The Sinner: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Grace Prep Book 1)

by Kelsey Clayton

  “Grayson, breakfast!” My mother shouts up the stairs.

  Letting out a groan, I sit up in bed and run my fingers through my silky brown hair. Once I slip on a pair of sweatpants, I ignore the urge to slide down the banister and opt for walking down instead. The smell of pancakes fills the whole lower level, making me instantly suspicious. My mom hasn’t made breakfast in years. I didn’t expect now to be any different.

  “Morning,” I say.

  She lights up like a fucking Christmas tree, and if I didn’t know her better, I’d think she’s on drugs. “Good morning, sweetheart. Pancakes?”

  “Sure?” If she can sense the hesitation in my tone, she doesn’t mention it. “You seem, um, different.”

  “What? I’m not allowed to be in a good mood?”

  I chuckle. “No, you are. I just didn’t think you would be.”

  Her shoulders raise in a shrug. “What can I say? I think you were right. This house, being back here, it helps. It’s the closest I’ve felt to your dad since…”

  She doesn’t need to finish her sentence for me to know where she was going with it. Still, the topic of my father is not one I like to discuss, so I nod and smile sympathetically. She takes mercy on me and changes the subject.

  “So, are you excited for your first day?”

  I roll my eyes. “Oh yes, I just love the idea of going to a prep school with a bunch of rich snobs.”

  She snorts. “Well, I can still get a refund on the tuition check and send you to public school instead.”

  “No.” I shake my head. “I told you, Haven Grace has a better football team.”

  And my target. I couldn’t possibly tell my mother the real reason I wanted to move back here, or why I insisted on her paying a disgusting amount of money for me to go to HGP for my senior year. I’m sure a part of her believes what I told her, that I wanted to be back in my childhood home to feel closer to my dad. Another part of her probably thinks it was just to get away from her most recent scumbag boyfriend. While that part was a major plus, it had nothing to do with my true motivation.

  I manage to finish my breakfast while avoiding most small talk, then immediately head up to my room under the pretenses of needing to get ready. As soon as I turn the lock on my door, I grab my pack of cigarettes and go over to the window. Sitting on the roof used to be my favorite place when I needed a second to think. I did it when my parents would fight. When I did something wrong and got in trouble. When my feelings for my best friend started becoming a little less platonic and a little more real. It was the one place where no one would bother me, other than the waterfall. I’m still not sure anyone knows that’s there, minus the only person I shared it with.

  I take a puff of my cigarette, letting the smoke fill my lungs then exhaling all my stress along with it. Like a bad habit, my eyes instinctively glance over to the house across the street—the one I spent more time in than my own. I can still remember using flashlights with our own personal Morse code at night. If only she used that code to tell me my life was about to get flipped upside down. But of course, she didn’t. Not when she was partly to blame.

  Putting out the cig on the shingles of the roof, I swallow down the anger burning inside of me and climb back into my bedroom. Today, I kick my plan into action, and I need to be ready. She doesn’t know what’s coming to her—which is exactly how I want it.

  HAVEN GRACE PREP IS everything I imagined it would be. The parking lot is filled with cars that cost more than your average house. Arrogant rich kids roam the halls, their biggest concern being where their next vacation will be. Their naiveté is infuriating. What’s worse is knowing that, had my life not been permanently altered by someone else’s actions, I’d probably be no different than these trust fund brats.

  Despite having the money to live wherever we wanted, my mother leaned on her sister for support—her sister that absolutely refuses to spend more than necessary. They both come from a wealthy family, but none of that matters to Aunt Lauren. She insists that her kids go to public school and earn all the expensive things they want. Following her example, my mother did the same with me, and I’m glad for it. It taught me not to be like these spoiled pricks with their heads stuck up their asses.

  “Hey, fucker.” Speaking of pricks.

  I fist bump Carter before nodding at Jace. “What’s up?”

  “Just another day in hell. How are you liking it so far?”

  My shoulders shrug before my eyes land on a girl who has her skirt rolled up high enough to see her ass hanging out. “Can’t really complain.”

  He grins. “That’s my man, but maybe not that one. I’m pretty sure J almost caught syphilis from her last year.”

  Jace punches Carter in the arm. “Fuck off, asshole. I wouldn’t let that bitch anywhere near my dick.”

