Chapter 272: Dare Me. [Ian’s POV]
Dominic stood in front of me, looking disappointed. "What the hell was that, Ian?" He hissed. "We just talked."
I yanked my arm away from him. "You think I wanted this to happen?"
"You promised you’d talk," he snapped. "You said you wouldn’t let it turn violent."
"And he called me a fucking cheater," I shot back. "What was I supposed to do, thank him?"
Dominic’s jaw tightened. "You lost control."
"No," I growled. "I lost my goddamn mind."
Blood slid down my lip. I wiped it with the back of my hand.
"You’re not going to believe what he accused me of," I continued. "He said I cheated on June. With Crystal."
Jasper blinked, looking confused. "Wait, who the hell is Crystal?"
Casper groaned. "His ex-girlfriend, idiot."
"Ohhh," Jasper said slowly. "The cheerleader." Then, without thinking, "Well... did you?"
I glared at him so hard that it made my eyes hurt. "No," I roared. "I didn’t. What the fuck is wrong with you?"
"You guys seriously think I’d do that?" I demanded. "After everything?"
The three of them went quiet.
Casper scratched the back of his neck. Jasper shifted his weight, and avoided eye contact. Even Dominic looked away.
That hesitation felt like betrayal.
"Wow," I muttered. "So y’all don’t believe me."
"It’s not that," Jasper said quickly. "You just..."
"Have a reputation?" I cut in.
He winced. "I mean... yeah."
I stared at him. "Deadass."
"Dominic?" I turned to him. "You too?"
He met my eyes. "I believe you."
"But?" I snapped.
"But Crystal lying wouldn’t shock me," he admitted. "She’s always been devious."
"She told June I was cheating on her," I said hoarsely. "The whole time. She let June believe it."
Casper cursed under his breath.
"Damn," Dominic muttered. "That’s messed up."
Jasper shook his head. "Man... your love life is getting way too complicated."
I shot him a look. "Now is not the time."
Dominic stepped closer. "Ian. Can you please, stop fighting Ren?"
I scoffed. "Ren used that lie to justify kissing her. He took advantage of the situation. He was supposed to tell me about it."
Dominic rubbed his face. "Ian..."
"She was already broken," I cut him off. "And he stepped in like a hero."
My hands curled into fists again.
"Crystal’s the problem," I growled. "She always has been."
I reached into my pocket, as I grabbed my keys. "She’s going to regret tonight," I said, already turning away.
"Ian!" Dominic called after me. "Don’t do anything stupid. You never listen to anyone."
I didn’t stop walking.
"And I’ll be back for you," I snapped, pointing over my shoulder toward Ren. "This isn’t over."
I heard Dominic sigh behind me.
"I’m not interfering anymore," he said quietly. "You two need to sort this out yourselves. Ian is tough to handle."
The porch light dimmed as I walked down the steps.
Behind me, Jasper hissed, "You shouldn’t have kissed his girl. You know he’s got anger issues."
I didn’t look back.
Crystal just signed her own death wish.
I started the car, gripping the staring wheel.
By the time I got to Crystal’s house, I wasn’t thinking straight anymore. I slammed my fist against her door until it flew open.
Crystal blinked in surprise, then smiled. "Oh my," she said softly, faking her concern for me. "What happened to your lips?"
She lifted her hand.
I caught her wrist, and shoved it back down. "Don’t fucking touch me."
Her smile twitched. "Rude much?" she said, leaning against the doorframe like this was funny. "What are you doing here so late?"
"What the fuck did you tell June?" I snapped.
She tilted her head, studying me. "You always did come running when you were angry," she said calmly. "Guess she finally pushed you this far."
"The fuck is wrong with you?" I said, pointing at her. "Listen to me, Crystal..."
"Whoa," she cut in, holding up her hands. "You’re serious."
"So let me guess," she continued. "She sent you. Or you finally remembered I exist?"
I clenched my jaw. "This isn’t about you."
She chuckled. "Everything is about me with you."
I laughed at her ridiculous she sounds.
"What do you even see in June?" Crystal continued. "She’s not all that. June is mid at best. Always like she’s better than everyone. Following you around like a lost puppy."
"Don’t you dare say her name like that."
She scoffed. "Why? Because she’s your precious little angel now?"
"Because June is everything you will never be," I shot back. "She’s kind without pretending. She doesn’t lie just to feel wanted."
Her jaw tightened. "Whatever rocks your boat, loverboy," she said dismissively, patting my chest like I was nothing. "If she makes you feel special...."
I slapped her hand away. "You lied about being pregnant with my kid," I yelled. "You let June believe I cheated."
She crossed her arms. "And?"
Something in me went completely still.
"I don’t even find you attractive anymore."
Her smirk dropped instantly. "Oh?" she laughed bitterly. "After you used me and dumped me?"
"That’s not what happened."
"I loved you, Ian," she snapped. "You disappeared, and moved on. And I was just supposed to be fine?"
Fake tears welled up her eyes so fast. "I hope she breaks your heart the way you broke mine," she whispered.
Something in me went cold. "This is messed up," I said quietly. "You’re really sick."
I stepped closer, pointing at her again. "If you ever lay a hand on June," I warned, "or spread one more lie about her, or me..."
She laughed bitterly, cutting me off. "What would you do?"
I burst out laughing, shaking my head slowly. "You really want to test that?" I said.
She rolled her eyes. "Oh please."
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice. "You seem to forget," I said calmly, "that I know things about you."
"Ohhh?" She said carefully.
"Yeah," I continued. "Things the school board would be very interested in hearing."
Her posture stiffened.
I tilted my head slightly, watching her face go pale. "You remember that little situation you came crying to me about?" I said quietly. "The one I kept from blowing up?"
Her eyes widened.
"My dad also owns Blackwell," I continued calmly, "I could walk go home now, and tell him everything."
"You’re bluffing," her fingers started trembling against the door frame.
I smiled faintly. "Am I?"
"You wouldn’t."
"Dare me," I said with a mischievous smirk. "You care a lot about your reputation, Crystal. Imagine what happens if the school board hears your little secret."
Finally she scoffed and looked away. "Fine. I won’t go near her anymore. She’s not even worth my time."
"Good," I said.
I turned and walked out before she could say anything else, slamming the door shut behind me.
The anger faded, just enough for the pain to rush back in.
June believed her. That was the part that hurt the most.
I stood on the sidewalk for a moment, then pulled out my phone.
I had one more door to knock on.
