Unwritten: A High School Bully Romance: The Longlake Duet, Book 1

by Hattie Jude

  A deafening cheer sweeps over the field and I see Ashton do yet another amazing play. The time runs out and we’ve won. The team crowds around him, lifting him up. I hang around a little while, unsure of what to do now. I want Ashton to know we came, but I don’t want to bother him. When the team runs off of the field, he sees me standing on the sidelines and jogs over.

  “You came!” He picks me up and throws me over his shoulder, jogging around in circles.

  I smack his butt and laugh. “Put me down, you stinky boy!”

  He laughs and acts like he’s going to drop me just to hear me squeal. He sets me down and holds onto me as I try to stand up straight. “Wait for me? I’ll shower and then we can go to the party at Henry’s house. You in?”

  One glance at Luci’s hopeful face and I know we’re going to the party. At least it’s not at Raf’s house.

  “You think it’s a good idea for me to go? I threw my drink in Heidi’s face earlier.”

  “Oh shit.” He laughs. “Can’t stay out of trouble for even one game, can you?”

  “Hey, it’s been a decent week. We were due a little scuffle, I guess.”

  Raf won’t be happy if I come to the party, which makes me want to go more than ever. His words echo in my head: You don’t belong here. But Ashton and Luci are smiling, anxious to hang out and it makes me feel better. I shouldn’t need Raf’s approval, but it will take effort not to care.

  “You need a ride?” I ask.

  “Yeah. Give me ten minutes.”

  I tell him where we’re parked and Luci and I walk to the car and wait for him inside. The parking lot slowly clears out and it’s fun to people-watch from the safety of the car. I check the time and tap on the steering wheel, antsy. It’s been more than ten minutes.

  A car pulls in and stops a couple of rows from me. I can tell it’s a guy in the driver’s seat, but it’s too dark to see who it is. I see Jen and Amber walk over there first and then Melanie and Heidi follow. Heidi sticks around longer than Melanie and something is exchanged Heidi and the driver. She glances around to see if anyone is watching. I should duck, but I don’t. Hopefully she didn’t notice us.

  “Do you recognize that guy?” I ask Luci.

  “No. I don’t remember ever seeing the car either.”

  The car peels out and Heidi saunters over to Jen’s car. She gets inside and they leave. I don’t want to be at a party with her, but I don’t want to let Ashton down.

  He climbs in the backseat and pounds the back of our seats. “Let’s go. Henry lives one street over from me.”

  The music is pounding when we step out of the car. The houses are spread out, so maybe no one will complain about the noise.

  “What’s the story on Henry’s parents?” I ask Ashton on our way inside.

  “They’re nice. Still married to each other, seem to like each other, so you know, bizarre. But they’re nice. You’ll meet them. They’re always around, but it’s strangely not uncomfortable.”

  Now my curiosity is piqued. We step inside and the music is ten times louder. I feel it in my chest and it’s hard not to move with it.

  “I’ll get you guys a drink,” Ashton says. “And then we’re dancing.” He points at me and I make a face.

  “Water for me.”

  He grins like I’m joking and I shake my head. He pouts and Luci and I stand against the wall awkwardly watching the few who have already started dancing. By the time Ashton gets back with water for me and a pink concoction for Luci, the room has filled even more.

  Henry’s mom walks by and stops when she sees me. “I’ve never seen you at these parties. I’m Amina Young, Henry’s mom.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Gabriela Sinclair.”

  I can tell she’s heard about me by the way her eyes shift, but to her credit, she doesn’t break her smile. “I hope you enjoy the party.”

  I can almost hear her also saying, Stay away from my son. I’ll be watching you.

  I wouldn’t want my son hanging out with a porn star’s daughter either, so I can’t blame her much. Good thing I’m not friends with Henry.

  Ashton goes back to grab a drink for himself and once he’s chugged it, he points at me.

  “Time to get freaky with it.”

  “Does anyone say that…ever?” I let him grab my hand and drag me out in the middle of the couples. I stare at Luci longingly, but Charlie, a guy from her English class, is talking to her and she looks ecstatic about it.

