I'm dreading class. As I take my seat in Astronomy, all I can do is stare at the door and silently beg that Lucas won't show up today, either. I don't want to face him.

My first mistake was letting myself in the Cage house, using the key that I was given years ago. My second mistake was stopping short when I overheard Lucas and Landon talking and then standing off to the side to eavesdrop. I couldn't help it. Lucas was comforting Landon and it was surreal to me. I could hear how much he cared for his brother as he told him he'd bring him to campus one day to unwind and cheer up. I hadn't heard Lucas speak in such a gentle tone like that in years. All I could think was that the old him really was in there somewhere and I found myself grinning wide, strangely proud of him.

All too soon that moment was robbed from me.

Landon brought me up and then I really was locked in place, shamefully curious about what Lucas would say. He didn't agree when Landon called me hot (the little pipsqueak) but he paused like he was considering it. I can't believe I actually cared that he found me attractive because a second later, he made a snide comment about how I was making my way through the hockey team. He said I'd be good for a fuck and nothing else. He basically called me a slut and it felt like I was punched in the gut. How could he? How could he think so little of me and confidently degrade me like that to his own family? That's when I realized Lucas didn't have any limits to being an asshole and I was in over my head. I can't believe I let him see me cry. That's what I'm most embarrassed about. I don't want to have to look him in the eye today, knowing how pleased he is with himself that he got to me.

I tense up every time someone enters the class and then force myself to relax again. It's a vicious cycle and one I'm not happy to be caught up in. I debated skipping today but A) we have to get into pairs for our major assignment today and B) I don't want to give Lucas the satisfaction.

When Beck walks into class my anxiety actually increases. What if he thinks I'm a slut too? I know I'm the kind of girl that gets along with guys and most guys hate that so what must he think of me? Does he just want to get in my pants too? Am I just an easy fuck to him? Damn Lucas for putting all this doubt in my head. I pride myself in being a confident person and with one stupid comment he took that away from me.

"Hey," Beck grins as he takes his seat behind me. I smile back and face the front, suddenly uncomfortable in his presence and unsure of what to say. I feel him tap me on the shoulder and I reluctantly turn around. He stares at me with obvious concern. "Are you okay? You look upset."

"I'm fine," I shrug. I want to leave it at that but Beck deserves some kind of explanation. He's a nice guy and I don't want to make him feel like I'm taking advantage of that. "Actually, no. I am upset. I had a shitty weekend."

His eyes soften with sympathy. "That's right. You went to see your aunt."

I nod. Catching up with Aunt Emily was actually the best part of the weekend. It was her damned son that made me miserable but I don't clarify because semantics. That and the last thing I need is someone else getting involved in mine and Lucas' drama.

"Tell you what," Beck starts and leans forward in his seat. "The Drama and Arts program is holding an exhibit in their building of all the portfolios the seniors made. After class you and I can check it out and take your mind off things? They have great stuff. I've gone to their exhibits before."

I can feel myself warm up. It doesn't seem like Beck thinks of me as a slut or is trying to get into my pants at all. He's a genuinely nice guy and that makes me feel a shit ton better after I spent all weekend basically loathing myself.

"That sounds great." I place my hand over his. "Thank you."

"Of course." He pulls away but not before his thumb brushes across mine briefly. My stomach dips. "So, we're supposed to choose partners for the project today. I was thinking, you want to pair up?"

"You read my mind," I nod.

"Awesome. This was all part of my plan, by the way. I snagged the smartest girl in class and I may or may not make you do all the work."

"Funny. I'm nowhere near that easy, McCarthy."

"I know," He grins that charming smile of his, revealing his dimples. I smile in return and face the front again.

Professor Warren walks in and class starts a couple of minutes later. My shoulders drop and I sink into my seat, relaxed now. It doesn't look like Lucas is going to show up. I know I can't avoid him forever but at least I can prolong it a little longer. I don't think I have it in me to take another one of his tricks, at least for a while. This is what I get for opening my mouth and provoking him. I should've let him ignore me like he was initially doing.

The first half of the class is a lecture on what the major project will be on and how we'll be marked. It seems fairly easy but there are a lot of steps that will definitely take the whole semester to get together.

We have to choose a constellation and locate it using a star map, including going to the outskirts of the city so we can actually see our constellation of choice with the naked eye. Then we have to locate which galaxy it's in and if there's any surrounding planets within a certain radius. We have to make our own sky map that includes visuals of the stars, galaxy, and planets that surround our chosen constellation. Then we have to write a twenty-page report analyzing our sky map and the significance our observed portion of the galaxy holds, presenting it to the class at the end of the semester through some kind of visual. The class groans at the amount of work we have before us but I'm excited. I used to make sky maps with Dad all the time so I already have a general idea of where to start.

"You chose a good partner," I turn around and tell Beck with a grin. "We have this in the bag."

