by C. R. Marcum
“Girl scout, I wouldn’t hurt her. I like her too. She’s so much like us it’s crazy. I mean, she fit in from the minute she walked in the door.”
“I don’t care if you think she fits in here, I just need to hear you say that you won’t hurt her or let anyone else hurt her. Can you tell me that?”
“I would honestly kill someone if they even thought about hurting her or you for that matter. Whether or not you want to be, you are a part of the family now. Ty made sure of that. We would all protect you guys with our lives if we had too.” Jax replied wrapping Raylynn in a protective hug.
“Okay, so you’ll protect her from other people, but what about you Jax, can you tell me that you won’t hurt her?” Paisley asked sitting down next to them.
“I…Won’t…hurt…her.” He replied looking her in the eyes.
“Yeah, okay. Just remember, I think she can do better, and if you prove me right I will beat you.” She said calmly.
Raylynn sat quietly during the whole conversation. Knowing that Paisley had to say her peace or she would never leave them alone. After it was over, she had hoped that Paisley would wander off to Ty’s room, but no such luck. Paisley made it abundantly clear that she wasn’t going anywhere. She doubted that Paisley was okay with her and Jax and she knew in her heart that this wasn’t the end of the conversation. She just couldn’t understand why Paisley was so worried about her.
When she awoke the next morning, she was wrapped up in Jax’s arms. They had stayed up for a long while talking to Paisley and Ty. She remembered snuggling up next to him on the couch, but little else. She took a look around the room and spotted Paisley sleeping on the chair. Ty lay sleeping on the floor in front of her. She smiled and rolled to face Jax.
She lay there looking at him and couldn’t help but smile. She had meant what she said to Paisley. He was sweet, and funny, but she had forgotten to mention how utterly sexy he was. She couldn’t understand why he was interested in her. He could be with any number of girls, and still he wanted her. She had noticed that lately, the parties that happened almost nightly had almost stopped completely. She wondered if that was because of her. She was completely lost in her thoughts when she felt Jax squeeze her tightly.
“Good morning beautiful.” He whispered, his eyes still closed.
“Good morning yourself.” She replied leaning in and giving him a small kiss.
“You are the perfect wake up call.”
“You are so full of it.” She giggled.
“Not even close. You know you’re perfect.” He said unwrapping his arms from around her.
“If you say so.” She replied sitting herself upright.
“I do.”
“You’re something else.”
“One of a kind sweetheart.” He said with a wink.
Raylynn could only giggle.
“I need coffee, you need anything?” Jax asked.
“Coffee, I need all the coffee.” She replied stretching.
“Sit tight, I’ll go make some.”
Raylynn smiled when he kissed her forehead and took off towards the kitchen. Had it really only been a month since they met? The ease of being with him made it feel like they had known each other forever.
10.
The weekend went by quickly, and the three of them had finally managed to get their project done. When it came time to present it at school, they had done well, and everyone seemed impressed.
Their school week went as usual, except during lunch time. For some reason, the football captain had started making himself known to Paisley. He had started with just a wave or a quick hello, but it quickly turned into a peck on the cheek or squatting next to her to talk. Raylynn knew what he was up to, but Paisley didn’t seem to notice.
When she had finally asked Paisley what was going on between them, she had simply replied ‘nothing, we just see each other during practice, that’s all’. Raylynn didn’t quite believe that. She could only hope that the guy would lose interest quickly once he figured out that Paisley wasn’t going to sleep with him.
By the time Friday rolled around, Paisley was on a different level. She was in full swing. Her usual bubbly personality had tripled in size. Raylynn hadn’t seen her like this since she got named cheer captain. Tonight was the big game. The first rivalry game of the season, and Raylynn had promised to go.
When the end of the day finally came, Raylynn said her goodbye to Paisley and headed towards home. She and Ty had planned on meeting at the game, and he had promised to bring the guys as well. He wasn’t sure he would be able to get Drake and Lucas to come, but Jax and Syn wouldn’t be a problem. They both graduated from that school, and football Friday’s were always a good time.
