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

by Hattie Jude

  He motions to the doors behind him and I see two officers standing outside a door.

  “Thank you. I’m ready to see her.”

  I walk back with the doctor and start crying all over again when I see my mom. She’s sitting propped up on pillows and looks terrible. But she smiles and holds out her hand for me to take. I lean over and kiss her hand.

  “I’m so sorry this happened.”

  “I’m okay.” She grasps my hand harder and dread sinks to my toes when she stares intently at me. “I need you to stay with Stefen tonight. You can’t go home, Josephine,” she whispers. “Your father…I had to talk to him about all of this with Luke and he’s in town. I pushed things with him. I told him I’d moved on and—you know how he gets.”

  My lips tremble and a tears drips into the crevice of my mouth. I blink when I can’t see anymore and nod. “It was him then…Mom, Stefen suspects Dad.”

  Horror fills her face and her hand is shaking as she holds on tighter. “He can’t. Why would he?”

  “Because you were saying Dad’s name over and over again when you were found.”

  She exhales and winces, touching her ribs. “I can explain that away. Don’t say a word.”

  “Why would he do this, Mom? I thought he’d gotten help and…he promised me.” It sounds weak even as I’m saying it, but I believed this time would be different. I thought the trauma we went through with Luke got through to my dad and that he wouldn’t go down that path with the abuse again.

  “He loves me too much.” She closes her eyes.

  “No. Don’t say that. I used to believe you when you said he loves you too much, and now that turns my stomach. That’s not love at all. It’s violent and cruel. It’s the opposite of love. With Dad and Luke, what was Dad’s excuse—stress? Vengeance for his daughter? But he finds out you’re seeing someone and it’s, what—ownership…rage that he can’t have you? When I was little and he got upset at you for not working with that one actor, the slimy one…what was it then—your disobedience?” I choke back a sob. “You have an excuse for every single time he’s gone off on you, but please, please do not ever call it love.”

  Her shoulders are shaking now with her sobs and she holds her arms out for me. I shift closer to her and hug her, careful not to hold her too tight. I feel terrible for saying these things to her now, but how can she still be making excuses for him? I thought when she divorced him, she’d at least partially seen the truth.

  “You’re right, sweetheart. About all of it. I…I need to reevaluate things.”

  I pull away and she shakes her head, tears still flowing. I grab tissues for her and help dab her face around her bandages.

  “I shouldn’t be in any kind of a relationship,” she whispers. “But, I do need you to go home with Stefen. Just stay away from Raf.”

  There’s a knock on the door and the nurse sticks her head inside. “There’s a gentleman out here who’d like to see you. Stefen? Should I send him back or tell him you’re too tired for visitors?”

  “Send him back, please.”

  She nods and backs out of the door.

  “Why not Ashton’s house? You’re friends with his mom, right?”

  A cloud covers her face. “She hasn’t called lately…I think she knows about Sookie and backed off.”

  “Maybe other things are going on with her. Either way, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if I stayed over there. I’d feel more comfortable there than—”

  “Please don’t say a word about your father, okay?” she interrupts.

  “Why, Mom? Why are you still protecting him?”

  Two raps on the door pause our conversation and we watch as Stefen steps in with a colorful bouquet. His face is anguished as he looks at my mom.

  “It’s not as bad as it looks,” she says, smiling as she continues to dab her eyes. “I get to go home tomorrow, so it can’t be that bad, right?” She smiles at the flowers he sets by the side of her bed. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”

  Stefen leans over and kisses her forehead and the gesture is so tender, so heartfelt, it takes my breath away. I struggle with the lump in my throat. Seeing him treat my mom as if he cherishes her—it’s something I’ve never seen.

  It doesn’t mean I want to go home with him and I’m hoping to convince her that Ashton’s house is a better idea when he leaves, but she jumps the gun.

  “Stefen, I hope you’re okay with this. I don’t feel comfortable having Gabriela at the house. Would you mind if she stays with you? I don’t have many friends here, and I trust you.”

