Tricked: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Longhorn Academy Dark Bully Romance Book 1)

by Amy Brown

Headlights light up the living room, and a BMW parks in front of our mobile home. We stare out the small window on the door, wondering who the hell the car belongs to. After a few minutes, a man gets out and walks around to the passenger side door. He’s tall and slender, with silver hair. He opens the door to the car, and Mom gets out, laughing. When they kiss, both me and Luke turn away.

  “I assume that’s Fred?” Luke asks, sounding confused.

  “Probably.”

  “Where’s Mom’s car?”

  “Hell if I know.”

  I turn back to the window and see Mom walking toward us, and Fred is with her. Panic and anger spike through me. “She’s bringing him in?” Mom doesn’t usually bring guys back with her, and there is no way I can handle her screwing some guy when her bedroom is next to mine.

  “Why is she bringing him in?” Luke sounds as freaked out as I feel.

  When the door opens, I hang on to my temper by a thread. Mom is laughing, and Fred is smiling. Personally, I feel like hitting something. Mom seems surprised to see us standing near the door, like a grumpy welcoming committee.

  She pushes the hair off her face, giving a nervous laugh. “It’s so dark in here.”

  Me and Luke move back to give them room to enter the trailer. I’m embarrassed about the electricity situation, and not sure what to say since Fred is with her. “We were about to go to bed,” I say stiffly. Stalling isn’t really going to help much because if they try to turn on the lights, the cat will be out of the bag.

  Fred is a tall and silent figure behind her. His hand is on her hip, but he doesn’t try to immediately introduce himself, which I appreciate.

  “I didn’t think you’d be going to bed this early.” She gives a nervous laugh. “I wanted you to meet, Fred.”

  Even Fred has the brains to shift uneasily. He’d have to be a fool not to sense the tension in the room. He’s probably just putting that down to him being a stranger who our mom is dating.

  “Oh. I’m in my pajamas. Maybe another time would be better.” I’m hoping Fred can’t see me clearly in the dim lighting. If he can see me, he’ll know I’m lying.

  “Don’t be rude, Charity.” Mom sounds annoyed. She thinks I’m just being standoffish, and has no idea I’m trying to spare her embarrassment.

  “It’s fine, Gloria.” Fred finally speaks. “I understand we kind of sprung this on them.”

  Mom isn’t having it. “Nonsense. This is a special occasion, and they need to meet you.”

  Special occasion?

  “We can have lunch tomorrow,” Fred says. He has a kind voice.

  I’m not sure why Mom is pushing Fred on us. She usually waits much longer to introduce us to her men. Does it really matter if we meet him? If he lasts six months, then she can introduce us.

  “I’m not trying to be rude. I’m just tired.” I attempt sincerity.

  Mom huffs. “You can at least say hello.” She moves to the light on the wall, and when she flicks the switch, nothing happens. Perhaps she suddenly remembers the shut off notice, because she stiffens.

  “The bulb burned out,” I say quickly.

  Mom hangs her head.

  I say, “I’ll change it in the morning.”

  “Oh. Just tell me where the bulbs are, and I’ll switch it out for you.” Fred says cheerfully.

  I wince. Any other time, perhaps I’d appreciate how helpful Fred is. Right now, it’s making things worse. “No. That’s okay.”

  “I don’t mind,” he says.

  “There’s no rush.” My voice is firm.

  “This is so embarrassing,” Mom says softly.

  “Really, Gloria, I don’t mind at all.” Fred sounds a bit confused.

  “Were out of bulbs,” I blurt.

  Mom covers her face. “Charity, don’t.”

  Puzzled by her reaction, I simply stare at her. I’m trying to help, why is she acting so weird? Why isn’t she playing along?

  “They must have turned our power off,” she whispers.

  Why is she admitting that in front of Fred?

  “I thought I had a few more days. I must have read the notice wrong.” Mom sighs. “I can’t believe I did that.”

  I expect Fred to make some sound of disgust and leave, but instead, he rubs her back. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. Let me take care of this.”

  I squint at him, trying to grasp exactly what he’s saying.