Raylynn made it home and upstairs without running into anyone. She was thankful for at least that. Her happiness was cut short when she opened her bedroom door. Lying on her bed was an outfit with a note on top. She hung her head and picked up the note.
Coop,
I am loaning you this shirt for tonight.
You better be wearing it when I see you,
Or I swear I will make the rest of this year a living nightmare.
Do Not Test Me!
Now, make sure you look good,
Make-up, hair, and this top.
See you at the game!
GO BLUE DEVILS!!!!
Pais
Raylynn could only shake her head when she picked up the shirt. It was barely even a shirt. The v neck cut was so deep that she was afraid her boobs would pop out if she sneezed. She hated it instantly, but she knew Paisley wasn’t kidding. She resigned herself to her fate and jumped in the shower. She let the hot water cascade over her and soothe all her muscles. She was in no way excited for the game, but at least she knew that Jax would be there.
She got dressed and did her hair and make-up. She looked in the mirror, and for a split second saw her mother staring back at her. The quick flash of a distant memory sent a chill down her spine. She could hardly remember a time when her mother wasn’t strung out on something, but she had seen pictures. Her mother had been such a beautiful woman in her teens, and in that moment she saw so much of her mother in herself.
Raylynn grabbed her bag and headed downstairs. It was almost game time, and Paisley would kill her if she were late. She had just made it to the door when she heard Katrina behind her.
“You’re really going to wear that in public?” She said, her words causing Raylynn to turn.
“Just leave me alone Katrina. I haven’t messed with you. I just want to get through the rest of this year and then I will leave and you won’t ever have to see me again.” She said, almost pleading.
“Ha, see little girl what you fail to realize is that I hold all the power here. I can end your happily ever after anytime I choose. Now, answer the question. Are you going to actually wear that in public?”
“Yeah, what’s wrong with it?” she asked.
“Nothing at all, if you’re going for the whore look.” Katrina spat with a grin.
“Okay, you got your jab in, can I go now?” She asked, knowing that it wouldn’t be that easy.
“You can go anytime you want, remember I didn’t want you here to begin with.”
“I know, you’ve made that point very clear.” She said turning her back to Katrina.
“Not clear enough, considering you’re still here. I swear, you remind me so much of your mother sometimes. Hell, now you’re even dressing like the whore she was.”
Her words cut through Raylynn like a knife through butter. She felt the pain those words carried in her soul. Her mother was a lot of things, but for Katrina to use that against her was unforgiveable. She wanted to watch Raylynn crumble, that was the only explanation. Raylynn felt herself start to break down but refused to let Katrina see it. She opened the door and walked out. Leaving Katrina laughing in the house alone.
Raylynn turned her music up full blast and drove herself to the stadium. She allowed the words to bandage her wounds, and
by the time she found a parking space she was feeling better. She took one last look in the mirror before grabbing her things and heading up to the box office. When she finally made it to the front of the line, she found a ticket waiting for her. Paisley had thought of everything. Along with her ticket were explicit instructions on where to sit.
When she finally found her seat, she realized why she wasn’t given a choice in the matter. She found herself in a sea of blue and gold. This was the spirit section. She was livid. She wasn’t going to do the wave or any of the other stupid things that people in this section did. She really didn’t want to be there, let alone in the happiest section on earth. She groaned inwardly and pulled out her phone to text Ty.
She had almost finished the text when she felt the bleachers move. Someone had sat next to her, and he smelled of nachos and sweat. She scooted away from him and hit send before trying to focus on something else. She scanned the crowd and saw a few familiar faces, including most of the faculty. It didn’t take long to realize that the guy had scooted closer again.
“Can I help you?” She asked sternly.
“Just wondering why someone as sexy as you is all alone.” He said.
“I’m actually waiting on someone, and you’re in their seat.”
