Savage Rose: A High School Bully Romance (Rosehaven Academy Book 1)

by Leila James

  From beside me, Xander nods. “We did. Mom, this is Scarlett.”

  She smiles when she focuses on me and quickly holds out her arms to me. “Hi, honey. I’m Isabella. Xander’s had all sorts of nice things to say about you,”—I accept her hug—“but the one who raves the most is Janie. She just adores you.”

  I chuckle with a shrug. “Must be the ice cream.”

  When we separate, his mom is smiling. “Oh no, she goes on and on about your pretty hair and how you like Xan a whole lot.” She winks, and my face flushes.

  I sneak a peek at him and find he’s smiling indulgently at her. He gestures to the big Viking fridge that takes up half of one wall. “Scarlett and I are going to make a snack and then hang out, if that’s okay.”

  She smiles. “Of course. I’m just going to be in my room if you need anything. June’s gone for the night. It was nice to finally meet you, Scarlett.”

  “Same. Thanks for having me.”

  “Anytime. Good night, you two.” With that, she exits through the same door she’d entered.

  Xander draws me in, brushes my hair back over my shoulder, and kisses along my jawline.

  “You have a housekeeper?”

  My eyes get really big when he grins. “Yeah, we do. But June’s the cook.”

  “Holy crap. You must have been laughing so hard at my aunt and uncle’s offer of breakfast.”

  “Not at all. It was very kind of them.” He opens up the fridge and hands me a couple of water bottles, then pulls out a bowl of grapes and a platter with assorted cheeses. He sets those on the counter, then disappears into what I assume is a pantry and comes out with a box of crackers. He pulls the plastic wrap off of the cheese platter and adds crackers and grapes to it. Feeling my eyes on him, he asks, “What?”

  “Sorry. It’s almost like June had that all set up and ready for you.”

  He nods. “She did. She knows I come home from games feeling hungry. I may have also told her I’d have a guest.”

  “Nice.” I pick up the bowl of grapes and put it back in the fridge before spinning back around to him and plucking the water bottles off the counter. “Where to?”

  “Come on.” His eyes twinkle at me.

  Oh man, I’m so gone for this guy.

  We settle in on a couch in Xander’s room in front of a huge TV. He turns on a movie, but I have to admit, I’m paying no attention to it. I’m having more fun watching Xander eat. It’s like he’s starving.

  I pluck a grape from the platter, and suck it into my mouth, swirl my tongue around it, then pop the skin, letting it burst in my mouth.

  He groans. “Red, baby, do that again.”

  Despite how much I’d been watching him, I hadn’t really realized he’d been paying attention to what I was doing, too. Trying not to laugh, I select another grape and suck it into my mouth.

  “Fuck.” He picks me up by the waist and straddles me over his lap. “You’re so damn sexy.” He slides his palms up my thighs. “What do you say we get you out of these clothes?”

  “Yeah?” There goes the calm façade I was trying to hide behind. My heart rate skyrockets.

  He nods. “Abso-fucking-lutely.”

  I raise my brows as his cock hardens beneath me, tenting his athletic pants. My pelvis brushes back and forth over his as his fingers grasp the hem of my shirt, whipping it over my head. I reach down and tug on his, and he removes that, too. Still grinding against him, I press my lips to his, gasping as he slides his hands to my ass, encouraging my movement. His mouth opens for me, and we are quickly lost in a tangle of tongues, in the wet warmth of each other’s mouths.

  “Fuck, Red. I love this bra.” It’s a black lace number that I’d worn just for him, knowing what might happen tonight if I came home with him. He pulls the cups down, and both breasts pop free. He lowers his mouth to one, sucks my nipple deep into his mouth, and makes me whimper before switching to the other.

  I pant. I’ve never been so turned on in my entire life.

  Xander flips me onto my back on the couch and pulls my jeans and panties off before I even know what’s happening. He kneels, his face immediately between my legs. No pretenses this time. Just pure, unadulterated hunger. He inhales and growls. A shudder rolls through me. He grips my thighs, pushing my legs open wide. His mouth is everywhere, licking and sucking until I think I’m going out of my mind. He pushes two fingers deep inside me, pumps a few times, then pulls them out, licking them clean. He winks.