"Hell yeah," He holds his fist out and I bump it, the two of sharing a quiet laugh. Then his eyes flick over my shoulder and he makes a face, something like a grimace. "Oh shit."

I turn around too and my stomach drops to the floor at the sight of Lucas making his way to Professor Warren's desk. Just fantastic. All I want to do is sink lower in my seat but I sit straight and with my chin jutted out, refusing to cower for that asshole.

I watch curiously along with the rest of the class as he says something to Professor Warren and holds out a hand. Professor Warren blinks in what's obviously surprise and shakes Lucas's hand, smiling. Lucas leans forward and says somethin in his ear and that smile on Professor Warren's face slips. He tries to say something back but then winces, and I don't miss how Lucas squeezes his hand tighter. Professor Warren looks around the classroom nervously and I could've sworn his eyes landed on me briefly. Eventually he nods and Lucas pulls back, wearing a satisfied smirk as he heads for his seat at the top of the lecture hall.

"What was that?" Beck mutters behind me.

"I don't want to know," I admit, watching Professor Warren in hopes that he'll say something. He does, clearing his throat and tugging on his tie to pull it loose.

"Okay, let's get back to business." He claps his hands but the expression on his face is still crestfallen. "Now that I've explained the project, it's time to pair up. I will take a moment to select your partners."

"What?" I mutter and the class outbreaks into similar questions. There's a buzz among all of us and we're clearly confused. Professor Warren tries to shush us.

"That's not fair," A girl calls out. "The addendum said we get to choose our partners. We already know who we're working with."

The rest of the class nods in agreement and Professor Warren fiddles with his glasses nervously.

"That...uh...that's my mistake. I apologize for giving incorrect instructions and causing confusion. I'm going to assign partners just like I always have and I'll be choosing them now."

"Come on," Another guy groans. "Such bull."

The entire class is scrambling now, voicing their irritation to each other as Professor Warren pulls out the attendance list and tries to put everyone in pairs. I can't help but flick my eyes up to Lucas. He's leaned back in his seat, arms crossed and eyes closed, and he looks like he's sleeping. But not quite. There's a hint of a smile on his face and it looks pleased. He did this. But why? Since when does he give a fuck about school to begin with?

"That should do it," Professor Warren claps his hands, looking around with a wince. "Please class. I apologize once again but I need your cooperation. Listen closely for who you're partnered up with and then please join them to get into your pairs. Maya and Cory."

Maya scrunches her nose and looks around. "Like I'm supposed to know who that is."

A guy on the other side of the hall stands up and waves her over. His cheeks are flushed in obvious embarrassment at the way Maya raises an unimpressed brow.

"Great," She scoffs. She rolls her eyes and grabs her things, heading over to him but sitting one seat over instead of beside him. She doesn't even glance at him after that, pulling out her phone and ignoring his outstretched hand until he's forced to set it down again. Wow, bitchy much? It's no wonder Lucas went for her. She seems his type, alright.

"Susan and Beck," Professor Warren continues. My chest sinks. Oh, come on.

"Fuck," I hear Beck sigh behind me. I turn around and his expression is as grim as mine. He collects his things and offers an apologetic smile. "Maybe next time?"

"Yeah," I whisper dejectedly. I really wanted to work with him. He waves and makes his way a few rows back to sit beside his new partner.

I face the front again and openly sulk. I was excited for this class and doing the project with Beck. This was supposed to be my favourite course, damn it. I cross my arms and barely listen as Professor Warren continues to pair everyone up. No one is happy about this and everyone miserably shifts places, getting into groups they never signed up for. I hold back a groan. It could be worse, right?

"Lucas and Olivia."

My spine snaps up and I lean forward in my seat. "Come again?"

"Lucas and Olivia," Professor Warren repeats but he stares at the attendance sheet like it's the most fascinating thing in the world. He won't even meet my eyes and I realize the expression on his face is guilt. He was told to pair us up, wasn't he? I drag my eyes over my shoulder and up to where Lucas is. His mouth twitches on one corner when our eyes lock and he lifts his index finger up, curling it to beckon me to him. My jaw clenches in return. Fucking dick. He's responsible for this mess. Of course he is.

I don't even bother with my things. I walk right up to Professor Warren until I'm standing in front of him and lower my voice.

"Please sir, could I switch partners? I'm sure there are other people in class who'd rather be partners with Lucas. I don't mind them taking my place."

"I'll take it," Maya offers, leaning forward with a gleam in her eyes. "I'll switch with this girl."

I suppress an eye roll. She damn well knows my name but she's being petty. Even so, I need her right now.

"See?" I gesture to her. "I'll work with Cory. It works out perfectly."

Cory sits up a little straighter too, smiling hopefully. The poor guy already looks ready to yank his hair out.

Professor Warren's eyes are full of regret. "I'm sorry, Ms. West. I've already chosen the partners and there's no switching places."

"Sir, please," I try again. I make my voice even quieter. "I know he asked you to make us partners. You don't have to listen to him. You're the teacher."

