Flawed (Caught By The Bad Boys Book 2)

by Raathi Chota

  “Roxanne Gunner and I know who you are; my sons talk about you all the time,” she said as my eyes flicked toward Axel, who winked at me. I turned to his mother. She smiled at me.

  “You have a lovely home, Mrs. Gu—”

  “Momma’s boy!” Levi yelled from the garage. We turned our heads to see Blake jog in. He was shirtless, and the sweat made his body stand out. The tattoos on his arms seemed to glow as he ran a hand through his hair. I watched as Axel went over to the kettle and switched it on. Blake walked to his mother and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Hey, Momma, how was work?” he asked, then sipped on Axel’s beer.

  “Tiring as always.” Mrs. Gunner sighed as she sat on a stool. “Axel, did you feed that dog your uncle bought you?” she asked as she removed the hair tie and let it flow on her back.

  “Yes, Momma,” he mumbled as he fiddled with the crockery.

  “Good, because I’m not going anywhere near that thing.”

  Levi walked in, and it was no surprise that he was also shirtless. He had more tattoos on his body rather than his arms.

  “Dude, your car will be ready by tomorrow night, but you should go for a new paint job,” Blake said as he put his arm around his mother’s shoulder.

  “I know, I know.” Levi sighed as he waved to Mrs. Gunner.

  “What are you two doing?” she asked.

  “Busy with his spark plug…oh, and you need a new battery,” Blake said, then walked out. “I think I have one in the back. Come on.”

  “He has a car battery?” I raised a brow.

  “He has everything,” Axel stated as he placed a cup of tea in front of his mother.

  “He loves motors,” Mrs. Gunner said, then turned to me. “Do you know what he wants to be?”

  “A mechanical engineer,” Axel said as he joined them in the garage.

  “Wow, that’s amazing.” I smiled.

  “Indeed, my boy has dreams,” she said, then sipped her tea. “Now I just have to find a way to make them come true.”

  ***

  A raspy yawn escaped my lips as I walked through the hallway. After Mrs. Gunner and I talked in the kitchen for a while, Levi and I had to go. It was nice to talk to her, and they were a genuinely nice family. It was Wednesday, and as I turned the corner, I saw Benny by my locker. He acted strangely lately, and I really didn’t know why. I felt like it had to do with Levi. I slowly approached him, and his face immediately lit up.

  “Hi.” I smiled, then opened my locker.

  “Hey, err,” he mumbled, then let out a frustrated sigh. “Do you wanna go on a date?”

  “O-on a date?” I repeated.

  “Yeah, but if you don’t want to, I unde—”

  “No.” I quickly cut him off as I placed my hand on his arm. We looked down, and I removed my hand. “I-I’d love to. It’s just I haven’t been on a date before.”

  “Well, if you don’t feel comfortable, just think of it as two friends hanging out.”

  “Okay, but what do I wear?”

  “Anything. What you’re wearing is even perfect.” He stuttered as he glanced down at my outfit. I let out a chuckle as I glanced at my gray hoodie and faded black jeans.

  “So comfy and casual it is,” I said as the bell rang.

  “Yeah, I’ll pick you up at seven.” He laughed as we walked to Physics class. I couldn’t stop smiling as we entered the classroom. I couldn’t believe I was going on my first date tonight! I didn’t even know what to wear. I didn’t know where we’re going or what we’re doing, but I hoped it turned out perfect.

  “Good morning, class!” Mr. Gorton smiled as he entered the classroom.

  “Well, good morning to you too,” Liam replied as he sat in front of me.

  “Look, I know winter break is in two days and your brains are probably fried by now, so free period,” Mr. Gorton said as the class cheered.

  “There must be a reason,” Nick said as he raised a brow.

  “Well, as you know, there are other Physics classes, and all your results have been tallied. Our class received the highest!” he exclaimed as everyone clapped and cheered.

  “Can we practice?” Liam asked as Mr. Gorton took the attendance. He nodded then propped his legs on the table.

  “Yo, Ethan!” Nick called as he held his hands out. Ethan miraculously had a basketball in his hands, then he tossed it to Nick. Since most of the team was in the class, they spread out so that they could throw the ball to each other. Coach told them to practice a lot since there’s no practice today and there’s a game soon.