  He slides them back in again, and rubs my clit with his thumb.

  “Oh God.”

  “Nah, it’s just me, baby.” He winks as he removes his fingers again and urges them between my lips. I suck, tasting myself on them. Passion and need spin through me.

  He dips his head down between my legs again, his tongue stroking my inner walls until I shudder.

  “Fuck, Xander.” My head thrashes back and forth, and I clutch at anything within reach.

  “I want you in my bed. Now.” He scrambles from between my legs and picks me up, crossing the room to the massive bed. He climbs onto it with me, falling over me. His cock is rock hard between us as he thrusts against me.

  I swallow. “Pants, Xander. Get rid of them.”

  He eases back just long enough to shuck them down his legs and then grabs a condom from his nightstand drawer before turning back to me. He rips it open, but stops before putting it on. “Do you want my cock inside you, Scarlett?”

  I nod. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more. “I need you, Xander.”

  He rolls the condom on, hovering above me. He takes himself in one hand, sliding the crown of his dick through my wetness, teasing me. “Ready? I want inside your tight little pussy right fucking now.”

  I reach between us and cover his hand with mine, aligning him with my entrance, then shift my hips. The tip teases me, just barely entering me. I think I’m going out of my mind. “Please. You feel so good.”

  He slants his mouth over mine, the taste of me on his tongue sending a fresh burst of need through my system. He plunges into me in one swift stroke.

  I cry out. He’s filling me in a way I’ve never felt before. Never had before. My body tenses with it.

  “You said you weren’t—” He gasps. “Ah, fuck, you’re so damn tight.” He catches my chin in one hand, staring into my eyes. “Are you a virgin, Scarlett?”

  I exhale a stuttering breath. “I swear I’m not. But I’m pretty sure the other guy had a teeny-tiny dick. It didn’t feel like this my first time.”

  He barks with laughter. “Ah, fuck. Okay. I’ll go slow.”

  I shake my head furiously. I’m so overwhelmed with emotion, tears slide from the corners of my eyes. “No. I don’t want you to. Take me, Xander. Show me.”

  He pulls out and surges forward again with a groan. Needing him closer, I tilt my pelvis and wrap my legs around him. His mouth captures mine in a kiss that sends me to places I didn’t know I was capable of.

  I’ve tried so hard to build walls around myself, not let anyone in, and he’s tearing them down with every swipe of his tongue, every press of his lips on my skin, and every thrust inside me. My heart doesn’t know how to handle this. I never intended to let anyone in again. I never wanted to feel love—but in Xander’s arms, I do. And I see it in his eyes as his gaze connects with mine. He’s staring right into my heart, and it’s all I can do to not let what I’m feeling burst free.

  Xander pumps wildly into me—savagely—like he can’t get enough. I lift my hips to meet his, finding our own version of a beautiful rhythm as old as time. The solid weight of him on top of me makes me feel secure, and the feel of him filling me does something I can’t begin to describe, except that I feel complete—like he’s what I didn’t know I needed. He’s erasing every doubt I have with each masterful stroke of his cock, with every touch of his hands, with every heated stare.

  “Scarlett, what are you doing to me?” His breath heaves out near my ear, his lips grazing my cheek.

 
; “The same thing you’re doing to me, I think.” I let out a little moan as he thrusts again, changing the angle.

  His hand slips between us, rubbing my clit in swift circles.

  “Ah. Fuck, Xander.” My back arches right off the bed and my entire body tenses with my impending release.

  “That’s it. Come for me, Scarlett.” His mouth dips down, licking over my collarbone right before he takes one of my nipples into his mouth. He sucks hard on the aching bud, fingers working at my clit as his cock drives into me over and over until I’m a shuddering, quivering mess.

  The coil low in my belly unravels. “Xander!” I cry out as I let go, my pussy clenching around his cock. Wave after wave of pleasure rolls through me. I’m delirious with it.

