A High so Sweet: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Romance (Thornes & Roses Book 2)

by Dani René

  My life was filled with missteps as I tried to guide myself through the darkness that claimed me as its victim, and yet, I still try to find the light. My biggest regret, my only regret, is hurting Cassian when he didn’t deserve it. Tonight, I’ll make it right; I’ll give him anything he wants, just to ensure he can forgive me. He needs to move on, like I have, and live his life free of the past. But even as I think that, I know it’s a lie. I haven’t really moved on, I couldn’t. And Cassian knows it.

  Now all I need to do is figure out a way to get out of the house and not alert Paulo of where I’m going. An idea comes to mind, and I pick up my phone; there’s only one girl I know in Thorne Haven, one who knows about the past, about all the bullshit that’s gone on in this town—Genevieve.

  If she can cover for me, perhaps I can see Cassian tonight. I’m not sure what he has in store for me, but whatever it is, I know I deserve it. After the third ring, I hear a voice I haven’t heard in a long time.

  “Hello?”

  “Genevieve, hi, it’s Kalyn Narro,” I say, nerves eating away at me. We were in the same school. When I was younger, I was in her sister’s class but never became close with either of them. They were merely my acquaintances rather than friends.

  “Twice in one week,” she whispers, “I didn’t think you’d ever come back here. Not after what happened.” That’s one thing I was worried about, that Genevieve would know about what went down with Cassian. She was more than in love with Damien for a long time, and I’ve heard rumors about her and Finn, ones she’s never denied.

  “I was wondering if you could help me with something. You’re the only person I know in town.” I shut my eyes so tight I see stars behind my lids. She doesn’t have to do this. We’re not exactly friends. But there’s no other way I can get out of this house tonight.

  “And why would I do that?”

  “I received a rose, a burnt rose,” I tell her, the words falling from my lips in a breathy whoosh. My stomach twists as her gasp comes through the line. She knows what it means. The game we used to whisper about when we were at school is more than an urban legend. The Thorne brothers, and the Haven brothers, leave a burnt rose on your doorstep, or have it delivered because they’re showing an interest. Once you receive one, you have to meet them in the woods behind Thorne Manor, and that’s when the real games begin.

  “Cassian,” his name is whispered over the line, and I nod to myself. She knows everything about us. There’s no hiding from the past anymore, and there is no denying that I want to see him, even though the ring on my finger hangs heavily with accusation.

  My relationship with Paulo is as fake as most of the people I’ve met in my time in LA, but Cassian can’t know that. At least, I pray he doesn’t because his family has connections, and he could garner information anytime he needs it. All I can do is pray he hasn’t figured it out so I can use it to my advantage when I see him tonight.

  “What do you need?” Genevieve asks then, shocking me because I didn’t expect her to even consider helping me.

  “I need to see him, but I can’t get out of the house with my fiancé here,” I whisper, hoping Paulo isn’t eavesdropping. “If I can tell him that I’m meeting you, he’ll allow me to leave.”

  “That sounds an awful lot like abuse,” she observes slowly. I don’t respond, because I can’t. She’s right. But there’s nothing I can do other than endure it. Paulo has a hold over me, more than the drugs and the addiction. He’s the one who’s got my family’s lives in his hands, and that means more to me than my happiness.

  “I have nobody else to turn to, not right now,” I implore her, praying silently that she says yes, that she’ll help me.

  A long sigh from the other end of the line comes through loud and clear. She’s not happy about me asking for her assistance. “Fine, but I want to see you,” she finally says, and I let out the breath that I’d been holding. “We need to meet before you see him because there is something I need to say.”

  Nodding once more, I respond, “Sure. I’ll meet you at the entrance to the forest, where we used to park for the parties.” It will be strange going back there, but I need to do this.

  “Six forty-five, don’t be late. And Kalyn, I’m only doing this because he wants it,” she informs me easily. She’s never been one to bullshit or beat around the bush, so to speak.

