In Ruins (A Black Falls High Novel Book 1)

by K. G. Reuss

Cole let out a laugh as he went back to his seat. Ethan patted me on the thigh as Enzo shook his head. And Fox?

  He shot me a glance, a pained expression in his eyes that he quickly wiped away as our gazes met.

  “That’s fine,” I said, my voice strong. “I’m not into sloppy seconds.”

  The guys chortled at my response, Cole reaching over to give me a fist bump. A tiny smile tipped Fox’s lips up as he shook his head, a glint in his eye that I recognized from when we were kids.

  He was having fun.

  Eighteen

  “I drove Rosalie here. You should take her home since you guys are neighbors.” Enzo looked between me and Fox.

  I’d been sitting around for hours watching them play video games and pool. Ethan pulled out his calculus halfway into it, and I’d helped him with his assignment, feeling good that he seemed to be getting what I was explaining him. Even he looked excited if I had to gauge his feelings. Or maybe it was relief.

  “Get your shit, Rosalie.”

  “I got my shit, Fox. Thanks.” I got to my feet and grabbed my bag, waiting for him to further direct me.

  “We’ll work on your audition tomorrow. We can pick up where we left off.” Enzo winked at me as he and Cole fist bumped.

  A rush of excitement rocketed through me, and I ducked my head, not wanting them to know what they were doing to me. They laughed, making me think they knew exactly what they were doing.

  Without saying anything more to me, Fox turned and walked toward the exit, which happened to be the walk-out door to the basement.

  “Better catch up to him before he leaves you. If you stay here, we will definitely be pickinig up where we left off,” Cole growled, his eyes dark as they roved over my body. I hesitated for a moment which made him and Enzo laugh.

  “Bad girl, Rosebud,” Cole admonished, that dark sparkle in his eyes I was growing accustomed to flashing at me.

  “Rosalie! Now!” Fox shouted as he pushed the door open.

  I rolled my eyes, but rushed after him, making sure to wave at Ethan on the way out who seemed to be finishing up his calculus with ease now.

  The warm night air was a welcome relief as we entered the outdoors. I was able to clear my head for a moment. Fox moved to the passenger side of his Jeep and opened the door for me.

  I gave him a surprised looked which he returned with his steely one. Knowing better than to confront him on it, I climbed inside and put my seatbelt on. A moment later, he was behind the wheel, the engine rumbling beneath us.

  The silence in the car was deafening as Fox drove us home. Not feeling like arguing with him, I stared out my window for what felt like forever, my mind fixated on what the hell was happening to me.

  “How has everything been?”

  I peeked over at Fox whose eyes were still on the road. “Good, I guess.”

  He snorted, shaking his head. “I guess I’d say so considering what I walked in on.”

  “What the hell do you even care for?” I shot back, balling my hands into fists. “You guys wanted me to do your bidding. You were the one instructing me on how to give Enzo a blowjob! If losing my virginity to one of you assholes is the goal, then what are you so mad about?”

  A muscle worked along his jaw. “That’s not how this works, Rosie.”

  “Oh yeah? How about you tell me how it works then, Mr. Tormentor? Explain it to me.”

  He shook his head again, not saying a word.

  Sighing, I rolled my eyes at him. “That’s what I thought. You don’t even know how it works.”

  Before he could snap back, his phone went off.

  “What?” he snarled into it. His face hardened as he listened to the caller. “I said no, Juliet. I’m tired of having this same conversation with you.” He grew quiet.

  Deciding the passing dark scenary beat listening to his conversation, I turned my attention back to the window. She was clearly upset and yelling at him. I couldn’t make out her words though. Then again, I didn’t give a shit.

  Fox’s thundering yell had me jumping in my seat and then clinging to the handle on the door as he weaved off the road into the gravel and slammed the Jeep into park. My head jerked forward, a gasp of fright escaping me as my seatbelt caught.

  Fox got out of the Jeep, slamming the door behind him, his phone still pressed to his ear. My pulse thundered in my ears as I tried to reel in my nerves. He paced in front of the car, one hand holding his phone to his ear, the other running through his hair in frustration. A moment later, he stuffed the phone into his pocket, his back to me. I watched as he hauled in a deep breath and stared at the sky.

