He arches a dark brow. “Did I or did I not catch you doing the walk of shame from my friend’s room in my shirt no less?” Somehow his glower grows more pronounced. If he keeps doing that his face is going to be permanently stuck that way.
I don’t bother telling him that according to Cole we didn’t actually have sex, because frankly it’s none of Mascen’s business. Besides, it’s the twenty-first century and it’s about damn time people stopped shaming women for liking sex.
“I don’t see how that has anything to do with your comment.” I cross my arms over my chest, ready to trade more barbs with this guy.
Not ‘this guy’. Mascen. The boy you’d spend summers at the lake with. The one you laughed, joked, and ran with.
I push my memories of better years aside, because it doesn’t matter. That boy is nothing like the man looking at me with such hatred.
“If you don’t get it then you’re dumber than I remember, Princess.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“I’ll call you what I want.”
My hand twitches against my chest, wanting to smack him. People strolling along are starting to stop and stare, but I pay them no mind.
“I have to get to class.” And I do, now I really am going to be late.
Mascen steps to the side, sweeping his arm out. “I’m not stopping you from leaving, Princess. In fact, I’m already over this conversation.”
Before I can retort, his long-legged stride carries him away. I stare after him, both shocked and mystified.
Shaking my head to clear it free from whatever spell he cast over me like some sort of dark wizard, I hurry on to my class, slipping into the back row of the auditorium seating. The professor gives me a look for entering the room late but doesn’t call me out on it.
When all we do is go over the syllabus before being dismissed early, I wonder why I bothered rushing in the first place.
Rolling my eyes as I exit the class into the hall after less than ten minutes in the room, I decide to grab a coffee and a decent breakfast before my next class.
My stomach rumbles, demanding food first.
Entering the dining hall I inhale the scent of food. It’s more like a large mall food court, with various areas to pick up and order, than a cafeteria.
I walk around, assessing the various offerings, before ordering an egg sandwich. I wait off to the side for it to be made and once it’s done I put the plate on a tray, grab a Coke, and swipe my ID card to cover the cost.
Grabbing a table, I sit down by myself. There aren’t many students in the dining hall at this time and there’s something peaceful about it. Windows line all three sides of the building where the seating area is, allowing light to flood inside. There’s a large outdoor seating area too with umbrellas to block the hot sun. I’m tempted to go out there, but there are more people lingering in that area so I choose to stick with where I am.
Taking a bite of my sandwich I stifle a moan. I haven’t tasted anything this good in too long. Digging out my schedule I look over my next class, English, which I already knew but it mentally makes me feel better to check. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be here and I’m paranoid about fucking it up.
I’ve worked too hard to get here to mess things up.
Like being late, I silently scold myself.
I groan and a guy at a nearby table looks over, probably wondering what my problem is. Right now my problem is Mascen Wade. Twice, I’ve seen him twice, in less than twenty-four hours and of course both meetings were a disaster.
He was never such an egotistical asshole when we were kids. Granted, he was ten the last time I saw him, but he’d always been sweet and kind. The boy who picked me flowers and tucked them behind my ear just to see me smile.
I never thought our paths would cross again. Not when he’s practically a god, or at least the son of one, and I’m nobody now. I fell from grace, a fallen angel if you will, and now he looks at me like I’m the worst of the worst.
I don’t get it, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t wrong.
My family lost everything and my sister and I have paid the most for it.
With my breakfast finished I stuff my schedule back into my bag, toss my trash out, and go in search of the nectar of the gods. Aka coffee, the only thing keeping college kids running since the beginning of time.
I stop at one of the many kiosks across campus and order a black coffee with just one pack of sugar.
“Thanks.” I smile at the girl that passes me my coffee cup and drop my change in the tip jar.
Sipping my coffee, I walk around campus since I still have time to kill. I could go back to the dorm for a little while, but it’s such a nice day I’d rather be outside, breathing in the fresh air. There’s a slight wind, carrying the scent of freshly mowed grass in the distance. Birds sing happily and the sky is a cloudless blue. It’s the kind of day that makes my soul happy, one so perfectly sunny and bright that it makes up for all the bad days.
I end up sitting on a bench for a while, watching students walk by to their classes, professors moving about, and just the general buzz of college life.
Checking the time, I finish my coffee and head to my English class, waiting outside the closed door.
Thank God I’m not late this time.
A couple other people join me in wait and I smile shyly at them. None of them smile back, either too busy looking like they hate the world, or they have their face glued to their phone screen. I don’t let it bother me.
The wooden double doors burst open, the class before ours emptying out. When the last person is gone I head inside, taking a seat in the fourth row back, close but not too close to the front.
Setting my bag between my feet, I wait. I don’t see the point in pulling my laptop out. The classroom fills in, only a few seats left unoccupied.
From below, the professor enters from the side door, his back stooped, graying hair, and beady black eyes. He looks around at the room, his lips slightly snarled and turns to his desk, shuffling papers.
Finding the one he’s looking for he begins calling out names.
“Aurora Abbott?” He calls out first. I’m not surprised, almost all through school my name was always called first. A few people glance my way when I raise my hand, but they all look bored, none of them realizing I’m one of those Abbotts.