  I stare at my mother, willing her to look at me. How can she trust someone she hardly knows? And after all I’ve told her about Raf.

  “Stefen is a private detective with his own agency,” she says, her eyes full of meaning when she looks at me. “He’ll keep you safe.”

  I sink into the seat by the window and let out a long whoosh of breath. A momentary relief. “I didn’t know that.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ashton and Raf both stand up when Stefen and I walk into the waiting room. Ashton’s by my side first, putting his arm around me, and I watch Raf cringe and look away. I wish it wasn’t so awkward between all of us, that Raf knew everything about Ashton…but it’s not my story to tell.

  “We’re taking Gabriela home with us,” Stefen tells Raf. And I don’t miss the look that passes between them. The you better not do a thing to mess this up look.

  Raf’s jaw clenches and he gives a subtle nod to both of us.

  Ashton shakes his head. “No, she should come home with me. Right, Gabi?” He leans in closer, his fingers gripping me tighter.

  “My mom asked Stefen to take me home,” I tell him. I pat his arm. “I’ll be okay,” I say under my breath.

  Raf scoffs and when we all turn to him, he holds both hands up. “I’ll be on my best behavior, I swear.”

  Ashton glares at him. “So help me, if I hear otherwise—”

  “What? You’ll what?”

  “Guys, this is not the time or place. And remember, you’re best friends. You’re seriously gonna let a girl come between you?”

  All three of us glare at Stefen with that one. I resent the fact that he acts like I’m trying to come between them when all I’ve ever wanted is peace. He chuckles and waves his finger at all of us.

  “Looks like you can at least agree on one thing. Come on, let’s get you home.” He pounds Ashton on the back. “We’ll take care of your girl, man.”

  Raf growls and Stefen laughs again.

  “Oh, to be this age again. I wouldn’t go back for all the money in the world.”

  Raf rolls his eyes and we walk out of the hospital. I hug Ashton and Raf opens the door of his dad’s SUV, waiting for me to get in. He shuts the door behind me, never breaking our gaze. Ashton says something to him and he turns around, his shoulders tensing. When he gets in the car, he’s radiating anger.

  The ride to the house is quiet, except for when Stefen goes through a drive-thru and asks what we want. Raf seems to have calmed down considerably by the time we get to the house and walk into the kitchen.

  Stefen sets the bags of takeout on the table and sits down. I dread having a meal with him. I don’t know him well. I expect him to have a lot of questions. I glance at Raf and he reaches out to touch my arm but drops it before it makes contact. I swallow hard and he gives a slight nod that reassures me. I sit down and take out the burger. I’m only able to eat a couple of bites.

  “Not hungry?” Stefen asks.

  “I’m sorry. I can cut this part off and you can have the rest.”

  “Don’t worry about that. There’s plenty here. Raf will take you up on that—he’s our resident disposal.”

  Raf grins around a giant mouthful.

  I grin. This isn’t so bad.

  “Gabriela, I’d like to ask you a few questions about—”

  “Dad—” Raf shakes his head. “Come on, give her a break. She’s been through a lot tonight.”

  �
�It’s just…the sooner we know who might’ve done this, the sooner we can make sure she’s safe.”

  “I know, but look at her…she’s exhausted.”

  The lump in my throat grows and I glance at Raf gratefully before turning to Stefen. “You should ask my mom. She knows who did this.”

  She’d be upset with me for even saying this much, but I’m tired of covering for my dad and letting my mom take the punches.

  Stefen’s eyes darken and he reaches out and pats my hand. “Thank you for telling me. I had a feeling.”

  Raf inhales the rest of his burger and mine and stands. “I can show you the guest bedroom. I’ll loan you a shirt or whatever you need.”

  “Thanks.” I stand up and try to smile at Stefen. “Thanks for everything.”

  “I care about your mother. I hope you and I can be friends too.”

