Glass Heart Hero: A Dark High School Romance by Lindsey Iler (read with me .TXT) 📗

thought. I’m sure, at some point in our lives, we’ll stop because it’s what we are meant to do. That time isn’t now.

“So, what’s going on with you two anyway?” Our goalie, Paul Fitzgerald, motions for me to pass the joint, which I do, because etiquette says that’s what you do when huddled in a group of guys getting high. The smirk on his face makes me want to put it out on his cheek.

“You aren’t asking because you’re curious about me and her, so out with it.” I lean against the railing, daring him to test me. I have enough remaining adrenaline pumping through my veins to garnish the strength to fight again.

“She’s hot.” Paul shrugs as if his answer is obvious.

“If you ever touch her or look in her direction”—I shuffle across to him, pointing my finger in his face—“I’ll do to you what I did to preppy boy. You got me?”

Paul holds his hands up in defense. “Chill out, man. I’m fucking with you. We get it. Any girl that passes your threshold is yours. Do some of us a favor and don’t invite them all over because I’d like to get laid for the next two years.” He shifts around me, heading straight for Max. They shake hands, then he’s on his way inside.

“Bro, you need to calm down a bit.” Max hands me the joint, and I take one more hit before passing it. “I know this is a crazy idea, but if the girl has you this bent out of shape, why don’t you tell her how you’re feeling?”

“Like that’s gotten anyone somewhere good, ever.” I shrug, stretching my neck and walking to the door, uncomfortable with being put in my place a bit.

“It’s better than dancing around the truth and playing games.”

“Playing games is my middle name.” I wink at him over my shoulder.

“Good luck in there!” Max yells. His humor is laced through every word and hits me square in the head as I open the door to walk inside. I stop in the doorway, debating what to do once I’m inside.

Dixon and Marek are at the island, looking completely unaffected or aware of the party going on around them. This is typical. They aren’t the partying type. They enjoy the party favors, but the people are what turn them off. I, on the other hand, live for this shit. I thrive in big groups. Some may call me the class clown. Others may say I’m an attention whore.

“You look like shit.” Marek swats my hand off his shoulder when I come up behind him.

“I’m high as fuck and even hornier, so what can I say? It’s a lethal combination.” I chuckle, leaning on the island between them.

“Delaney is searching for you,” Dixon explains.

“Is Palmer with her?” I ask Marek.

If the two of them are together, I can’t imagine what kind of mess they are creating.

Marek grins, knowing damn well I’m in big trouble. “My girl may be hyping up her best friend, readying her for war.”

“Oh, come on.” I brush off his exaggerated concerns. “How much trouble could I possibly be in?”

Dixon covers his mouth with a clenched fist. His wide eyes are the proof of what kind of trouble I am in. “You beat the living fuck out of her little boyfriend. Literally had to be yanked from his body.”

I stand up straight, partly proud of myself, but mostly from the chill running up my spine.

“Preppy boy shouldn’t call a gauntlet if he can’t handle what’s thrown at him.”

“He’s okay, in case you’re wondering,” Delaney says behind me.

I spin, forcing myself not to be affected by the sight of her. “I actually don’t really care, if I’m being honest.”

“That’s not the Breaker I know.”

“The Breaker you knew isn’t here anymore, doll face. He left the minute you decided to make me fall for you and then bail.”

“Breaker, that isn’t fair,” Palmer barks. She walks over to her best friend, presenting a beautiful and powerful duo.

“No one asked you if it was, Palmer.” I stare her in the eyes, daring her to try me.

“Watch your tone when speaking to her.” Marek stands, pumping his chest against mine.

Over his huge shoulders, I look at Palmer, gazing into the gentlest eyes I know. She has a soul worth protecting.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t treat you that way. After all,”—I look directly at Delaney—“you’re the only girl I can truly trust.”

“Not cool, Breaker.” Palmer punches me in the chest.

“I don’t have time for this,” Delaney announces, spinning on her heels and running from the kitchen.

Palmer sits down on Marek’s lap. “Go make this right.”

“Why should I, huh?” I pump my shoulders up, readying for whatever kind of bullshit she’s about to toss my way.

“She’s hurting, Breaker. I don’t know what’s going on with her, or what her deal with Tripp is, but it’s there. We can’t ignore it. That girl is my best friend, and I honestly think you care about her, even though you want everyone to believe you’re now this heartless version of the boy we know.” Palmer’s eyebrow perks up, testing me. “Now go, or else I’ll have my boyfriend whoop your ass.”

“Your boyfriend couldn’t take me if he tried.” My laughter trails behind me as I leave them in the kitchen.

The party is packed. Delaney could be here anywhere. Hell, she could have run out the front door and left. As I search the house for her, I think about what Palmer said. She’s hurting. I’ve never been one to let anyone be in pain, with the exception of those who deserve it. Even when we were literally fucking up Palmer’s life, a part of me was drawn to help her, to save her from us.

I head up the stairs. The main landing has a pool table, several couches, and an enormous television. Delaney rests on one of the couches. Her hands are linked together in front of her, and her face is blank. Someone stole the life from her. I