Fallen.
Disgraced.
A stain.
The professor moves onto the next name, calling out everyone and checking them off. He then passes out the syllabus, going over it, before going straight into the lesson. I’m thankful to actually have work to do.
Class ends and I continue with my day, not returning to the dorm until three. I’ve barely closed the door when Kenna enters behind me.
“I’m exhausted,” she announces, dropping her bag on the floor before flopping dramatically onto the couch face first. “Can we order pizza?” she mumbles into the pillow.
Grabbing a Sparkling Ice strawberry kiwi water, I turn to face her prone form. “Um, I guess.” I think about how much cash I have on me to contribute.
“Awesome!” She hops up, suddenly all smiles. “My treat,” she adds and I breathe a sigh of relief. “Where’s Li?”
“Still in class, I guess.” I give a shrug, sipping the flavored water.
“We should post something with our schedules so we know where each other is.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” I agree.
“I’ll text her and see what kind of pizza she wants.” Kenna rolls off the couch, heading to her room.
I do the same, leaving the door cracked behind me. I pull out my computer from my backpack, setting it up on my desk.
My phone rings and I smile when I see Hazel’s name on the screen.
“Hello?” I answer.
“How’s my big famous college-going sister? Haven’t forgotten about the little people yet, have you?”
“I miss you,” I reply, my tone wistful. It’s been too long since I’ve se
en my big sister. “And I could never forget my little people,” I joke, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, perching my butt on the end of my bed.
“See any cute guys?” she asks.
Of course my mind goes straight to Mascen. Despite his hateful attitude and hurtful words, there’s no denying he’s gorgeous. His face might be sculpted from stone, just like his heart, but it doesn’t mean I can’t admire the art.
I realize I should be thinking about Cole, but...
“No,” I answer, keeping my thoughts to myself.
“Just remember, there are a lot of rich guys there—wealthy families, old money, Rory. Mom might’ve been a piece of shit, but she wasn’t lying when she said it’s just as easy to love a rich man as a poor man.”
I cover my face with my free hand. “Yeah and look where it got her.”
“That wasn’t her fault.” I’d beg to differ, but I keep my mouth shut. “Tell me more,” Hazel continues, ignoring my silence. “How are your roommates?”
“I think I lucked out there. They seem pretty great. We’re getting ready to order pizza.”
“Ugh, I’m jealous. I miss carbs.”
Hazel eats healthier than anyone I know, too scared to gain an ounce that she might not get as many tips if she does.
“You could come visit me. We could get pizza together.”
“Rory,” she sighs, her breath echoing over the line. “I know it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, but now isn’t a good time for me to travel.”
I pinch my eyes closed. Of course it’s not. “Yeah, it was a dumb idea.”
“Rory—”
“I gotta go. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I hang up, tossing my phone on the gray bedspread. I probably shouldn’t have ended the call hastily since she did reach out, but it’s frustrating when I haven’t seen her in person in years.
There’s a light knock on my door and then Kenna pokes her head in. “I’m not interrupting am I?”
I shake my head, forcing a smile. “Not at all.”
“Li gets out of class at three-forty-five so I thought I’d go ahead and order the pizza. It’s our first day so pizza and wings seems like the most appropriate way to celebrate.”
My smile is genuine this time. “Wings too now, huh?”
She sticks her tongue out. “I’m starving I can’t help it. I want all the food.”
Looking at her tiny figure I have no idea where she puts everything she eats, but in the days we’ve been living together I’ve seen her ingest more than I’ve ever seen any other human eat.
“I’m hungry too,” I admit, having skipped lunch.
“What kind of pizza do you want?” She’s already pulling out her phone, eyes on the screen.
“Supreme.”
“You got it.” She lifts the phone to her ear, walking away.
My phone buzzes on my bed and I pick it up.
Hazel: I’ll try to see you soon.
I snort, rolling my eyes. We both know it’s a lie.
But it’s okay. I love my sister, but a part of me knew when she walked out of the house I’d probably never see her again. At least I get to talk to her and for that I’m truly grateful.
Still, the ache in my chest doesn’t ease.
* * *
“This pizza is delicious.” Li lifts her hand to her mouth, trying to hide her chewing.
“So good,” I agree, reaching for a fourth slice. Our food is spread over the living space, the TV tuned into a mindless reality show that Kenna says is the worst but best thing she’s ever watched. That makes no sense to me, but hey, to each their own.
I have to admit, it feels good hanging out with them. Girlfriends are a luxury I haven’t been privy to.
“Thanks for getting the pizza and stuff.” Li flicks her fingers over the smorgasbord of other food including wings and brownies.
“No problem.” Kenna bounces slightly where she sits, full of energy.
“Yeah, thank you,” I echo, even though I’ve already said it a few times already.
Money wasn’t an issue for my family at one point, but I’ve spent the majority of my life with it being a struggle, tucking away every penny, and sometimes going hungry. I’ve learned to be extra grateful when I’m presented with a free meal.
