Chapter 80

Avery’s pov Fingers dig into my neck, the pressure causing me to wince. There was a weight on top of me, hot breath against my skin and I gagged. I can’t see who, but I can feel the assault.

I reach up, crying as I try to grasp the invisible hand choking me. But I’m grasping air and I can’t get a good grip on anything other than my own skin.

My mind goes hazy and the air in my lungs feels trapped.

“Please,” I try to cry out but a sudden pressure pushes against my mouth, sealing my words inside my mouth.

“Avery!”

“Avery!”

I gasped out of the dream, my heart thrumming against my chest. It’s painful and even pulling air into my lungs seems as if it is a chore. My hands shook, clutching the sheets as if it was my anchor back to reality.

I can hear my name being called again, and flinched when hands grasp my shoulders. “Avery!”

Melissa. Her loud screech pulled me out of the fog that grazed my vision and I blinked, surprised to see her hovering over me concerned. It’s been two days since the boxing match and Melissa had been giving me to cold shoulder when she noticed Xade coming out of the bathroom after me.

So seeing her concerned for me right now was a bit startling. “I think you were having that nightmare again. You were crying and thrashing about.” She sighed, pulling back to sit at the edge of the bed.

My skin clings to the sheets under me because of my sweat. I shifted, frowning as my fingers shook up to touch my neck. It felt so real. Stronger than it had been before.

“Did I wake you?” My voice croaked and I cleared it, looking around the room. It’s morning. 10:30 to be precise.

It’s late and I am supposed to already be in class. But I had no intentions of going to class right now. I just needed some fresh air. I toss the sheets off my body and get off the bed. Melissa eyes me. “No, you hadn’t. Just got back from my class and saw you were having a nightmare.”

That explains the smell of perfume coming from her. I nod, moving my sweaty hair off my face. “Where are you going?” She asked as she looked at me throwing on some sweats.

I shrugged. “Need some cool air. A breather.”

It wouldn’t have made sense to go to class anyway, not when there were only a few minutes left until it ends. Melissa nods. “We can go to the cafe and-

“No alone,” I spared her a glance and smiled to ease the awkwardness. “I just want to get my thoughts together.”

Her eyes cast lower and she nod, getting off my bed. “It’s fine. I have to get ready for a date anyway, need to wax and look super hot.”

I throw on my hoodie, ignoring her as I slipped on my shoes. Then her next words made me freeze. “I got a date with Xade tonight.”

I snapped my eyes to hers, my stomach tightening. She grinned. “Looks like I win.” She twirled around, giggling.

My chest tightened and I felt like I couldn’t breathe anymore. I looked at the floor, my fingers pinching the lace of the shoes. I want to throttle her. Many scenarios with me strangling her flutter in my head like a film.

I shook my head, swallowed and looked over at her blankly. “You did. And I’m not surprised. Guys tend to go for casier ones anyway.” I straightened, not caring that I was being rude and blatant about my upset.

I peered at her shocked state and gave her a cold smile. “Congratulations Mel, maybe your pussy will be satisfied with one dick at a time now?” I mocked and turned around to leave the room, closing the door with a bang.

I know I was being extremely rude, and had just called her a whore basically. I can already hear the moral police, those who modernized sluts, chewing down my neck. *Fake gasp* She slut shamed! Pointing fingers at me.

*inward eye roll*

Melissa was a slut and there was no sugarcoating it. Besides I am angry right now, and jealous so I get a pass.

I have been walking for what felt like hours. I must look weird, especially with the state of my hair. I hadn’t bothered to brush it.

I didn’t know where I was heading until I stopped in front of the door. The sign sticking on the wooden door was an old, barely visible paper with GYM written on it. My belly does odd flips. I’m not sure why I am here. Why I even thought this was a good idea.

He told me to stay away from him. And I should. I really should. I should have.

But God I can’t seem to. And I don’t want to. I really don’t want to.

I pushed my hands in my pockets, sucking in the dewy moisture of the air as the drizzle of rain beat down my face.

He’s probably not in there.

I chewed on my lower lip, sucking it between my teeth as I thought of why this was a bad idea. He probably going to be irritated. Think I am a creep.

Fuck it.

I stepped forward and opened the door, stepping into the gym. The sound of the punching bag being pounded echoed through the space and my eyes flick around until I spot him.

My pulse races and butterflies flutter wildly in my stomach as my heart skip a beat. He is shirtless, sweat glistening on his muscles as he relentlessly punches the bag over and over. My breath hitches at the sight of him. He looks so powerful, every movement precise and controlled. He was magnificent.

Xade.

I hadn’t known said his name out loud until he suddenly stop and whipped around, eyes pinning me down instantly.