  My heart went out to him for just a moment before I snapped it back. Fox didn’t give a shit about me, so I shouldn’t care about whatever the hell was going on with him. There was this tiny pull in my heart though when he hung his head before getting back into the car.

  I braved a peek at him as he manuevered back onto the road. We’d driven a mile or so when he finally spoke.

  “I’m sorry I scared you.”

  I wasn’t sure if I’d heard him correctly. “What?”

  “I said I’m sorry.” He glanced over at me. “Are you OK? I saw the seatbelt caught you.” Something flashed in his blue eyes that I wasn’t even sure he was capable of. Worry and concern clouded his gorgeous face.

  “Yeah. I’ll live.”

  He nodded as we fell into silence again for a few minutes until words tumbled from my mouth I couldn’t help.

  “Are you OK?”

  “No,” he answered, not looking at me.

  I bit my bottom lip, contemplating my next question. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  He was quiet, his Adam’s apple bobbing. Just when I thought he was truly going to ignore me, he spoke. “Juliet hates you.”

  “I know.”

  He nodded before speaking again. “I hate you.”

  “Gee, don’t sugarcoat it or anything,” I snapped, folding my arms over my chest.

  He whipped the Jeep into his driveway and put it in the park. I moved to grab the door handle and get the hell out of there, but he was quick to grab my arm, stopping me.

  “Let me out, Fox.”

  “No,” he whispered, his gaze flitting over my face.

  I tried tugging my arm from his grasp, but he tightened his hold on me. “Fox, stop,” I hissed, wincing as his hold became stronger. I glanced fearfully out at my house. All the lights were off which meant either my parents were out with the Mackenzies, their friends from down the street, or they were in bed. Either one didn’t help me.

  Fear coursed through me as Fox released my arm only to grasp my face with both hands.

  “They all love you,” he murmured.

  I had no idea what he was talking about.

  “Fox, let me go,” I whispered as he continued to study my face. “You’re hurting me.” That wasn’t a complete lie. His actions had been hurting me for years. And he was definitely terrifying me.

  He shook his head. “I’ve been trying to, but I can’t.”

  I tensed as he rested his forehead against mine. I didn’t move as he fumbled with my rubberband before pulling my hair from its ponytail. It fell around us, and he breathed out a shaky breath as his fingers tangled through the curls.

  “What are you doing?” My voice shook.

  “I don’t know anymore.” He moved his forehead off mine then planted a fierce kiss to the center of it, his fingers still in my hair. “I just don’t know.”

  Nineteen

  After Fox’s strange display in his Jeep, he released me, leaving me stunned, before coming around to my door and opening it for me.

  “Go home, Rosie,” he murmured as I stepped into the night air. “Before I do something I regret.” His gaze leveled on me.

  I stared up at him, seeing no emotion on his face.

  His hand moved out and cradled my cheek before he gently brushed my bottom lip with his thumb, his eyes locked on the movement.

  “You have until the
count of three, Rosie, before I hurt you.”

  “It’s too late,” I whispered. Then I swallowed down the scared whimper in my throat, unsure what he meant by hurt me, but not wanting to find out. I pulled myself from him and scampered to my house. When I chanced a look back before stepping into my foyer, he stood there, watching me in the dark.

  I hurried inside, locking the door behind me, my heart hammering so hard I wasn’t sure it would ever slow down.

  I barely slept, Fox’s face in all my dreams. When morning finally rolled around, I went outside to find he’d left already. Getting into my car and driving to school relaxed me. I parked in the back lot and walked into the school. The guys were gathered where they always did, all of them looking cheerful. With the exception of Fox, of course. He was still brooding.

  Ethan scribbled in a black notebook, Cole reading over his shoulder, a grin plastered on his face. I had the feeling it was the same notebook I’d seen with the guys before, but them sharing a notebook seemed odd. I was probably overthinking the entire thing.

