22. Grayson

Chapter 22

Grayson

A s soon as I leave Macy's house, I catch sight of a figure not far off in the distance, walking on the sidewalk. I catch up quickly, grabbing his shoulder so he turns around. Wally's eyes meet mine and before he can anticipate what's about to happen, my fist is connecting with his nose. Bone crunches and blood sprays.

"That was for Macy," I seethe. I wind up my fist and pack a powerful blow to his jaw. "That one was just for fun." I'm turning around, about to walk away when he latches onto my shoulder. I spin and twist the appendage in a way that makes the motherfucker cry out.

My voice is lethal when I say, "Pray I never see you again, because the longer I sit with my hatred toward you, the more it's bound to grow. I might not be as pleasant if you cross my path again." I take a step back, the metallic smell of his blood making me queasy. "You never deserved her," I say as a way of farewell.

"And you think you do?" he calls from behind me.

I stop walking for a moment. "No one does," I say, clenching my jaw. She's too perfect for the scum in this world. "But I'll become a man worthy of her, even if it kills me." I leave him where he stands, not giving a damn where he stays tonight, or if he finds a doctor to fix the nose I broke.

I startle when I see Macy's dad walking toward us. How much did he see? His gaze goes to Walter, and then settles on the bruised fist I hold. He gives me a subtle nod. I return it and then leave him to get whatever revenge he sees fit for his daughter.

I attempt to get some sleep, but I toss and turn in my bed. I go into my living room and prop open a Minerva Day book, hoping her words can relieve the stress of tonight.