“There wasn’t a name on it, so looks like they’re outta luck.”
“Yeah, okay buddy here’s the deal. I’m not interested and you need to move.” She said, barely able to control her anger.
“You really don’t know who I am do you?” He asked obviously looking down her top.
“Nope, don’t know and honestly don’t care. Now, move before I get really pissed.”
“You really gonna act like that? I just wanted to talk. I mean, shit dressed like that you had to expect getting hit on.” He replied sliding closer still.
“Getting hit on is one thing, but you not leaving me the fuck alone is another. Now, if you don’t move your over privileged, self-absorbed, low class ass the fuck away from me I will beat the living shit out of you. See, you obviously don’t know who I am and what I’m capable of.” Raylynn said with enough anger to make sure he understood.
“Awe baby, you don’t mean that.” He said.
Raylynn was about to lay into him when she heard a voice cut through the crowd.
“Hey babe, is this guy bothering you?” Jax called.
She turned to find Jax, Syn, Ty, Lucas and Drake all approaching her. She turned back to the annoying jerk and smiled sweetly.
“No baby, he was just leaving.” She answered. “Now, see that’s my boyfriend and his brothers. I suggest you leave now before he gets jealous. He doesn’t tolerate people messing with me very well, and he might just get angry.” She added.
“Umm yeah, I was just making sure nobody messed with her, ya know cause she was all alone. I’ll just, umm, yeah I’ll just go.” He said to Jax, all the while stumbling to get away.
Raylynn laughed a whole-hearted laugh, as she watched him scramble. Jax was laughing when he took his spot behind her. He gave her a panty combusting smile and kissed her on top of her head. She smiled to herself and turned in her seat to face him.
She saw his reaction when he was able to take in her outfit. Her breasts were pushed up nicely and Paisley’s top fit her like a second skin. The cut of the shirt gave Jax a nice view of her cleavage, and she watched him lick his bottom lip as he was checking her out. She thought she saw Syn looking too, but she couldn’t be sure.
“No fuckin wonder that prick was hittin on you. I swear one look at your fine ass could give a gay man a boner. You’re a fuckin knock out.” Jax said tilting his head to the side admiring her.
Raylynn felt the blood rush to her cheeks and she had to turn quickly so that Jax wouldn’t see. Instead she turned to far and came face to face with Syn. She could see something in his expression. She couldn’t tell if it was interest or anger. He was looking at her with a wild look in his eyes, and for a moment she was trapped in them. She had an overwhelming urge to hit him or kiss him, she wasn’t sure which. Jax was saying something, but his voice sounded a million miles away. The hold of Syn’s eyes was strong, it was impossible to break away from it.
Syn smirked and turned to face Lucas, who was sitting on the other side of him. Raylynn came to her senses and when she was finally able to speak, she turned to Ty.
“Hey, how long do these things usually last, cause I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this for too long.” She said.
“I don’t know, a couple hours.” He replied.
Raylynn caught him looking at her cleavage too. She couldn’t help herself. She stood and faced them all.
“Everyone get a good look now, because if I catch any of you looking at my tits again, I will poke your eyes out.” She said bending at the waist so that they could all get a look.
“Does that include me?” Jax asked, taking the opportunity to get a great look.
“Maybe.” She replied.
She was about to sit down when she heard someone whistle, and the comment that followed it sent anger coursing through her veins.
“TAKE IT OFF!!!! SHOW US THOSE NICE TITTIES!!!!” the guy yelled.
She was getting ready to climb up the stands to kick his ass when Jax stood up. Drake, Syn, Lucas and Ty all stood and faced the direction of the guy who was obviously unaware of how big they were. She watched his expression change from happy to scared shitless as soon as the guys stood. She was completely obstructed from view. The five of them stood around her and shielded her from the dumbass in the stands.
“You want her to do what exactly?” Syn yelled, putting his forearm out across Jax’s chest.
