by N. Natishna
“Sweetheart, one of your legs is as big as my arm, if that.”
I’d heard enough of his insults. At least, I think they were insults. They could be compliments, but I wasn’t taking it that way. Grabbing my purse, I glowered at him one more time. “Listen perv, I don’t care how small I am. I don’t like anybody referring to my size. Especially some arrogant, obnoxious, juv –”
“Emma!” Mrs. Alvarez’s sharp voice cut me off. Feeling like steam was coming out my ears, I turned on my heel and left the giant jerk.
“Sorry, Mrs. A,” I muttered as I left the class. I hated that I got so pissed that I forgot where we were. If there were students in the room to witness my lack of character, I’d have been humiliated. My parents would definitely not be proud.
I had to push my way through the throng of people in order to make it to my chemistry class on time. This had to be the busiest hallway in this school! Thanks to Deklan reminding me of my short stature, I felt even tinier. Even my heels couldn’t fix me, because most of the girls here wore heels as well. I felt like I had to push twice as hard to get through. I was getting more irritated as I made my way to the Chemistry room, which was all the way in the Red wing.
I made it just as the second bell – the late bell – rang. Mr. Oswald was writing on the chalkboard and didn’t pay me any attention. I smiled and flipped my champagne blonde hair behind my shoulder. There was a chuckle behind me and I cringed. Damn, he would have this class with me. How the hell couldn’t I have known he was behind me?
“Watch it there, little girl,” Deklan drawled. “You could really hurt someone with those locks.”
Ignoring him, I took a seat in the only table left, which was right at the front and closest to the door. The desks seated two people and I inwardly groaned at the fact that I was going to have to partner up with Deklan. I took my seat and his large frame somehow managed to fit in the chair next to mine. It was then that I noticed two black drumsticks sticking out the back of his jeans and over his shirt. A drummer? Figures.
Mr. Oswald went into a long lecture about what he wanted and expected out of us this year. If I didn’t find something to occupy myself, I was going to fall asleep.
Pulling out my cell, I checked my messages. I had two unread ones. The first was from Cody Hudson.
Cody: Lookin good today, babe.
I rolled my eyes and ignored that one. I had seen him as I walked into English class earlier, and we had this class together also, but I didn’t acknowledge him.
A little tip; don’t date the football quarterback, no matter how good looking they are. Jocks around here thought they were top shit and ruled the school. Cody thought he was king, and he’d told me often that I'd be treated like a queen with him.
Gag. No thank you.
We dated for most of our junior year before I just got annoyed with him. He was clingy and a mite demanding. Anytime I wasn’t with him, he’d blow up my phone. When I would turn it off, he would get pissed and think that I was cheating. During our last month of dating I suspected he was cheating on me anyways, because there was no way I was giving it to him.
Yeah, no thanks. I was a naïve fool for waiting so long to end it. Hell, I don’t even know why I wanted to go out with him anyways. He didn’t make me happy and constantly got on my nerves.
The second text was from Aria.
Aria! Saw new guy in the hall. Dios, he’s fine.
I chuckled and replied, Trust me, nothing special. Arrogant jackhole.
I glanced at Deklan from the corner of my eye and saw that he was writing in his notebook. As he wrote, the muscles in his arm clenched and I focused on his tattoos. Amidst the random colors there were different colored musical notes spread around, and a black guitar on his forearm that looked to be shooting out tiny lightning bolts.
I spotted an angel on his bicep. It was the only design that was in all black, except for the halo above her head. She was sitting on a stack of books while she played a violin. I couldn’t look away from the angel, it enthralled me so much. Her eyes were shut and she looked so peaceful. I had this sudden urge to run my hands over the intricate designs, but I clasped my hands together.
“You like?” Deklan asked me, making me jump. I swear if I didn’t get some control somebody was going scare me into a heart attack. Pretending I didn’t hear him, I looked down at my phone again. Two new messages.
Cody: Let’s get together after school. ;) I automatically deleted that one.
Aria! What did that hunk of man meat do to anger you?
Me: He called me little.