  “I had to pay the gas bill or they were going to turn that off, and the phone was already shut off. Everything is so expensive, and even working extra shifts isn’t helping.” Mom is spilling her guts to this man, and all I can do is watch in horror.

  “It’s all right, dear,” he says. “Now wipe that frown off of your beautiful face. This kind of thing is exactly why I’m happy you’ve accepted my offer, Gloria”

  I scowl, confused. “What offer?”

  Mom turns to me, her expression uncertain. “Fred has asked me to marry him.”

  I bug my eyes. “M… marry him?”

  She nods. “I… I said yes.” She gives a weak smile, holding out her hand. A huge diamond ring sparkles on her finger, even in the dark it glitters. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Shock rolls through me, and Luke gasps.

  “But… but…” Words fail me.

  “I’m sure this is all very sudden for you two,” Fred says quietly. “But, I love your mom, and she loves me.”

  “You’re engaged?” I blink at them in complete bewilderment. At least I’m no longer obsessing about the power being turned off.

  “We wanted to tell you right away. Together.” Mom looks up at Fred. “Of course, I wanted you to meet Fred first, and then tell you the good news.”

  Good news. Is this good news?

  “I know all about your mother’s money struggles. It breaks my heart she’s had to work so hard her whole life, and I want to take care of her. I want to take care of all of you. I don’t want any of you worrying about the power being turned off, or not having groceries, or being evicted.” He sighs. “Your life is about to change drastically, kids. For the better.”

  I frown, not sure exactly how to feel. “I’m not a kid. I’m seventeen.”

  “Of course.” Fred nods. “But you’re still living at home, and as far as I know, you have no plans to move out? I’m hoping you’ll consider my home yours.”

  “We’re moving in with you?” Luke sounds baffled.

  Mom laughs nervously. “Just in time, it would seem.”

  I lift my chin. “We could apply for financial aid. You don’t have to marry someone for their money.”

  My mom gives a sharp intake of breath. “That’s not why I’m marrying Fred. I told you, I love him.”

  Fred surprises me by laughing. “You’re exactly as your mother described you, Charity. Feisty. Guarded. I hope you’ll come to like me. I’m marrying your mother because I love her, and I trust that she loves me too.”

  “How can you be sure? You can see we’re in dire straits. How do you know she’s not marrying you for your money?”

  My mother turns to me, and even in the gloomy light, I can see she’s furious. “What is the matter with you? What kind of person do you think I am?”

  My face heats, but I don’t back down. “The desperate kind.”

  She grunts. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, young lady. But I don’t like it.”

  “Well, I didn’t appreciate not knowing the power was about to be turned off.” I clench my teeth. “Even our neighbor Kent knew, but we had no idea until it went out.”

  She slumps. “I didn’t want you to worry. I was trying to protect you.”

  “Sticking your head in the sand doesn’t protect us.” I put my arm around Luke’s shoulders. “I don’t trust your decisions anymore.” I flick my wary gaze to Fred’s. “Nothing personal.”

  “I understand,” he says. “I’ll have to earn your trust.”

  I don’t say it out loud, but I’m also thinking my mother needs to earn my trust
again too. I have no idea if Fred is as nice as he seems. I can’t trust my mother’s judgment, and I’m beginning to wonder why I ever did.

  “I’d like to take you all out to lunch tomorrow, so we can get to know each other. There will be lots of questions, I’m sure. You can ask me anything. I have no secrets.”

  “Everybody has secrets,” I say quietly.

  “Perhaps I should’ve said I have no skeletons in my closet.” Fred doesn’t seem insulted by my attitude. He seems more accepting than anything else.

  “We have lunch, and then what?” I ask.

  “Then in the next few days, we move you to my home.” Fred studies me. “I’ll hire movers to pack your things. I’ll handle everything.”

  I’m embarrassed at the idea of movers going through our things. We have so few valuable items, everything is old. It would probably be easier to just put a match to the entire trailer.

  “So, we’re moving in with you before you’re actually married?” I scowl.

  “Yes. But we’ll be married by the weekend.” Fred straightens. “Your mother doesn’t want a big wedding. We’re visiting the Justice of the Peace Friday.”

