Gods & Monsters(25)

Duke Knight has been a huge problem for me for the past year. My mom loves him, obviously. Everyone loves him. But it’s gotten increasingly worse. My mom’s started to hint about him and me going out. As in, going out on dates.

It’s enough to make me shudder. I hate him. Well, not as much as my best friend hates him. But I do. Besides, I have no interest in going out with anyone except Abel. How sad is it that we’ve been in love with each other forever but never been on a date? We haven’t ever shared a meal together, or held hands in public or gone to a movie.

“Hey, Evie,” Duke greets me with a chin lift.

“Hey.”

Duke’s the only guy who’s almost as tall as my Abel. But my boyfriend is still bigger and more muscular. Whereas Abel is tanned with golden hair, a loner and rough around the edges, Duke’s pale. He’s the center of the crowd, smooth and polished, with a charming smile.

He focuses on me like there’s no one else in the corridor, his blue eyes pinned on me. “So, I was wondering if you’d come to the party at my house next Saturday. It’s an end of school thing. Low-key, but it’s gonna be fun.”

I literally hear Sky growling behind me. I open my mouth to say something, but then close it. Duke and I are not friends. In fact, everyone pretty much knows I hang out with Sky, and Sky and him don’t get along. I don’t know why he’s suddenly interested in me.

Clearing my throat, I try again. “Well, that’s nice of you but I think I’m going to pass. Thanks though.”

Short and sweet rejection. I’m so glad it’s over.

Only it’s not over because he doesn’t go away. He smiles at me. One of those innocent, charming smiles. “Do you have other plans? Because I’d love to have you there.”

“I, uh, well, kinda. I mean —”

Duke moves closer to me. Not so close as to call it inappropriate but closer than he’s ever been to me. “Come on, Evie. It would mean so much to me if you came.”

“I —”

Suddenly, I’m pushed back and Sky’s in front of Duke. “Cut the shit out, asshole. She doesn’t wanna go. So leave her alone.”

“Hey.” Duke lifts his hand in mock surrender. “I’m just asking a question. I’m sure Evie can speak for herself.”

“And she said no, didn’t she? You need to get lost.”

He leans against the locker and crosses his arms across his chest. “I don’t understand why you’re being so aggressive, Skylar. I wasn’t even talking to you.”

Sky scoffs. “Fuck you weren’t. You were trying to get my attention and you know what, asshole?” She pokes him in the chest. “You got it.”

Duke smirks before straightening up. I swear in this moment, his spiky hair and that pale complexion and cold blue eyes make him look like the devil.

“Skylar, I think you’ve gone over to a very dark place.”

She shoves him, but he doesn’t budge. “Don’t make me hit you, Duke. You know I can do it.”

Duke lowers his voice so only Sky and I can hear his next comment. “Are you jealous I asked your friend and not you? Is that what this is all about? I mean, you can come to the party if you want. I’m sure we’ll be needing a maid. I tip very generously.”

All hell breaks loose after that. Sky shrieks and puts her entire weight into pushing at his chest. Duke wasn’t prepared for that, I guess, because he stumbles back. His eyes turn really hard and glint like glaciers as he charges toward her.

I try to pull Sky back but it’s no use. She has wicked strength and she isn’t backing down. Not even when Duke gets in her face and mutters something that I can’t hear over the shouts and noises. She takes a swing at his face but he blocks her hand. So she relies on her legs and stomps on his foot, all the while screaming at him, calling him names.

Oh God. She’s really gone over to a dark place. What the heck happened to set her off like this?

I get my answer when in the middle of all the cursing she says, “How dare you kiss me? I’ll set your cock on fire, you fucking asshole.”

What?

I’m momentarily stunned at this revelation, my fingers losing their grip on Sky’s t-shirt where I’m trying to hold her back. Duke kissed my best friend? When did that happen? Why didn’t Sky say anything?

Turns out I don’t need to worry about the whole Duke and Sky thing at all because I’ve got bigger things to worry about now.

Like my boyfriend. Abel is here and he’s standing between Duke and Sky, his expression thunderous, and it’s all focused on the prince of the town.

This is so not going to end well.

I come out of my shock and pull Sky back, who’s panting, still shooting daggers at Duke. “Stay put, okay? You’ve caused enough trouble,” I snap and she turns her murderous eyes on me. I shake my head at her, telling her with my eyes that we’re going to talk about the whole kiss thing later. If there’s a later.

Then I turn to Abel when he says, “Get out.”

Duke’s panting; there are a few scratches on his jaw and along his neck. Wow, Sky got him good. “You need to stay out of this,” he addresses Abel. “For your own good.”

“What I need is for you to get out.” Abel’s voice is thick, edged with violence.