Forever Changed Part One: A College Bully RH Romance (Forever Changed Duet Book 1)

by Amber Nicole

  We finish eating and go our separate ways. My phone rings and I ignore it. Not even a moment later it rings again. I pull it from my pocket and wince. Just what I needed today.

  I slide my finger on the screen to answer. “Hello,” I say with a cringe. After not hearing from him last week I thought maybe he was finally going to move on. “Jase, what is this I’m hearing from Arnold? He said Penny told him you were planning on dropping from the team. That is not acceptable. You know what my conditions are.” I find a seat along the stone bench in front of Jhonson Hall and smack myself in the forehead with my phone. Ignoring the rant my father is on. “Do you hear me son?” he roars. I close my eyes and try not to snap back. I’m exhausted, both physically and mentally. I wish I could just run away. Take Lay and go somewhere we can be happy and free. “Yes, Father. It was just a moment of weakness, a private conversation she must have overheard. I was never going to actually do it.” A clink sounds from his end and I know he’s already hit the scotch this morning. “Oh, well, good then. How’s your brother doing? Still dating that guy?” Fuck, how drunk is he? Does he know who he’s talking to, or does he think he’s talking to East?

  “No Father, he has his eyes on someone new. A pretty little blonde from Kansas.”

  He booms out with a laugh. “Oh I know all about that little minx. Arnold says Penny won’t shut up about her. If you ask me, I think she’s jealous. She’s always had a thing for your brother.”

  I roll my eyes and try to get him off the line. I’m almost successful until my mother pops into the room, “Oh is that my baby?” The phone is handed to her and I lean back to get comfortable. My mother can talk for hours.

  e

  I hang up the phone and head towards my afternoon class. I need to start getting back into my schoolwork or my grades will slip and fuck knows what happens if I get kicked from the team. I’m so over football. It was fun in highschool, but now it’s becoming more of a chore. I spot Penny heading my way, so I turn down a side path to avoid her. I open the door to Masters Hall and quickly rush up the stairs and let out a breath of relief, I do not want to deal with her bullshit right now. I walk down the corridor towards my class and pause. Fuck. She caught me.

  “Jase Hawthorne do not walk away from me,” she snaps, digging her press-on nails further into my bicep. I know I shouldn’t aggravate her, but I’m so over her dictator bullshit. I put a fake smile on my face and give her a kiss on the cheek, startling her to the point she shuts up. “Oh hi Penny. Sorry, my mind has been a million miles away. How are you today?” I ask, watching as she blinks repeatedly, trying to remember why she accosted me in the first place. “I was having a pleasant morning until Redneck Barbie showed up in my economics class. Why is she still here? It's been a few weeks now. What the fuck is the hold up?” I bite my lip to prevent the smile and laugh that threatens to come out at ‘redneck barbie’. She releases my arm and backs a few steps away. Her face reddens and I groan. “Working on it, Penny. East is planning something,” I say, she purses her lips and gives me a nod. “Get it done Jase, or I may just have to have a little talk with Daddy.”

  I go to reply, but she flips her hair and walks off. The click of her heels on the marble matching the pace of my heart. I know what must be done, but it doesn't mean I approve.

  Twenty

  Carson

  My phone wakes me from a bad dream, and I roll over, glancing at the text.

  PMS: I need you to be at the house in fifteen minutes.

  Yeah right. I roll back over and close my eyes once more, but my phone won’t stop dinging. Seriously? It’s a fucking Saturday. I throw the blankets off and climb out of bed, tripping over something, and start yelling at the book on the floor like it’s personally offended me. I need coffee and more sleep. I’m going to murder our neighbor. If he’s not blasting music until four a.m., he’s banging some whiny chick right against my wall. I don’t know how much longer I can put up with this.

  I open my door, and the aroma of bacon pulls me out of my mood a little bit.

  “Good morning, sunshine,” Sassy says with a piece in her mouth.

  “No. Why do people insist on getting up so early on the weekends? Even my dad would let me sleep in till nine.”

  She laughs and holds out the crispy strips to me. I take one and moan in contentment. “That is seriously good,” I say, covering my mouth as I chew.

  “I don’t think I will ever get over how much you enjoy your food,” Sassy says with a hint of lust in her eyes. I laugh nervously and snatch another piece. My phone dings again and I groan. “Why won’t she leave me alone?” I glance at the phone and snort, “Yeah I am not going to be there in five. Chick is seriously crazy.”

  Sassy stands up from the couch, setting the plate on the coffee table. “Who’s blowing up your phone?” she asks, moving to the kitchen to get me a coffee, before walking my way and handing it over. I take it with a grateful sigh. “Penny. She wants me to show up at the house and bake cookies with the girls. I guess it’s a bonding exercise. The other pledges arrive today for an orientation, or a meet and greet. I don’t know. I am not awake enough for this shit,” I grumble, taking a large sip of the milky sweet coffee. Sassy laughs before backing away with her hands in the air. “That’s all you babes, I burn water.” I laugh and finish off the mug.

  “Thank you. I better go get dressed,” I say, handing the cup back to her and turning towards my bedroom. The guy next door is moaning and a headboard is slamming. I bang my fist against the wall, yelling, “Does your mother know how much of a slut you are?”