  “Yeah, yeah, sure. You’re a virgin monk.” He waves him off. “Who do you have for first period?”

  I pull the folded-up schedule out of my pocket and skim over it with my eyes. “Mr. Englewood.”

  “Sweet. That’s where we’re all at.” He pulls the paper out of my hands. “They must have realized you’re on the team. All our classes are the same but one. Come on, your locker is right next to mine.”

  We walk down the hallway, with Carter and Jace on either side of me. As we approach, four of the girls I recognize from the cheerleading team are standing there with Hayden and Wyatt. Two of them straighten up as soon as they notice me, playing with their hair in a poor attempt to be subtle.

  “Hey, Grayson,” one greets me, but I can’t seem to remember her name. Kasey or Cassy, I think.

  Carter snorts. “Easy, Kinsley, your desperate is showing.”

  “Suck it, Carter.”

  “Ah-ah, sucking is your specialty. I’m more of a licking guy.” He sticks his tongue out for emphasis, making Kinsley cringe. Then, as if someone is missing, he looks around. “Where’s your captain?”

  They all look as clueless as Carter does until one, who I believe is Emma, looks down at her phone. “I tried texting her but she hasn’t answered.”

  “Why are you so concerned about her anyway?” Kinsley spits.

  Carter laughs and doesn’t even give her a response. Whoever this girl is, there are clearly some issues between her and little miss spitfire over here.

  “All right man, this locker is yours.” He knocks on one of them then moves to the one next to it. “This one is mine, and the one next to it is Jace’s. Hayden and Wyatt are on the other side of you.”

  “Cool, thanks.” I put in the combination and open it, tossing my bag carelessly inside just before a short tune plays through the speakers. “What the fuck was that?”

  Hayden looks slightly uncomfortable. “The bell. We should get going.”

  Jace chuckles. “Don’t listen to him. He just doesn’t like bending the rules. We’ll get there when we get there.”

  I nod and follow in step as we all start heading toward another hallway. Kinsley makes sure to slot herself right against my side, all but pushing Wyatt out of the way. I briefly let my eyes rake over her body. Her dark brown hair almost clashes against her pasty white skin, but she’s not entirely unappealing. I don’t think I’d date her, since I’m entirely noncommittal, but I’d probably let her blow me a time or two.

  “Come on. You can sit next to me,” she says, wrapping her hands around my biceps. Jace and Carter snicker as I roll my eyes and let her lead the way.

  The teacher pauses as we noisily enter the room. He eyes me suspiciously, but I don’t have a minute to introduce myself as I’m pulled to a desk toward the back of the room. Kinsley takes the one next to me while Carter and Jace slip in behind us.

  “Mr. Hayworth, nice of you to join us,” Mr. Englewood greets me. “You are my new student, aren’t you?”

  “Yep, that’s me.”

  He nods. “Well, my rules are simple. Don’t cause disruptions in my class and we shouldn’t have any issues. Sound good?”

  I cover my mo
uth behind my fist to hide my amusement as the two idiots chuckle behind me. “Mm-hm.”

  “Great. Now, let’s open to…” I don’t hear the rest as I discreetly slip earbuds in and turn on some music.

  THE CLASS GOES BY rather fast, but that probably has a lot to do with the playlist I had blasting into my ears. I head out the door only to find a familiar face leaning against a locker across the hall.

  “Grayson Hayworth,” she smirks.

  My mood brightens instantly. “Delaney! Is that you?”

  In a couple steps, she crosses the hallway and throws herself into my arms. I catch her willingly, spinning us around as she squeals.

  “I never thought I’d see you again.” She slaps my arm. “Way to go AWOL, jerk.”

  “I know, I know. I’m sorry. Wasn’t really my choice to leave, though.”

  A frown graces her flawless face. “I heard. I’m really sorry about your dad.”

  Just as I’m about to answer, someone slips her arm around mine. “Grayson, what are you doing? Why are you talking to her?”

  My eyes narrow at Kinsley. “Her name is Delaney, and because I’ve known her since I was a kid.” I pull my arm from her grasp. “Is that a problem?”

  Looking taken back, she pouts before storming away from us. Delaney grins widely. “Okay, that was amazing. So, does Sa—”

  “Who’s your friend, Hayworth?” Carter cuts her off, leaning with his hand on the locker right next to us and eyeing her like a piece of meat.

