novelxo Break My Heart: Chapter 34
I stare at my phone, the latest text from Nathan flashing on the screen like a ticking bomb.
Unknown number:
Answer me! I won’t be ignored any longer! What we had was special.
My hands shake as I read the message for a second time.
He’s changed his number.
Again.
The next message makes my stomach twist into a series of painful knots.
Unknown number:
I’m the one who made you what you are today!
I clench my jaw, forcing back the bile rising in my throat. Before I can close the app, another message pops up.
This one feels like a knife to the gut.
Unknown number:
There’s no way that kid can give you what you crave. I know how you like to be touched. I’m the one who created the need. And I’m the only one who can feed the monster that lives deep inside you.
I stop dead in my tracks, the chill of the air no match for the icy fear that floods my system.
The only way he could know about Hayes is if he’s here at Western, watching my every move.
That thought sends a violent shiver racing down my spine.
I glance around the quiet campus, scanning the shadows, as paranoia tightens its grip on me. I can’t resist throwing cautious glances over my shoulder. I’m terrified that I’ll spin around and find Nathan standing there.
I pick up my pace, nearly breaking into a jog, as I make my way toward Hayes’s house. I texted him half an hour ago, and normally he’s quick to reply.
But there’s been nothing.
I have no idea when it happened, but he’s become my safe space.
My pulse hammers in my ears as I cross the street toward the hockey house, my thoughts swirling. I can’t ignore this anymore. I’ll tell Hayes about everything. The relentless texts and the creeping fear that Nathan might be closer than I suspected.
That he’s here.
On campus.
For a second or two, I consider texting Hayes and telling him what’s going on. But I’m so close to his house. Only a few more blocks. I’d rather tell him in person. I know he’s going to be pissed.
I suck in a deep breath as I arrive at another decision.
And then we’ll talk to my parents in person. We can tell them about what’s happening with Nathan and that we’ve been seeing each other.
I’m fed up with all the secrets and lies.
By the time I reach Hayes’s house, my heart is pounding for an entirely different reason. The blue Victorian looms in front of me like a sanctuary. If I can just get to Hayes, everything will be okay.
I hurry up the steps and knock on the beveled glass, my pulse still racing.
A moment later, the door swings open and disappointment rushes through me. Instead of Hayes, I find Bridger Sanderson.
This feels like déjà vu.
His piercing gray eyes remind me of the embarrassing messages that have been broadcast to the university at large. If there’s someone stalking my every move, I imagine he must feel the same way.
Strange that we would have that in common.
“Hey, Ava,” he says, leaning casually against the doorframe. “What’s up?”
Loud music and voices spill from inside the house, and I catch a glimpse of people laughing, the sounds of a party in full swing. Bridger blocks most of the view, standing in front of me like a bouncer.
“Is Hayes here?” I ask, shifting from foot to foot. I want to get inside, out of sight, but something in Bridger’s expression makes my anxiety spike.
He hesitates, guilt flickering in his eyes before it’s quickly masked by indifference. “Yeah, but he’s kind of got his hands full at the moment.”
Hands full?
My stomach plummets.
What does that mean?
“He’s too busy to talk?” My voice wavers as I try to peek past him into the house. It’s difficult to keep my cool when every instinct inside me is screaming that something isn’t right.
Bridger’s muscles tense, his jaw tightening. “Yeah. Should I let him know you stopped by?”
I bite down on my lip, trying to keep it together.
Hayes hasn’t responded to my texts, and now he’s too busy to see me?
With everything going on, he’s supposed to be the one person I can count on.
“Just tell him to call me as soon as he can.” I hesitate before adding, “It’s important.”
His muscles loosen. I’m sure he was expecting more of a fight. “Will do.”
I make a move to turn as if I’ll go back down the stairs to the sidewalk. Instead, I bolt toward the door, pushing him aside and slipping past.
“What the fuck!” Bridger barks, reaching for me, but I’m already halfway across the entryway. I make it five steps, just enough to see into the spacious living room before Bridger’s fingers lock around my upper arm, halting me in my tracks.
When his hand tightens, I give him a death glare before jerking free.
My heart spasms painfully beneath my breast when I find Hayes sprawled on the couch, two girls curled up against him, their hands trailing over his chest. I recognize them immediately—the brunettes from The Roasted Bean. The ones who couldn’t take a hint. One of them leans in, whispering something in his ear, and he smirks, his eyes heavy-lidded with lazy amusement.
Tears sting the backs of my eyes as I watch them, my body frozen in place.
Bridger steps up behind me, his voice low and mocking. “Have you seen enough, or do you want to stick around and see what happens next? Spoiler alert—you’re not going to like it.” He gives me a considering look. “Unless you’re cool with sharing?” There’s a beat of silence. “Some chicks are.” He shrugs. “Hayes’s motto has always been ‘the more the merrier.’”
I whirl around and glare at him, trying to hold back the tears. “Screw you.”
Betrayal and humiliation crash over me. I don’t know how I’m still standing. How I haven’t collapsed under the crushing weight of the emotion.
How could I have been so stupid?
How didn’t I see him for the player he truly is?
Was he sleeping with other people the entire time we were together?
The acidic taste of bile rises in my throat.
I need to get out of here before I throw up.
That would be the icing on the cake.
I stumble toward the door, grateful Hayes hasn’t caught sight of me. Every step feels like I’m walking through quicksand. I thought Nathan’s texts were the worst thing that could happen today.
I was wrong.
“Still want me to tell him you stopped by?”
I blink back the tears before refocusing my attention on Bridger. If I didn’t know better, I’d think there was a mixture of sorrow and remorse filling his eyes. But how can that be?
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Probably for the best.”
“Yeah.” It takes effort to hold the sob inside as I keep moving. Even though I’m frightened about what waits for me out there, there’s no way I can stay here for another second.
Just as I open the door, someone steps in front of me, blocking my path.
“Ava?” Concern laces Britt’s voice. She takes one look at my face and her own expression hardens. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
I try to swallow the lump in my throat, but it’s no use. Tears spill over, and before I know it, Britt’s arms are slipping around me and holding me tight.
“Oh my God,” she whispers. “What did Hayes do?”
“That’s not really fair. How do you know Hayes did anything?” Colby mumbles from behind her.
She shoots him a sharp look before turning back to me.
“Sorry. Stupid question,” he says grudgingly. “What did the jackass do?”
“Can you please drive me back to my apartment?” My voice cracks as I try to speak. “I need to get out of here.”
Britt doesn’t release her grip on me. “Of course. We’ll grab something to eat, and you can tell me everything. Okay?”
With a nod, I let her lead me out the door.
Even though it feels like my heart has been ripped out of my chest, I know one thing for sure.
I was a fool for ever trusting Hayes Van Doren.