The Burning Roses: Thornes & Roses: The Prequel

by Dani René

  “Ellie!” I follow her. I’ve never done this shit before, but hurting her wasn’t my intention, which is why I made it clear we were just having fun. I reach the gate of her house moments after she does, but she shuts the metal barrier between us, and there’s no way to get to her. “Listen to me,” I speak, but she’s shaking her head. “All I—”

  “No, Finn. No. You don’t get to do this to me. I’m the stupid one. I shouldn’t have… I don’t want this pain anymore.” Her voice breaks and a single tear trickles down her cheek, making the soft pink glisten under the watery emotion.

  Shaking my head, I try to reach for her, but I’m held back by the cool black metal. “I told you I can’t do forever and shit like that,” I say, but it doesn’t help like I thought it would.

  Her shimmering eyes lift to mine, and from pain to anger, I watch them change color before me. “No.” Ellie nods, her lips curve into an angry sneer. “You’re right, Finn. You’re too immature to ever feel anything real,” she throws back.

  I don’t argue because she’s right. I am too broken to allow anyone to get too close because they'll walk away when they see the truth, and I can’t go through that.

  Not again.

  When I don’t respond, Ellie continues. “If you ever once allowed yourself to feel something, you’d realize how good life can be. But you don’t want to be happy, that’s what your problem is. I don’t know what happened to you, Finn Thorne, but whatever it is, you need to work through your shit because nobody will ever be able to love you if you keep pushing everyone away.” With that, the pretty blonde storms away from me, leaving me staring at her back.

  My mouth opens, but the answers I want to give her don’t come. All the words, all the truths that linger on the tip of my tongue stay there. And they’ll never be spoken because I’ll always be alone.

  For a long while, I stand there, watching the house, waiting for her to come back. But she doesn’t. I don’t expect her to. She’s right. Her words sting. They cut through all my defenses, right to the darkened core of who I am.

  But she’ll never know what’s wrong with me because I can’t tell anyone.

  Not even my brothers.

  3

  Cassian

  The house is busy with staff rustling around as we set up for tomorrow’s party. With Damien home, it will be good to celebrate and enjoy ourselves. But what’s more, is Creed’s sordid idea to chase a girl through the woods. I don’t begrudge them for the fun and games, but deep down, I have one person in mind, and yet, I’ve told myself I can’t have her.

  She’s only sixteen, and she doesn’t need to be around shit like this. Kalyn is special, so different from all the other girls I’ve known. Even though she’s only been in Thorne Haven for a year now, we’ve gotten close.

  At times, I feel as if I’m her goddamned hero, saving her from stupid decisions. But she challenges me in ways none of the other women around town have. Not even the older ones I’ve been with.

  My repertoire is nothing like Finn’s, but I’ve been around. Even then, my focus has always been on Kaly. Her friendship saved me when I needed it most. She doesn’t know it, and I can never tell her.

  Instead of confessing my darkest moment to her, I focus on the alcohol being delivered and ensuring it’s set on the patio where staff pack it in the fridges Dad installed a few years ago for the gala dinners we hold.

  “Hey,” Finn says as he saunters up to find me grabbing a beer. “Are you inviting Kaly?” he asks, a knowing smirk tilting the corners of his mouth.

  “Fuck off,” I bite out in frustration, the situation I’m in overtaking me. Finn enjoys taunting me with her. She’s gorgeous, with dark curly hair that makes my fingers tingle to tangle in them. “She’s a good girl.”

  He nods solemnly. “I don’t doubt that, Cass,” he says before taking one of the chilled bottles and snapping the cap off.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I throw back easily.

  My brother arches a brow at my defensiveness, and I realize it too late because Finn chuckles while shaking his head. “That.” He points at me. “This whole hero complex you have. You literally warn guys away from her, but you won’t make a move.”