And he was also cocky, totally breath taking, oh, and I’ve lost all sensibility in the hour that I’ve known him.
I shoved my phone in my pocket when I saw Mr. Oswald coming around with papers for everyone. I didn’t get a chance to get to my phone again, but I could wait. When the bell rang I didn’t rush like last period. Putting the chemistry book in my bag, I was just about to leave when somebody wrapped their arms around me from behind. Irritated, I pushed Cody’s arms off me and turned. I saw Deklan’s surprised expression from the corner of my eye.
“We’re not together anymore, Cody,” I told him. “You can’t keep putting your hands on me like we are.”
He groaned and tried to caress my cheek. I gripped the strap over my shoulder and took a step back, jerking my face away. This guy must either be hard of hearing, or just had a serious brain problem.
“Come on, babe, don’t be like that. I thought we were just taking a break for the summer. I gave you the space you needed.”
I rolled my eyes and turned around to leave, deciding that I was done with this. “Not a break, Cody. It’s just over. Get your facts straight.”
He followed me out to the hall, and I felt his hand slide down my back as he walked away with his buddies trailing behind him. What a douche.
I looked over my shoulder and saw Deklan standing there, glaring at Cody's back. When his eyes came back to me, my pulse jumped and I couldn't look away. He tilted his head and raised a curious brow. I shook my head and turned away. The last thing I wanted was this guy knowing anything about me.
Third period was government with Mr. Donovan. I sat in the back with Aria and Zane and told them all about Deklan and how he practically insulted me. Aria was furious for me, which wasn’t pretty. If there was one thing you didn’t want, it was a pissed off Aria. She spouted off Spanish so fast that I couldn’t understand her, and I aced my Spanish class last year. Zane calmed her down by whispering in her ear and rubbing her back. He obviously thought Deklan was awesome and saw no problem with him.
I had Calculus fourth period with none of my close friends, and no Deklan. Not that I cared, seeing how the guy was just aggravating. Yet, I couldn’t get him off my freaking mind. He was so hot and dangerous looking. Dangerous. I had to remember that or I’d be in trouble. He was a delinquent and violent, and I hated violence. My mother always taught me that it never solved anything, but made things worse.
When lunch finally came, I didn’t even bother going to my locker, I was so hungry. I met Zane and Aria at the cafeteria and dropped my now heavy book bag onto the bench at our table. Jeff and Reggie were in line with Luke. I smiled at them and bumped fists with Liam.
Before we met the others it had been me, Liam, and Zane since we were in diapers, because our parents were all good friends. Liam lived in the house on the left of ours, and Zane’s was the house on the right. Reggie, Jeff, and Bianca came after Aria, during little league baseball. And we met Luke at the beginning of sixth grade when he punched Carson Holt in the face for messing with Liam.
We were all extremely close friends. The very best of friends.
“I’m so hungry!” I whined. I'm so pissed at myself for not fitting breakfast in this morning. This day just wasn’t going the way I thought it would.
“Didn’t Josie make you breakfast, Em?” Zane asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, but I was running late. I couldn’t find my shoes until the last
minute.”
Giggles erupted behind us and I turned to see Nicole Sanders and a group of her friends. AKA ‘slut squad’.
“I saw him as he passed my locker earlier,” Nicole said. “I want to suck on his piercings.”
Oh great, I was going to upchuck before I even ate.
“Did you see his ass? It’s almost as sexy as Liam’s,” Gina Thompson whispered not so quietly. “Who’s that chick he was with?”
I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to the front of the line. I knew just who they were talking about. Liam scoffed and tried to look back at his rear end, and I laughed at how funny he looked.
“Dude, this guy’s stealing our chicks,” Reggie said and I stifled a laugh.
“Ew, Reg, you’re sick,” Bianca scoffed at him as she walked up. “That’s not something you should be complaining about. You can catch an STD just by staring below their belts.” She wasn’t quiet when she bluntly stated that fact, and I shook my head. Bianca had zero filter for her mouth.