  I don’t know what to say to that so I nod and awkwardly follow Raf out of the kitchen.

  “Sorry about that,” he says as we walk up the stairs. “Sometimes my dad doesn’t know when to leave things alone.”

  “He’s a private detective, huh?”

  “Uh, yeah. I’m surprised he’s already told your mom that. It’s not something he usually starts with—women aren’t super comfortable with that career choice and it’s also risky for too many people to know.” He looks at me over his shoulder. “He must trust her.”

  “She trusts him. Also surprising.”

  He opens the door to the guest room and it’s beautiful with a large bed covered with pillows, a plush comforter, and a soft blanket draped across the end. It’s more decorated than his room and fits with the colors in the rest of the house—greys and blues with touches of yellow. “Wow, this is nice.”

  “We haven’t changed anything since my mom died.”

  My mouth drops and I turn to look at him. He’s staring straight ahead. “I had no idea your mom died. When?”

  “Three years ago.”

  “I’m so sorry. I don’t even know what to say.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t know what to say about it most of the time. Fucking cancer.” He stalks to the bathroom and pulls out a towel and washcloth. “I’ll grab one of my T-shirts, if you want to sleep in that. If you think of anything else you need, let me know.”

  “Thank you, Raf.”

  “It’s not Ashton’s house, but—” He shrugs and I roll my eyes as he smirks.

  I take a long bath and pull his soft shirt over my head. The tears start back up when I crawl back in bed and I sniffle, trying to get a grip and be quiet.

  A box of tissues sits on the nightstand and I blow my nose and lie back again, staring at the ceiling. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight.

  The door cracks open and Raf peeks inside.

  “You okay, Gabi?”

  I sniffle again and sigh. “Not really.”

  He walks over and sits on the bed. I pull the covers back and scoot over. He crawls in and lies down, staring at the ceiling with me.

  “Do you wanna talk about any of it?”

  “Why are you being nice to me?”

  “I’ve decided my house is neutral ground.”

  “Ugh. Okay.” The sarcasm in my voice is thick and he laughs, turning on his side to face me.

  “Would you rather I pretend we’re at Longlake?” His voice is low and raspy and I feel it to my core.

  I turn to my side and enjoy the way the light from the window casts just enough on his face that I can see his features.

  “I’d never go back to Longlake if I had the option.”

  “Then quit.”

  “Why do you want me to so bad?”

  “Has it been a happy experience for you?”

  “No, but it’ll look good for Columbia.”

  “Columbia, huh? You don’t want to go somewhere with more sunshine and heat?”

  “Nope.”

  “Hmm.” He reaches out and runs his fingers lightly over my forehead and cheek.

  “You’re so confusing.”

  “I think I’ve been pretty clear. I want you out of Longlake and in my bed.”

  “Because you hate me…”

  “Yes. You’re hot. And trouble.”

  “You hate me because I’m hot?” I gasp when his fingers brush across my lips. When he drags them across again, my tongue sweeps out and licks him.

  He groans and does it again and I circle my tongue over his finger, pulling it into my mouth and giving it a long suck.

  “Gabi.”

  “Is this hate?” I whisper.

  “Yes,” he whispers. “Do you hate me back?”

  “Yes,” I admit honestly.

  “Because I’m hot?”

  “Because you hated me first.”

  He closes the distance between us and when his lips touch mine, I feel the current run through my body, head to toe. His hands drag through my hair and tug, his lips trailing a path from my ear, down my neck, and when he reaches my breasts and latches onto my nipple over the material of the shirt, I arch into his mouth.

  “This is a bad idea,” I moan.

  “We will go back to hating one another more thoroughly tomorrow. My house is neutral,” he reminds me, looking up and smiling.

  “You’re crazy.” I watch as he pulls down the neck of the shirt and wraps his tongue around my tip.

  “You’re beautiful. I’ve dreamed of this since I first saw you.”

  “Why didn’t you start with that instead of the asshole?”