  “She’s…”

  “Too young?” he finishes before I can say it. I’ve spoken about Kaly more than I care to admit over the months. “Perhaps you need to forget the girl who’s your friend,” he says as he uses air quotes on the word. “Focus on women who want you, because trust me, brother,” Finn slaps me on the back before he leans in to continue, “there are a lot of them.”

  “Sure,” I tell him, but even as I say it, I know it’s a lie. No matter who I have in my bed, my obsession with the pretty girl will always be at the forefront of my mind.

  The sun is shining on a new day.

  The house is ready for tonight, but I don’t think I am. The black hoodie and jeans hang against my closet door, taunting me about what I’m about to embark on. Creed is a crazy motherfucker, so him coming up with this idea doesn’t surprise me. And the rest of the guys seem excited about it, so I guess I’ll have to go through with it.

  My phone buzzes on my bedside table, and when I pick it up, I find Kalyn’s name lighting up the screen. It’s our new ritual, messaging each other in the mornings. She’s struggling with the loss of her grandmother, and if I can offer some form of solace, I’m happy to be there for her.

  I open the message.

  * * *

  Kaly: I’m heading into town today before the party. Want something?

  * * *

  She’s added a smiley-face emoji at the end, and I can’t stop the smile that graces my expression. There’s still a playful side to Kalyn, despite her heartbreak. She’s stronger than she gives herself credit for. I tap out a reply to let her know all is set, but I don’t tell her about the game because she doesn’t need to know.

  I decided that I would do this with the guys, but Kaly can spend time with her friends while I’m out running through the goddamned forest with my brothers. I consider the Havens family.

  We’ve known each other for a long time, and they’re good guys. Each of them coming to Thorne Haven from different backgrounds to create a family unit which couldn’t have been easy, but they did it. Each of the brothers were adopted at various ages, but their bond has grown strong over the years. Creed was only thirteen when he came to Thorne Haven, where Brody was ten, and Keirin was eight.

  I’m not sure about the younger boys' original families, but from what Creed told me, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Sighing at the ideas of what they've been through, I shake off the dark thoughts that have taken hold of me and swing my legs over the edge of the bed to stand. Sunlight is already streaming through the blinds, and when I open them, I’m momentarily blinded.

  Downstairs, in the garden, I spy the staff working on getting a dancefloor set up on the lawn. The grass is covered with tiles which will be removed again tomorrow. The backyard has been turned into a small nightclub with strobe lights set up to illuminate the sky. Large speakers are set around the open space so guests can hear the music from wherever they are in the garden.

  Usually, my father oversees the preparations of all parties at the house, but there are rare occasions when we’re all home, and we go all out. No expense is spared because we can afford it. Also, we love having the town talk about the parties for weeks after.

  It’s part of the allure of attending a Thorne event.

  I head to the bathroom to freshen up before I make my way down to breakfast. I find Joy making eggs and bacon, with Finn at the table and Damien at the coffee machine.

  “Hey, sleepyhead,” Damien greets when I step into the room and grab a mug. “You ready for tonight?” I know he means the game, but I try to ignore what’s going to happen.

  “Yeah, the party will be good.” He only offers me a smile at the response. Damien knows I’m more of a homebody than he and Finn, especially our younger brother. But there are times he’l
l push me out of my comfort zone. This is one of those times. “Joy, that smells amazing.”

  “You’re far too sweet for your own good, Cassian Thorne,” she tells me with a smile on her face. I’ve welcomed having her in our home. I don’t think about how she became a mother figure to us because when I do, I spiral into darkness, and I need to focus today. There’s no need to dwell on the past.

  “I try.” Shrugging, I sit opposite Finn, who laughs out loud.

  “This guy? Sweet?” He gestures toward me with his thumb, his taunting making me chuckle. “He’s as sweet as a lemon,” Finn teases.

  “You can talk,” I smirk.

  “Okay, boys,” Joy admonishes us with a gentle laugh. Damien joins us, and we settle in to get some food in our stomachs before the drinking starts. It’s going to be a long day and night, and I need to make sure I’m ready for it.