  “Sunshine!” Enzo called out, a grin spreading onto his lips when he saw me. “Come here, baby girl.”

  Despite my attempt to not feel anything for the guys, my heart couldn’t help but thrum excitedly in my chest as I stepped onto the sidewalk and made my way over to them, all their eyes locked on me.

  “You look good today,” Cole commented, his gaze sweeping over me as he stepped away from Ethan who snapped the notebook closed and stuffed it into his bag. “I could gobble you up.”

  I blushed at his words.

  “Did you sleep well?” Ethan asked, concern on his face as he took me in.

  I gave him a wobbly smile, glancing at Fox who stood still as a statue, his eyes fixed on me.

  “Not really,” I admitted.

  “Got you worked up too much last night, huh?” Cole winked at me, making me flush.

  Enzo reached out and gave my ponytail a playful tug.

  “You were supposed to pick me up this morning,” Juliet’s angry voice cut in before I could answer as she stormed over.

  Fox tore his eyes away from me and stared at her like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Must have slipped my mind.”

  That set her off. “What the hell is the matter with you?” Juliet snarled, getting in Fox’s face even more.

  I backed away awkwardly as his gaze roved over to me. She followed it, her glare hardening.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” she hissed, advancing on me.

  Enzo wrapped his arm around my midsection and pulled me to him.

  “I’d step the fuck back if I were you,” Cole growled, moving to stand in front of me and Enzo, effectively blocking Juliet.

  Juliet halted in her tracks, her eyes narrowing.

  “Is she fucking both of you now?” Her voice was like ice as her gaze swiveled to Fox’s. “Or is it the three of you?”

  “Juliet, you’re making a fool out of yourself,” Fox finally spoke, his voice soft and impassive.

  “You’re the one fucking freakshow—”

  “You know I’m not,” Fox snapped back at her.

  “Come on, Sunshine. Let’s let the lovers quarrel,” Enzo said, giving me a squeeze.

  Fox shot a glare in our direction which made Cole chuckle.

  “Good luck, Fox. Oh, and Juliet?” Cole called out as we moved away from them. She tore her stare from Fox’s and focused on Cole. “Fox isn’t fucking Rosalie. Not yet, at least.”

  Juliet’s face reddened as Fox locked his eyes on mine. A shiver raced through me as a hunger flashed through those baby blues. He didn’t bother correcting Cole who only laughed in his dark way while falling in step with me, Enzo, and Ethan.

  “You really enjoy screwing everything up, don’t you?” I hissed at Cole as we walked away from Fox and Juliet who were now having it out on the lawn. I managed to push the idea of Fox and me out of my mind.

  Cole shrugged. “I’m just waiting for Fox to make his move. Sometimes he needs a little push.”

  “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about but don’t drag me into your drama. I already have a hard enough time with Juliet. I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t make it worse.”

  “She’s right. Juliet is a bitch,” Ethan piped up.

  I shot him a grateful look for sticking with me. He smiled back sweetly, giving me a wink.

  “I’m with Ethan. Fox should’ve ditched Juliet ages ago. This is the kick he needs to do it,” Enzo chimed in.

  “Not at my expense,” I argued, the guys flanking me on the walk to my locker. Students stared as we passed by, the nerd escorted by three of the school’s hottest and most powerful guys.

  “Your expense?” Cole laughed. “Baby, you’re going to thank us when this is all over.”

  “I’ll only be thanking you if the video disappears.”

  “Hey, uh, Rosalie?” Jamie called out, stopping before she reached us.

  I turned my attention on her, a pang in my chest. We’d barely spoken since the guys started hanging around, or rather, forcing themselves into my life.

  “Hey.”

  “Uh.” Her gaze darted between the three guys. When none of them made a move to leave, she swallowed and focused on me. “I was wondering if you wanted to catch up after school. Things have been hectic lately.” Her gaze swept among the guys.

  I knew what she was saying. Things had gone to shit since the guys’ arrival into my life.

  Before I answered, I looked to the guys.

  “You should go,” Ethan offered. “You really helped me out last night with that calculus. I think I might be getting it.”