  “Okay.” Knowing that if I’m going to be playing this game with Cassian, I need to be there at seven. It gives us fifteen minutes to hash out whatever it is she wants to say. “Thank you.” My words might have been lost to nothing because when I realize the line is dead, I wonder if she even heard me.

  At least she’s agreed to help.

  I glance once more at the rose, and my stomach flutters at the thought of seeing him again. The party was nothing short of magical, and even in those short moments with Cassian, anger dancing in his beautiful eyes, I could see he still wanted me. There was desire laced with rage in his words, and that gives me hope that someday, he’ll forgive me for what I did.

  Even though I am almost certain Cassian knows the truth, I must play the part of the dutiful fiancée. For now. Cassian doesn’t need to know what Paulo’s doing because I have a feeling that it won’t go down well, even if Cassian still hates me. He will hurt Paulo, and it won’t end with Cassian walking away without blood on his hands.

  16

  Cassian

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Finn asks as I shrug on my black hoodie.

  Am I?

  No.

  But I need to do it.

  I’m about to respond when his phone buzzes in his pocket, dragging my thoughts away from my answer and to his expression when he pulls the device out. He glances at me before answering the call; I know it’s Harris. James emailed me an hour ago, confirming that Kalyn’s father is ill, a life-threatening disease that he’s getting treatment for. But the thing that doesn’t make sense is that the figures don’t add up; she doesn’t seem to have the money to pay for it, even though her career looks like it’s taking off.

  The other note he made in the file he sent over was that the Narros are selling their house as well as any belongings they own in Thorne Haven, meaning they’re leaving for good. The problem with that is, it makes no sense.

  They were loaded.

  I recall the moment they moved into town, flashy cars, expensive furniture, they even renovated the mansion somewhat, with a tennis court, personal spa, and state-of-the-art theatre. Something happened, and I need to find out what the fuck it is. And if Kalyn can’t tell me anything tonight, I’ll have the team on it the moment I get back from my meeting with her.

  “Well now,” Finn says, interrupting my thoughts, and I realize he’s finished his call while I’ve been lost inside my mind again.

  “What’s Harris found?” I ask, knowing that’s who he was talking to. I’m tense, my shoulders are bunched up, and my hands are fisted at my sides. Every muscle in my body is screaming for release, for some answers that will make sense of everything to me.

  “It seems the cashflow from the sale of the house is going directly to Paulo Morales, the fiancé.” Finn settles on the chair at my desk that overlooks the back garden. “Another interesting tidbit is that this asshole has been keeping Kalyn home with him for the past two years. Her short stint in rehab was nothing more than a smokescreen, a lie told to the press to keep them from digging too deep.”

  “But that makes no sense. Why would she lie about going into rehab?” My mind works as I try to put the pieces of the puzzle together, but each time I try to fit my ideas into place, they don’t feel right. I should’ve asked her the last time we were together, but the moment Kalyn stepped up to me, my mind blanked out. She’s always done this to me. Made me feel things I wasn’t prepared for.

  “Well, this guy has been in her life for a couple of years, the parents seem to have accepted him, but from her phone records, she’s not had any contact with anyone other than her folks, and him, for th
ose two years he’s been around.” Finn leans back, resting his left ankle over his right knee, and laces his fingers behind his head. His dark brow lifts ever so slightly when he watches me make sense of what he’s just said.

  “You’re trying to tell me he’s keeping her as some sort of prisoner?” The incredulous tone of my voice is evidence enough that I’m holding onto my restraint by a thread. I’m ready to make this fucker pay, to hurt him in ways that will make his worst nightmares seem like childhood dreams.

  “It seems his money is,” Finn says before picking up his pinging cell phone and scrolling through what I can only assume is information he’s just received. He turns the screen toward me, showing me the email from Harris. This Morales asshole is loaded, and it seems the Narros got into trouble when they left Thorne Haven. I have a feeling they were hoping Kalyn’s career would help them out of it.

  I do notice something of interest in the bank statements, stopping my scrolling and looking at my brother. “There are payments going out of his account to some hospital in Hollywood. Do you think he’s paying for her father’s treatments?”

