Keep it Secret

by Olivia Snow

  “Ava?” He called again. Ugh, take a hint!

  Crouching down to pick up my books his hand reached over and touched mine. The cloudiness in my mind dissolved as my senses became highly responsive to his touch. Get ahold of yourself Ava. Quickly retracting my hand I stood, every fiber in my body was on high alert. Our eyes collided and my fears were rewarded with a panty-dropping smile.

  Fuck me...not literally. More like ‘damn me.’

  Universe you’re an asshole.

  Heat rushed to my head not sure if it was from my abrupt movements or from being so close to him. Heat also rushed to other parts of my body. That, I knew was from his close proximity.

  “What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in college?” I snapped really not sure how I was able to speak. My body was shutting down but at the same time being electrocuted.

  “I could ask you the same thing. And no, I’m not in college. I’m a senior in high school, this high school.” He stretched his hand handing me the books he picked up. “I would have shared that information with you if you hadn't been so eager to take off, leaving me naked in a bathroom.” He said not caring if anyone was listening.

  Shit. This was bad. Not only did he drive my body crazy he was also a high school student. My one and only rule was never to sleep with a guy that was still attending high school. They all had big mouths. Honestly, if I was going to be labeled a slut, I, was at least going to sleep with someone who knew what the fuck they were doing. The majority of the high school male population doesn't know the difference between a g-spot orgasm and a clitoral one…well, if we’re being completely honest how many men know that really? Still, my odds were better with college guys, men, not boys.

  “I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since that night.” He whispered sweetly.

  No. No. No. This cannot happen. I grabbed his arm opening the nearest door. Fortunately it was a janitorial closet. Perfect. I pulled him in shutting the door behind us. Ah, déja vu. Ugh…focus Ava! Gabriel looked at me eyes filled with desire, I shivered as his eyes lower to my lips. Oh God, why was he so sexy? Setting his books inside the utility sink beside us he stepped in front of me placing one hand on my face the other gripping my waist. My lungs gasped for air as he pressed my back against the wall melting his body into mine. Gabriel’s essence was irresistible it should be illegal to smell the way he does. He held the power to completely shut down any inhibition I may have left. It scared the Sicilian out of me no guy has ever affected me the way he does. He could very well become an addiction, an insatiable addiction. Lowering his mouth to my ear I felt his warm breath on my skin as he whispered. “I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. The way you moaned my name.” He nipped my earlobe before continuing “the smell of your skin.” Gabriel kissed my neck sending my lower muscles into a frenzy. Good God. What was he doing to me? All logic got thrown out the window as the need to kiss him clouded any reason in my brain. “Gabriel.” I whispered forcing him to look at me. Our eyes interlock with feverish hunger both communicating without words. His fingers grip my hipbone as his thumb slipped under my shirt forming circles around the exposed skin causing my nipples to pucker.

  “Gabriel.” I said again, moaning in a hushed tone. Just like a cold icy shower we are interrupted by a startling noise it boomed from the speakers directly above us. Headmistress Harvey welcomed everyone to the first day of class continuing with the morning announcements. I was grateful but pissed that it zapped me back to reality. Don’t have sex with high school boys! Again!

  Gently, I pushed Gabriel away from me. “Gabriel, I can’t.” I said shaking my head. He stumbled back like I had punched him in the gut. “Listen, Blue, I really enjoyed what we did but I thought you were in college. I wasn't aware that you were in high school, more importantly a student here.” I held my head high as I continued maybe that way I’d convince myself I meant what I was saying. “I know all you high school boys like to parade and flaunt your conquests. I would really appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone. That’s if you haven't already. Let’s just pretend like it never happened. Okay?”

  If everyone found out I had slept with Gabriel as a one-night stand the rumors would start I knew how this would play out. It wasn’t my first rodeo after all. Involving Vanessa in this part of my life was not going to happen it would jeopardize her reputation. If it was anybody else I would give a flying fuck but this was Van she didn’t deserve to be called a slut by association. Outside these walls I could screw any guy I wanted but while I attended this high school every boy here was off limits. No matter how incredibly sexy they were.

