Troublemaker: Rascals: Book Five

by McCoy, Katie

  “He won’t be pleased,” Dante still said.

  “Only because he thinks that no one is ever good enough for me,” I said.

  “He’s right,” Dante responded.

  I rolled my eyes, but it was sweet. I liked it when Dante was sweet. I liked this side of him. The side that he only seemed to show to me. It was special and intimate.

  “Text me later,” I told him. “I’ll let you know when the coast is clear.”

  He nodded and gave me a kiss on the cheek before heading out. I felt his kiss like a welcome brand on my skin even after he left. He was always so hot—and I wasn’t just referring to how attractive he was. The man generated heat like no one I’d ever known before.

  “Hayley!” Kara practically skipped over to me. “Stop macking on your hot boyfriend and come get celebratory drinks with us!”

  I grinned. Even though I would have no problem “macking on my boyfriend” for an extended period of time that evening, I was definitely ready to go and celebrate with my bandmates.

  We headed out to a local bar, and when we arrived, I felt my phone buzz. It was a text from Dante.

  You looked so fucking hot on stage. Can’t wait to see you stripped down and in my bed tonight. Naked.

  I couldn’t help the thrill that shot through me at his words. He had a knack for making me feel good. And now I couldn’t wait to see him—alone—tonight.

  I spent a few hours with the band, while we drank and toasted and celebrated all the awesome things on the horizon. For the first time, I didn’t feel like the new kid anymore. I felt like I was part of the band. Really, truly part of the band.

  Feeling high on life and a little buzzed from vodka shots, I headed to Rascals, where I had texted Juliet and the others to meet me there. I walked in and found all the people I loved—minus one, who was at his gym—gathered there and waiting for me.

  “Guys!” I said, my heart full of love, my head a little fuzzy.

  “Oh no.” Emerson came around the bar. “You’re drunk.”

  I waved him off. “I’m not drunk, but I do have news!” I said triumphantly before poking my brother in the chest. “And if I was drunk, that would be fine because I’m an adult woman who is above the legal drinking age.”

  “Um, OK.” Emerson looked bemused.

  “What’s your news?” Juliet asked, her eyes sparkling.

  She was the only one who knew about me and Dante, and I was betting that she was looking forward to the secret being out in the open. I know she didn’t enjoy keeping things from Liam, so I was grateful she had managed to keep quiet on the whole thing.

  I paused for a moment, wondering which news I should share first. I decided to start with the band. Get everyone excited and then drop the Dante news on them. Not that they would be disappointed with that news—or so I hoped.

  “I’m in a band,” I said.

  Juliet’s face dropped a little, but she kept smiling at me. I wanted to reassure her that I wasn’t done sharing secrets, but everyone around me was reacting to the band information in different ways. The girls were all visibly excited while the guys mostly looked confused.

  “A band!” Kelsey squealed. “That is so cool.”

  “You’re a real rock star!” Alex added, giving me a hug. “That’s awesome.”

  “What’s the band called?” Chase asked.

  “They’re called Purple Sunday,” I told him. “I’m the lead singer.”

  His eyes widened. “Whoa, that’s so great, Hayley.”

  “Thanks,” I said, before turning to Emerson, the only one who still looked confused.

  “You’re in a band?” he asked.

  I nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier, but I didn’t know if it was going to go anywhere and I was feeling a little self-conscious about the whole thing.”

  “Is it going somewhere now?” he wanted to know.

  I couldn’t help beaming. “Actually, we had a really big audition today and I think we nailed it.”

  Everyone cheered, and I got a bunch of high fives from the guys and a big hug from Emerson.

  “Congrats,” he said. “I’m really proud of you.”

  “When can we come see you perform?” Juliet wanted to know.

  “Well,” I felt my smile grow even bigger. “We’re actually going to have a show soon, and the guy we auditioned for is going to be there to see how we perform in front of a crowd before he decides if he wants us to tour with him.”