  Mom shrugs. “I don’t see the point of a big wedding. It’s such a waste of money.”

  Fred smiles. “I keep telling you not to worry about money.”

  “I know but… it’s hard not to,” she says quietly.

  He sighs. “But I want to spoil you. How can I do that if you won’t spend my money?”

  Her expression gentles. “You’ve always been so generous with me.”

  “Tip of the ice berg, my dear.” He kisses the tip of her nose.

  He truly does seem to be fond of her.

  Mom catches me watching them, and she bites her bottom lip. “This is a good thing, Charity. I’m sorry my engagement got sprung on you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the electric shut off notice. I’m sorry about a lot of things.”

  Luke looks up at me. “I’m ready for a new life. This one sucks so far.”

  I can’t help but smile at his simple observation of the situation. He really is smarter than me. Maybe I’m making this too complicated. I have a lot of unresolved resentment toward Mom, but what Fred is offering can’t be worse than the shit we’ve put up with.

  I lift my chin and meet Fred’s gaze. “School starts in two days. We’re gonna need books.”

  Fred’s cheek curves in a smile. “Of course.”

  “Books are expensive.”

  “I know,” Fred says. “It’s not a problem.”

  “Things are going to really turn around for us, Charity,” Mom says softly.

  If I had a nickel for every time she’d told me that the last decade, I’d have a shitload of nickels.

  Fred moves to the door. “I’m going to go, and let you guys talk.”

  Again, I’m pleased he has good instincts. If he were controlling, he’d insist on being here while we hash it out. Hopefully, the fact that he knows enough to give us space is a good sign.

  Mom goes outside with him, and returns after a few minutes. “Fred thinks he can get the power back on in a few hours.”

  “Really?” Luke looks impressed.

  “Yep. He knows some very important people in town.” Mom smiles.

  “That’s great, but I’m going to bed.” I should have gone to my room when she was outside. It would have been less awkward.

  She sighs. “I know you’re mad at me.”

  “No more than usual.”

  She flinches, but doesn’t respond angrily. “I think I finally got it right this time.” She sounds breathless. “Fred’s a good man.”

  “He seems okay so far,” Luke says.

  “I’m glad you think so.” She pats Luke’s head. “What do you think of Fred, Charity?” Mom turns to me.

  “I’m tired. I don’t really want to talk.” I inch toward my room because I don’t have the energy to discuss Fred or anything else. I’m grumpy and emotionally exhausted. For Christ’s sake, I was mean to the pizza delivery dude. What does that say about my mental state?

  “Oh.” Disappointment flutters across her face. “I guess if you’re too tired to talk.”

  “I am.” I turn to leave.

  “Charity!” she calls out, a tinge of desperation in her voice.

  I stop. “Yes?”

  “I love you.”

  A lump forms in my throat. My animosity wars with my affection for her. She’s like a child who doesn’t understand why I’m mad at her. Yes, she’s a mess. Yes, she’s always been a mess. But she’s tried her best, and I do love her. Perhaps Fred will be as good as he seems. Fear and mistrust bubble in my gut. I don’t know if I can take more disappointment. If I just don’t hope for anything then I can’t be disappointed, right? But I don’t want to live with no hope. I truly don’t.

  I close my eyes and say, “I love you too.”

  I can practically feel her relief from across the room. “You’ll see. Life will be so much better now. I predict that in a few months, you’ll be so happy you’ll be thanking me for marrying Fred.”

  My stomach churns with stress. I’m so afraid Mom’s marriage to Fred will be a total disaster. Mom always says I’m stubborn and just have to be right all the time. This is one time when I really, really hope I’m wrong.

  Chapter Four

  Mason

  Longhorn Academy is a sprawling mass of red brick buildings. There are lush grass common areas, mature oak trees, and even a fountain in the center of the campus. It doesn’t look like your typical high school. Most high schools resemble prisons, but Longhorn Academy looks more like a fancy commercial complex.

  Travis approaches, grinning. I’m pleased to see he doesn’t look high, and is taking the first day of school seriously. “Dude, did you see Lucinda Brown’s skirt? It barely covers her ass.”

