"Maybe we should help her practice for those scholarship interviews. What do you think, guys? " "Yeah, tell us about your struggles," Dylan mocked, making air quotes. "About how hard it is being so special? " Ayana tried to pull her arm free, but Tyler's grip tightened. She could break his hold. She knew exactly how, but she also knew what would happen if she did.
They'd twist it like they always did. Make her the aggressor. "Let go," she said, her voice steady despite the anger building in her chest. "Now," Connor stepped closer, his bulk adding to the intimidation. "Or what you'll call your daddy? " His smile turned cruel.
"Oh, wait. " The words hit like a physical blow. Ayana's free hand clenched into a fist, then slowly released. "Don't give them what they want. Don't give them an excuse. " "Aw! Look, we made her mad. " Madison couped, her phone capturing every moment.
"Don't worry. This will make great content for the school board meeting. You know, when they review those scholarship recommendations, Tyler's grip shifted up to Ayana's shoulder, his touch deceptively casual but threatening. We're just trying to help you understand your place here, Johnson. Nothing personal.
My place? The words came out before she could stop them. Yeah, your place. Tyler's voice hardened. Because some of us actually earned our spots here.
Our families built this school and we're getting a little tired of people like you acting like you deserve something just because Ayana twisted away from his grip using a basic escape technique but careful not to hurt him. I earned everything I have. The circle tightened. Madison's smile turned vicious. Did you hear that, guys?
She thinks she earned it. Let's show her what earning something really means. Connor said, cracking his knuckles. It happened fast. Tyler's arm shot out, wrapping around her neck from behind.
Not a practiced martial arts hold, but a bully's choke hold meant to humiliate and hurt. The others cheered as he lifted her slightly off her feet. "Smile for the camera, Johnson. " Madison laughed, moving closer with her phone. Panic flared in Ayana's chest as the pressure increased. The hold was sloppy but effective.
Her vision started to blur at the edges. She could hear their laughter, see Madison's phone pointed at her face. Catch glimpses of the others excited expressions. The pressure increased. Tyler's arm tightened, cutting off more air.
Her lungs burned. Through the growing haze, she saw Dylan mimicking her struggles for the camera while Connor egged Tyler on. Madison's face filled her narrowing vision, phone held high to capture every moment of her humiliation. Dark spots danced in front of her eyes. The training part of her brain screamed out escape techniques, but fear and lack of oxygen made everything fuzzy.
Her feet barely touched the ground as Tyler adjusted his grip, laughing at her increasingly desperate attempts to breathe. "Can't breathe! " Tyler taunted, his breath hot against her ear. Maybe you should tap out. The words triggered something deep in Ayana's memory. Suddenly, she was back in the gym 6 months ago, trapped in a similar hold during sparring practice.