  “More than likely.” Finn nods slowly. “Which means Kalyn probably agreed to marry this bastard because he’s ensuring her dad is getting medical care.”

  “But that still doesn’t explain the rehab lie,” I tell my brother as the pieces fall into place. If she didn’t get treatment for her addiction, it means she’s still taking that shit. “Do you think he’s—?”

  “Force-feeding her drugs to keep her compliant?” Finn finishes my thought and nods in response. “I don’t see why not. He seems to be controlling all of them. The mother works as an assistant at some film studio, which has the Morales name written all over the ownership documents,” Finn continues as he takes the phone and taps the screen. “And…” he whispers, stopping at a particular spot on the document before handing me his phone.

  I scan the words, but my vision blurs when I take in just what I’m reading. My blood turns to ice, but the rage burning in my gut feels as if a volcano is about to erupt. I’ve been angry at people before; I’ve even made sure those who crossed a Thorne paid. But this is something else. And when I get my hands on Paulo Morales, I’ll ensure he never sees the light of day again.

  I glance at Finn who’s smirking because he knows what’s running through my mind—vengeance. There are times it seems he can read my thoughts, and there’s one thing I can depend on when it comes to my youngest brother, he’s always up for a fight.

  “When I get home from meeting with her,” I start, handing Finn his cell phone before I crush it in my fist, “we make our plans.” It’s almost time for me to leave. Knowing she’ll be there at seven has me anxious because I don’t want to miss this chance to talk to her, to get everything out in the open, and hear her side of the story.

  “I’ll be here, ready and waiting,” Finn informs me before pushing to his feet and heading for the door. “Let me know when you get back; I’ll be in my room doing some more research.”

  For a few moments, after he walks out, I consider what I want to do to Kalyn’s fake fiancé, because that’s what he is. There’s no way she can love this bastard. He’s nothing more than a bully.

  Grabbing my wallet, keys, and phone, I make my way out to the garage and slide into the driver’s seat of my stormy gray SUV with blacked-out windows. I turn on the engine, and the speakers blare out one of my favorite songs. One that reminds me of a time when things were less complicated, and all I wanted to do was claim Kalyn. “Peace of Mind” by Villain of the Story fills the car as I make my way to meet the girl I’ve wanted since I first laid eyes on her.

  She’s been through hell.

  She’s been alone through all this.

  I haven’t yet forgiven her for what she did to me, but I’m nowhere near as cruel as this motherfucking Paulo Morales is. I wanted to make her pay, to ensure she leaves Thorne Haven and never returns, but that was all my smokescreen. As I pull up to the entrance of our old party spot, I realize that what I really wanted was Kalyn in my arms, screaming my name as I finally claim what has always been mine—her.

  I don’t see anyone from the window, but before I get out and make my way to the spot, I know she’ll be waiting. I inhale a couple of deep breaths, hoping they’ll calm me down. But knowing what I do about her life, what she’s been doing since she left Thorne Haven, I can’t find it in myself to keep calm.

  She made mistakes.

  We all do.

  Yes, the lie she told was harsh, but she’ll most certainly pay for it once I’ve freed her from Paulo and chained her to me forever. The thought of keeping her as mine has been solidified in my thoughts. There’s no going back. I can’t. With that in mind, I pull out my phone and tap out a text to Dad.

  Even though he doesn’t know what’s going on, asking him for help will ensure I can do what needs to be done tonight. I don’t have to wait long for his response, and I’m surprised because usually around this time, he and his new wife are locked in their wing of the manor, not to be seen till morning.

  Thankfully, he’s agreed.

  Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I push open the car door and inhale the woodsy scent of the forest. This is the place where I’ve lost myself so many times, I’ve lost count. It’s dark already, and a chill has set in the air, which means it’s time to have some fun with Kalyn. I hope she remembers the game.

  I cup my hands at my mouth and offer up the cry of the game, two long whistles which echo amongst the thick tree trunks. And that’s when my feet carry me into the shadows.