  Gabriel grunted. “Sure, Ava whatever you say.” His voice was cold. Grabbing his books he slammed the door on his way out making me jump. Why did I care if I hurt his feelings?

  Because this guy gave you the best orgasm you’ve ever had. Was that it? Was it purely sexual? Or was there something deeper? Truly, I’m not sure nor did I care to find out.

  To my amazement and torture I had Public Speaking with Gabriel. “Yay!” She said sarcastically. He sat three seats in front of me it was impossible to see his face from where I sat which was all right by me. The less we interacted the better. Surprisingly, Mallory, the hot little blonde I danced with at the party was also in that class, we also had Economy together. She walked in the classroom in all her blondness glory and sat next to me.

  “Hey! Remember me?” She asked leaning in closer to me.

  “Yeah. Mallory, right?”

  “Aha. And you’re Ava Veneziano. Vanessa Saint John’s cousin.” She replied. Wow. Word travels fast.

  “That’s right, did you do a little investigating?” I asked a little intrigued. She smiled as she bit down on the end of her purple pen.

  “No, just overheard the nosey chickens clucking about you this morning.”

  I smiled at her comment. Needless to say we hit it off instantly. She was a cool chick I guess the next possible valedictorian She and Vanessa were top contenders. Mallory was also the captain of the dive team basically Ms. Popularity. Not at all what I expected. After Public Speaking I was finally able to find a bathroom. Fucking-ancient-ass building, I’d get lost if it weren’t for the helpful painted arrows on the walls. Stepping in a stall I closed the door locking the latch. The shot was burning a hole in my satchel. My mouth dried as I took out the tiny bottle with jittery hands, my eyes admiring the last source of assistance. “Fuck you.” I said to it before opening the cap chugging the liquid aid. Since coming here I’d become too aware of my vice, I was beginning to think moving to Vail and attending this high school was a little too much for me to handle. It was hard enough having the female population hate you right off the bat without even knowing you. They made that very clear in the hallways and in the classrooms scowling and whispering amongst themselves. At my old school if I had an issue with someone we’d handle it diffidently, differently as in with our fists. Classy right? Here, things were different. It was all about money and status two things I did not have. Cautiously walking into AP Calculus seconds after the bell rang the doors slam behind me shocking everyone in the room, the entire class gaped back at me. I was welcomed with catcalls and low whistles as I walked to the front of the class. Mr. Masterson cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention back to him.

  “And you are?” He snarled.

  “Ava Veneziano” I said handing him my class schedule adjusting the strap of my bag.

  “Why are you late?”

  “Because, the bell rang before I got here.” I mentally smacked my palm against my forehead. Cool the bitch for a moment, jeez.

  “Excuse me?” He startled.

  “I’m sorry, sir, I got lost.”

  “Well, Ms. Veneziano be in your seat before the class bell rings next time, without the attitude.” He said giving me back my schedule.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Sit down anywhere that has an empty seat.”

  Glancing around the classroom I noticed it didn't have i
ndividual seats, everyone sat in black top lab tables that seated four, which seemed odd for a math class. I inspected the back of the room where the only empty stool was across it was a familiar face. Where did I know that face? Then it dawned on me it was Talon or formally known as the idiot, the boy that was with Gabriel the night of the party. I thought this class was for smart kids. Next to him was a male body slouched over almost like he was hiding suddenly without warning he sat up. It was Gabriel. Fuck-tastic or was it fan-fucking-tastic? Across from Gabriel sat a boy I didn’t know.

  “Ms. Veneziano, back there is a seat. They won't bite, I promise.” Mr. Masterson spoke up.

  “Not hard at least.” Talon called creating laugher in the classroom. Here we go. I walked to the back of the room sitting down on the empty stool Talon smiled at me with amused eyes. Great, Gabriel told him.

  “Ava.” Talon said. Talon wasn't bad to look at he was actually pretty hot, dark brown wavy hair, hazel bedroom eyes and strong Roman features, he was as tall as Gabriel but had a bigger build almost like a linebacker, Gabriel was lean but muscular.

