8. Chapter 8

Jinx never said a word the entire time as we walked back to the dorm. I tried to rein in my anger and not go after Cameron myself, but knowing Ash and Ace, they would take care of him. Cam would be stupid to try anything with her again. The thought of having her stalker friend inches away from her makes my stomach turn. He could've tried anything, and we wouldn't have known. She wouldn't have known it was him either.

I tried to talk to Jinx as we walked up the stairs, but she still wouldn't say anything. Even after getting her inside her room, nothing. I'm beginning to worry that she'll never talk to me again. I should've been there, but she said she was fine waiting in the office to speak to her dad and for me to attend class.

This is my fault. I slam my fist into her door, not giving a shit that it's a steel door.

"Odette, I'm so fuckin' sorry. I should've been there." I punch the door again, and my knuckles scream in pain. But it's nothing compared to what Jinx has gone through.

I slowly turn to face her, and she's standing in front of her sink, gripping the counter until her knuckles have turned white.

"This isn't your fault, Maddox." She grits her teeth. "I should've left the office, but my stupid body wouldn't let me. I sat there frozen while Cameron touched me. I'm to blame for this."

"Don't you fucking say that. If I can't blame myself, neither can you. Even though I should've stayed."

She tilts her head back and sniffs. "Why can't I catch a break, Maddox?" she asks, a sob catching in her throat.

I cross the room, drawing her into my chest. "Sometimes, the toughest soldiers are dealt the most brutal battles."

"I would like to be discharged from service, please." She squeezes me tighter.

"I'm sorry, baby. I promise it'll get easier." I pulled back, giving her a tender smile. "Let me start the shower for you and get you out of these clothes and into something more comfortable."

"Thanks, Mad." A small smile touches her mouth.

I walk her to the bathroom and turn the shower on. I leave her alone, as much as I hate it. I hope Ash and Ace make Cameron pay for what he did to her. Just thinking about it makes my stomach turn. I'm not sure why he's so fascinated with her.

I'm washing my bloody hand off when the door swings open, and the twins come storming in, arguing.

"Shut the fuck up, Ash. I handled it. We won't get into trouble."

"That's what you think. Do you know who he's related to? Prescott will be up our asses soon."

"Like I give a shit. Once he finds out what he did to Jinx, it's game over for Cameron."

My head swivels between them, trying to catch up with their conversation, but I'm lost.

"What's going on?"

"Atticus broke Cameron's jaw." Ashton swings his hands in the air.

I don't see a problem. "Okay and?" I give them a confused look.

Atticus rolls his eyes. "Cameron is a legacy."

"Which means we are up shit creek without a paddle," Ashton adds, glaring at his brother.

Atticus drops onto the couch, folding his ankle over his knee. "We aren't getting into trouble. Drop it, Ashton. That prick had it coming. End of story. I can't keep arguing with you."

"I have to agree. Prescott isn't going to do shit once he finds out. Why are you so worried?" I carefully dry my hands off, watching Ashton have a mental breakdown.

"He's worried because the last time they did something stupid, Dad gave them an alternative. Plus, Cam's grandfather has some major strings at this school that even Dad can't pull."

We all turn to look at Jinx. She's standing in the small hallway, wearing a pair of black sweatpants and Atticus' hoodie, and her hair is wrapped up in a towel. My heart skips a beat when her green eyes meet mine.

"What do you mean? Doesn't your dad own this school?" Ace asks, raising a pale blond brow.

She scoffs, moving further into the room. "He does, but that doesn't mean shit when he bought it from the school board. He still has to answer to all the members; I'm not sure what will happen."

The door opens as if he were summoned. Prescott stands there with a blank stare and slowly turns, taking in Jinx. Closing his eyes, he rubs his forehead.

"Jesus Christ. I'm a shitty father."

Jinx rushes to him, wrapping her arms around him; he wraps his arms around her shoulders, dropping his face into the towel around her head.

"It's not your fault, Dad."

"I was in the office and didn't even notice you were." He pulls her closer, taking a deep breath. His eyes meet Atticus', then Ashton's.

"What do you know?" I asked, moving to the small chair.

"Tell me what I should know. I just got a call from Cameron's grandfather naming my sons as the attackers."

Atticus licks his lips and stands. "You should sit."

Prescott pushes Jinx arm's length away. "What did that asshole do to you? Because scenarios are running through my head that no father wants to be thinking, and I won't be able to control my next move if I get my hands on that SOB."

Jinx dips her head and threads her fingers together. "Dad, it's not where your mind is going, but it's not that far off."

Prescott blows a puff of air out. "How far off?"

Jinx turns to us, chewing her lip.

"He touched her in your fuckin office," Ashton spits out.

Jesus Christ, he doesn't sugarcoat shit. I don't know if I would've ripped the bandage off that quickly. I kinda beat around the bush.

Prescott stumbles backward, throwing his hand back against the wall. Jinx reaches out to grab his other arm, so he doesn't fall.

"Dad!"

Atticus leaps from the couch, rushing to his side before Ashton or I can reach him.

"Prescott, talk to us." Atticus helps lower him to the floor. "Are you having a heart attack?"

"I'm calling 9-1-1." I reach for my phone.

Prescott waves his hand. "I'm fine."

"Promise?" Jinx's voice cracks with worry.

Her dad brushes her wet hair away from her face. Her towel lays next to her, discarded from her mad rush to get to him.

"Promises are meant to be broken. I swear I'll be fine. What about you?"

"I'm fine. Or will be, I swear."

He chuckles. "Just like your old man. Stubborn. I'll do whatever I can to remove him from school. What can I do now?"

"Nothing. The thought of Cam sucking soup through a straw almost satisfies me."

He pulls her in for a hug. "I want you home this weekend for supper." He glances at all three of us. "That goes for you three, too."

Ashton's shoulders slump, Atticus' back straightens, and I prepare myself for one hell of a fight. Serena will no doubt try to start something with Jinx, especially now that she isn't getting a cent from Prescott. I wouldn't give that woman anything, either. She's a wicked woman. I don't know how the twins can stand their mother.

Prescott tells us that he'll be having a meeting first thing in the morning with the board members to discuss what went on. He's hopeful Cameron will be kicked out or suspended once they hear what he did. I swear if he shows his face again, I'll be dealing with him.

The only thing I'm worried about is the strings his grandfather has. Legacies are treated like Gods at this school. Liam is another legacy that we need to deal with. Cam might screw us over with the board members if we do fuck Liam up.

"I'm gonna head out also, Jinx. If you need anything, call me."

She turns to me, wet hair drying in messy waves. I slowly reach out, my hand cupping her cheek. I stroke her neck with my thumb, feeling her pulse when I rest under her chin. I press my thumb into her chin, tilting her head back. She grabs my wrist, digging her nails into my skin.

"Hey, it'll be alright. I'm sure one of the twins will stay behind."

"I'm sorry, Maddox."

"You did nothing wrong. Take it easy for the rest of the day, and I'll meet you out front tomorrow." I press a gentle kiss to her lips before walking out.

The temptation to open the bottle of Jack is strong. I'm trying not to think about it but failing miserably. I push open my door and open my cupboard. I unscrew the cap with shaky hands and take an enormous gulp; the burning sensation warms my stomach.

Collapsing on the couch, the events of the day play over in my head. No matter what she says, this is all my fault. I left her alone when I should've stayed with her. Cam wouldn"t have tried anything with me next to her. I take another gulp of whisky, and my body begins to buzz from the alcohol. I need to think of a way to get Liam back.

It has to be a surprise, something he doesn't see coming.