“I was just kidding, I didn’t mean anything by it.” The guy yelled back.
“See, I don’t think you were. I think you thought she was alone, and that you could be funny in front of your boys.” Syn said calmly.
“No really, I was just kidding. I’m sorry.” The guy said sitting down.
“Not good enough. See, she’s family. I don’t like when guys talk to my brother’s girl like that. Now, I think you should come down here and apologize to her, and to my brother.” Syn replied with a look on his face that could scare the devil himself.
“I’m sorry miss. I really didn’t mean anything by it.” He yelled.
“No, bring your bitch ass down here and apologize like a man.” Syn demanded. “See, if I have to come up there and get you, you won’t be able to walk down here without assistance.”
Raylynn stood impossibly still. She had never seen the guys like this. They were intimidating without being loud. They were unlike anything she had ever seen. Time slowed down and she took in her surroundings for the first time since they stood. Syn was standing to her right, one step above her, Jax stood next to him. His anger rolled off of him in waves. He was itching to get to that guy, and Syn was keeping him back. Drake was standing to her left with Ty on her immediate right. Behind her was Lucas. The five men, four of them built like Greek gods towered over her, and she had never felt more safe in her life.
She watched as the guy started to make his way down towards her. She knew he wouldn’t get away without a scratch, but she wasn’t sure what they would do when he was within striking distance.
In the background she heard the crowd start yelling, and she knew the game was starting. Paisley led the cheerleaders in the rally song, and Raylynn knew she could see what was happening. She just hoped that Pais would be to focused to care.
When the guy finally made it to the wall that was Jax and Syn he stopped. He looked genuinely scared. Syn stepped to the side and made a path straight to her. The guy looked at both Jax and Syn before slowly walking towards her.
“I’m sorry. I was just kidding I won’t do it again.” He said.
“Tell her the truth, you weren’t kidding. You were showing off.” Jax finally spoke. His voice deep and commanding.
“Okay, I wasn’t kidding. I think you’re hot and I was showing off for my buddies. I am sorry
though.” He corrected.
“Okay, but if you ever say some dumb shit like that to me again, I won’t hesitate to rip your dick off and shove it down your throat.” She replied. She could see Jax and Syn both fighting the urge to smile.
“I swear, I won’t ever say anything like that again.” He said before turning back to face the guys.
“What do you think Syn? You believe he learned his lesson?” Jax asked cracking his knuckles.
“Yeah, I think he did, but honestly she’s your girl so it’s really up to you and her.” Syn said smiling.
“Babe, yes or no?” Jax asked looking to Raylynn.
She wasn’t sure what he was asking. The way he looked at her said that no matter the answer, he was going to hit him. She could only respond with a nod before she turned around and sat. She heard the air escape his lungs and she knew that Jax had done just that. She waited for the fight to start, but instead she heard Syn speak.
“That was for disrespecting our girl. Next time keep your comments to yourself.” He said.
She took a quick peek over her shoulder and saw Syn pat him on the back before allowing him to slowly make his way back to his seat. When she turned back to the game, Paisley was looking right at her. She smiled and waved, hoping that she hadn’t seen what had just happened. The look on her face told Raylynn that she had.
“So, where’s girl scout?” Lucas asked looking at the cheerleaders.
Raylynn understood why he had to ask. Paisley looked like a different person. Her hair was pulled up into the classic high pony with a blue and gold bow. Her make-up was darker, and she looked like she should be going clubbing instead of cheering for a high school football team. Her hazel eyes sparkled under the gold eye shadow. However, the biggest change was her uniform. The tank top did little to cover her mid-drift, and her skirt was barely the size of a wash cloth. She was definitely in her element though, and she commanded the attention of the crowd.
“She’s right there, the one in front.” Raylynn said pointing.
At that moment, Paisley threw herself into a double back handspring and landed in a perfect split. The crowd was going nuts, mostly due to Paisley.