"Yes, but—"

"You have full authority over him. You know that, right? He's nowhere near as untouchable as he likes to think he is."

Professor Warren considers that for a moment, briefly glancing at Lucas. I do the same, watching as he glares at Professor Warren and raises a brow expectantly. It's a tense few seconds of them staring at each other until finally Professor Warren holds an arm out.

"Please go join your partner, Ms. West. I have to finish pairing the class up."

Damn it. I exhale steadily through my nose and nod, dragging my feet back to my desk to grab all my things and then walking as slow as I can up the stairs. I stop at the row in front of Lucas and take a seat there instead of sitting beside him. I don't want to be anywhere near him right now. I face the front and blatantly ignore him even though I feel his gaze burning holes in the back of my head.

Professor Warren finishes assigning partners and gives us five minutes to "get to know each other." He takes a seat at his desk as the class comes to life again, talking to one another as per his instructions. I, on the other hand, have nothing to say. Not even when Lucas kicks the back of my chair. I grit my teeth when he does it a second time, this time harder, but I refuse to turn around. For a moment I think he gives up because there's nothing for several moments, but then I feel the back of his hand lazily glide down the back of my neck. I jerk like his touch burned me because it nearly did. My neck is on fire and I can't help but spin around to glare at him, trying to ignore the way my skin is crackling with the remnants of his touch.

"Keep your hands off me," I demand.

"Then look at me when I'm talking to you," He replies evenly.

"Talk? You weren't talking. You were kicking the back of my chair like a fucking five year old."

"And you're any better? What the fuck is with the silent treatment?"

"I'm sorry. Were you expecting me to roll out the red carpet for you, your highness?"

I swear his mouth twitches for a moment but just as quick he replaces it with a hard glare. "I could do without the sarcasm."

"And I could do without your presence breathing down my neck," My nostrils flare. "Why did you ask Professor Warren to make us partners?"

He blinks, expression bored and passive as he leans back in his chair. "Because I did."

"That's all you have to say?"

"No shit."

I shake my head. "You're an ass. I already had a partner and now I'm stuck with the likes of you."

"Yeah?" He sneers. "Did I interrupt lover boy's agenda?"

"Lover boy?"

"McCarthy."

Incredulous laughter bubbles out of me. "Seriously? You did this because you didn't want me to be partners with Beck?"

"Never said that," He throws back in a clipped tone. "I didn't even know you guys chose to partner up."

"So then what? You want to be my partner? Because I'm not going to buy that anytime soon."

"So don't. What's done is done. Can we fucking move on already or are you going to keep being a brat?"

"Unbelievable," I whisper and face the front again. I can't fucking do this. I can't be stuck with him doing this project for the rest of the semester. I'll literally gauge his eyes out if this keeps up.

"Olivia," Lucas kicks the back of my chair and I pull in a deep breath, my eyes falling shut.

"I'm done talking to you, Lucas," I tell him without turning around. My voice is hard, unrelenting. "I mean it. I have nothing to say to you right now."

And by some miracle he listens. There's no more kicking and he doesn't say anything else. I can still feel his stare on me but I'll take what I can get. When the five minutes are up and Professor Warren resumes his lecture I'm grateful. I open up my laptop and take notes, busying myself and trying to ignore the feeling of being watched. Lucas can stare all he wants. He can only push me so far before I push back. First it was Grace, then it was me being a slut apparently, and then it was getting between Beck and I. I've officially reached the peak of my patience and he better know it.

The end of class couldn't come fast enough and I breathe a sigh of relief when we're dismissed. I quickly pack up my things, stuffing my laptop into my shoulder bag and putting my trench coat on. From the corner of my eye I can still see Lucas watching me as I untuck my hair from the collar of my jacket and shake it out, putting on my shoulder bag. I avoid his gaze and pretend like he isn't there, pushing my chair in and sliding out of the row. I turn around, surprised to find Beck already waiting for me a couple of steps down.

"Hey," His eyes flick behind me briefly before returning to me. He smiles. "You still up for that exhibit?"

"Yes," I immediately answer. God, I need that right now. I need to be anywhere but here. "Let's go."

He nods and starts to climb down the steps and I join him. And I try to be the bigger person but I can't resist looking over my shoulder, raising a brow pointedly at Lucas who has his jaw clenched.

"Didn't you hear?" I mock. "This week I get Beck. Who knows who I'll open my legs for next week?"

His eyes flicker for a moment with something I can't name but I don't care. I give him the finger and then turn around, going down the stairs two steps at a time. That might have been petty of me but damn, it felt good. When I walk outside of the class I'm finally smiling. Partly because I'm pretty sure I just scored my first point in our little game and partly because I know how to score the next one.

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A/N

Ugh, Olivia is such a queen. I love how she can take Lucas's shit and dish it back! She definitely keeps him on his toes and I need more of that!

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