Deep (Heavy Hearts Book 2) by Sarah Duncan (reading tree txt) 📕

I expect him to get pissed off, but after a moment of his static stare, he erupts in a deep belly laugh. The rumbling sound goes on and on, and I fight against the urge to laugh too. He has one of those infectious laughs that affects everyone that hears it. Drawing in my top lip, I bite it hard to try and stop myself from reacting. When he calms, wiping at the tears in his eyes, he tries to compose himself.

“I say something funny?” I ask.

“Sorry, Lexi. I just never know what you’re going to say. It’s refreshing. You remind me of my sister. You both have the same quick wit and stubborn nature.” He takes a deep breath and morphs back to his serious self again. “I am trying to help you. I’m concerned about your anger. You were very quick to lash out at Natasha when you first walked in the toilets yesterday.”

“You’ll have to excuse me for not knowing what you’re talking about. The whole thing is a little fuzzy.” I lie, and he knows it.

“I believe the words Tasha used to provoke you were ‘you filthy whore, you allowed your brother’.” He doesn’t miss the fury that engulfs my face at him repeating Tasha’s words. “Then you reacted by trying to choke her.”

I laugh, “Hardly. I didn’t even squeeze tight enough to choke the bitch. I was going easy on her.”

Mr Matthews studies me for a moment, obviously considering his words.

“I get that you’re angry, Lexi. After what you’ve been subjected to, it’s totally understandable, but you need to learn how to control your anger. Mrs Rogan and I want to support you. We want to show you that you can trust again—especially adults. The thing is, we also have a duty to keep everyone that walks onto our school grounds safe.

We aren’t going to pursue further punishment for your part in what happened yesterday, but we can only do so much. If you show violence on the school grounds again, then we won’t have any choice but to discipline you in the appropriate manner.”

“Don’t do me any favours. I didn’t ask to be treated any differently.” I snap, biting back tears.

“We know that, Lexi. We do, however, want you to feel safe. But we also have to make sure the other 987 students in this school feel safe too.” Mr Matthews sounds genuine. If I wasn’t being a stubborn bitch, I’d have to admit that I like the guy.

“Fine, I’ll try to behave, but if anyone, male or female, student or teacher or even parent, tries to hurt me, then I will fight back in self-defence. I couldn’t care less about the damn school rules.”

“Agreed. Thank you.” Mr Matthews relaxes.

We’re both quiet for a few minutes. Mr Matthews is deep in thought, and I’m battling a war with my tear ducts. My emotions are shot lately. I’m totally blaming my monthly.

“Can we talk about something else?” I ask, needing to lighten the mood.

“Yes, of course, Lexi.” He grins, pleased.

“Have you kissed Miss Dice yet?”

CHAPTER TEN

After I left Mr Matthews, I went straight to English and ignored Marcus and his sulking. Jared was okay, though, and I managed to concentrate and plan out my essay for the upcoming assessment. After that class, I didn’t even go to my locker; I just bolted from the classroom to the back of the school and didn’t look back.

I’m getting good at ditching my shadow pack, as Rhys likes to call them. I spend lunch with my new misfit friends and ignore the messages blowing up my phone from the boys. They are pissed at me, which just pisses me off more, tempting me to be more defiant. Who the hell do they think they are?

After lunch, Maths is a struggle because once again, I’m reminded of Ayden. When am I ever going to stop thinking about him? When will I ever stop longing to inhale his addictive scent or to feel his gentle touch? When will I ever stop replaying his kisses in my head or the way he lit my body on fire on that rooftop? It’s safe to say that by the end of Maths, I’m a walking time bomb of mixed emotions, and even Rhys can’t seem to reach me with her witty conversations during after school detention.

When I walk out of detention thirty minutes later, I’m surprised to see Garrett waiting for me. The boys have football training on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, but I guess Garrett gets a pass with his injured hand.

“Oh, look, it’s the dark, broody one,” Rhys whispers too loudly in my ear as we approach Garrett. He smirks, and I roll my eyes.

“Hi dark and broody, I’m Lexi’s bestie, Rhys.” She offers her hand with dark cherry red painted nails, and Garrett hesitates a moment before taking it for a brief shake.

I’ll admit, hearing Rhys use the term bestie to explain our very new friendship makes me smile inside but hurts a little at the same time. Abbey held the best friend title for like fifteen years. Now, she’s my enemy.

“Hey, Rhys. I’m Garrett.” He drops his hand back by his side and looks at me before looking back at Rhys. “You’re her bestie, are you?”

“Sure am.” She grins pleased and links her arm with mine.

“So, if you’re her best friend, then I’m guessing you’re the one she’s been running off with at recess and lunch?”

“Of course. Lexi can’t handle Dylan and Hayden behind the bike shed all on her own. Sharing is caring, after all.”

I burst out laughing at Rhys’s words, and Garrett’s blue-grey eyes widen, looking completely stunned.

“Jesus Rhys, you’re gonna give Gaz an aneurism. That’s TMI. He doesn’t need to know what we do with our spare time.” It feels good to stir the pot. These boys deserve it, after all. I just wish they were all here to