  “Careful with the ball. I don’t wanna be a witness for when you guys break the window…again.” Mr. Gorton sighed. I leaned back in my chair as I watched the boys goof around. Liam stood on a chair as he formed a hoop with his arms. I laughed as Ethan flung the ball into his arms. The door was wide open, and Aidan casually strolled in. He ducked as he walked over and plopped down in the chair in front of me.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked as he smirked at me.

  “English with Mr. Basil is annoying.” Aidan frowned. His posture seemed to straighten as he looked over my shoulder. I raised a brow and followed his gaze, only to see Tiffany Martin. Her long red hair fell to her hips as she tugged on the sleeves of her sweater. She laughed with her friends, which made her eyes squint. I spun back around to see the big smile molded onto his face.

  “Why are you staring at Tiffany?” I asked.

  “Just thinking back to Homecoming,” he sighed. “We had an awesome time, and she looked stunning in that dress.”

  “You like her, don’t you?” I tilted my head.

  “Yeah, but she won’t go for a troublemaker like me.” He frowned as I rolled my eyes.

  “Don’t say that, Aidan. You’re a great guy who’s fun—”

  “Rowley, what the heck are you doing here?” Mr. Bronx’s voice cut me off as he poked his head into the room. Mr. Gorton shook his head in disappointment but welcomed Mr. Bronx. Aidan let out a sigh as he stood up and walked to the door. He spun around and stared at our teacher with a mischievous look.

  “Can I stay please?” he whined, and Mr. Gorton shook his head.

  “Aidan, catch,” Ethan said as he threw the ball to him. I sighed as I slowly got up to go and talk with Mr. Bronx.

  “Lana, watch out!” Ethan yelled as I froze. It was too late as I felt a solid basketball connect with my cheek. I stumbled back as my legs hit the desk. The ball landed on the floor as I settled down on the desk.

  “I’m so sorry, Lana!” Aidan exclaimed. I peeked up to see him by the door with a panicked look. Mr. Bronx glared at him as he looked around the classroom, then ran out.

  “Are you okay?” Benny asked as he, Liam, and Ethan rushed toward me. Mr. Gorton rose to his feet, but Mr. Bronx stopped him.

  “That’s a big bruise,” Liam said as he tilted his head. I raised a brow as they stared at me. Mr. Bronx shuffled toward us as his eyes widened. I squinted my eyes as I touched my cheek. A small bump lay beneath my fingers, but Ethan shook his head and motioned down. My hand slowly moved down until Ethan told me to stop. I didn’t feel anything, but they seemed aware of the bruise. Liam let out a sigh as he took out his phone and opened his camera. He gave it to me as I stared at myself through his phone. My eyes widened as I saw it. They thought my hickey was a bruise. I gave Liam my phone as I pulled my hoodie up and sat down on the chair. Benny, Liam, and Ethan gave me weird looks, but Mr. Bronx shooed them away as he sat in front of me.

  “I know that’s not a bruise, Lana,” he said with a concerned look.

  “I can’t help it,” I whispered as I rested my head on the desk.

  ***

  “Oh my god!”

  “I know!”

  “Oh my god!”

  “I know!”

  “Would you two shut up?” Melissa grumbled from the backseat. Miranda drove me home, and I told them about my date with Benny.

  “What, Singe? Upset because Blake didn’t have the balls t�
��”

  “Whatever! I’m still team Blake long and strong!” Melissa confessed.

  “Any tips, guys? This is my first date.” I frowned as I nervously twirled my hair.

  “Don’t talk too much about yourself. Give him a chance.”

  “Don’t order any finger food even though I know you love that food.”

  “Don’t talk about any other guy.”

  “If you’re gonna order pasta, don’t take the spaghetti, because once you slurp it up, it whacks you in the face.”

  “Smile and laugh at his jokes, but not too much.”

  By the time they were done, we had arrived at my house.

  “All in all, be yourself and have fun,” Miranda said as I got out of the car. “Tell us all about it tomorrow!” I anxiously ran my hand through my hair as I walked into the house. Mom and Jade were in the kitchen as I quietly entered.

  “Hey, Lana, how was school?” Jade asked.