Aria chuckled and Zane agreed. I rubbed the back of my neck when I felt a small tingle there. When I felt it again, I stilled when I realized the reason behind this feeling. I heard one of the girls squeal, making me jump, and I shuffled up to the food counter. Stupid, squawking girls.
“I think he’s staring at me!” Gina giggled and I heard Nicole scoff.
“Don’t flatter yourself, Gina. You look like shit.”
What a bunch of bull. I would have felt sorry for Gina if I wasn’t so focused on piling my plate with food. I loved food, any kind, I wasn’t picky. I could eat and eat, and still want more.
After I paid for my food, I followed behind Aria and Zane. My eyes wandered around the cafeteria, and I didn’t realize I was looking for him until I spotted him in the far corner of the room. He was at the other end of a table full of students, with some girl with the same black hair as him and pale skin. I knew just by those two similarities that she was his sister. She sat across from him, her back to us, and from the way she was angled over the tabletop, I could see she had some kind of tattoo on her lower back.
My sister has one of those, but I could never see myself getting one. The girl’s hot pink polo looked to be too small for her, but it looked good with her pale skin and dark hair.
Deklan’s head was buried in his notebook again and I wondered what he was writing. It had to be something good, because he was writing intensely, his brows knitted together in concentration. I had to look away when his tongue absently peeked out to touch his lip piercings. How could such a simple act be such a turn on? How is it possible that it was a turn on to me?
“I’ll be right back, baby,” Zane told Aria as he set his tray down next to hers.
“Where are you going?”
“I want to introduce Deklan to the guys.” Pfft, of course he would, damn him. Zane was a nice guy, a little intimidating, but really cool. He’s been with Aria since we were ten and he had asked her to marry him. It was funny, because we actually had a wedding for them, thanks to Kathrynn. She had the whole thing set up in our backyard and even supplied the rings – or twisty ties with glitter glued on them. I’m pretty sure they both still have them.
I looked over at Zane and saw him talking to Deklan. They both turned to the sister and Deklan said something to her, and she shook her head, gave a small smile, and got up to leave the cafeteria.
Then both guys were making their way to our table. My stomach fluttered and suddenly I was shoving my book bag onto the floor, and it landed with a loud thud. Aria jumped and I gave her a sheepish look when she looked at me questionably. I shrugged, because I honestly didn’t know why I had the urge to do that. My mind had to be playing tricks, because I didn’t really want Deklan next to me. Nope, no way. I don’t care how hot he was or how much him licking his lip piercings was a turn on.
When Deklan and Zane stopped at the table, everybody looked up.
“Guys, I want you to meet Deklan Mayfield. Aria’s dad hired him at the pizzeria and he’ll be Dave’s replacement on the drums.”
Oh. That was somehow not surprising news. Deklan would fit right in with the guys in the band.
Zane pointed to Aria. “This is my sexy ass girlfriend, Aria. She’s totally off limits.” He looked Deklan right in the eye. “No jokes, bro. She’s strictly hands off.”
I choked on a piece of bread I put in my mouth. Aria huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. She glared at Zane while everybody tried not to laugh. She hated when Zane went all cave man. Or at least, that’s what she told him.
“Zane, cierra la boca! No te puedo creer!” She scoffed and threw her hands up in an exasperated gesture. “Sólo una vez me gustaría que dejaras de ser un neanderthal!”
Zane grunted, but ignored her and pointed across from Aria. “That’s Bianca, but we just call her Flame.” I busted out laughing at the understanding on Deklan’s face. We called her that because her hair was shiny and as red as fire, and oh so beautiful. It hung in thick waves a little past her shoulders.
“I know you’ve already met Slim,” he said and I rolled my eyes. No, we don’t know each other. I met him, he got on my nerves, and now I can’t stand him.
Zane chuckled and pointed next to Bianca. “That’s Liam; he’s our lead vocal and a killer song writer. Next to him is Reggie, he play’s lead on guitar. And then there’s Jeff, he’s on bass guitar. That one on the end with the permanent scowl is Luke. He’s hot tempered and a little on the crazy side. He stood in for Dave when he moved.” Luke’s expression didn’t change as he gave a small nod in greeting. Zane threw an arm over Deklan’s shoulders. “We’ve been in serious trouble since Dave moved away. You have no idea how much thanks we owe you.”