  “You guys are going on tour?” Liam asked. “That’s fucking cool.”

  “It’s not a guarantee,” I said. “But if Austin likes us . . .”

  Gabi let out a shriek so loud that almost everyone winced in surprise.

  “Austin?” she asked. “You aren’t talking about Austin James, are you?”

  “Maybe?” I said teasingly.

  “Oh my God!” Her eyes were as round as saucers. “You ARE talking about Austin James.”

  All of the girls started squealing again, the four of them speaking all at once.

  “Austin James is SO cute.”

  “Cute? He’s fucking fine.”

  “And he’s such a good musician.”

  “He can play for me any time he wants,” the last one came from Alex, who gave us all a saucy wink.

  “Excuse me.” Emerson put his arm around her shoulder. “What am I? Chopped liver?”

  “Well, you’re definitely not an award-winning, chart-topping rock star,” Kelsey offered helpfully.

  Everyone laughed.

  “You can play for me any time you want too.” Alex gave her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek.

  “Thank you,” he said before turning back to me. “That’s really great, Hayley,” he said. “If Austin James is smart, he’ll totally take your band on tour with him. I’m really proud of you.”

  I felt my throat get tight and my eyes got misty. We weren’t a family that was big on emotionally mushy stuff, but it meant a lot to hear Emerson say those words. I could only hope that he felt the same way after I told him about Dante.

  Feeling a little nervous about that, I left my phone and purse on the bar and excused myself to the bathroom. I splashed a little water on my face and took a deep breath. Emerson would be fine. He might be surprised, maybe a little upset, but once I told him how much Dante meant to me—that I was in love with him—Emerson would get on board. Because he loved me and trusted me. Just like my father.

  Squaring my shoulders, I headed back into the bar.

  But Emerson wasn’t there.

  Everyone was still milling around and chatting—Gabi had pulled out her phone and was playing Austin James’ latest video for Sawyer, while Chase and Liam were debating his solo career versus the one he’d had when he was in a band they had liked. The other girls were giggling at shirtless photos of Austin.

  “Where’s Emerson?” I asked, when after a few minutes, there was still no sign of him.

  Chase looked around. “Weird,” she said. “He was here before you left for the bathroom.”

  I sat down at the bar, and glanced over at my phone. Looking at the screen, I saw that I had one unread text from Dante.

  Can’t wait to taste you, he had written.

  I smiled, before I realized that my phone must have lit up with the message. While I was in the bathroom. While Emerson had been standing right next to the bar.

  “Alex?” I asked. “Where is Emerson?”

  She finally looked up from Kelsey’s phone. “Oh, he said he had to go do something really quickly,” she said, before taking a moment to think. “It was kind of weird actually. He was fine and then checked something on your phone. He left right after that. He should be back soon.”

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  No doubt Emerson had seen the raunchy sext that Dante had sent me. I tried calling Dante but his phone went right to voicemail. Dammit.

  This was the worst possible way for my brother to find out that I was seeing Dante. Emerson was probably headed to the gym ri
ght now, and I was pretty sure he wasn’t going to be sitting down and chatting with his friend.

  “I have to go,” I told the group, grabbing my bag. “I’ll explain later.”

  Then I booked it out of there, hoping I could catch my brother before things went bad fast.

  19

  Dante

  I was sweating, and tired, and thinking about Hayley, but I did my best to focus on my client. Paul was in his forties and trying to get in shape, so he had hired me as a personal trainer to motivate him.

  He was a good student, who listened well and never complained, but tonight, my mind was everywhere except on the task at hand. I wanted to head over to Rascals. I wanted to see Hayley. I wanted to tell everyone that we were together.

  No more secrets. No more hiding. She would be mine—in private and public.

  “OK,” I told Paul, who was starting to get winded. “I think we’ve reached a good stopping point. Let’s finish with some stretching.”

  My muscles were sore as well from the hour of work, so I grabbed an exercise band for myself as well. I was crossing the room towards Paul when I heard the front door open and slam back against the wall.