  Our plates are piled high before Joy leaves us in the kitchen to eat. I glance up at Damien. “What time are we doing this thing?” I ask, and I quickly catch his expression changing from calm and relaxed to tense.

  “Creed reckons we can slip away at about nine,” he says. “That way, it’s dark enough to get lost in the woods.” Creed’s choices in women tend to veer away from my own personal preferences. But this time, he’s managed to ensure we’re all interested in the girl. Mali has been in our circle for a while, and even though I won’t partake in the spoils of the game, I must admit, she’s pretty.

  “And he’s going to take the lead on this?” I question Damien. I’ve heard the whispers from girls across campus about my brother and his best friend—their need to share, to enjoy the play together. Damien and Creed have had girls between them a few times already, and they’ve certainly left an impression on the women.

  “Yes, but…” Damien’s response stills into silence, which only confirms my thoughts. He’s single, so there’s nothing wrong with it. He’s an adult and has always been responsible, even when he’s done stupid shit.

  “As long as I don’t have to get involved,” I say then, “I’m happy to lure or taunt her until she’s in yours or Creed’s line of sight.”

  “Is this about the girl?” Damien questions.

  “Kalyn,” Finn finishes easily, his eyes on mine. He’s the only brother with brown eyes, taking after our mother while Damien and I both look more like our father. There were times after mom died that I hated Finn. I wanted to be as far away from him as possible, but it was only because he reminded me so much of her.

  “She’s a friend,” I insist, as they both regard me with questions in their eyes. “I just don’t feel I need to do anything with Mali.”

  “And you’re trying to tell me that has nothing to do with you having the hots for Kalyn?” Finn’s challenge is enough to have me pushing to my feet and leaving them at the table as I make my way to the kitchen counter. I don’t want to get into this with them, not now, not ever. They don’t understand. She’s given me something that no other woman can.

  “I’m not getting into this,” I tell them from where I’m standing at the coffee machine. “I’ve agreed to play the game.” Even as I say the words, I don’t look at them, but I can feel their stares burning a hole right through me.

  There’s no doubt they can see the anguish coursing through me.

  I don’t like being laid bare like this.

  Exposing my emotions, my feelings, it’s not me. Rolling my shoulders, I shake off the anger and straighten my spine. “I’ll see you both later,” I tell them when I finally turn and head out of the kitchen, a filled coffee cup in hand.

  I’m exhausted, but I’m also on edge.

  It’s not long now until the Haven’s host the gala at their house. This year there are two annual dinners, or rather, galas at each of our homes. As the founding families of the town, we’re expected to be hosts. But this one is slightly different because Octavius, Creed’s dad, has insisted that each of us has to bring a partner. And that means I’m going to have to choose a date.

  I can’t ask Kalyn because we’re friends.

  But I don’t want anyone else on my arm.

  Once the invites go out, the ladies we choose will be our partners for the rest of the events. It’s an old tradition, one steeped in rules. And that leaves me at odds because I’m going to have to decide—do I keep Kaly as my best friend, or do I take that step?

  4

  Creed

  Darkness descends on the town we call home, and soon we’ll be able to play our game. Six young men who have nothing better to do than to taunt girls. It started out as an idea sparking in my mind, and we made it possible only a few days later.

  The thrill of the chase has always been exhilarating to me.

  And there is no doubt in my mind this will become a Thorne Haven ritual. The excitement of what’s to come warms my blood as I consider fucking Mali. She’s gorgeous. Her perfect curves, long dark hair, and those almond-shaped eyes have intrigued me for a while.

  She’s one of the few girls in Thorne Haven I haven’t fucked.

  But tonight, all that changes.

  I shrug on my black hoodie. The dark jeans I’m wearing will offer camouflage amongst the tree trunks this evening. There are still a couple of hours to go, but I’m on edge. My mind keeps replaying various scenarios of the game for tonight. It’s the unknown that has me anxious, but also excited. I want to get a few drinks down before it’s time to race through the shadows.

