Tony was definitely angry and worried all at the same time. Angry Zach tried to force himself on Clay and worried that it might happen again, when he's not there to help and he feared it would be worse.
Tony needed to make sure Zach didn't go after Clay again.

So that would explain why he was parked outside his house right now, six hours after school had ended. Tony waited until Zach's mother left for work before he climbed out of the car and jogged up the steps to the front door. He rapped on the door four loud hard times.

"Hold on!" He heard Zach yell. The door opened seconds later and Tony shoved his way inside. "Tony? What the hell are you doing here?"

Tony whirled around and jabbed a finger in Zach's face. "Stay the fuck away from Clay or we'll have a serious fucking problem, you hear me?!"

Zach sneered at him and crossed his arms. "Why? Is he your boy toy or something?"

Tony glared at him and said, "No but he's my best friend and I'm looking out for him so stay the hell away from him."

Zach faked a pout and mocked him. "Aww is poor wittle Tony stuck in the friend zone?"

Tony felt himself getting angry and he balled his hands into fists, wanting to punch Zach in the face so bad but his heart gave a pang as it saw a little truth in what Zach said. Maybe he was stuck in the friend zone but he couldn't let that distract him from what he came here to do.

Tony took a threatening step forward getting up in Zach's face. "Listen you tool, stay away from Clay or I'll kick your ass from here all the way to Indonesia. Do you understand?"

Zach stepped closer and said, "No do you understand? I'm going to do whatever the fuck I want with Clay and you're not going to do shit about it! Wanna know why? Because Clay sees you as a friend and you're in my house, threatening me! I can take this to the police but besides that...if I wanna fucking have Clay, I will and you....can't... stop me."

Tony lost it and punched him in the face. He wanted to do more but he wasn't sure he'd be able to because Zach kicked him in the stomach and shoved him back. Tony stumbled and hit the door, falling onto his back. Zach climbed on top of him and pinned his arms above his head. Tony struggled underneath him but Zach was actually stronger than him and had no trouble keeping him pinned.

"You like this don't you?" Zach asked smirking. Tony twisted underneath him but couldn't get free. "You know I can always have both of you."

Tony spat in his face and snarled. "Get the fuck off me!"

Zach leaned down and started kissing his neck. Tony fought harder to get free and in his struggled he headbutted Zach, who groaned and naturally leaned back. Tony saw this as a chance and arched his back, throwing him off. Tony jumped to his feet and sprinted for the door, leaving the house like a bat out of hell.

Little did he know, Zach was planning ways to get Clay and so far his plan had been going as planned.

--
Clay sat crosslegged on his bed, staring at his phone lying in front of him. He'd been in that position since Zach called his number. Somehow, someway Zach Dempsey had his cell number. It had been ringing non-stop for fifteen minutes before text messages blew up his phone.

Clay didn't understand why Zach was being like this. Why he was being so...weird and creepy and why he was even trying to talk to Clay in the first place. It just didn't make any sense to him.

The black screen flashed again with the call notification and his phone started ringing. Maybe if he told Zach to stop he would. Clay hesitated before picking his phone up and answering.

"Zach please sto--" Clay was cut off by Zach talking over him.

"Listen I'm sorry about what I did yesterday. Can you forgive me?" Zach asked.

Clay frowned to himself, unsure of what he should do. Is this what Hannah felt when Marcus or Justin tried to apologize? Clay couldn't deny the fact that Zach sounded sincere.

"I guess." Clay said.

"Great! So...I'm having a little get together at my place tomorrow night if you want to come." Zach says. He sounded hesitant.

"I'll think about it." Clay speaks softly and quietly. "Good night Zach."

"Night Clay. Sweet dreams." Zach says sweetly.

(Zach really would be sweet if he stopped being a creep and an asshole when he doesn't get his way. Like with Hannah when she rejected his ass😒)

The next day Tony walked into Liberty High and he could just feel the hallways buzzing with excitement. He didn't know why everyone was so excited but he knew it was nothing beneficial to some people.

And he was right.

Tony also hadn't seen Clay all day and the truth of the matter was he was sure Zach had been right. He definitely was stuck in the friend zone by Clay.

It was now lunch time and Tony was standing in line, behind a group of kids who were talking with excitement and happiness. He'd had enough and needed to know what the buzz was about.

"What's going on and why are you so happy?" He demanded.

The girl in front of him turned around. "Didn't you hear? Zach's throwing a party tonight and everyone's invited."

"What party?"

I know you guys are probably upset I left it at a cliff hanger but if you've read my White Collar book you'd see how much I love them😏

Also thanks for all the support for this book so far. I know I told you I would update the other night (I'm sure you know who I'm talking about) but things got pretty hectic for me that night so I couldn't. But I'll try to update as frequently as I can.

Thanks for reading! 😊