  Confused, I turned towards the sound, and saw Emerson racing towards me, his face twisted with fury, his fist up. In the seconds I had before his knuckles collided with my face, I knew that he was here because of one reason and one reason only: he had found out about me and Hayley.

  He sucker-punched me in the face.

  I could have defended myself easily—Emerson was a decent fighter when he was calm, but he was all over the place enraged. It wouldn’t have taken much to bring him to his knees, but I didn’t even try.

  I deserved it.

  He hit me again, and I was pretty sure I was going to have a black eye.

  Still, I didn’t fight back.

  “What the fuck?” Emerson’s hands were still curled into fists, as he stood in front of me, breathing heavily. “You bastard!”

  I could see Paul coming towards us, presumably to stop Emerson from hitting me again, but I held up a hand to him.

  “It’s OK,” I said to Paul. “I deserve it.”

  Paul frowned but stayed put, saying nothing.

  I looked back at Emerson, who had murder in his eyes. “I never meant for this to happen,” I told him.

  “For what to happen?” he spat. “For you to start sniffing around my baby sister, or for me to find out?”

  He was furious, and even though his words stung—hurt more than the punches—I couldn’t blame him. If I had been in his position, I would have done the same. Maybe worse.

  “She’s just a kid,” Emerson was ranting, his face red. “And you should fucking know better. You know how she is. How she wants to save everyone. Of course, she’d be drawn to you. You’re like every single stray dog she’s brought home over the years. The ones she thinks she’s going to help even though they bite her and piss on the carpet. She’s young and naïve and thinks the best of everyone!”

  “I know,” I said, shame spreading through me.

  Everything Emerson was saying was exactly a version of the same sort of things I’d said to myself over the years. All the reasons I’d never allowed myself to get close to Hayley. All the reasons I stayed away. Held her at arm’s length.

  One kiss—one stupid, impulsive kiss—had ruined all of that. Ruined years of self-control.

  My face hurt, but I deserved it. I deserved everything that Emerson had to dish out.

  So I held my arms out, ready for more. Eager for more.

  “You’re an asshole,” Emerson yelled. “How could you do this?”

  “I know,” I said. “I deserve it. Go on, hit me again.”

  He pulled back his fist, but before he could attack, a blur came between us.

  “Stop!” Hayley said, her eyes red with unshed tears. “Emerson, what are you doing?”

  She looked so good—so sweet in a pair of snug jeans and a cozy-looking sweater. I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her until we both forgot about this madness. I wanted to tangle my fingers in her hair and kiss every inch of her face.

  But this wasn’t the time.

  “Get out of here, Hayley,” Emerson was breathing heavily, his nostrils flaring. “This is between me and Dante.”

  “Are you kidding me?” she yelled at him. “This isn’t between you and Dante. This has absolutely nothing to do with you.”

  Emerson’s arm dropped to his side as he regarded his sister. “What are you talking about?” he demanded. “This shithead was sending you filthy messages and I’m just supposed to let it stand? How long has he been harassing you?”

  “Harassing me?” Hayley let out a bitter laugh. “Is that what you think is going on?”

  I said nothing, just gestured at Paul—who was still standing there awkwardly—that he should leave. He did so, quickly.

  “Dante isn’t harassing me,” Hayley poked her brother in the chest. “We’re together!”

  Emerson took a step back but not from Hayley’s prodding. From her words.

  “The fuck you are,” he said, his eyes darting back between Hayley and me. “You’re dating my sister and you didn’t say anything?” he managed to say to me.

  “My relationships are none of your business,” Hayley interrupted, drawing Emerson’s attention back to her. “I can date whoever I want.”

  “Not one of my friends!” Emerson argued.

  “Dante is my friend too,” Hayley countered. “And yes, even if he wasn’t, then I’m still allowed to date—and sleep with—whoever the fuck I want to!”

  Emerson closed his eyes as if he was in pain. I understood. The last thing any of us wanted was for Emerson to be thinking about what Hayley and I did in bed.