Deklan nodded.
“So, how do you know he’s any good?” Reggie asked bluntly and took a bite of his pizza. “Dave was the shit, man.”
“Gross, Reggie. At least swallow your food first,” I scolded. I hated when people talked with their mouth full. Reggie knew this, but he had no table manners.
“I know he’s good, Reg, because he showed me his skills.” And that was the only explanation we’d get, because Zane turned back to Deklan. “Take a seat, man.”
I tensed and bit my lip. Aria nudged my side and I knew that Deklan was walking around to my side. When he sat down next to me his cologne surrounded me. I loved it and hated it at the same time.
Or should I say, I hated that I loved it.
Zane plopped down close to Aria and kissed her cheek. Conversation started back up and I picked at my food, the only thing I could seem to concentrate on was the charming smell wafting around me. Deklan’s scent.
“You okay, little girl? You haven’t even touched your food. Girl like you needs to eat.” His warm breath blew over my neck and down my back. I found myself tilting my head just so I could feel it again.
“I’m not hungry,” I mumbled, angry that he was getting under my skin so quickly. I heard him chuckle and I shook my head.
“So, Slim, what’s this shit Cody’s spewing that you guys hooked back up?” My head snapped up and I narrowed my eyes at Jeff.
“There was no ‘hooking up’ and you know that, Jeff. And, no, we are not getting back together.”
“Hey, I knew it wasn’t true, cupcake, I was just saying.”
“Estupido!” Aria scoffed. “Don’t listen to such mierda, Jeffery. You should know our girl better than that.”
I nodded and rubbed Aria’s shoulder. “It’s whatever. Cody will come to see that I’m not coming back to him.”
The rest of lunch went by quickly and I felt completely out of my element. I’d lost my appetite – as crazy as that was – and just sat there listening to Aria and Bianca talk about Homecoming. It didn’t matter; the pizza didn’t have much cheese on it, which is a deal breaker for me, because I loved my pizza super cheesy.
I was about to stand up when I felt Deklan’s warm hand brush my arm. I froze and looked over at him. He was in the middle of talking
with Liam and didn’t even acknowledge me. Did he do it on purpose? Did he get the same feeling as I did when we touched? Did he think I was going bat shit crazy, too? Because I definitely thought I was.
Frustrated, I pushed back my chair and stood. “I’m going to head to French class early. Catch you guys later.”
I tossed my bag strap over my shoulder and had to grab the table so I didn’t fall backwards. Crap, I needed to stop at my locker and put some of my books away.
“Damn, Slim, don’t tip over,” Reggie said with a laugh.
Jeff had come up with that nickname for me when we were in eighth grade. He and Reggie had locked their dumbasses out of their house when their parents were out of town. I was the only one small enough to fit through their tiny ass basement window. And when I say tiny, I mean tiny – the smallest window one could have in a house. It was ridiculous, but I let them get away with nickname.
I grunted and grabbed my purse and tray and left – tossing my tray on top of the trashcan on my way out. My shoulders were killing me and I wanted to throw my backpack in the trash as well. Then the strap was slipping off my shoulder and I made a grab for it. When I felt hands gripping them I looked behind me.
Deklan was there with his same old cocky grin as he pulled off my bag and carelessly slung it over his shoulder, as if it didn’t weigh almost sixty pounds.
I rolled my eyes. Was he following me? I glanced around, seeing some of the students glance our way.
“It just so happens that I have French class next period as well.” He winked and motioned me forward. “After you, Slim.”
“Excuse me?”
He shrugged. “You seem not to mind that nickname.”
“Whatever.” I wanted to tell him that he could just call me by my name, but I wasn’t in the mood to argue.
We walked in silence, which was perfect for me. I was too busy being irritated. This morning I was anxious to get to school, but now I couldn’t wait for it to be over so I could get to work, and then go home for the night. The guys had their band practice tonight after work, but I didn’t think I’d be showing up. I told myself that it wasn’t because Deklan would be there.