  It’s where I’ve always felt most comfortable.

  When I first broached the idea to Damien, I didn’t think he would go for it. Now that he’s at school, I figured he’d become strait-laced, but my best friend is still in there.

  I chose to study online, to do my degree from home, whereas Damien couldn’t wait to get out of Thorne Haven. The difference between us is that he has responsibilities to come back to, whereas I have freedom.

  Perhaps that’s why we’re so different.

  I do as I please. Damien is responsible, where I’m careless. I like to think of myself as a rogue, while my best friend is the good guy. But tonight, we’ll both venture into the darkness, and I can’t wait.

  I grab my phone and wallet before making my way down to the living room, where Brody is sitting in front of the television, a PlayStation controller in hand while he curses at the screen.

  “I’m heading out,” I tell him.

  He doesn’t look away from the loud shooting on the screen. “It’s still early. Fuck you!” The sound of gunshots bounces from the speakers as he makes his kill. “Bastard.” He flops back against the sofa before pausing the noise.

  “Yeah, I wanted to get a few beers in my stomach before we get the real party started.” I can’t stop the smirk that graces my expression when I once again think about what’s going to take place.

  When I left the rose on Mali’s doorstep along with a card explaining what she must do, I was hard as fuck. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten that rush.

  “I’ll see you later. I’m going to finish this and get ready,” Brody informs me. “I think I’ve got a girl in mind for our next time.”

  “We haven’t smoothed this out yet. Let’s see what happens tonight, don’t get ahead of yourself,” I tell Brody because it’s true. It’s our first time doing this, and any number of things could go wrong.

  “Iron out the details tonight,” he agrees with a nod. “But I know exactly who I want taking my dick when it’s my turn.” He winks before picking up the controller, and before I have time to respond, I’ve lost his attention to the tv.

  “See you later.” I leave him to throw obscenities at the characters on-screen and head out to my Maserati. Slipping into the driver’s seat, I flick on the stereo and allow the sounds of Breaking Benjamin to serenade me all the way to Thorne manor.

  When I pull up to the manor and the gates slide open, I head up the drive and come to a stop outside the house. Pushing open the door, I exit the vehicle, my shoes crunching on the ground as I hand my keys
to the valet.

  “Take care of her,” I inform him as I round the front and make my way to the door, which is slightly ajar with music already pumping through the house. The interior is decorated with black and red string lights along the staircase railing, all the way to the first and second floors.

  “You’re early,” Damien says when he finds me in the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the fridge. Growing up, side by side, our homes are like welcome sanctuaries when we needed escape from our own families.

  “I wanted to get a few drinks in and check out the setup,” I inform him while popping the cap. I swallow a mouthful before looking at my best friend. “Are you sure you’re into this?” All our lives, I’ve always come up with the shit we’ve done. Every time we came home from our adventures, I was always the one to instigate something else, whereas Damien would pull me down off the ledge.

  “Yeah, I’m by your side, you know this,” he tells me, but when his brows furrow, I realize he’s reading into my demeanor. Knowing me for such a long time, Damien can see right through my bullshit and call me out on whatever’s eating at me.

  “What?” I play it off, offering a smirk, but he won’t be fooled by it. He’s already seen the cracks in my armor, and I curse myself for showing some form of weakness.

  “Tell me,” he says before heading to the fridge to get himself a drink, with his back to me. I watch him for a long while before turning to the kitchen window to take in the garden, which is currently being transformed into a party venue.

  “Nothing.” My lie causes him to chuckle, and I can picture him shaking his head, but then he joins me at the kitchen counter, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our beers in hand.

  “I’m not stupid, and I’ve known you long enough to know something is bothering you,” he tells me easily, lifting the bottle to his lips. He takes a swallow before setting it on the counter with a soft clink.