“We should make pizza nights a weekly thing.” Kenna beams at the two of us, stretching across the table to grab another slice. “Maybe on Saturdays? Fridays are usually when the parties are and it’s the best night to go out anyway.”
Li wrinkles her nose. “Maybe Saturdays are reserved to always have dinner together, but not always pizza. I do not want to be one of those people who gains the freshman fifteen when I can avoid it.”
“Okay, I’m good with that. What about you, Rory?”
“I’m in,” I agree. “I can cook some during the week.”
“Thank God, because I can’t.” Kenna laughs. Staring at her half-eaten slice of pizza she mutters, “Why can’t guys be like pizza?”
“Greasy?” I blurt. “Because most already are.”
Li hides her giggles behind her hand and Kenna shakes her head. “No, delicious and unfailingly loyal.”
I pause, my face wrinkling. “How is pizza loyal?”
“Has pizza ever let you down?”
“Well, no.”
“Exactly.” She snaps her fingers and digs in for another bite.
“Can’t argue with that logic.” I reach for my flavored water, gulping down the last of it. For some reason I can’t stomach plain water. It’s silly since it’s literally flavorless, but I think it’s nasty.
We finish our meal, clean up the leftovers and throw away the trash, before the three of us head into our separate sleeping areas.
I change into my pajamas and climb into bed. Lying on my back I stare up at the ceiling at the silly glow in the dark stars I stuck up there. They remind me of happier, better times. Ones where my days were filled with laughter and love, before scandal hit and tragedy struck, imploding everything.
Rolling to my side I cup my hands under the side of my head. I made it through the first day, one step closer to freedom.
Chapter Eight
Mascen
“Dude,” Cole slams a palm down on my shoulder, “you’re quieter than normal. What’s up with you?”
I close the refrigerator door and turn around to face him. I don’t know what I was searching for in the first place. Some of our other friends crowd the living area, spilling over all the couches. It’s the first night we’ve all been able to hang out since we returned to school.
“Lot on my mind, I guess.” I brace my hands on the shiny stone counters, my shoulders nearly rising to my ears in a shrug.
“Like what?” he asks, swiping a beer from the fridge. He offers it to me first but I shake my head. He pops the top off and takes a long swig. “I mean, you’re not the chattiest guy to begin with but since you got here you’ve been…” He pauses, frowning. “Weird.”
I take my baseball cap off, gliding my fingers through my hair before replacing it. “Life’s been crazy.”
He gives me a sympathetic nod. Just today there was an online article circulating a photo of me and an ex from three years ago, although, I wouldn’t even consider her an ex. Three dates with the up and coming actress did not make her my girlfriend. But with her headed to rehab for alcohol abuse, suddenly I’m somehow responsible. Go figure.
He pats my shoulder as he passes. “Just try to have a drink. Eat a slice of pizza.” He nods at the open box on the counter by the coffee maker. “Chill, man.”
I know he’s right. I need to stop stressing about things I can’t change or fix. School and baseball needs to be my focus, not Rory either, but somehow I still find myself speaking up before he leaves the kitchen. “Have you texted that girl yet?”
“Huh?” He turns back around, arching a brow.
“The one who stayed over?”
“Oh, not yet. I should, though.
She’s cool. Why?”
“No reason.” None that should matter anyway.
He dips his head before ducking out of the kitchen.
Grabbing a beer this time, I lean my hip against the counter as I take a few slow sips. Knowing I can’t hide in here sulking forever, I grab a slice and join the guys.
“It’s about time you reappeared.” Teddy, the short stop on Aldridge’s baseball team and one of my closest friends after Cole, spreads his arms wide, nearly falling out of the recliner as he does it.
“You’re in my seat, asshole.” I kick his leg, not hard enough to do damage but enough for him to make a noise.
“It’s mine now. You snooze you lose.”
“What are we watching now?” I plop on the couch beside Cole, his friend Andrew, another basketball player like Cole, on his other side. Murray, the third baseman, is asleep on the love seat. The guy can’t stay awake for much of anything.
“Godzilla.” Okay, apparently Murray was only resting his eyes.
He’s not kidding either, it’s just beginning and it’s the original—aka the best, even with the dubbed over English. I don’t know how other guys spend their evenings decompressing after class, but this works for us. Teddy, Murray and Andrew all still live on campus, but end up spending a lot of time here. Can’t say I blame them, not with the flat screen my dad set me up with, as well as gaming systems, and the pool table on the bottom level of the townhouse.
Kicking my legs up on the ottoman I finally take a bite of pizza. It’s cold now, and greasy, but I’m too lazy to cook something even if I should watch what I eat. I’ll have to go on a run tonight, but some sacrifices are necessary.
* * *
Hours later, the guys are gone, my run’s over, and I’ve showered the sweat from my skin. Too many times today my thoughts have drifted to Rory.
Aurora, I remind myself, her name grating over my taste buds.
I’ve only seen her the one time this week, when she happened to fall right in front of me. God, the irony of her falling on her knees at my feet wasn’t lost on me. Especially, when ironically I’d had a dream the night before of her in that same position, naked, her luscious mouth wrapped around my cock.
Bad Boys Break Hearts Page 5