by L A Cotton
He was rotten to the core. Toxic. And he poisoned everything and everyone around him. It wasn’t any wonder Maxine was out of town so much. Why their kids were barely ever home. I pitied them. But if they knew the things I knew, surely they would have run far, far away from Alec Prince.
My eyes flickered to my cell. It taunted me. Daring me to call Lo, to ask her to come over and ease the storm stirring in my chest, but it wasn’t fair to her. To keep dragging her deeper and deeper in this mess.
When she found out about prom... well, I didn’t want to add another crack into our already fragile relationship. It had been almost three weeks since she saw me and Caitlin with Gavin and my father at Valencia. Something changed that day. She’d promised to stand by me, to ride out this shitstorm, but when I walked into the room and saw her sitting there, the pain in her eyes had been almost tangible. Rippling around her like a forcefield, and it nearly killed me. After Lo left the hotel, I’d almost gone out of my mind. A war had raged inside of me. Did I go after her and risk undoing the last few weeks, or stay out and risk losing her for good? It was my father who made the decision. One stern glance in my direction and the fight left me. Because he knew.
Knew what was at stake and he used it to buy my silence.
So I let her go. Hating myself for the pain in her eyes, knowing I was the one who had put it there. When she finally picked up my call later that night, she sounded fine. Of course, I knew she wasn’t. But I was too fucking exhausted to argue. And things had gone from bad to worse. Her silence and weak smiles were almost too much to bear, but I didn’t know how to fix things.
How to fix us.
Ever since, the fight in her eyes had slowly started to dull. We still stole moments together, but the reality of the situation hung over us like an angry storm brewing. And eventually it would come to a head.
I don’t think either of us wanted to admit the truth. To acknowledge what would happen if Gentry’s man couldn’t figure things out. But deep down I knew. If there was no way out, no fresh start, I’d lose her. Maybe I’d end up at East Bay or maybe I’d lose my shit and bring down everyone with me, but one thing was for sure, Lo and I wouldn’t survive the fallout.
~
“Maverick, my god, you look…” Mom sniffled, dabbing the corners of her eyes as I entered the kitchen. The collar on my shirt was too fucking tight and the tuxedo jacket felt like a straightjacket. I could barely breathe. But it was prom. Even Trey, the laziest most unkempt player on the team, had rented a tux.
“You clean up good, son.” Gentry came over and extended his hand. I took it, giving it a firm shake. Silent understanding passing between us.
“I’m so proud of you baby.” Mom ducked around Gentry and enveloped me in her arms. “And I’m so sorry, for everything,” she whispered, her voice laced with regret and I swallowed over the lump, pulling back to meet her eyes.
“You just wanted to protect us.”
I got it. She’d done what she thought was right at the time. It was a mistake she’d have to carry with her forever, and that was punishment enough.
“I should head—”
“Prince? Holy shit, is that you under all that formalwear?” Amusement hung in Kyle’s voice as he joined us, a smug grin plastered on his face. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Stone,” I warned, holding his attention with my hardened glare.
His hands shot up. “Hey, man, you look good. You’ll be fighting them off with a stick.” It was a joke. I knew that. But the second the words were out of his mouth, his easy smile slipped, morphing into something darker.
“I should go. I’m already late.”
Gentry slung his arm around Mom’s shoulder as I straightened my bow tie. He wanted to say more. But it could wait.
I had a date.
Just not the one I wanted.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t,” Kyle’s voice followed me out of the door and I shook my head. You have no idea.
~
I was in hell.
The Coastal had been turned into a James Bond film set. The huge martini glasses filled with colored beads, and the black and white feathers that filled vases positioned either side of the projection of 007 himself, might have been impressive if it wasn’t for Caitlin’s shrill voice every time she greeted someone as we made our way inside.
“Oh my god, it’s amazing, isn’t it amazing?” she gushed, smiling up at me as if I actually wanted to be here. With her.
Together.
“I need a drink,” I grumbled, my eyes searching out the bar. What I really needed was a beer, or two or three, or a whole six pack, but I’d settle for drowning myself in soda. “I’ll be over there.”
“Maverick, wait—”
But I was gone. Moving through the gathering crowd. Luke and Trey waved me over and my gaze immediately went to the flash of silver as Trey slid his hand into his jacket. “Please tell me that’s what I think it is,” I said as I reached them, raising an eyebrow.
He smirked. “As if I’d come unprepared. These things are a fucking drag.”
“So, why’d you come?”
School events weren’t really our thing. We played basketball, occasionally partied. But organized dances, not so much.
“It’s prom. Mom would’ve had my balls if I didn’t give her this one. She made me and Christi pose for like a million photos.”
“Speaking of Christi, where she is?”
He shrugged taking a swallow of his spiked drink. “Fuck if I know. She and Jessa got here and went straight to the bathroom.”
“And how is the lovely Jessa?” I winked at Luke and he flipped me off.
“You know I only asked her because my mom knows her folks.”
I ordered my drink and when the bartender turned his back, held my cup down for Trey to do his thing.
“And how is that going?” Luke flicked his head over to where Caitlin was with some of the girls from our class, lapping up the attention of being my date and one of the few juniors here, no doubt.
