Page 83 of Dark Tangled Truths
I glance at Jackson. He’s been with me all morning, but I wasn’t watching him to see if he was on his phone. Besides, that shit could have been scheduled or Cam might have just become aware of it. I didn’t look at the dates. But if Cam found it, it might be spreading around school now.
If those pics were put up as they happened, it will show Evan being with us before her actual breakup with Chase. Not that I care about it, but Evan might. Fuck, I should be there with her.
“Tape, chalk, extra gloves if you prefer.” Axel takes the tape and starts to wrap his hands.
Jackson doesn’t hesitate to do the same. Being here, I might be able to feel out Jackson more. See why he’s targeting our girl and what his endgame is.
“Not a big deal if you don’t want to. Some guys don’t like to hit bags.” Axel shrugs. “But I find it helps me relax for afternoon classes.”
“Do a lot of people use this space?” Because right now, it’s empty. I grab a roll of tape and begin to wrap my knuckles.
“It varies.” Axel tosses his tape roll into the bin and moves to one of the hanging bags. “The place is packed on fight nights. But during class time, even during the week at night, it can be quiet and a good place to find your center.”
“You do yoga or some meditation crap?” Jackson asks as he goes to a heavy bag and jabs into it.
“Coach has us doing a lot of different exercises.” Axel starts fist rolling the speed bag, finding his rhythm. “Don’t knock meditation until you try it, fucker.”
His tone is light, like banter, but it’s also a warning. Jackson makes a noncommittal noise. I step up to the body bag and work it a little to loosen my muscles.
“Problems at home?” Jackson asks, his interest a little more than casual.
If Axel had asked it, I probably would have answered without any hesitation, but this guy is after my girl.
“Some fucker started a social media account with my girl all over it.”
“Fuck, man.” Axel stops and looks at me. “Do you know who?”
“We have some ideas.” I do a quick combo on the bag and step back. I glance at Jackson. “She’s got someone stalking her.”
Axel shakes his head before starting his fist roll again. “That’s not shit you play around with. Have you gone to the police?”
“It might be time.” I casually keep Jackson in my line of sight as I punch the bag. “This isn’t his first move. Some creepy ass texts and then he left a rose for her at rehearsal.”
“A rose?” Axel scoffs. “Weak.”
“Maybe. If he’d bothered to de-thorn it. Instead, he smothered it in chili pepper oil and sent my girl to urgent care with blistering wounds.” I punch the bag hard, and it swings away. I grab it when it swings back my way to center it.
“Definitely time to get the police involved.” Axel hits the bag hard. “Don’t play. Tell the police on that fucker.”
Jackson has been quiet through this conversation. The problem is how much of this is him and how much is someone else? Brandt keeps circling my brain. He’d have something to gain if Evan is distracted. He may not have been interested in the director at the party, but what about the director who’soffering an internship for the best of the showcase? What if he’s like Chase and his parents aren’t as forthcoming with their connections?
Jackson steps back from his boxing bag and unwraps his hands. “Maybe it’s someone worried about her since she’s dating three guys.”
Axel stops and stares at Jackson. “What?”
“Damon and his friends are fucking the same girl.” Jackson throws away his tape and studies me for a reaction.
I laugh. “You just can’t get over the fact that she’s mine.” I shake my head and lean against the concrete wall. “She told me about you.”
“Ah, fuck.” Axel straightens. “Maybe a boxing ring was the wrong place to bring you two.”
He wipes his face with a towel and works on taking his tape off.
“Maybe Evan can decide for herself.” Jackson goes over to our backpacks and grabs his. “I know where the cafeteria is. I’ll be fine for lunch on my own.”
He takes off down the corridor.
“Please tell me we don’t think he’s the stalker.” Axel walks over and picks up both of our bags as I throw away the tape from my hands.