  “Talon” I replied.

  “How do you guys know each other?” The boy sitting across from Gabriel asked.

  “We, were all at Danny’s party last Friday.” Talon said pointing to himself, Gabriel and me.

  “Oh, you’re the ‘big breasted, black hair hottie’ everyone keeps talking about.” I coughed choking on my own spit. What the hell did he just call me?

  “I'm Michael, by the way, nice to meet you, Ava.” He extended his hand for a shake. Michael was nothing special he was blonde and had the same build as Gabriel they had the identical broad shoulders.

  “Titty.” Talon deadpans.

  “What?” Michael and I asked in unison.

  “Big titty, black hair hottie.” Talon said. Michael nodded in acknowledgement mouthing the words silently.

  “Wow, who killed some brain cells thinking that one up? You guy’s never seen a hot chick before?” I asked. How lame was that nickname? Creative writing failed them horribly.

  “Who said you’re hot?” Gabriel piped up. ‘Who said you’re hot?’ Pssh, please. I jerk my head glaring at him. Was he trying to be funny? I get he’s mad but trying to embarrass me in front of his friends was not cool. Before I could come back with something sassy to say the image of Vanessa’s face emerged from the back of my mind. Behave; starting drama could ruin her reputation. Right. I bite my tongue and snarled at him. Even though I knew he was lying, him purposely trying to hurt my feelings felt like teeny tiny jabs at my heart.

  “I say you’re hot,” said Talon. “Plus, the entire male student body minus this idiot right here. Although I do remember this particular idiot not being able to speak while in your presence.” He continued as he punched Gabriel in the arm.

  “Whatever, man.” Gabriel grumbled rubbing his bicep.

  I briefly lock eyes with him, his stare sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t help but look down to his lips imaging once again how good they felt on my skin—there you go again. Fine! Squeezing my eyes closed I forced myself to stop fantasizing about him slowly I opened my eyes taking a small glimpse back at his lovely baby blues noticing my stare he blushed, not like a girly blush but a manly blush. Ha, I got him. How does it feel jerk! Satisfied, I looked away focusing on the class the entire time I felt Gabriel's eyes on me. When the bell rang for dismissal, I bolted out of the room not giving Gabriel or anyone for that matter time to talk.

  By lunchtime I was so looking forward to seeing my drama free, no hassle, easygoing cousin. Walking into the cafeteria I scanned the room for her, she stood next to a table in the middle of the room. She threw her arms around me once we were close enough to each other.

  “Rough day so far?” She asked sweetly.

  “Nothing I can't handle. How are you?”

  “Do you remember that boy I talked about?” She said, all in one single breath.

  “Yeah...” I nodded smiling. She’s so freaking cute.

  “Well, I needed a gym credit so I signed up for swimming. He’s the TA in my class!” She squealed like a little piglet in mud I’ve never seen Vanessa act this way before it was refreshing, not to mention funny as hell.

  “So? Who is he?” I asked sitting down at the table Vanessa came from. Thing One and Thing Two were nowhere in sight. Thank God.

  “He just walked in.” Vanessa whispered nodding towards the entrance. Gabriel and Talon had just entered. Oh, no…oh, no.

  “His name is Gabriel Mason.”

  Fuck. You. Universe.

  Chapter Eight

  Vanessa

  “Since he's the swim team captain the Headmistress offered him a teacher aide position as extra credit. It'll look good on his college application.” I said sort of rambling trying not to sound like a love-crazed schoolgirl. My mouth clamped shut my eyes locking on Ava’s in horror as I watched Gabriel and Talon walking in our direction.

  Oh my God they're coming towards us!

  “Relax, Van. Don't be so obvious play it cool.” Ava said. Sure, I’ll do that. How the hell do I do that? Ugh. I felt so silly being this freaked out over a boy, was this normal?

  “Hello, Ava.” Talon Hunter said just as he and Gabriel reached our table. How did he know Ava? I wondered if they had a class together.

  “Hello, Talon, Gabriel.” Ava greeted. “This is my cousin, Vanessa.” She signaled with her head towards me.

