2. Chapter 2

Things have been strange since Sunday. I wish I could put my finger on it, but it's hard. Jinx hasn't been talkative with us, and she's been pushing us away. If she thinks space is what's needed, she's fuckin' wrong. Jinx missed the last two days of school, blaming it on being a woman. I'm not an idiot, and I hauled her ass into music with me. I know she's scared. Who wouldn't be? Some weird stalker has found her every single time, and we can't figure it out.

I'm watching her glare at Lula and this Piper chick. Honestly, they both give off some weird cult-like vibe. Why would they be chasing Von, of all professors? The guy is old and wrinkly. I'm sure his dick can't be that great. The thought of these two girls ruining any chance that Jinx had of getting out of this town breaks my heart, then again. I also signed up for the same thing—I'm no better.

"Baby, you need to ignore those two."

"That would be ideal if only I could. How can I compete when they go to dick town every chance they get. I still don't get how Piper is still here, and I told Dad about her days ago." She grips her bow tighter.

I pluck it from her hand. "We are partners, and we can beat Lula together. Shooting them the death glare hasn't worked, so let us try something else, yeah?"

I watch her breathe in, releasing a growl. "Fine." Her green eyes turn to me. "Get your stupid guitar out and play for me."

Okay, maybe the whole woman thing isn't a complete lie. She's acting all feral. Without arguing with her, I grab my guitar, giving it a quick tune. I know exactly what song to start playing. It's the song that started everything for me.

Heart-Shaped Box by Nirvana. I barely get a few chords played, and she smiles. She probably has no idea how much this song means to me; it pulled me out of some dark times.

"I'll repeat it, Maddox. You play that guitar like you were born with it."

"No, baby. You play like you were born with a cello. Now show those bitches where you belong." I give her a wink before falling back into the music.

We fill the room with our music, drowning out any conversation. The only one that matters is her and only her. I watch as her body sways with the music. I'll never tire of watching Jinx play, but playing with her will forever be my favorite. I've missed this more than I'll ever admit out loud.

The memories of that night of my attack try to break into my head; no matter what I do, I can't stifle those painful memories. Why did I have to be there that night? I could've practiced anywhere but the stupid music hall.

I did this to myself.

"Hey, are you all right?" Jinx's small hand lands on my thigh. "Did you want to get out of here?"

"Sorry, I got a bit distracted."

Her fingertips traced the edges of my scar. "Maddox." She slowly brushes each finger across my lower lip.

I snatch her wrist, halting her movement. Taking her finger into my mouth and biting the tip, I watch her green eyes dilate. "We should get out of here."

"Yeah, okay."

She goes about packing her cello away, and it still amazes me she can pack that massive case around for such a tiny thing. I'll always appreciate her musical talents and do what I can to see her succeed. But I still want that spot in the orchestra.

Does that make me a horrible person? I only want something good to happen in my life.

"What's the plan?"

"Heading back to your place. You're not allowed to be seen in public, remember?"

Her chest rises and falls. "Yeah, how can I forget? My life is now a living nightmare. I thought having Atticus here was a nightmare, but I was wrong."

I feel for her. I genuinely do. Unlike her, I left some of my nightmares at the old school. Those kids didn't follow me. After what Ace and Ash did to them, I'm surprised they even returned to school.

"When did you want to practice again? The orchestra will be here soon."

"My place is the safest, and no one goes up on my floor for a reason. No one likes the sound of a cello." She swings her case over her shoulder.

Lula and Piper giggle, and Jinx groans.

"Let's head out before I say something to the two bitches." She sends them a side-eye.

"I wouldn't stop you if you did." I take her cello case, drawing her into my arms. "But to be safe, we should leave."

She stares at the doors, and with a slight tug, she falls closer to my side, right where she belongs, where she should've been this entire time. The sun blinds us momentarily as we step outside—her body tenses.

"I won't let anything happen to you."

"I know, it's just." She looks around. "We don't even know who it is. How can you protect me?"

