Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 24

He twisted his ankle as he fell, and in that split second, he heard the unmistakable snap of bone. Instinct kicked in and he threw out his hand to catch himself, but luck wasn’t on his side. There was a shard of broken glass right where he landed, and it sliced straight through his palm. Blood spilled everywhere, pooling on the floor in a shocking red mess.

The scene was so brutal that music screeched to a stop. Lights snapped on. Everyone in the club froze, staring.

Security rushed in, checking Emmanuel over before dragging him out to see a doctor. He didn’t stop screaming the whole way.

Cindy watched as he was hauled away. “Wait, isn’t that Emmanuel? How did he get so unlucky?”

Amanda glanced over and caught James following after the group, his eyes meeting hers–cold, angry, dangerous. In that instant, it all clicked into place for her.

She let out a low laugh. “Unlucky? No, he had it coming.”

Cindy blinked, suddenly realizing something was off. “What happened?”

“He tried to grope me,” Amanda said, voice icy. “So I cursed him.”

“You cursed him?!” Cindy stared, wide–eyed. “Don’t tell me your ‘jinx‘ is back?”

Cindy and Amanda had first met because of Amanda’s infamous jinx. Back then, Cindy had been cornered by a bunch of thugs in an alley. Amanda had shown up out of nowhere and, with just a few words, seemed to send disaster their way. Cindy didn’t just see Amanda as a friend; she was her number one fan. So when Amanda’s jinx had faded for no reason, Cindy was totally bummed.

But now? It was back. And Cindy could barely contain her excitement.

Amanda squeezed Cindy’s hand, her eyes still locked on James‘ retreating figure. A sly smile tugged at her lips. “We’re not done yet. Come on, you have to see this.”

They made it outside just in time to watch James get into his car and drive off. Amanda’s eyes sparked with mischief; she’d seen him drinking earlier.

“Drunk driving, huh? Well, let’s see… crash.”

The words had barely left her mouth when–bam!-James‘ Mercedes slammed straight into a tree at the corner. Smoke started pouring out from under the hood.

Cindy’s jaw dropped and she slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes shining with awe. It was real. Amanda’s jinx was really back. This was epic!

Amanda led her over to the wreck. The airbags had gone off, but James‘ forehead was bleeding and one foot was stuck. He couldn’t move. When he heard footsteps, he called out weakly, “Help… help

me…”

But when he saw Amanda, his expression changed in an instant. He hated Amanda. He’d hated her from the very first moment they met, like it was fate that they’d always be at odds. And now she was seeing him at his absolute lowest.

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Chapter 24

Amanda pretended to be shocked, covering her mouth. “Wow, looks like you really need help. Why don’t you ask me nicely? Maybe if you beg, I’ll feel generous.”

James clenched his jaw. “Don’t count on it.”

Amanda just shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

She turned to walk away.

“Wait!” James‘ voice cracked with panic. He was bleeding, getting dizzy–he could seriously die here. “Don’t go… please. I’m begging you.”

Amanda glanced back, face unreadable. “I’ll help you, but you have to answer one question first.” James closed his eyes, frustration and shame all over his face. “Fine. Ask.”

“That spiked drink for Travis. Was that you?”