  I hear some swearing and a girl saying, “Baby, what’s wrong?” Someone grumbles and I burst out in quiet chuckles.

  “She mentioned my mom. Fucking bitch, total boner killer.”

  I move over to the closet and pull out some jeans and a T-shirt of my mom’s from her Kippa Nu days. It’s faded, but the material is so soft. I get ready and throw my hair in a messy bun, before grabbing my bag and walking out the door. The lobby is empty when I reach the stairs and I can’t help but glance at the small room by the door. My cheeks heat as I remember what Connor and I did there. I bite my lip and descend the steps. I may need to have a repeat with that boy.

  e

  “Hey, Cara,” A pretty redhead says to me. I think her name is Denise. She comes over to my station and helps me set up. “How are you doing? I know this hazing thing is a pain. I was a legacy last year, but once the other pledges are chosen they’ll get Hell Week over with, and you will officially be one of us,” she says with a soft smile. I give her a smile in return and continue to mix the batter for sugar cookies. I was told I needed to bake one hundred Kippa Nu sugar cookies for the mixer today. We’re going to meet some more ‘sacrifices’. My word. They call them pledges.

  I bake for hours and I am finally almost done. I take out the last tray of cookies from the oven and set them on the cooling rack. So much for this being a bonding experience. So far all the work has been thrown my way. I’m hot, sweaty, covered in flour, and my feet are killing me.

  I turn back to decorate some more when the kitchen door swings open. “Um, Courtney, what the fuck is this?” Penny says, coming up to me with one of the cookies I’d made. I look at her in confusion and she screams, “You fucking imbicile the icing is supposed to be hot pink, not this pale pink monstrosity.” She throws the cookie in my face, and the not-yet-hardened icing smears all over my mother’s white cotton T-shirt. Some of the girls behind her laugh, and I feel tears prick my eyes. “I-- I’m sorry Penny. I’ll make some more,” I say quietly, moving towards the counter to add some coloring to the icing and scrape off the other so I can hand pipe them all over again. Talons grab my hair and tugs me back. “I wasn’t done talking to you. You already ruined today’s mixer, so don’t bother. Just leave. You're lucky you're a legacy or you would never be welcomed again in my house,” she snarls, before releasing my hair and shoving me towards the door. My hip hits the door jam and I wince. Her eyes brighten with glee,
then she glances above my head. I watch as a mask slips over her features. “Oh hello, please come in, ignore the maid. Would you like a cookie?” she says to a few girls walking up the steps. I turn and quickly walk away, praying the tears don’t fall until I’m in my room. I hate them so much, but a promise is a promise.

  e

  A few days later I’m walking to class when my phone buzzes. I pull it from my pocket and, not paying attention, accidentally bump into one of my sorority sisters. “Oh I’m so sorry,” I tell her, but she just rolls her eyes and keeps walking. I sigh and lean against the wall. Why can’t I connect with any of my sisters? I thought Denise was nice, but turns out she just wanted me to do her English paper. It seems the girls don’t care much for grades, just landing a hot, successful husband. My phone buzzes again and I finally read the messages.

  East: You and me tonight. Library? We can’t work on music, but we can start lyrics?

  Oh right, our assignment. I know I told him I just wanted to be friends, but I’m kinda disappointed this text wasn’t him asking me out.

  Me: Sounds like a plan. Don’t forget the snacks.

  I turn my phone off and continue the walk to my class. Psych with Ms. Robbins. I’m a little excited for this one. From what I have heard she is an amazing teacher and really likes to connect and interact with her students. This was another sought-after class, and I had to work hard to be accepted among the fifty other students. I move into the room and find a seat in the middle row. I want to be able to pay attention, but I don't want to be called on. At least not yet. A couple girls sit behind me and laugh. I glance their way and give a small smile. I recognize a few from the house. I don’t know all their names yet, but from the pin they’re wearing I know they’re my sisters. One rolls her eyes and another gives me a tiny wave.

  “Good morning class,” my professor says as she rushes through a side door, and slams a rather large bag on the desk. Something starts buzzing in her bag and her face turns bright red. Some guys laugh from the front and she gives us a sheepish smile. “Ignore that. I moonlight as a consultant for an adult toys line.” She shuts the toy off and takes off her coat , placing it on top of her bag, before moving to the front of the room. “Okay, I'm going to make this short and sweet. We’re all adults here, and I expect you to have the maturity level to handle this class. Yes this is psych, but we also cover a lot of taboo topics. We’ll get into the core of your emotions, feelings, secrets, and hidden desires. Before you can go on to helping others you need to conquer yourselves.” She gives us all a wink and moves to the podium. I sit back and grab my laptop from my bag, open an empty notes doc, and settle in. I think I’m going to like this class.

  After class I take a quick shower and put on a cute summer dress that makes my butt look amazing. I walk to the library and find a hidden alcove behind some bookshelves. East is there with a takeout container of something amazing, and a red rose. I place my bag on the table and move closer to him. I point towards the flower and raise a brow, “What is that for? Is it edible?” I ask with a bit of sass. He laughs and hands it to me. “Not to worry babe, I brought your snacks too, but I saw that and thought of you.”

