by Chiah Wilder
“They are. It’s a great lineup,” she agreed as she grabbed several cocktail napkins. Kylie hated holding a plastic cup that dripped water as the ice melted down. It was one of her pet peeves. “You want a Diet Pepsi? They don’t have Coke products here.”
Ari and Mary nodded, and Kylie placed their order. As she waited for their drinks, she watched the local band rocking out, the lights flashing on the stage. From the corner of her eyes, a flash sparked in the darkness. Turning in the direction of the gleam, she spotted him, the strobe lights bouncing off his gold frames. A cruel smile stretched across his mouth, and her stomach turned to ice.
Grabbing Taylor’s arm, she spun her friend toward her. “He’s here. The guy with the purple Corvette is here.” She competed with the thunderous bass and hard rock vocals bouncing off the venue’s walls.
Taylor shook her head as she pointed to her ears. Kylie jerked her thumb in his direction, yelling, “There he is!” Taylor’s eyes shifted from Kylie to the spot where she pointed, then she shrugged again. Wild-eyed, Kylie looked over, but he was gone. She desperately searched the crowd, on alert for a glimmer of anything. But nothing. It was as though he was never there, and maybe he wasn’t. Maybe she’d imagined the whole thing.
By the time Black Stone Cherry took the stage, Kylie was a bundle of nerves, seeing sparking flashes everywhere, but none of them were from gold-framed sunglasses. When the concert ended, all she wanted to do was go back to her dorm and shut out the images of scantily-clad women all over Jerry and mirrored sunglasses. Of course, the group wanted to munch on pizza and talk about the concert, so she went along, laughing, talking, and eating even though her nerves were in overdrive.
When they arrived at the campus, Ricky walked her, Taylor, Mary, and Ari to their buildings. When they reached her room, Taylor opened the door and went inside, lightly closing it behind her. Kylie and Ricky stood in the brightly lit hallway, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. “I had a great time tonight. I hope you did.” Ricky shifted from one foot to another.
“Oh, yeah. It was awesome. Thanks again for taking me. The band was totally cool.” Silence spread over them, and she brought her hand up and nibbled on her thumb. He clasped her hand and pulled it away from her mouth then leaned in, his hand tilting her head back. Placing her hands on his chest, she pushed him away, her heart lurching when he winced then sagged against the wall, his shoulders hunched. “I’m sorry.” Her voice hitched.
“What’s wrong? You don’t like me?”
Sighing, she leaned against the door. “It’s me. I adore you as a friend, and I’m not ready to shift our friendship to something more. I hope you understand.”
A bitter smile swept across his lips. “I do. I guess I was hoping you’d feel what I feel.”
“I know you’re frustrated with me, but I don’t want to lead you on. I think you’re fun, witty, totally smart, and very handsome, but I enjoy our friendship immensely. I hope it isn’t in jeopardy.”
He shook his head.
“Please, don’t be mad at me.”
“I’m not. I’m just disappointed. I really like you a lot, Kylie.”
Her heart pulled. What the fuck was she doing? Pushing away a normal guy for the chance that the asshole in Pinewood Springs might like her someday? How fucking stupid and pathetic.
“I gotta go.” He kissed her quickly on the cheek and walked down the hall. She waited until he turned the corner before she went into her room.
“So, did you guys make out?” Taylor stretched out on her bed, her elbow propping her up, searching Kylie’s face.
“No. I gave him the ‘I just want to be friends’ speech.” She groaned and flopped on to her bed. “Why can’t I be normal? Ricky’s a great guy.”
“But you like the bad boy who’s treating you like shit. I’m sure you’ll cover that section in your psychology class.”
Kylie laughed dryly.
“It’s usually that way—the ones we want we can’t have, and the ones we can have we don’t want. I give you kudos for not settling. You know who you want, so go after him.”
“No way. I texted him today, and that was a fucking disaster. I just need to put some space between us. I’m probably the only one who’s happy finals are coming up. I can lose myself in my studies.”
“It was a great concert, though, right?”