  “Wow. You’re related to Vanessa Saint John? Damn, I can see that unattainability runs in the family.” Talon said. Wait…what? I’m unattainable? Since when? The confusion is obviously painted all over my face because Ava gave me a wide-eyed-what-the-fudge look. I shrug involuntarily. In response to Talon’s comment, Gabriel glances at me with a strange look in his eyes. Like it was the first time he’d ever seen me his stare gave me butterflies in my stomach. But these were not your average dainty winged type butterflies these were massive winged pterodactyl type creatures. My skull began to prickle I felt my face starting to burn up. Dear God, this was so embarrassing.

  “To what do we owe the pleasure, gentlemen?” Ava asked trying to distract them from my idiotic blush. She was trying to keep the attention on her so I wouldn't be humiliated. She’s awesome, right? Before either of them could answer, Katherine Alexander or Katy as she likes to be called walked up, hatred spewing from her pores. My mind wandered back to her twelfth birthday when she first gave me an equally impressive look of dislike after I accidentally on purpose ruined her cake. But really, it was totally an accident.

  “Aren’t you guys going to introduce me to your new friend?” She gave Talon and Gabriel a flirty smile twirling a long blonde strand of hair with her finger. I wonder if that actually worked on guys.

  “Katy, what are you doing?” Gabriel warned.

  “Nothing, Gabe, I’m just wondering who your new friend is. Her cheap knock offs tell me she’s not from around here, obviously. Made me wonder why you're over here slumming it?” Her tone is no longer flirty. Redirecting her nastiness to me she said. “Oh, but wait she is sitting with Vanessa, I guess Mr. Saint John finally picked a charity case.”

  I saw the look in Ava's eyes, her jaw clenched she struggled to keep quiet. Luckily, her back was to Katy so she wasn’t able to see what nasty looks she was giving us. Like it made a difference because suddenly Ava twirled around on her seat standing up inches away from Katy’s face.

  Oh, no.

  Frantically, I stood up terrified of what Ava might do or say. She’s always been skillfully unpredictable.

  “Hi, I’m Ava. Katy is it?” Ava smiled in a sweet manner.

  Wow. See what I mean. She could switch her emotions off and on so quickly it was giving me whiplash.

  “Oh! That’s right, you're the ‘black hair whore’ everyone’s talking about. Did they not teach you class wherever you came from?” Katy was unfazed from Ava’s obvious cold sinister smile.

  “Don’t get salty with me, Kitty Kat.” Kat’s eyes gla
ze over in anger. She hated when people called her that, it was either Katy or Katherine no reference’s to cats what so ever.

  Oh, my damn. This wasn't going to be good. Katy stepped closer into Ava’s personal space.

  Crap. Big, huge mistake.

  “Why don’t you crawl back to the hole you came from, slut?” The cafeteria went eerily silent. Silly as it may seem your name and reputation is everything around here. Katy knew this, hell she probably wrote the book about it. Starting these kinds of rumors was detrimental to my family and Ava’s reputation. Calling her a slut was planting a seed in everyone’s mind whether it was true or not, it didn’t matter if someone like Katherine Alexander labeled you, it was set in stone. Ava was going to be known as the easy girl at Eagle Academy from now on. I needed to ask Ava what happened at that party.

  “Katy!” Gabriel called as a final warning. Ava laughed reminding me of something Hannibal Lecter would do right before a kill. Seconds later, Ava grabbed Katy’s neck right below her face lifting her up she threw her on the cafeteria table. The back of Katy’s head slammed on the hard surface causing everyone in the room to gasp in unison.

  “Ava!” I yelled. Her free hand shot up to stop me. I stopped.

  “Listen, you stupid little bitch because I’m only saying this once.” Ava snarled her face inches away from Katy’s. “The next time you think you have balls and come over here acting like you're tough shit, you better know who the fuck you're dealing with. If you ever come near my cousin or me again, I’ll make sure you don't have any pretty blonde hair left on that simple minded head of yours. Do. You. Understand?” Katy didn’t say anything only groaned in fear or most likely pain.