  I give him a smile and take a seat on the cushioned bench by the windows. “Thank you,” I say before pointing towards the cardboard carton that smells like fried cheese and heaven. “What’s that?” He shakes his head and takes the spot beside me. He bends forward and lifts the lid. I groan and bite my lip to prevent any more moans from slipping. I really have an unhealthy obsession with food. “You said snacks, so I brought you fried cheese curds, tacos, chicken fingers, and waffle fries.” My eyes go wide and I laugh.

  “Are you feeding a football team or just us? Because that is a lot of food.” He shrugs, and grabs a napkin and a taco, handing it to me. I take it and immediately shove it in my mouth. Oh my god. It has the perfect sour cream to sauce ratio.

  “Good?” he asks, watching me devour it, then lick my fingers. His eyes flare with heat and I blush. “It’s really good. Thank you.” I wipe my hand with the napkin then sit back, giving him my full attention. “We should start thinking of some lyrics. We got lucky that Professor Bourne cancelled class last week, otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten the assignment done in time.” He takes some food for himself.

  “I was thinking longing and heartbreak may be a good start. I wrote some random verses down if you want to look,” he offers, handing me a notebook from the side table. I take a glance and pause. Wow. “This is really good, East,” I tell him softly, while reading the lyrics he wrote. “I think I can add on to this.” I sit back and close my eyes, imagining the picture he’s painted. A couple in love, then one thing after another changes things between them. I open my eyes and glance his way. “Okay I love the beach descriptions, maybe we can turn a bright sunny day into a gloomy one?” I sing a verse, making up a random melody and his eyes turn bright. He nods his head and surprises me by grabbing my cheeks and kissing my lips in excitement. “Shit. Sorry, but yes I love that idea. That sounds awesome,” he says, backing away to give us some room apart. I blink a few times and clear my throat. “Okay. Let’s get to work then.” I reach forward and grab some cheese curds, putting them in my mouth to keep me from saying anything more, or even kissing him back. “How is this?” he asks a few minutes later.

  Sunrises on the beach

  Sand on our feet

  Oceans so clear and blue

  The gleam in your hair

  I loved you, I swear

  But time changed you

  Clouds in the sky

  Never wanted to make you cry

  But I found someone new

  “That sounds amazing East,” I tell him honestly, gasping at the big grin he gives me. His hazel eyes sparkle and I bite my lip, glancing between his mouth and eyes. He tosses his notebook somewhere and grabs the back of my neck and hip, pulling me towards him. “Tell me to stop.” I think for a moment about just wanting to be friends, and his player persona, but I can’t deny that my body craves his. I lean in a small fraction and he takes the hint, dominating my mouth. I turn to straddle him, and he chuckles, before claiming my lips again. His silky brown hair is begging to be pulled, so I do, making him moan. He leaves my lips and kisses down my jaw, to my ear, whispering, “Do you know how hot you make me?”

  I shake my head, and he thrusts his hips up, hitting me in a spot that makes me shudder. I should have worn pants, because this sundress is allowing his hands to roam over my thong-clad ass, and when he gives me a squeeze, I almost fall to his chest. “Fuck Cara, you’re soaking my jeans,” he groans, moving his hips in a circle. My eyes roll back, and I whimper. He takes my lips again and kisses me harder, biting my lower lip, before sucking it into his mouth. “We should stop,” I pant when his hands move from my butt towards the front of his jeans. He unbuttons them and pulls the zipper down, taking his cock out. Hard, warm flesh hits my center, and if I wasn’t wearing the thin lace, we would be skin to skin. He pushes me back, holding my hips so I don’t fall, rubbing his dick on my soaking panties. I follow his eyes and moan louder. The head of his cock is large, and turning darker by the moment. It looks angry. A liquid seeps from the small hole at the top and rubs all over my panties. He lets go of one of my hips and grabs the base, smacking it over my clit a few times, before grinding down harder against me. My legs start to shake, and I throw my head back, biting my lip to hide the moans and whimpers from my throat. He pulls me closer, licking my throat, before moving between my breasts, groaning, he starts to suck on my cleavage. His finger slides beneath my panties and I twitch, the sensation is almost too powerful. He moves them to the side and lines up his cock, pulling me from the fog. “Whoa, wait,” I say, shoving back a bit and placing my hand on his chest, running over a bump in his nipple. Does he have a piercing? He looks at me with confusion, but lets me climb off. I fix my dress and lean against the coffee table, pushing the food over more. He grabs his dick and puts it away, wincing at the adjustment. “What’s wron
g?” he asks once he’s back in order. I bite my lip and hide my head with my hands, “Um, well you see, I’m kinda a virgin,” I say quietly. A groan sounds from his direction and I peek through my fingers. He’s leaning against the back of the bench with his hands in his hair. “Fuck. I’m sorry Cara. If I had known I wouldn’t have tried to bang you in a library of all places,” he says with a wink. I scoff and glance around. A shadow moves over in the corner and I freeze. Oh my god, did someone see?