“It was. I just wish I wasn’t feeling so weird tonight. That fucking jerk was there. You know, the one with the purple Corvette. I tried to tell you when we were getting the drinks, but you couldn’t hear me over the music. I only saw him once.”
“Are you sure it was him? I mean, you told me you don’t really know what he looks like.”
“It was his sunglasses—they’re very distinct.”
“So, what did he look like?”
“I still couldn’t see him real clearly. It was so dark. I only saw his teeth twisted in a mean smile. Under the lights, they glowed an eerie blue.” She shuddered. “I’m sick of his shit.”
“Tell your dad. He’ll take care of the asshole in no time.”
“You’re right. He’d also make sure his prized Corvette is reduced to a nice cube.” The two women laughed. “I should tell my dad, but I know he’ll overreact and not let me come back next year. He’ll definitely put me in lockdown. I’ve told you what a hard time I had convincing him to let me come here in the first place. If it hadn’t been for Cara, I’d be at a community college in Pinewood Springs. No, I think this jerk’s game is in scaring me. Next time I see him, I’ll be on the offensive. He’s probably just a bully.”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t do anything foolish. Do you think it has anything to do with your dad and his club?”
“No. If it did, I’d already be toast. Bikers don’t fool around and play games like this asshole is doing. He’s probably doing it to me and a few other women.”
“You’re probably right, but I still think you should tell your dad, but in the meantime, file another report with security tomorrow.”
Kylie nodded then pulled herself up from her bed and checked her phone. One text from Ricky saying if all he can have is a friendship with her, he’s all in. She smiled. He really was sweet. Nothing from Jerry. She sighed heavily then went into the bathroom to wash up before crashing.
The next morning, Kylie gathered her books for her morning classes and was just about to leave the room when Taylor turned over on her side. “You want to come with me to Durango for my grandmother’s birthday?”
Durango was in the southern part of the state, and since they didn’t have classes on Friday or Monday, many of the students were taking advantage of the last free weekend before the final weeks of classes and tests began. Ricky and two of his buddies were headed to Las Vegas, and Mary and Ari were staying at Mary’s parents’ condo in Scottsdale. Kylie had thought about going to Pinewood Springs, but she didn’t want to bump into Jerry. Plus her stepsister Emily was causing another bout of drama with her drinking, and Kylie wasn’t up for the bullshit that all entailed.
“Thanks, but I’m good. I’m going to take advantage of the quiet and get started on the final term paper in my English Lit class. I have a ton of crap to do for psychology and sociology. It’ll be good to just hang and take it easy.”
“Do you think it’s wise to be here alone when you got that creep bothering you?”
“I’m not alone. A lot of people on our floor and in the building are staying. Also, I’m going to talk to security after my classes. I’m good.” She glanced at the clock. “Oh, shit, I gotta run. I’m late for poli-sci. Later.” She closed the door behind her then dashed off to class.
After her classes, Kylie filed yet another report with security and then decided to go to the grocery store to stock up on some food for the upcoming weekend. An hour later, she swung into Parking Lot A, happy to have found a space close to her building. She had overbought, and now regretted it as she hauled out the grocery bags and water, trying to carry them all in one trip.
&
nbsp; She slammed down the trunk and lugged her bags, her head bent down when the familiar sewing machine noise made her jerk her head up. The purple Corvette blocked her way, and the sun reflected off the mirrored lenses of the flashy sunglasses. Her stomach churned and she clutched her bags tighter.
“Hi, Kylie.” His smooth voice made her skin prick with goose bumps.
“What the fuck do you want?”
His face was still hidden in the shadows of the car, but she could see his full lips and his bright white teeth. “Such ugly language coming from a beautiful mouth.” He shook his head.
“I don’t have time for your shit.”
“You mad at me?” He smiled flatly.
“I don’t appreciate you following me, and if you don’t stop it, I’m going to tell my dad, who isn’t going to like it one bit. And believe me, you don’t want to make my dad mad.” She jutted out her chin in defiance.
His smile disappeared. “You threatening me? I thought you were a big girl, Kylie. I didn’t know you were a baby who had to run to her daddy for everything.” He leaned further back into the shadows of the car. “Go ahead and tell your daddy. I’m not scared of him.”