  “It was good, err…listen, I won’t be home for dinner tonight,” I mumbled.

  “Why not?” she asked as a smile formed on my face.

  “Benny asked me out on a date!” I squealed as I rushed toward my mother. Mom and Jade let out a squeal as we jumped up and down and talked about tonight. I knew Mom would be happy because I’ve never been on a date, yet Jade had a son, so she was obviously delighted since I was like a daughter to her.

  “Whoa, what are we celebrating?” Levi asked as he walked in.

  “Lana’s going on a date!” Jade squealed as she pinched my cheeks.

  “With who?”

  “Benny.”

  “Fucking cunt!” Levi’s blank expression changed as he rushed out of the room and into the garage. I followed him only to see Blake on the floor right next to Levi’s car.

  “Shit, dude. Sorry, I forgot you were under there.” Levi laughed then helped Blake.

  “What’s all the fucking commotion about?” Blake asked.

  “Lana’s going on a date with Benny.” Levi huffed as he leaned on his vehicle.

  Blake squinted his eyes at me as he gave me a questioning look.

  “Get back to your cars.” I waved them off with a smile then skipped out of the garage.

  ***

  I stared at myself in the mirror as I tugged on the cream sweater. Benny said casual. I let out a sigh as I slipped on my over knee boots and red scarf. Jade straightened my hair rather nicely, so I decided to leave it loose. I was nervous because it was my first date, and I didn’t know what to expect. I trusted Benny, and he wouldn’t do something extreme, especially for the first date. That explained why he was so quiet the past two days. I glanced at my clock, and in time the doorbell rang. He must be nervous too, since it’s six fifty-eight. I walked downstairs, and I saw my dad by the door. I let out a groan as I watched him interrogate Benny. He looked cute in his jacket, black sweater, jeans, and high tops. I approached my dad, but my eyes were on Benny. Once he spotted me, he smiled. I looked at my dad, yet his gaze was already fixed on me.

  “Don’t worry, Dad, we won’t be out too la—”

  “No, you kids have fun,” Father said as he smiled at Benny. “I’m trusting you with my daughter, Nielson. Don’t mess it up.”

  “Yes, sir,” he mumbled as I stepped out of the house.

  “But don’t stay too late, otherwi—”

  “Bye, Dad!” I cut him off with a tight-lipped smile. Once the front door shut, I heard Benny sigh. I chuckled as his pace quickened so that he could open the door for me. “Thanks.” I smiled as I got into the car. Once we were buckled in, he started the engine. We drove in silence as I stared out the window.

  “You look beautiful,” Benny blurted out.

  “Thanks you too,” I mumbled, but my eyes widened as Benny snorted. “Wai—I mean you look…”

  “It’s okay, Lana.” He chuckled then turned to me with a grave look. “Are you nervous?”

  “A little,” I mumbled, then shook my head as Melissa and Miranda’s advice kicked in. “We shouldn’t be nervous. We’ve known each other for years. Tonight, let’s just have fun and be ourselves.” I shrugged yet mentally slapped myself. I was never the romantic type, yet I’ve watched every romance movie there was.

  “Because being ourselves is the best we can be.” Benny smiled then took my hand in his as he drove on.

  We had dinner at a restaurant downtown, yet it wasn’t fancy or anything. Once we sat down and talked, the awkwardness subsided as laughter filled our ears. I decided on pasta but not the one where it whacked me in the face. Then we shared a dessert and talked. We walked, and he draped his jacket over my shoulders. The streets were quite busy for a Wednesday night, but most people took transport home.

  “Can you hear that?” Benny asked as he stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets. We stopped as I listened for the peculiar sound. A sweet, persistent sound filled my ears as it got louder. Benny entwined my hand in his as he ushered me forward. “Come on,” he said, then jogged down the streets. The music got louder until I saw a man with a saxophone. He was so into it—his one leg was propped up on the bench as he swayed. His fingers moved elegantly over the keys, which created a beautiful sound. Benny took my other hand in his as he pulled me closer to him. We started to go to the beat of the saxophone as I looked up at him. He smiled down at me then twirled me around. His hands moved down to my waist as he securely wrapped his arms around me. I locked my arms around his neck as we danced. The saxophone soothed and relaxed us as I rested my head on his chest and closed my eyes.