  “Yeah, what I want has to wait anyway,” Cole mused, his eyes sliding over my body, making me blush.

  “We can meet up after you catch up with...” Enzo looked at Jamie. “What’s your name again?”

  Jamie flushed. “Jamie.”

  “Right, Jamie. Sorry, doll. I’m terrible with names.” Enzo let out a good-natured laugh. “You cool with that?” Enzo cocked his head at me.

  “Yeah. Yeah, that sounds good.” I let out a breath of relief at the small amount of freedom given to me.

  “Awesome. I’ll see you at lunch?” Jamie questioned.

  I hated having to do it, but I looked at the guys once more for their answer.

  Cole smirked at me. I rolled my eyes at him and nodded to Jamie. “Yeah, see you at lunch.”

  Jamie cast one last confused look among us all before leaving us alone.

  “You guys are ruining my life,” I muttered, opening my locker.

  “That’s the point,” Cole said.

  “No, it’s not. Don’t listen to him.” Ethan elbowed Cole who grinned widely.

  “How much longer do I have to do this? Like, I want my life back. Now I’m a freakshow who has you guys’ attention. People are saying shit—”

  “Sunshine, it’s all good shit from what I’ve heard,” Enzo broke in.

  “The hell it is!” I yelped, staring at him in disbelief. “I’m supposedly sleeping with you and Cole—”

  “And you don’t want to? Because last night suggested something else entirely.” Cole smirked knowingly at me. “So what’s really the problem?”

  “You know what the problem is.” I turned on him, furious. “You know I don’t want any of this.”

  “Again with your damn lies, Sunshine. Ease up on yourself. It’s perfectly fine to want us to run a train on you.” Enzo chuckled, tugging my ponytail.

  I flushed furiously at his words, feeling like dirt in the process, even though everything inside of me was begging to admit his words held truth.

  “Guys,” Ethan sighed. “Knock it off. She’s clearly uncomfortable.”

  “Are you kidding me, Ethan? You want to be her first?” Cole’s grin widened as he teased Ethan.

  “Be better than you shitheads. At least, I wouldn’t scare her to death.”

  “No, you’d probably spout sonnets to her and make her dinner,�
� Enzo joked.

  “Can we not talk about any of you screwing me? I’d like to not add orgy to my list of offenses here at this school.”

  Cole grinned again. “Is that what it would be?”

  “Shut up,” I muttered, shoving away from them. I was grateful they didn’t follow, their laughter enough to make me shake my head, pushing down the excitement in my chest at the prospect of their words and promising myself I’d never let it happen.

  Twenty

  I stared at the mess of shaving cream and toilet paper on my locker at the end of the day. People snickered as they passed by. I didn’t need two guesses to know who’d done it. Sighing, I opened my door to be bombarded with packing peanuts. Laughter erupted around me as I stood up to my knees in the styrofoam mess.

  “Bitch,” I hissed, kicking my foot out.

  “Could be worse.”

  I snapped my attention around to find Ian standing behind me.

  “Ian.”

  “Rosalie,” his voice was cold. “You’re really making a name for yourself around here. You can fuck the football team but not someone who gave a damn.”

  “What are you talking about?” I demanded.

  He scoffed. “Don’t play fucking stupid with me. We both know what you’ve been doing with the horsemen when no one is around.”

  “I haven’t done shit with them,” I snapped back, swallowing down the lie. OK, so maybe I’d kissed a couple of them and had weird feelings, but that wasn’t enough to accuse me of screwing them all, or as Enzo had so eloquently put it, letting them run a train on me.

  “Then why the fuck did I get cornered by Evans, De Luca, and Scott?”

  “Maybe because you’re an asshole?”

  Ian punched the locker next to my head, his face contorted in anger. I flinched as he leaned into me.

  “Wrong, Rosalie,” he hissed at me. “You told your boys about what I said.”

  I shook my head, fear coursing through me. Ian had changed. No longer was he the playful friend I’d once had. In his place was an angry, jealous monster. He might even be more hell-bent on making me miserable than the guys were.