  “I think it’s time to bring it back.” Ashton pulls me tight against him and starts grinding against me when the music gets going. My eyes widen when he turns me around with my back against his chest and we move like we’ve always danced together.

  I let the music take over and dance like I haven’t danced in so long. My eyes close and I lift my arms to the ceiling and let the rhythm cancel out every inhibition. One second, I feel a cool breeze against my back, and the next, a hot chest is against mine, hands on my waist.

  I look back, knowing something changed and Raf glares down at me. His body says something else as it seductively sways in time with mine. I choose to keep dancing and let the music heal the damage that has been done to me this year. I lose myself in the beat.

  His hands begin to wander, sliding up my waist and just below my breasts before dipping down dangerously low. I feel him harden underneath me and bite my lip, my eyes fluttering open as I stare back at him in a haze. His pupils dilate and his eyes are an indistinguishable color now. I see the lust clearer than ever before and I wonder why we can’t do this just once without it going haywire?

  His lips move to the shell of my ear and his tongue slides along the edge. “Did it feel like this with Ashton?”

  I don’t say anything. I keep dancing, not wanting him to ruin this with his words.

  He pulls my hair back in his fist, forcing my eyes up to his. He turns me around and tightens his grip so there is no space between us. I clench my legs together. He feels so fucking good against me, I’m afraid I’ll dissolve in a puddle if I don’t get a grip. What happened to all that resolve I was going to have around him? One touch from him and it’s gone.

  I blink and shake myself, stepping back in a stupor. I push his hands off of me and bump into the couple dancing behind me.

  “I need to find Ashton,” I tell him and turn to run out of the room.

  Chapter Fifteen

  I’ve never been so happy to see a weekend. Last night with Raf was intense. I need the two days to recoup before seeing him again on Monday. Ashton comes over Sunday afternoon and before we start a movie, he fans himself.

  “I thought you and Raf were going to have sex right there in Henry’s living room. Mrs. Young kept stopping herself from stepping in.” He snorts and I feel my cheeks heat.

  “Does it bother you to see me with Raf like that?”

  “Honestly? No. I like you more than I like him right now. He’s being such a jackass. I told him off last night.”

  “What did he say?”

  “That he’d told me from the beginning that you were his and to leave you alone.” He rolls his eyes. “I told him you belong to yourself, but the minute you told me you’re his, I’d bow out.” He laughs when my eyes widen. “He didn’t like that. He can’t believe I’m letting a girl come between us—which I’m finding hard to believe too, trust me. But I told him the second he starts treating you decently, maybe we’ll get back to normal too.” His smile fades and I scoot closer to him. “I can’t keep liking someone who is straighter than that windowpane. When I go to college, I’ll experiment the shit out of that school life…with someone who knows how hot I am.”

  I lean my head on his shoulder and hold his hand. “I’m glad you told me. And thank you for defending me with Raf, but you don’t have to. I feel bad enough that you aren’t as close as you were.”

  “I think it had to go that direction anyway,” he says.

  “Maybe, but I don’t want to add to it. I’m embarrassed about the way I lose it when
he’s around. I have to keep my head straight until next fall too. I’ll have a few months away from him and Columbia will be a whole new start.”

  “The not drinking—is that a thing or do you just not want to get in trouble for underage drinking?”

  “It’s a thing.”

  “Ahhh. Okay, noted.” He gives my hand a squeeze and smiles, his eyes lighting up. “Hey—not the best moment, but I’ve been dying to tell you something and this will definitely be a solid mood enhancer. You’re gonna love me so much more for this.”

  I turn to face him, laughing at the way he’s trying to cheer me up. “I already do love you more.”

  “You’ll really love me now. Are you ready?”

  I nod.

  “I got tickets for us to see Hamilton…”

  “Nooooooo. How is that possible? They’re always sold out!”

  “A friend of my mom’s isn’t able to go and she sold me two tickets.”

  “Your mom didn’t want to go?”

