Trey’s face darkened.
“Are you shitting me?” he yelled. He grabbed Bri arms roughly and shoved her back against her locker, knocking the breath out of her. His voice rose, resonating through the now quiet hall. “I apologize, even though you totally deserved being stranded like the spoiled little brat you are, and you still treat me like this? What the hell?” Bri could see Trey’s anger escalating, and fear shot through her. “Who the hell do you think you are?” he snarled, giving her a vicious shake. A gasp of surprise and pain escaped her as her head struck the lockers behind her. He leaned in closer, glaring into her eyes, and her heart began pounding in trepidation.
“Get your hands off her! Now!” Cole’s voice rang out through the hall, cold and dangerous. Trey’s head snapped up, and relief flooded through Bri. She turned her head and saw Cole striding angrily towards them. At the look on his face, though, Bri’s relief turned to dread. Cole looked murderous as he stared down Trey.
“Cole? What are you doing? This isn’t your problem.” Though his attention was turned to Cole, Trey didn’t loosen his hold on Bri.
“I’m going to give you exactly three seconds to let her go, before I make you,” Cole returned darkly, stepping right up to Trey.
Seeing the expression on Cole’s face, Trey released Bri’s arms. She edged back, out of Trey’s reach, exhaling the breath she’d been holding.
“Good.” Cole didn’t relax an inch. “Now, get out of here.”
“What the hell, man?” Anger and confusion fought for dominance on Trey’s face. “What’s your problem?”
“My problem is I’m tired of watching you be a douche bag, and pretending I’m okay with it. I’m not like you, and I’m done pretending I am.”
Trey’s eyes flickered between Cole and Bri for a moment, before understanding finally set in.
“Is this about her?” he motioned to Bri incredulously. “I thought you said you didn’t care about this one? That you weren’t at all interested?”
“I lied.” Cole’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “And if you ever come near her again, I swear you’ll regret it.”
Trey actually looked hurt for a moment, before his rage kicked back in and took over.
“So, that’s how it’s going to be, huh? We’ve been friends for years, and you’re going to let some cold, pathetic little nobody come between us? After all I’ve done for you, man, you’re going to throw it all away... for that?” Trey snorted derisively at Bri. “I hope it’s worth it. She’s nothing but a cold hearted bitch, who’s only good for one thing. But I can guarantee she won’t give it to you. Good luck with that.”
Cole pulled back quickly, and punched Trey in the face. Bri covered a shriek with her hands as Trey fell to the floor. He scrambled back a few paces before climbing to his feet. He looked at Cole with unadulterated hatred.
“That’s it, man,” he spat at Cole. “I’m done with you.” Trey turned and stalked off down the hall.
Cole let out a breath, and his shoulders relaxed slightly. He looked at Bri, his gaze still intense.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly.
Bri could only nod at him. His eyes flared as his chest rose and fell. They remained frozen, eyes boring into each other, until suddenly Cole pulled her to him. His lips crushed hers, begging, demanding that she let him in. Bri couldn’t help but respond. She had no anger left, only a deep, yawning sadness that Cole’s kiss eased.
“Please tell me I’m forgiven,” he pleaded against her lips. Bri threaded her fingers through his hair and nodded.
“Never again,” he looked deep in her eyes. “I swear, I’ll never leave you behind again.”
Bri gave a small sob as she nodded, pulling his lips back to hers. They stood there kissing, until reality crushed down on her and she remembered where they were. She pulled back with a gasp and looked around. Sure enough, everyone in the hall had stopped what they were doing and were staring at her and Cole. Embarrassment flooded Bri’s cheeks. Catching her chin, Cole turned her back to face him. Her eyes found his and he gave a small smile.
“Ready to get out of here?” he asked softly.
Nodding, Bri grabbed her bag and closed her locker. She then took Cole’s outstretched hand and they walked side by side out of the school.
“I have a little time before basketball practice,” Cole said as they reached Bri’s car. “Can I come over?”
“Yes,” she finally managed to find her voice.
“I’ll meet you at your place then.” He kissed her tenderly on her forehead and headed off to his motorcycle.