  He groans and fucks me harder until he stills, his muscles taut with tension as he comes, pushing deep inside me. He collapses on top of me for a few moments, his face buried in my neck. Aftershocks of my release still pulse through my core at random intervals. His sweaty body against mine is everything—I want to experience this exact feeling of contentment over and over again.

  Finally, he takes a deep breath, propping himself back up over me on his forearms. Staring, his deep, dark eyes never leave mine, and an involuntary shudder moves through me. He lowers his mouth, taking my bottom lip between his teeth, and bites gently—just like the very first time he hauled me into the boys’ bathroom. He’d told me then to be afraid of him. My heart gives a bold thump, and I nip right back at his lips. He chuckles and presses a kiss to my lips. “Be right back.” He pulls out of me and heads for what I assume is his en suite bathroom.

  My gaze follows his broad back, firm ass, and well-muscled legs until he’s out of sight. Holy shit that was good. I didn’t know it could be like that. My muscles are loose and I’m a little sore, but in all the right places. And most important, my heart is full, wondering what’s ahead for us. I think there are some pretty strong feelings growing between Xander and me.

  Xander returns, giving me a full-frontal view of his delicious body, and I can’t help but think I want him all over again. He pulls back the covers, and we slide under them together, him on his back, me curled up to his side.

  I trace my fingers over the ridges of muscle on his abdomen, letting my mind drift. I swallow, suddenly needing some answers. “Xander?”

  He shifts, looking down at my upturned face as he strokes his fingers over my back. “Yeah?”

  “Well, I was just wondering. Um. So, I know from what you said your dad was abusive toward you and your mom and that’s why she left with you. I was just thinking that she must be awfully strong to have walked away.” I chew on the inside of my mouth for a second. “I mean, your dad—” I stop. “What I’m trying to say is that outwardly, I’m sure your family looked perfect to everyone. I was just thinking that it must have been hard to admit what was happening—even if only to herself, you know?”

  His chest fills with a deep breath, and he holds it for a few seconds, as if he’s contemplating what to say. I know it’s a sensitive subject, but I wonder if I’ll understand Xander better if we talk about it.

  When he blows the breath out and still doesn’t say anything, I pat his chest. “It’s okay. I understand it’s hard to talk about. I have my own crap. I get it.”

  He shakes his head, holding me closer. “That’s not it. I want to be able to talk to you, I just—” He sighs. “It’s pretty complicated. She’s definitely happier now. And Janie has been a huge bright spot in all of our lives.”

  “And your dad? I take it you don’t want anything to do with him.”

  “Fuck no. I really, really don’t.”

  “Yet he’s right here in the same town, married to another woman.”

  “Yeah. My mom actually tried to warn Marilyn away, but …”

  “Didn’t work, huh?”

  “Nope. Marilyn’s both weak and selfish. She was wooed by his money and the lifestyle he could give her.”

  I frown. “That’s a rough exchange if he’s treating her the same way he did you and your mom.”

  “She stays with him because of what he has, not who he is.”

  “And obviously you don’t get along with Justin. Is there forced family interaction or …?” I let that dangle out there, unsure if I should have brought up Justin at all.

  He grits his teeth. “Nah. I only see my father when he summons me. Otherwise, I steer clear. And I don’t want anything to do with Justin. I think he’s fucking jealous that we got away and his mother has trapped him in that life.” He heaves a sigh. “At this point, everything that scared me about my dad isn’t an issue. And Mom—she’s safe enough here. With me.”

  My brow wrinkles. That’s an odd way to put it. I don’t know what to say, so I decide to change the subject.

  I push myself up to sitting. He gives me a quizzical look as I ask, “Can I show you something?”

  His forehead creases at the nervous tone in my voice. “Sure.”

  I press my lips together and scramble from the bed, quickly locating my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. I stand at the edge of the bed, phone to my chest as I watch his face, waiting for any indication that he knows what I’m about to show him. Not seeing any, I take a deep breath and blurt out, “I don’t know what to make of these text messages I’ve been getting.”

  His eyes glitter in the dim room as he holds his hand out, his voice deep and scratchy. “I think you’d better show me.”

