Glass Heart Hero: A Dark High School Romance by Lindsey Iler (free ebook reader for iphone .TXT) 📕

closer to his dick. I glance away, not really wanting to watch the show. Close to twenty students fill the room, some I recognize from the lacrosse field. How easy it would be to ruin their season if I snapped an incriminating photo. I’d much prefer to win the championship without being a rat, though. They can have their fun like we do.

I circle the building that has practically been abandoned by Hollow Hill Academy. Tables line the walls, and chairs are stacked to the ceiling. It’s so close to the edge of the campus map that no one really thinks to check on it. It’s why they can get away with anything here.

My original plan was to confront Tripp and demand he stay far away from Delaney. I’d bury him outside his dorm if I had to, but after sneaking in and finding his room empty, I creeped out before one of his classmates spotted me.

Knowing Delaney is at the house, trying to figure out a way to defeat those who have crossed her, makes seeing him feel different. Before she came into my life, I would have beaten him within an inch of his life. Physical violence is easy, and I have no doubt, if needed, I’d resort to my old ways, but outsmarting Tripp will make this victory far sweeter.

While I trek across campus, I take out my phone and send a text. The cement and stone sign outside the building reads Hush Dormitory. Ironic, considering I’m hoping Tripp’s sister will do the exact opposite.

A window above slides open, forcing me to glance up. Madison’s head pops out.

“Give me one reason why I should let you up.”

“I’m not the one who told everyone about us.” I shrug, hoping she realizes what I’m saying is the truth. “I know that’s why you played the part in the first gauntlet, as some sort of revenge.”

She disappears inside her dorm, and the door lock buzzes. I hustle to grab it, opening before the invitation is revoked. Taking the stairs two at a time, I rush upstairs, hoping no one else catches me sneaking into the girl’s dorm. Hollow Hill has stricter regulations than Glass Heart.

Madison stands with her door wide open, her arm stretched over the opening. Her flat smile is barely there, but she’s never been one to give too much away. I duck under her small body and enter her dorm.

It looks exactly as I remember. A whole lot of girl mixed with an anger a certain kind of life can fuel. Pink and black décor with odd paintings and posters on the wall. It screams Madison.

“Is this where we start to reminisce? Take the walking tour of you stealing my virginity?”

“Stealing? If I remember correctly, you were more than happy to lay down with me.” I dare her to challenge me.

“My brother hates you. What more do I need to say?” She grins. As I let an easy smile shine at her, the hard exterior she’s held tight to since that night slowly slips away. “What are you doing here, Breaker? He’ll kill you if he knows you’re sniffing around again.”

“I’m not worried about Tripp. I can handle him.”

“So, to what do I owe this visit?” She rolls out the chair at her small desk and rests in it with effortless confidence.

“Delaney,” I say.

“Is it true? Heard the whispers about the shit that went down on the bridge. I’m sorry he’s such an asshole.”

“That my mother killed herself on that bridge?” I shake my head. “Yeah, it’s true, but that shit’s in the past.”

“Not from what I heard. Breaker Davenport shaking in his boots on the ledge of a bridge,” she singsongs, making a mockery of what I went through by pretending to have shaky hands. Typical Madison. “My brother rattled you, huh?”

I lunge forward, wrapping my hands around her neck and forcing her to her feet. With a swift kick, the chair crashes to the floor, no longer blocking me from her.

I press her against the wall. “You want to play games, Madison?”

“If I remember correctly, I’ve always been good at riling you up, Breaker.” She rolls her hips, and I move away, pressing a little too hard on her throat when I do. She rubs the ache, glaring at me.

“Not anymore.” I shake my head and beeline for the door. “Coming here was a bad idea.”

I get one foot out when she tugs me inside and slams the door.

“I know it was him, the stories and the humiliation,” Madison explains. “I’ve been labeled a whore on campus since it got out. The girl who gave it up to ‘man-whore Breaker Davenport’. The reputation has followed me.”

“I don’t know why he did it.” That’s the truth. He had nothing to gain from it.

“I do.” Madison slumps down to the floor, anger and hurt plastered onto her face like a mask. “He hates you, and you’re untouchable.”

“He should have never taken his hatred for me out on you. You’re his sister, his blood, for fuck’s sake.”

“Blood doesn’t mean shit in our world. He hates you because you command control without having to steal it. You kill him on the field. Taking my virginity was his excuse but not his reason. He gets to be the hero, saving his baby sister’s virtue.” Madison presses her forehead to the forearm balancing on her knees that are tight to her chest.

Her reaction proves what he put her through has left some unseen scars. There is nothing I could do to help her. It’s such an easy thing to traipse to my own campus and ignore the wreckage I create.

We sit together in comfortable silence.

Madison’s head finally lifts. Her eyes are glossy and pink. She’s fighting her own hurt, and I know that feeling all too well.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. Maybe I could’ve done more,” I plead, the guilt taking over like a flood, covering every surface of my heart.

“He convinced me you were the one to spread the