#Junkie (GearShark #1)(35)
I couldn’t stop myself. I was like a train already derailed.
The sound my fist made plowing into his face gave me nothing but satisfaction. When I let go of his shirt, he sagged to the ground, and I yanked my arm back again.
I was so enraged I couldn’t think. All I could do was feel.
Hurt. Anger. Confusion. Betrayal.
“Whoa!” A few of the upperclassmen who’d been with me since rush restrained me and pulled me back.
Con sat up and pressed his fingers to the gash on his cheekbone. I’d split the skin open with the force of my hit.
The blood was what brought me down off the ledge. The sight of the red stuff oozing out of his face and the look of it on the tips of his fingers.
I didn’t regret it. Like f*ck I would.
I wanted—no, I itched—to punch him again. But once could be considered a lack of judgement. Twice would be considered a choice.
“I’m good,” I said to the guys holding me. “I’m straight.”
Reluctantly, they let go but stayed at my sides. I turned to the rest of the men all sitting there and watching with interest.
“It’s clear to me the real traitor in this house is the douche who’s trying to get me cast out secretly. I find it funny he didn’t find fault with my leadership until Friday night when I backed Jack for president, not him.”
Another murmur went around the room.
“But I digress. Y’all want me out, it’s your call. Just know I won’t be around to clean up the mess he makes next year like I was when Zach left.” To the guy next to me, I said, “Put it to a vote.”
He cleared his throat and stepped forward. “All those in favor of dethroning the current president of Alpha Omega, say aye.”
No one said shit.
I made sure I waited several long, silent minutes to make it clear as day that Conner was a complete loser.
“That’s bullshit!” he spat and jumped to his feet.
“All those in favor of removing Conner as a presidential candidate for the upcoming election, say aye,” I boomed over the room.
Everyone lifted their hands and spoke.
I glanced at Con. “You’re out.”
“You can’t do that!” he cried like the little bitch he was.
“Since you seem so familiar with the bylaws and codes of this fraternity, I am sure you are well aware that I can.”
“You can’t kick me out!”
“You’re not out,” I said mildly. “You’re still a brother, but you won’t be president of this house.”
He started to say something, but I made a slashing motion in the air with my hand, and he flinched.
“We now have only one candidate for house president,” I stated. “Is there anyone who would like to throw their name in the ring for election? You will be welcomed.”
Conner laughed. “Are you kidding? Everyone is scared of you now!”
“The only person who should be scared of me is you,” I replied.
“That was a threat!”
“I didn’t hear any threat,” the guy beside me said. Everyone else started to say the same.
“Anyone?” I asked after a few moments.
No one came forward.
I glanced at Jack. “That means Jack will be our next president. Hope you’re up for the job.”
“I’ll do my best,” he spoke out.
Conner started talking again.
“Get him the f*ck out of my sight!” I yelled.
He was carted away.
“We’ll still hold a formal vote to make it official,” I said to the remaining men in the room. “And I’ll start mentoring him now.”
Everyone nodded and shifted like they weren’t sure what to do.
I cleared my throat. “I’d like to thank everyone here for their loyalty today. You did the right thing by not following him. I’m thinking that’s enough house drama for one day. Meeting adjourned. Enjoy what’s left of your weekend.”
No one left the room. It was like they were all glued into place.
I glanced down at the cracked podium.
“We’ll take care of that,” my buddies offered.
“Thanks. I’m just gonna go get some air. Be right back.” I walked out of the room, my neck prickling the entire way.
Soon as I turned the corner for the front door, people started talking. It was low whispers. Some excited and some filled with awe.
I heard the word “gay” whispered by more than one man.
I walked right out the front door into the frigid morning air.
I kind of sensed what Con believed on Friday when he told me to say hi to Drew. Such innocent words spoken with so much underlying meaning.
I ignored him. I thought he was just being an *. I never thought of it as a threat.
Not only had that little pecker head just tried to get me kicked out of my own damn fraternity, but he also told everyone I was gay—and he said it using language that made me cringe.
I wasn’t gay.
I yanked my cell out of my back pocket and texted Drew.
Can’t make it to breakfast. Frat business.
Everything okay? he texted back.
Yeah. TTYL.
After my terse reply, I shut my phone off and shoved it back in my pocket. I didn’t want to talk to anyone right now.