  I swallow and hand it to him, climbing back onto the bed and kneeling beside him. “The last text I got should be it. There’ve been three so far. I don’t know who is sending them, but it’s obvious they are trying to get me to poke around in my mom’s past.”

  I blink, realizing my eyes have become wet with unshed tears. “I don’t know if I want to know what they are trying to tell me.”

  Xander scans the messages, his tongue in his cheek.

  “Do you know who that is? Do you recognize the number?”

  A mask slides down over his features, and I can’t read him at all when he says, “I don’t.”

  “Oh.” My face falls and my head drops as I stare at my hands in my lap. I mumble, “I thought maybe it was Aria’s number.”

  “It’s not.”

  His short answers are kind of freaking me out. I blow out a hard breath and climb off the bed. “I need water. Is it okay if I run back down to the kitchen?”

  He glances up from the phone at me. “Yeah, go ahead.”

  I yank on his athletic pants, folding the top down, and pull my top over my head. I hurry out of his room and down to the kitchen, hoping I can find my way back to his room with the water.

  As I enter the kitchen, it’s dark, so I fumble on the wall for a light switch, finding the one that turns on the under-cabinet lighting. It provides a dim light, enough for me to see by, for sure.

  I suck in a startled breath when I realize I’m not alone. “Oh my gosh.” I put a hand to my chest. “I, uh—” I glance down at myself in Xander’s pants and my shirt. I’m absolutely free-boobing it. I cringe at my crappy luck. I never dreamed I’d run into anyone down here.

  The big man sitting at the counter glances up from his glass. His voice is gruff and whiskey-soaked. “Hey. Are you a friend of Xander’s?” He swirls the drink around the bottom of the glass, looking me over, one brow raised.

  Shit. I’m guessing this is Xander’s stepdad, who is supposed to be out of town. This is not exactly how I wanted to meet the man. “Um. Yes. I’m Scarlett.” I gesture toward the fridge. “I was just going to get a bottle of water, if that’s okay.”

  “Certainly. Help yourself.” His icy blue eyes, which are by far his most noticeable feature in the shadowy room, roam over me, and I become decidedly uncomfortable. “I’m Sebastian Coventry.”

  I can’t recall at this point if I’ve heard the name since moving to town. And, obviously, Xander has his dad’s last name. “It’s nice to meet you.” My stomach lurches and my movements are jerky as I a
wkwardly cross the room and fetch a couple bottles of water. Turning back around, I hold them in front of my chest. “I’m just going to get back to Xander now. It was—uh, nice to meet you.”

  “Definitely. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again.”

  I give him a small smile and dart down the hallway. When I get back up to Xander’s room, I breathe a sigh of relief.

  Xander’s lying in the middle of his big bed, eyes shut. Not knowing what the protocol is when climbing into bed with a naked man, I quickly strip again and slide under the covers with him.

  My mind races for a few seconds until finally I can’t hold it in. “I met your stepdad downstairs.”

  Xander’s left eye winks open. “You met Sebastian?”

  “Yes. I thought you said he wasn’t home.”

  “He’s not supposed to be.” He sits up, and runs a hand through his hair. As he looks down at me, guilt creeps into his expression. “Get up.”

  He slips out of the bed, yanks on his joggers and tosses my clothes toward me. “You need to leave now. I need my space.”

  My brain goes fuzzy at the same time my heart slams down into my stomach. “What? I don’t understand.” My hands raise to cover my bare breasts with the clothes he’s just thrown at me.

  Xander grits his teeth. “What Aria said to you in the bathroom the other day was true. Everything I’ve done was to get into your pants. And now that I have …” He shrugs and sends a menacing smile my way.

  My lips part, and I shake my head, unable to believe what he’s saying.

  His gaze slides over my body, giving me chills. “Look, you’re a great fuck, Red, but that’s all this was to me. Get the fuck out.”

  TO BE CONTINUED ...

  Tainted Rose, the conclusion to Scarlett and Xander’s story, releases in February 2021.

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  Also by Leila James

  ROSEHAVEN ACADEMY

  BOOK 1: Savage Rose