  He waves his hand. “No, she’s not into that scene and I know how bad you’ve been wanting to see this.”

  “Oh my god, I can’t wait. When?”

  “This Thursday night. I’ve already okayed it with your mom.” He grins, extremely pleased with himself.

  I hug him hard, squealing. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is so exciting. Best surprise ever.”

  Ashton, Luci, and I have been sitting at our own table. Ashton and Raf’s relationship is obviously strained, especially after arguing about me. The first day Ashton came to sit with Luci and me, I thought Raf’s head was going to blow off.

  Since the party, he hasn’t stopped glowering. He watches Ashton and me like a hawk, his face mutinous. I don’t want to cause more trouble for him and Ashton than I already have, but I think part of Ashton is relieved to have the distance. He’s been able to take a break from his feelings and work on getting over whatever it is he still feels for Raf. I get it. I’ve needed the distance myself, except for me, it’s still not enough.

  At night, my dreams are invaded with Raf’s kisses. The feel of him against me, the way he felt between my legs, his lips on mine. I can’t escape him there. And during the day, it takes every ounce of strength in me not to obsess over what he’s thinking, what he’s doing, is he sleeping with Heidi, does he think about our kisses?

  When I’m not thinking of Raf, I’m worrying about Luke. They’ve both taken residence in my brain and aren’t giving me much of a break. That’s why it’s been nice to have a couple of days to think about something else. I’ve wanted to see Hamilton since it first came out. We were supposed to go as a family before my parents’ marriage split wide open.

  The day of the show, I leave as soon as school is out and hurry home to get ready. I wear a short black dress that makes me feel sexy and older, with my highest heels. My hair is still holding the curl from this morning and my makeup is heavier than what I’ve worn to school in a while. When I step back, my hazel eyes pop and the color on my lips make them impossible to ignore. I grin, my white teeth bright against the lipstick.

  Mom gets home right before Ashton arrives and she takes a picture of us in front of the fireplace. Ashton says he wants pictures of us too and hands her his phone before putting his hand on my back and smiling wide, winning us both over even more.

  It’s not just any car but a limo waiting for us outside.

  “Wow, you went all out.”

  “You deserve it,” he says.

  “Are you trying to make me fall in love with you? Because it’s working.”

  He gives me a side hug and we talk nonstop all the way to the city.

  When we pull to a stop in front of a candlelit restaurant, I grab Ashton’s arm. “What else are you up to?”

  “I heard this restaurant is incredible. Let’s see for ourselves.”

  I feel like a grownup with the driver opens the door and I step out, walking into a fancy restaurant where they’re expecting us. We’re seated right away and when chilled sparkling water is poured in our glasses, I smile at Ashton.

  “You’re the best date I’ve ever had,” I say, clinking his glass.

  He takes a picture of me and I groan.

  “Except for that.”

  The show is even more amazing than I imagined it would be. We float out of there, singing the songs to each other as we walk back to the limo, hand in hand. We get another selfie inside the car—we’ve done that throughout the night. His idea every time, which sort of cracks me up.

  “Since when are you a Selfie-ista?”

  “When have we ever looked this hot?”

  I laugh and reluctantly nod. “True.”

  I doubt Raf would ever think of taking a selfie. I guess I’m not the typical girl either because I rarely take pictures and don’t post on social media, but it’s endearing that Ashton wants to document our night.

  “Thank you for an amazing night.” I turn to Ashton and squeeze his hand. “I can’t remember when I’ve had this much fun.”

  We sing all the way home and laugh about everything and nothing. I feel like I’m getting my joy back…it’s been so long. I lean back against the seat and look at Ashton. We’re about to turn down my street and I’m about to thank him for the zillionth time when his face changes.

  He turns to me, gripping my hand hard. “Gabi, I don’t know what’s going on.”

  I look out the window and my heart drops. There are police cars and an ambulance in front of my house.

  Our driver says, “I can’t pull in the driveway. Are you okay to get out here?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Ashton answers.

