Blood splattered from my first punch to the asshole’s face. He sputtered, his hands cupping his nose, so he didn’t see the blow that followed. He fell back, and his head hit the cement. I got right on top of him, one hand holding the fucker’s collar as my fist pummeled his face. The artwork I was creating on his mug was so extensive that his own mother wouldn’t recognize him once I was done.

I grabbed his phone and sent the video to myself before I deleted it off the fucker’s phone and crushed it under my foot with one heavy stomp.

“I-I’m going to press charges. I’m going to fuck up your life,” he sniveled before turning his eyes to Devlynn. “I’m going to ruin hers too.”

That set me off. I flung my fist into his face violently and quickly, bashing him repeatedly. I pulled the switchblade from my pocket and held it against his throat. “If you so much as look at her again. I’ll kill you. You might be a rich bitch, but I’ll get to you. One way or another. So this is what’s going to happen. You’re never going to come near here again. If you do, this knife will slit your fucking throat.”

I stood, dusted myself off, and smiled. “Have a nice day.”

Devlynn was visibly shaking. “You almost killed him.”

“Nah, he’ll be fine. Probably some broken bones in his face.”

“How are you so calm about this?’

“Would you rather I let him post that video for everyone to see?”

She shook her head no, her hand nervously fixing her hair. I smiled as I pulled her to me. “Then it’s settled.” I kissed the top of her head. “Now, you better go to class.”

Chapter 14

Devlynn –Five Years Ago

I hadn’t heard from Elis in five days…something that hadn’t happened since we started dating two years ago. We would text back and forth or chat on the phone daily. Not only had he not returned any of my messages, but he hadn’t been in school.

I heard about his father through the newspaper. I wasn’t sure why he wasn’t telling me. I wanted to be there for him. I knew he must feel horrible. I didn’t know what I could do, but I would be there, holding his hand, giving him whatever he needed.

“I’m leaving you, Phillis. I’m leaving you and taking everything. You can get buried with that fucking trash you decided to cheat on me with!” my father yelled so loudly that I could hear him down the hall. My father didn’t raise his voice. Not ever.