“You would be, if you knew who he was.”
“I do. He’s president of the Insurgents MC, and I don’t give a fuck. You got that, pretty girl?”
She heard the edge in his voice and knew she’d gotten to him. She wasn’t sure how he knew who her dad was, but he was probably too stupid to truly understand what Banger was capable of. Kylie cocked her head.
“I’m tired of your stupid, bullying games. What’s the matter, you can’t get any women who want to go out with you?”
He bared his teeth and she swore she heard a low growl, but then his smooth, suave demeanor was back. “I’m not playing a game with you. I just want to take you for a ride. You’re so pretty.”
“Fat chance.” She took several steps backwards and sprinted around the car parked next to hers.
“Are you dating Ricky?”
Kylie stopped in her tracks, her mind reeling. He fucking knew everything about her. What the hell does he want? “It’s none of your business what I do. Stay the fuck away from me.”
“You’re wrong, pretty girl. Everything about you is my business. Stop dating Ricky. You are mine.”
Coldness crawled over her skin. “Campus security is on to you.”
“Is that supposed to scare me? Those clowns are a joke.” She heard a click from his car, like he unlocked the doors. “Get in the car. Now.”
She bolted through the space between the two cars a few yards away from hers. When she crossed behind his vehicle, she saw the reverse lights right before the car moved, nearly hitting her.
“Hey, what the fuck are you doing?” someone from the parking lot yelled. Then there were several other students, who’d seen what he’d done and ran over, yelling and trying to make him stop. His car sped off, the tires squealing as he rounded the curve, and then he was gone.
“Are you okay?” A guy she recognized from her Spanish class stared at her.
Shaken, Kylie nodded. “That guy’s a jerk. Did anyone get his license plate number?”
“I didn’t see one,” her classmate said, and the other students gathered around her nodded in agreement. “You need to report this. I’m Luke. I’m in your Spanish class.”
“I’m Kylie. I recognize you.”
“If security wants to talk to me, I’m in Highland Hall.” The other students gave her their information, each one eager to tell security about the man in the purple Corvette who’d tried to hurt her.
After she’d filed her report with security, Kylie made her way to her building, the grocery bags still dangling from her wrists. She wondered if she should go home for the long weekend, after all. What if he tries to hurt me? He seems to know my every move, so won’t he know Taylor won’t be with me and I’ll be alone? She really didn’t want to run away, like a victim; she should be able to live her life and not let some fucking asshole bully and intimidate her. By the time she reached her room and opened the door, she’d made her decision to stay on campus. Security promised they’d keep an eye on her throughout the weekend, and if she saw him again, she’d call and tell her dad. Then he could make the boogeyman with the flashy sunglasses disappear.
Chapter Eight
He hurled the chair against the wall, bits of plaster flaking off. He’d slipped up. The six-pack of beer he’d bought the previous night crashed against the wall with a thud, green glass shards flying as yellow liquid trickled down the white walls. Ripping the sheets off the mattress, he tore them with his hands, spittle forming in the corners of his mouth. With flaring nostrils, he toppled the nightstand and smashed the lamp, and was in the middle of putting his fist through the television screen when a loud bang sounded on his door.
“Management. Open up.”
Standing erect, he inhaled and exhaled deeply several times, even as the door groaned. “I’m okay. I just had an epileptic seizure. I knocked some things down, but I’m straightening it out. Thanks for your concern.” His hands clenched into fists as he placed his ear against the door.
“You trashing the room?”
“No, of course not. I told you, I have a medical condition. I had a seizure, but it’s passed. I just need to lie down.” The man could hear the manager’s feet shuffling on the concrete. “Thanks again for your concern.” The smoothness had returned to his voice.
“Uh… sure. If you need help, call the front desk.”