  I’m out of the car before the driver can get out to open my door. There are police cars both on the street and in the driveway and when I step through the gate, a cop stops me.

  “I live here.” I frantically try to spot my mother.

  “Okay, calm down, miss. What’s your name?”

  “Gabi Sinclair.”

  Ashton stands next to me, his arm around me.

  “Where is my mom? Is she okay?”

  “I’ll have someone come talk to you in just a moment.”

  “Why won’t they answer me?” I turn to Ashton in a panic.

  His hand clasps my cheek, his eyes worried. “They’ll be right back. They’ll tell you if something is wrong.”

  Stefen’s talking to the officers closest to the house and I feel Raf before I see him. When I turn, his eyes make the slow perusal down my body, his eyes darkening when he sees Ashton’s arm around me.

  “Do you know what’s going on?”

  “There was an intruder, and they won’t let us inside.”

  “Where is my mom?”

  He puts his hand on my arm and I go completely still at the contact. I’ve never felt so much terror in all of my life.

  Just then the front door opens and a stretcher is carried out. I run to be by her side and am held back by another cop.

  “That’s my mother. Let me see her,” I yell.

  “Sorry, miss. She’s being taken to St. Francis. We’re going to need the room in the ambulance. Are you able to get a ride?”

  I look around wildly and Raf and Ashton are both standing there. Raf steps forward. “We’ll drive you.”

  I nod and step as close as I can get to my mother. Her eyes are closed and there’s blood everywhere.

  “I love you, Mom. I’ll be right there. Hang on.” My voice drops to a whisper. “Please. Please hang on.”

  Raf drives and I sit in the front, Ashton in the back. Raf doesn’t say anything, but he watches every move we make. Ashton is sitting in the middle and has his hand on my arm, trying to get me to calm down. I feel the weight of Raf’s judgment and turn to him, exhausted before we ever even get to the hospital.

  “I need peace tonight. A break in whatever this war is we’ve got going between all of us. Okay?”

  He gives me a brief nod and glances back at Ashton. They convey something unspoken, but some of the tension
dissolves.

  Stefen is already in the waiting room when we arrive, pacing the floor. He glances at me and stops, moving toward me but not knowing what to do. He holds his arm out and ends up patting me on the shoulder.

  “What do you know about what happened?” I ask.

  “Very little. We were supposed to see each other tonight and she canceled over text, which wasn’t like her. I didn’t think too much of it. She said she wasn’t feeling great and I offered to bring food over. She didn’t want me to, in case she had a bug. But then she called, panicked, hours later and said someone was in the house.”

  My eyes fill with tears and when I blink they spill over. Ashton’s arm tightens around me.

  “How badly is she hurt?”

  “She was beaten pretty bad, but I don’t know how extensive the injuries are. I called the police as soon as she called and I was still too late when I ran over there. I didn’t see anyone.”

  “Did she say who it was?” I whisper.

  “She kept saying Hugh over and over again.”

  I bury my head in Ashton’s chest and sob.

  “Gabriela? Is it possible that your dad did this?” Stefen’s voice is a cold, leveled rage.

  I start shaking, hard.

  “Dad, enough.” Raf pulls me out of Ashton’s arms and wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly until I settle. “You don’t have to talk right now. We’ll figure this out,” he whispers.

  “Do you know if she said anything else?” I whisper. “I need to talk to my mom. She wouldn’t want me to—”

  His body tenses and he pulls back, brushing my hair away from my face and wiping the tears away. His face is pure agony and I don’t stop to question why he suddenly cares. I bury my head in his neck and let his soothing strokes calm me.

  It feels like forever before we see a doctor and when he comes out, he heads straight for me. We’ve moved to the chairs and Raf and Ashton are on either side of me. I stand up and they do too.

  “You can come see your mom now,” he says. “She has a few broken ribs, a broken nose, and some contusions that are being stitched up now, but no concussion, no other serious internal damage. We’ll watch her for the evening. The police want to ask you both questions and I’ve held them off as long as possible. Just wanted to give you a heads up on that.”