  ***

  Benny’s car came to a stop as he parked in front of my house. We haven’t spoken since we danced as we absorbed tonight’s event. I turned to him with a smile and said, “I had fun tonight.”

  “Me too.” He smiled as we stared at each other. It seemed like an eternity until I finally looked away and gripped on the door handle. I looked back once more into his brown eyes and bit my lip.

  “Goodnight,” I murmured as I pushed the door open.

  “Night, Lana,” he mumbled as I got out then shut the door. Without looking back, I walked up the porch and heard his car start. Once I was at the door, I spun around to watch him go. I noticed his stare on me through his tinted windows as he drove off. Once he was down the street, I spun around to unlock the door. A familiar smell lingered through the air as I froze. I gazed over my shoulder and into the night. The smell was so familiar and vigorous it compelled me to follow. I walked down the porch steps and followed the scent. I raised a brow as it ended by Levi’s car. I crouched down and stared into the tinted windows. The window rolled down as a face appeared, and I jumped in surprise.

  “Boo!” Blake yelled, then laughed. I let out a huff as I stared at him and the driver that was, in fact, Levi.

  “What the hell are you guys doing?” I yelled.

  “Hop in, princess,” Levi replied as he took a drag of his cigarette. So that’s what the familiar smell was. “You do realize he wanted to kiss you?”

  “Were you guys watching us?” I asked as my face twisted.

  “Believe me, we tried not to,” Blake said as he rolled his eyes.

  “Why didn’t you kiss him?” Levi asked as I shrugged.

  “I don’t kiss on my first date.”

  “Yet you’ve kissed him before,” Blake muttered as I scoffed. Levi started the car as Blake lit his cigarette with Levi’s lighter. He turned to me with a smirk plastered on his face and spoke. “We’re going racing. Hop in, princess.”

  Chapter Six

  Lana

  The continuous cheers of people made me edgy as I watched the monitor. Blake did practice races with a bunch of other racers, and let’s just say he might win. I sat on the hood of Levi’s Mustang as Ethan stood next to me. Ethan brought a Porsche 918 Spyder for Blake to use. The way he drove rapidly down the streets made me nervous. Every turn he took the tires screeched as the engine roared. Last time I saw Levi and Keene were when we got here. Then they went into the bistro followed by a bunch of girl
s. The reason why they hadn’t raced because they were waiting for Aidan. He got his car fixed by someone Blake knew. It was weird that Blake didn’t fix his cousin’s car. The word fix made me uneasy at the thought of Blake sabotaging Levi’s car so that he’d win. Levi was smarter than that, so I didn’t know what would happen. I didn’t want to kiss him. I was still in my date clothes, and the thought of Benny and I dancing over an hour ago made me feel guilty. I liked Benny, I honestly did, and he’s so sweet to try and make up for everything he’s done.

  “There they go again,” Ethan sighed as Blake drove past us.

  “He’s good,” I murmured as the other cars trailed behind him.

  “Yep, he loves cars,” Ethan said. I turned to look at the big jock beside me. His pierced jawline stood out as he gazed over the crowd. Ethan was like a big brother to me who’s caring and protective. Miranda said he’s more of a gentleman, and I smiled in agreement. “You do realize he’s gonna win, right?” he asked as I tore my gaze away from him and looked at Blake on the monitor.

  “He hasn’t gone up against Levi.”

  “If he wins, then you must kiss him.”

  “I don’t want to!” I whined, and Ethan laughed.

  “How was your date with Benny?”

  “Amazing,” I breathed out as the thought of us dancing to the saxophone entered my mind. I smiled, thinking of when Benny gave the man money and told him he’s got talent. That immediately disappeared as Levi entered my mind. We had sex a few days ago. I didn’t know why I let him do it, but in a way, I liked it. I missed him yet something told me not to. He broke me, yet somehow, I always forgave him. Miranda’s right; I was a softie who’s forgiving. I couldn’t help that I forgave too easily and cared too much. I let out a sigh as I thought back to when Ethan apologized to me at Rodney’s store. That was where it all began, how I became soft and forgiving. “You know that day in the cafeteria when you said that if I wanna talk…”

  “Yeah, and I’m here, even to listen.”