  He sits back and pulls off his shirt before reaching down and pulling mine over my head. I didn’t have clean panties so I’m completely bare and I feel my body heat as he stares at me, his mouth dropping open.

  “Fuck me. You are so fucking beautiful, it makes me drunk when I let myself fully take you in.” He teases my stomach with the tips of his fingers and I shiver. “I’m still the asshole.”

  “What are we doing?” I put my hands over my breasts and he slides them away.

  “Please, let me look. Why would you ever cover yourself up?”

  “This changes nothing, does it?” I say it mostly to remind myself, but also because he’s acting like he needs reminding. The sweet things he’s saying. He doesn’t normally go this long without bringing a harsh reality back into our conversations. It will hurt worse if we don’t talk it through. I don’t want to pretend like we will come out of this any different than what we are: enemies.

  “Nothing,” he says, licking his lips.

  “Take off your pants.”

  His eyes gleam as he stands up and pulls his sweats down. His cock bobs out, so long and thick that it’s too heavy to stand all the way up. My mouth goes dry as all the heat inside of me goes straight between my legs. I lean up, staring at him, his abs, his chest, and back to that weapon between his legs that could do the best kind of destruction to me. He has nothing on any porn star I’ve ever seen.

  “How have you been hiding that all this time?”

  He chuckles under his breath and I shudder at the promise in his look. He leans over me and drags me down the bed so I’m lying flat before he lies on top of me. Both of us take a deep breath as we study one another.

  “I wasn’t done looking at you,” I whisper. His erection jerks at my words and I close my eyes, loving the way every part of him feels against me.

  “I’ll be here all night. You can have your fill tonight only.”

  “It must feel nice to be the one making all the rules. If I didn’t want this right now, I’d shove you off of me so fast, you couldn’t see straight. But I’m sad and lonely and you’re a body.”

  Anger flashes across his face and he thrusts against me. “Just a body, huh?”

  “Yep. I can be like a guy and not feel a thing for the person I fuck.”

  He leans away and I pull him back down on me. He stares down at me like he doesn’t know what to do now and I arch against him.

  “Let’s get this over with. You know we just need to get it out of our system.”
r />   “Who are you right now?”

  “I am your dismantling,” I whisper.

  His mouth crashes into mine and it feels like an endless struggle of wills. When my mouth feels raw from his kisses, he shifts to assaulting my breasts, sucking, licking, biting them like he can’t get enough. His fingers move between my legs, he drags my wetness across my slit and then plunges inside. I can’t be still and when he shifts so his mouth is plunging inside of me, I fuck his tongue, my hands in his hair, pulling him as far inside of me as he can go, until I don’t know where he begins and I end.

  I cry out as the pressure builds and he puts his hand over my mouth, covering my cries as I fall apart. He never stops pulsing his tongue inside and out, covering every inch of my sex until I see stars.

  I shudder against him one more time and he leans up, grabbing a condom from the side of the bed.

  I’m too dazed to ask if he planned this or just leaves condoms around the house for any opportunity.

  I watch as he sheathes himself, admiring the way his hand moves with one long stroke, two strokes…my mouth waters on the third.

  Neither of us say a word, but when he slides the tip in, we both gasp and I feel my heart thudding even faster. He watches me, and I can’t look away, the intimacy between us suddenly impossible to ignore. I take a deep breath and he pushes another inch in. He pulls back and then slides in further, and one more time before going balls deep. The feeling is out of this world. I close my eyes and arch into him, the hard peaks of my nipples feeling divine against his chest.

  “Look at me,” he rasps. “I want you to know who’s making you feel this way.”

  Like I could ever forget.

  I open my eyes and he pulls out and slams into me again, slowly circling in and out, deliciously taking his time until I’m pulling him into me begging him to move faster.

  “Harder,” I whimper.

  He continues to tease me, dragging across my clit before sinking into me again and again and again until my head is falling back. Eyes rolling back.