  Pot and pussy. Those are Travis’s two favorite things. I roll my eyes and start walking toward my first class. “I didn’t.”

  Jeremy Gray, one of my other friends strolls up. I’m not as close to Jeremy, and he has a mean streak. But we’ve had some good times together. “I can’t believe summer is over. I fucking hate school.”

  “I hear you.” Travis groans, shifting his backpack to his other shoulder. “It feels like summer vacation just started.”

  “I know. I swear time flies so fast,” I grumble.

  “I was just at the office, and there are two new transfer students,” Jeremy says casually.

  “Is that right?” I frown. He loves picking on the transfer students. I go along with it sometimes, but I don’t really enjoy it.

  “Yep. Two seniors.” Jeremy smirks. “One guy and one girl.”

  Travis laughs. “Sounds fun. Can’t wait to make their life hell.”

  I wince inwardly. I go along with their hazing of the transfer students because the last thing I need is them turning on me. They have the mentality that if you’re not with them, then you’re against them. I don’t want to take the brunt of their vitriol. Not that Travis would turn on me, but Jeremy would. My dad’s wealth protects me to a degree, but if I start taking the side of transfer students, that will definitely put a bull’s-eye on my back.

  “Must suck to transfer in senior year.” I frown.

  “I saw the girl in the administration building.” Jeremy lets out a low whistle. “She’s hot. Stuck up though.”

  “Maybe she’ll warm up when I work my charm on her,” Travis says, waggling his brows.

  “Charm? They’re lucky if they get a smoothie out of the deal. Is that really charm?” I laugh.

  Secretly, I sympathize with these new kids. I remember transferring in to third grade when my dad and mom first moved here from Dallas. It was rough. The first day of school a few kids were mean to me. But Travis befriended me because we both liked Pokémon, and the other kids backed off. We’d been best friends ever since. If Travis hadn’t become my best buddy, maybe I’d have been one of the kids getting his ass kicked.

  “T
he part leading up to dumping them, that’s the fun part.” Jeremy licks his lower lip. “New girls are so grateful for a kind word. They’re like putty.”

  I smile, but inside I’m cringing. I don’t like hurting people. But I also don’t like being hurt, so I keep my mouth shut.

  “Oh shit, there she is. That snobby new girl I was telling you about.” Jeremy points.

  I glance over and see a tall blonde girl strolling past. All the kids are staring at her and snickering. It’s obvious from her stiff body language she knows everyone is watching her. Her nose is in the air, and she looks cool and collected, but I know she must be nervous. How can she not be when the whole school is judging her?

  She turns her head in my direction, and I’m shocked to recognize her. Long, curly blonde hair, full breasts, and a surly expression.

  Trailer Park Girl.

  From the appearance of that park, it would never have occurred to me she’d go to my school. Kids with no money generally go to Pine View High, over on the east side. What the hell is she doing here?

  “Shit. I delivered a pizza to her a few days ago.” I meet Travis’s puzzled gaze. “When I picked up those deliveries for you, she was one of the people I delivered to.”

  “Seriously?” Jeremy looks pleased. “Maybe that will give you an in. You can chat her up, get in her pants, and then humiliate her.”

  I grimace. “You guys are better at that shit than me. Why don’t you seduce her?”

  “Are you a chicken?” Jeremy’s pale gaze holds mine. “Afraid you can’t close the deal with her?”

  He watches me so intently, I’m careful not to flinch. It can’t be lost on him that I don’t tend to join in and seduce new girls that often. He gives me a pass because I’m best friends with Travis. But I get a sneaking suspicion, if I don’t join in hazing this new girl, he’s going to make a stink.

  “I’m telling you she wasn’t friendly.” I’m not lying. She was a bitch to me.

  “Sure, but you’re probably the only familiar face here. That could go a long way.” Jeremy rubs his chin thoughtfully.

  Travis nods. “Good point. She’ll probably be more open to you, Mason.”

  “Not so sure that’s true.”

  “You haven’t joined in in a long time,” says Jeremy. “Please tell me you don’t think you’re better than us?”