He waited several minutes by the door, making sure the jerk had left, then padded over to the bed and sat on it. He’d slipped up. The sweet bitch had snaked her way into his blood. He’d become careless—witnesses in the university parking lot and garnering attention at the motel. The brown-eyed man ran his long fingers through his wavy, black hair. He was too wrapped up in her, and her lavender scent drifting around him whenever he approached her was making him sloppy. How the fuck does she have such an effect on me? This isn’t the way it’s supposed to play out.
For the past eight months, his every waking moment had been spent planning how he’d make the president of the Insurgents suffer. Two simple goals drove him: make Banger pay for what he’d done, and make the president’s life a living hell. The black-haired man had thought about it until it’d driven him almost crazy, knowing retaliation would be the only thing that would bring him peace. Bitterness and anger had been his only friends for months, and imagining the suffering he’d bestow on Banger made him salivate.
It was easy: take the one thing the president loved more than anything—his daughter. He’d planned it so well, proud of his meticulousness on the way he would exact his revenge. And then he saw Kylie, and his elaborate plans took a backseat as he became consumed by her. She should’ve been dead by now, and Banger should’ve already opened the box containing her head, her blue eyes frozen in terror. Instead, the bitter man was watching Kylie, compelled to make her his no matter what. Had he betrayed his loved one with this diversion? Perhaps, but the pull the blonde-haired vixen had on him was too much. He had to possess her; he couldn’t resist. All of her belonged to him—her body, her love, and her life. If he had to kill everyone in his path to conquer her, so be it. The vengeful stalker had even stopped visiting his mother, yet the guilt he felt about that still wasn’t enough for him to break away from Kylie.
And his poor mother—a miserable lump of a woman—had never wanted anything more in life than a good husband and children. But her husband had regularly beaten her to a pulp, and her two sons were loyal to their brotherhood. When she’d asked him to come see her, she’d pleaded with him to find out what had happened and to make it right. The dutiful son promised he’d exact vengeance for her—it was the least he could do.
But he hadn’t planned on Kylie. Sleepless nights were filled with fantasies of her ivory-white skin against his tanned body, his hands running over her curves, his mouth on hers, his hard cock poking at her pussy while lavender
swirled around him, caressing and intoxicating him.
Fuck! His hand rubbed against the hardness in his pants. Cursing, he grabbed the remote, thankful he’d been stopped before he smashed the television screen, and switched on a porn film. Propping the pillow against the headboard, he reclined against it, unzipped his pants, and let Kylie take center stage in his mind as he watched a big-titted woman stuff a massive cock between her red, shiny lips.
He gripped his dick firmly in his hand then moved it up and down rapidly, the sound of his ragged panting filling the room. With the pressure building, his whole body clenched as he crossed the threshold, grunting as satisfying spurts shot out. This is for you, pretty girl. Only for you.
Chapter Nine
Kylie wheeled Taylor’s fuchsia suitcase down the stairs to the parking lot. “Tell your grandmother I said happy birthday.”
“I will.” Taylor stopped in front of a blue Mazda and popped the trunk. “I wish you were coming with me. I worry about you.” A frown creased her forehead.
“Don’t spend your weekend worrying. I’ll be fine. Besides, security is keeping an eye on me and Ricky asked Andy to watch over me too. Have a good time. I really do need to catch up in some of my classes.”
“I should be staying and catching up,” Taylor groaned. “I’m so fucking behind in Ashcroft’s class. I’ll be pulling a lot of all-nighters for the next couple of weeks.” She hugged Kylie. “I’ll be back Monday afternoon. I’ll call you, and you better answer your phone, otherwise I’ll be freaking out.”
Kylie pushed her affectionately. “Go. I’ll answer my phone. See you on Monday. Drive safely, and call me when you get to Durango.”
Taylor waved and backed out her car, Kylie watching her drive away until she exited the parking lot. Swinging around, she sprinted up the stairs, happy to have the room to herself for a few days. She made sure her door was locked then cranked up Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It, thinking how the sentiments of the song fit her situation. She’d decided she wasn’t going to take anymore shit from the jerk in the Corvette. It’d been so liberating when she’d told him off, and she was pretty sure she wouldn’t see him again. Bullies thrived on fear, and she’d shown him she wasn’t afraid.