  I’m coming for you, little liar.

  17

  Kalyn

  The echo of his call has me jumping in shock, my feet moving on instinct through the trees. I don’t run because I don’t want to; I don’t need to because I know Cassian will eventually find me. Instead, I make my way toward the lake, slipping behind the thick trunks every now and then, hoping he won’t get to me before I reach the water.

  My talk with Genevieve didn’t go as expected. She knows more than she should about what Paulo is like, and I didn’t expect it. Her guess about his demeanor was perfectly on point. And the fact that she knows about our relationship, the possessiveness of my fiancé doesn’t sit well with me. Guilt had eaten at me as she tried to warn me to seek help, but what she doesn’t realize is if I do anything to anger him, my father will be left with no medical treatment, and it’s expensive. More than we can afford.

  Anger takes hold of me when I think about how Dad had squandered our money as if he had a never-ending supply. And his choices have brought me to this moment, where we’re going to have to sell off everything to pay back what we owe Paulo. But not only that, I’m indebted to a man I hate. On the one hand, I blame my dad, and on the other, I blame myself for agreeing to go ahead with it.

  Shaking my head of the errant thoughts, I focus on my steps and finally make it to the clearing where the full moon is shimmering on the glassy lake. Silver glints at me seconds before a hand slips over my mouth, causing a scream to muffle against the soft, warm palm that’s covering my lips. His other arm snakes around my waist, and he pulls me against his hard, toned body.

  “Got you, little liar,” Cassian’s whisper skitters over my cheek, causing goosebumps to rise in its wake. “I’m going to release you,” he tells me, and I can feel the smile on his expression as he presses his lips to my ear. “No screaming.”

  Slowly, he removes himself from holding me, and I immediately miss his touch. But I know he didn’t bring me here to reminisce about old times; this is for him to extract his payback.

  I spin on my heel the moment I’m free, coming face-to-face with his beautiful eyes, shadowed under the black hoodie he’s wearing. He’s clean-shaven, his smooth, angular jaw greeting me as I take him in. Full lips curl into a sinister smirk that makes my stomach tumble with nerves.

  “I didn’t think you’d come,” he finally says, pushing the hood off, and I notice his hair is sho
rter than usual. The buzzcut suits him. My fingertips tingle to feel his soft hair, to run my fingers over his head while he’s feasting on me.

  “Neither did I.” Flicking my gaze to the ground to clear my wayward thoughts, I focus on his feet, hidden in black combat boots. Cassian looks like the epitome of dark and dangerous as he leans back against a tree. He crosses his arms in front of his broad chest, and I can only imagine the muscles bunching under the heavy material of his clothes.

  “Where’s the unlucky fiancé?” he questions; the angry bite to his words isn’t lost on me. Snapping my gaze to his, I take note of the jealousy that’s turned his lips downward at the corners; the blaze in his eyes doesn’t hide his emotions. One thing I recall about Cassian, even from all those years ago, he could never hide his feelings from me. His eyes were always so expressive. I could tell when he was angry, happy, and even turned on.

  My cheeks heat at the memories. I need to focus, but with him looking so good, bringing back feelings I’ve long since buried, it’s difficult to think straight.

  “What do you want from me, Cassian?” I ask softly instead of answering his question. “I can’t be out here too long. There are things you don’t know—”

  “About the bastard you agreed to marry?” he challenges before pushing away from the tree. He stalks toward me, causing me to stumble backward. Thankfully I’m wearing trainers and find my footing on the uneven ground. “About why you’re really here?” he asks a different question this time, and even though my mouth opens, I can’t find words to answer him.

  Does he know?

  He can’t. There’s no way he could’ve found out about anything that has happened in the past few years, especially the last two.

  “Tell me, little liar,” Cassian taunts, “does he make you feel like I used to?” This time, his question heats my whole body, from head to toe, and it feels as if I’m burning up from a fever. He continues stalking toward me, forcing me back against one of the thick trunks, and soon, I’m pinned between him and the tree, with no escape in sight.