I grip her neck, tipping her jaw with my thumb. Her forest eyes clash with mine. "If I say I'll protect you, baby. I mean it. Some prick that hides behind a phone screen isn't going to scare me, and he shouldn't scare you."

She swallows hard, and the movement moves my hand. "Maddox, I can't ask you that. It's too much of a risk."

There isn't a way to explain it to her. The guys and I aren't risking anything for her; there isn't anything we wouldn't do for her. I only wish she would figure that out.

Reaching the dorms, I glance over my shoulder to make sure no one has followed us. I want to laugh since I have no idea who the fuck I'm looking for. As far as I know, the creep hasn't tried to contact her since wanting to meet her. I haven't asked either.

The best thing about her place is that there are no neighbors—the entire floor to herself, like a princess locked away in her tower. But Jinx isn't like a princess. She can rescue herself.

"How's Edgar?" I ask, opening her door.

"He's getting better. I'm sure he wants to get outside, but I'm worried he's not ready."

Edgar kraa's from his makeshift bed, poking his head up to check out who disturbed his slumber. Once satisfied, he dips down again. He's such a silly bird. When I look at Jinx, her lips draw a thin line.

"You Okay?"

Looking up at me, she nods. "Yeah, maybe a little tired. I'll get us something to eat. Are the twins joining us?"

"They should be here shortly."

Her shoulders drop. "I was hoping for a night with just you."

That'll never happen now. Those two will never leave her side, and I'm not only crazy about Odette but also obsessed. I have been since the first time I saw her in the backyard of her dad's place. Wearing black overall shorts with an off-the-shoulder black tee and all that beautiful dark hair tossed into a messy bun, I'll never forget how Jinx called me an asshole for trespassing without knowing who I was.

I watch as she mills around her little kitchen if you can call it a kitchen. It's like a small cutout in the room"s corner with an L-shaped counter and a few cupboards. When she opens a cabinet, I hold back a laugh, and every shelf is filled with junk food.

She grabs a bag of chips, glancing over her shoulder. "Did you want something?"

I shake my head, laughing. "I'm worried I might dip into your apocalypse food."

Jinx looks back at her cupboard, then at me. "Nah, I have more down below. Spencer usually only takes me into the city once a month, so I make sure to grab a lot. But if the world were ending, we wouldn't starve."

"I believe it, but we would need more than sugar to survive."

She shrugs and heads to Edgar. She gives him a gentle pet before grabbing his treat off the small table under the window. He calls out, being impatient.

"You hush it, mister. I can only go so fast." She bends down, dropping the treat on his bed. Edgar dives fast, gobbling it up.

"All right, I need to ask. How did you befriend the bird?"

She watches Edgar, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Do you believe in fate?" She rubs Edgar's head.

"I never gave it any thought. No." I move to the couch, waiting for her to tell her story.

A sigh escapes the confines of her mouth, and I watch as she lays next to Edgar's box. She unsnaps her fanny pack from around her waist and crosses her feet.

"When I first came here, Dad acted like I was an average person. He dropped me off at the front doors and drove away. He left me alone for the wolves." She waves her hand. "Anyway. This little rascal became a quick friend during my second week here, and he was only a chick. I think he tried leaving the nest too soon and couldn't fully fly yet. That's when I took him in. And you know what? I've been trying ever since to shake him, but he won't leave me alone." She laughs, giving Edgar a rub under his beak.

"And his name?"

She turns her head, raising her brow. "Seriously? Edgar Allan Poe. I don't think I need to spell it out, Maddox."

My body shook with the silent laughter; as her brows lowered, she rolled over. The look on her face is priceless.

"You do know who Poe is, correct?" her voice turned serious.

I lick my lips and grin. "I'm not that stupid, baby." I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees, my eyes focusing intently on her face. "Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore."

I watch her skin tighten with goosebumps. "Well, fuck me. Aren't we just full of surprises, Maddox Van Daren?"

She has no idea.