F O U R .

F O U R .

Dahlia.

“Earth to Dahlia!” She practically shrieks in my ear, making me stumble and almost fall face-first to the ground.

“What?”

Before I knew it, Lola was walking beside me.

“What has gotten into you? Why did you run off?”

Lola stared at me, her eyes demanding answers.

“And what were you talking about with those guys?” she asks with a raised brow.

I mime zipping my lips and she narrows her eyes at me.

She clearly wasn’t satisfied, so I was about to tell her when someone brushed hard against me. This time, I really felt like falling face-first.

Thankfully, Lola snatched me up and pulled me back to my feet.

“Watch it, Lisa.” Lola hissed.

Uh-oh. This is so not good.

“Oops, my bad. Didn’t see you there, virgin.” She snorts, her eyes mocking me as she places her hands on her hips. Her two minions posed behind her. One on each side. They giggled at the name Lisa called me.

My cheeks heat.

“Can you believe it? My mate’s sister is a freak. The bitch is holding onto her virginity for what?” She taunts, making my fists clench.

Freak. That’s what they called me ever since they found out I was still a virgin. In Jackson High, you either fuck or get fucked. There’s no other way around it.

Apparently, I broke that rule.

“That’s none of your fucking business,” Lola defended.

“I wasn’t talking to you, whore,” she spits and my teeth gritted.

My hand shot out and I slapped her across the face. Hard enough to make her head tilt to the side. A chain of gasps rang through the air instantly, letting me know I had turned all attention on me now. But I don’t care.

“Call me whatever the fuck you want, but leave Lola out of it.” I snarl.

Her eyes narrow on me.

“You…” she raises a trembling hand and points a finger at me. “I’m going to make your life miserable, you fucki—”

“Enough!” My brother’s voice boomed, resonating through the crowd gathered around us.

My eyes snap up, meeting Atlas’ furious gaze as the crowd made way for him, and those guys. Reminding me they’re still here.

Hades and Valerian are watching me now with an amused look in their eyes. I could hear other girls talking about them. I’m not surprised that they had them all swooning the moment they stepped into the picture. Still, I can’t help but think of places where I can have them both to myself.

What on earth am I thinking? Goddess, Dahlia, get a grip!

“Go to class, Lisa.”

“But baby—”

“I said now!” Everyone either gasped or took a subconscious step back when he growled. Everyone except Lola.

Lisa suddenly looks like she is about to burst into tears as she turns around and scurries off. Obviously, no one bought it. Except maybe for her two minions who quickly dashes right after their drama queen.

Atlas steps in front of Lola, staring her down. “I guess this makes us even now?”

Lola cocks her eyebrows. Oh, god. I know that look. She is going to bullshit him even more and it’s only going to make things worse.

I throw her a pleading look, which she notices, thank the goddess.

She sighs and rolls her eyes. “Fine.”

Atlas smirks and walks away with a triumphant smile on his face. On the other hand, Hades and Valerian swoosh past me with meaningful looks in their eyes. Did I mention how Valerian’s gaze flicked to my breast for a second?

Right. My bag.

Lola glances down at her wristwatch, “Shit. We gotta go.”

I move to open my bag when the bell rings and Lola grabs my wrist before we sprint to class.

I guess that can wait until later.