“Remember that time I got the shit beaten out of me by some hulk at the warehouse and spent three weeks benched? Times that about ten and I’m somewhere around there.”
“She looks hot.”
Luke slapped Trey upside the head. “Think before you speak, jackass.”
“What?” He shrugged. “She does. I mean it’s not like Prince didn’t already tap th—”
“Go find your date, fucker,” I ground out. “Before I do something I regret.”
Trey took the hint and disappeared, and Luke said, “He has no filter,” as we perched against the bar, watching the scene before us. “But seriously, what is going on there?”
I took a long drink, my mouth flooding with acid at the afterburn of Trey’s secret ingredient. “Honestly, it’s better you don’t know.”
“Whatever you say, man. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
That was the million-dollar question.
Silence stretched before us. This was it. The end of high school. Soon we’d be collecting our diplomas and then it would be summer vacation and then the rest of our lives.
“You ready for college?” I asked Luke.
“I think so. It’ll be different, but I feel ready, you know? And we ended on a high.” He raised his cup, and I chinked mine to it. “Too fucking right, we did.” I said. “State champions twenty-seventeen.”
“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but have you really thought East Bay through? I mean…” His words trailed off as Caitlin approached.
“There you are.” She flashed me an irritated smile. “Luke.” She all but dismissed him.
“Hey, Caitlin.” He eyed me sideways and mouthed, “I guess I should go find my date.”
“I’ll catch you later,” I said. “Tell Trey to come find me.” I’d need more of whatever he had concealed in his jacket. Soon, if the glint in Caitlin’s eyes was anything to go by.
&n
bsp; “I want to dance.” She trailed perfectly manicured nails up my chest until her palm slid over my shoulder. It was a claim. Caitlin was marking her territory in front of the entire senior class and I wanted to roar at the spectacle. But I played my role, refusing to smile or return her suggestive gaze, but I didn’t flinch at her touch either.
My father would have been proud.
“Come on.” She took my hand and led me to the dance floor as if she was the one in control.
The room at The Coastal was grand with its high ceilings and a polished parquet floor. A stage was positioned front and center with round tables set up in sweeping arcs looking onto it. Kids parted to let us through. To them we were Wicked Bay High royalty. I hadn’t realized how much I resented the pedestal they put me on until recently. Sure, breaking records on the court helped, but they didn’t want, envy or crush on me because of my ball skills, it was my name.
I was a Prince, and they wanted in my kingdom.
What they didn’t realize was I’d been a prisoner held under duress. Forced to live a lie.
“Maverick,” Caitlin snapped, and my eyes fixed on hers.
“What?”
“Could you at least look like you want to be here,” she said through her pearly white smile, not wanting everyone to see the cracks. The deep fault lines. Her body pressed against me as she slid my arms around her waist, sighing softly, letting everyone know how much she loved my touch.
As if it was a prize to coveted.
The sooner this ended, the better. Just a little while longer and then it’d be done.
We swayed to the music, some sappy love song, while Caitlin’s fingers clung to my shoulders. But it wasn’t her I felt. It was Lo’s soft curves against my hard lines. Her silky hair brushing my face. Her smell surrounding me.
Jesus, this was fucked up. But it was just a little longer.
The band kicked into something more upbeat and couples broke away, dancing in small groups. I straightened, putting distance between us, and Caitlin raised her eyebrow in annoyance.
“I need a drink,” I announced.
A strong one.
“I’ll come—”
“Caitlin, come on. Dance with us,” some girls yelled over the music. She looked torn. Did she let me out of her sights or miss out on the opportunity to brag to her friends?
“You should go dance.” I made the decision for her. Almost sounding like I cared.
I didn’t.
I was so far past caring, it was a miracle I was still here.
Lo
My hands trembled as I slipped inside the room. At first, no one noticed me. But then a couple of girls saw me, their eyes widening with recognition, brows pinched with curiosity as they began whispering to one another.
Then another group noticed.
And another.
Until the rumble of whispers crept over the music. But I ignored them, searching the room until my eyes found him. Everything slowed down except for the pitter patter of my heart as our gazes collided. Surprise widened his eyes, and we stood there, drinking one another in, until we were breathless and moving. Slowly at first, and then quicker.
Like attracting magnets.
The entire senior class watched Maverick as he closed the distance between us. He strode with certainty where I walked with hesitation. He commanded people’s attention where I drew their judgement. He was the star of this show and people couldn’t help but watch him.
I couldn’t help but watch him.
But it didn’t matter because the second we reached one another there was only him and me.
Me.
And him.
The heated stares and suggestive comments all melted into oblivion.
“What are you…” he stuttered, rubbing his face as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“I came,” I said holding his eyes, trying to say everything I should have already said. “For you.”
“But Caitlin?”
“Doesn’t matter anymore. You’re mine, Maverick. As much as I’m yours. I refuse to pretend anymore.”
“You’re fucking amazing, do you know that?” He smirked, sweeping his arm around me, but it quickly morphed into a broad smile. God, it looked good on him. He always stole my breath, but tonight, in the fitted charcoal tux that hugged his body like a second skin and with his hair styled to perfection, he looked like sin.
