before he can get another word in, my fist flies free, the skull sitting over my knuckle slamming into his nose with a deafening crack.

Knox is sent flying back against his locker with a loud metallic bang and instantly crumbles to the ground, but I don’t dare stop.

I fly at him, grabbing the front of his shirt and slamming him down until he’s flat on the ground. I straddle his waist as Carver, King, Grayson, and Cruz form a protective circle around me, letting me go and do what I have to do. No one will dare try to break through their circle, not if they value their life.

I don’t hesitate, slamming my fists into Knox’s body over and over again, each blow only getting stronger as the rage burns through me, each punch dedicated to the poor girls who fell into his trap before and didn’t have someone watching their backs.