  “I’m an adult, Emerson,” Hayley continued. “I thought you knew that.”

  “I know you’re an adult.” Emerson waved his arms. “But you don’t know what he is capable of.” He pointed an accusing finger at me.

  I watched my friendship fall apart in front of me.

  But I deserved it. I never should have started this.

  “I know exactly what he’s capable of,” Hayley said. “Because I love him.”

  You could have heard a fucking pin drop. Even though Hayley had said it to me before—and like an idiot, I hadn’t responded in kind—it still sent a jolt through me to hear those words. Words I’d heard so rarely throughout my life. Words I wasn’t certain I deserved.

  “You love him?” Emerson repeated, as if he hadn’t heard her.

  “Yes.” Hayley lifted her chin. “I love him.”

  She humbled me. With everything she did, she humbled me.

  I didn’t deserve her. Not by a long shot.

  “You’re going to break her fucking heart,” Emerson turned to me, his words a hiss.

  “Emerson!” Hayley sounded horrified, but Emerson ignored her, and focused on me.

  “Hayley thinks she knows you, but we both know that she has no idea. You know you’re going to hurt her.”

  “I would never hurt her intentionally,” I said.

  That was the truth. But it also wasn’t what Emerson was saying.

  “It doesn’t matter if it’s intentional,” he said. “If Hayley becomes part of your world, she’s going to get hurt. That’s just the way it is. Isn’t Dante?”

  I didn’t respond. What could I say?

  “You’re being ridiculous,” Hayley told her brother.

  “Am I?” he asked, before turning back to me. “Can you promise that you’ll protect her? That none of your bullshit—none of the trouble you’ve gotten yourself into over the years—can you promise that she’ll be safe from that?”

  I couldn’t.

  Guilt filled me to the brim. Emerson was right. He was so fucking right and I knew it. I had always known it. I wasn’t right for Hayley. I couldn’t protect her. In fact, just being near me had already put her in trouble. The thought of something happening to her made me sick.
r />   And it did the same for Emerson, who gave me a disgusted look. The betrayal in his eyes cut me to my core. I looked away, unable to confront my own shame.

  “I thought so,” he said, before turning and walking out.

  Immediately, Hayley ran to me, her gentle, small hands on my face, cupping my chin, turning my eye towards her for inspection. I allowed it, but held myself stiffly, unable to look her in the eye.

  “You’re going to have a shiner,” she said, clucking softly. “We need to put some ice on it right away.”

  “It’s fine,” I told her, pulling away.

  “It’s not fine,” she insisted, following me. “You need to take care of that.”

  I could barely hear her, shame filling me up to an uncomfortable degree. Emerson’s words had found their mark. This whole thing between me and Hayley had been a bad idea. I knew it—had always known it—but I had found ways to convince myself that it was OK. That things would work out.

  I had lied to myself. To Hayley.

  Emerson was the only one who saw this for what it was. A mistake. A selfish, horrible mistake. I had wanted Hayley so much that I had allowed myself to forget all the reasons it would never work.

  I wasn’t good enough for her. I never would be.

  “Where do you keep the ice?” Hayley asked, unaware of the internal battle waging in my head at that moment.

  She wanted to help. Wanted to heal me. Wanted to rescue me.

  “I don’t want your help,” I told her.

  It was harsh, but it stopped her in her tracks. She looked at me, finally seeing me.

  “No,” she said, her voice hoarse. “Don’t do this to me.”

  “You know Emerson is right,” I told her. “I can’t protect you. We haven’t even been together a month and already you’ve been put into harm’s way. You could have died in that fire, Hayley.”

  She shook her head. “But I didn’t. And it was an accident.”

  “It wasn’t an accident,” I exploded. “Nicky lit the gym on fire because he hates me. And he’s not the only one. There are plenty of people in my life who would do the same, or worse, if they felt threatened or disrespected the way that Nicky felt.”