“She’s going to flip her shit,” he whispered as his lips connected with the sensitive skin just beneath my ear and a shiver rolled up my spine spreading out into every nerve ending and setting my body alight.
“She can bring it,” I said pushing any thoughts of her out of my mind.
There wasn’t time to back out. This was happening.
Consequences be damned.
Maverick took my hand, squeezing gently just as a shrill voice yelled, “What the hell is this?”
He was there in an instant, pushing me behind his body, shielding me from Caitlin. But I wasn’t here to hide, I was here for him.
With him.
I placed my hand on his arm and moved to Maverick’s side. “Caitlin,” I said. “You look really pretty.” A smile curved my lips. It wasn’t fake or smug. If anything, it was a little sad because I realised now, things never needed to get to this point. If I’d made this stand from the beginning, if I’d fought for Maverick the way I should have, we wouldn’t be here.
Her face paled with fury. “Wh- I don’t understand,” she choked out, trying to school her panic. But she knew. It was right there in her wide unforgiving gaze.
“It’s over, Caitlin. The games, the lies.” Maverick's fingers dug into my hip as the words flowed out of me. And before I could stop him, he’d spun me into his arms and was kissing me. Tongues and teeth. Until our chests heaved, and my body sang. I almost missed her gasp.
Almost.
Peeking out from the comfort of his chest, I smiled again, and her whole face transformed, anger radiated from every pore. “You played me? This was all for show, wasn’t it?”
He didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. Actions spoke louder than words and we’d just given her all the proof she needed.
“Wait until my father hears, you won’t get away with this.” She seethed, hands fisted by her sides. “I’ll make sure you both—”
“Cat, enough.” JB stepped up beside her and she swung her head around to meet him.
“Are you fucking kidding me, JB? You saw what they did. What he did. Are you just going to stand there and let him get away with it? They made me look like a total—”
“I said, enough.”
Caitlin shoulders sagged, realisation and defeat heavy on her face. “Fine. You won’t do anything about it? I will!” She stormed toward the door and out of the room, and Maverick slipped his arm around my shoulder, tucking me into his side.
“Some show, Little Stone,” JB smirked at me and I shrugged.
“She had it coming.”
“Yeah.” He ran a hand over his face. “Yeah, she did. We good here, Prince?”
Everyone was still watching, wondering what could possibly be happening that Maverick and JB were in the same room, breathing the same air, and not trying to kill each other. But they didn’t know the whole story—they never would. Not even Maverick knew the whole story yet, but he would soon enough.
When he didn’t reply, I nudged his ribs, and he choked out, “Yeah, we’re good.”
None of us moved. JB’s hand flinched as if he might try to shake Maverick’s. But he didn’t. And that was okay. Some fractures were simply too deep to repair.
When I’d gone to him and revealed the truth, as much as I could without compromising Maverick’s darkest secrets, he didn’t want to believe the story of a man who cared more about business than his own son’s future. And despite knowing his sister’s reputation for being a grade A bitch, he didn’t want to accept Caitlin was a willing participant in Alec’s game. But the truth was a powerful motivator, and deep down I think
he knew. JB knew something didn’t add up. I suspected it’s why he warned me about her, he just hadn’t fully understood all the players and pieces then. Caitlin wanted Maverick and he knew that put me in the firing line. And maybe, in the beginning, part of him did want to use me to get back at Maverick for hurting her. But somewhere along the line, I was right—JB had a soft spot for me, and despite his strange way of showing it, when it counted, he’d come through. For me.
For us.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Little Stone. My sister is something else. She won’t forget this. I can rein her in while I’m around but come fall, you’re on your own.”
“I know.”
Maverick tensed beside me, but he didn’t need to worry, I could handle Caitlin and whatever she threw at me.
JB shook his head, a flash of amusement in his eyes. “I guess I’ll see you around.” His eyes levelled to mine and for a second I saw regret there but then he was gone. Back to his date and friends.
Show over, the crowd went back to dancing. To drinking and laughing and enjoying their final moments of being high school seniors.
My stomach danced, and my pulse thumped in my chest as I turned to Maverick and said, “What now, Prince?”
“Now.” He lowered his mouth over mine. “Now, we give them a real show.”
~
“Come on, Rick, you have to come, it’s our last official party as seniors.” A sloppy grin tugged at the corners of Luke’s mouth as he clung onto his date.
Maverick hugged me closer as we walked out of The Coastal. It was only just after midnight, but a lot of kids had already moved onto the various after-parties. We’d stayed until the bitter end, dancing until the lights came up and the cleaners moved in.
I’d never seen Maverick so carefree and happy. It touched somewhere deep inside me, and I knew tonight was the night.
“We can go, if you want,” I whispered to Maverick, but it wasn’t low enough and our small group cheered while the quiet boy beside me groaned.
“The only place I want to be right now, is in you.” His lips ghosted over my skin and my eyes fluttered with the weight of his words.
“Maverick.” I pinched his sides and a deep rumble of laughter built in his chest.