  Delaney looks a little intimidated as she moves closer to me. “I’ve, uh, got to get to my next class. It was good seeing you again. We’ll catch up soon.”

  She scurries away before I even get a chance to say goodbye. Carter’s brows furrow as he watches her practically run from him, but then he shakes it off and puts his hand on my shoulder—nodding in the direction of lockers. The two of us walk side by side over to where everyone else is hanging out. I toss my book onto the shelf and then close the door, leaning my back against it.

  I’m listening to Jace go over the plans for the party he’s throwing this coming weekend when a slim girl with dirty blonde hair makes her way between Paige and Becca. I can’t see her face as it’s buried in a locker, but there is something oddly familiar about her. I’m waiting for her to turn around when Carter speaks.

  “How nice of her royal highness to join us,” he quips.

  She scoffs. “Don’t you have better things to do than focus on my whereabouts, Trayland?”

  The second I hear her voice, my blood runs ice cold. I’d recognize that sound anywhere. Hell, I spent enough time listening to it while I was growing up. She turns around slowly, and there’s no question about it. As her gaze falls on me, her breath hitches, and I know for sure. She may look older, and a million times hotter, but standing right in front of me is exactly who I came here for. Savannah fucking Montgomery.

  3

  Savannah

  The house is oddly quiet when my alarm goes off, and judging by the way there isn’t a new set of empty beer bottles on the coffee table, it’s safe to assume my father never came home last night. After checking the house, I run my fingers through my hair and walk back to my room to grab my phone. First on my call list is the hospital. I cannot count the amount of times I’ve found him there, recovering from a drunken injury.

  “North Haven Medical. How can I help you?”

  I swallow. “Yes, my name is Savannah Montgomery. I’m calling to check if you have a patient there by the name of Craig Montgomery? He’s my father.”

  “Let me check.” I hear keys clacking in the background before she answers. “Nope. There is no one here with that last name.”

  “Okay, thank you for your help.” I hang up and immediately call the second place on my list—the police department. I recognize the voice as soon as they answer. “Hey, Barry. It’s Savannah. Is my dad there?”

  He hums. “Yeah, sweetie, he’s here. One of our guys picked him up last night for public intox.”

  I sigh. “I figured as much when I woke up and realized he hadn’t come home last night. Any other charges?”

  “Resisting, but just come get him and we’ll call it even.”

  “Thanks, Bar. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Sure thing, Savannah.”

  Out of the two options, I would’ve much rather preferred him to be at the hospital. They at least give him fluids, so his hangover isn’t as bad and he’s a little easier to deal with. I glance down at the time and notice it’s already 7:05. So much for getting to school on time.

  I make quick work of brushing my hair and getting dressed into my uniform. I run out the door, and Brady is already waiting for me at the curb. I smile as I climb into his car.

  “Hey, can you do something before you take me to school?”

  He eyes me suspiciously before realization sets in and he puts the car in drive. “Do you need bail money, too?”

  “Not this time.”

  At this point, Brady knows better than to try to talk to me about this. The first couple times, he tried to pry information out of me as to when my dad went from father of the year to a worthless drunk. If I’m being honest, I don’t even have an answer for that. All I know is that over time he changed, until he became this. A mean, ruthless, disappointing mess of a man. Now, it’s all I know.

  We pull up to the police station, and Brady waits outside while I go in and get my father. I follow the officer back to the cell, watching my dad wince as the sound of his name echoes throughout the room.

  “Montgomery! Your ride’s here.”

  Officer Patten unlocks the door, and my father stumbles through it. It’s easy to figure out he’s still at least partly drunk, but mostly hungover, if the way he shields his eyes from the light is anything to go by.

  “What was his BAC when you brought him in?” I ask.

  The officer’s frown shows his pity at how numb I am to all of this, but I’m not looking for his sympathy. I wait patiently for the answer as he pulls up the report.

  “Point 235.”

  Almost three times the legal limit, lovely. I wish I could say this one takes the record, but it doesn’t. The record was when he was a .462, and the hospital needed to pump his stomach to avoid liver damage. This is a walk in the park compared to that day.

  “All right, Dad. Let’s get you home and in bed.”

  I lead him out to the car, where Brady opens the door and helps me get him in. My father grumbles something inaudible as we child lock the back seat and shut him in. I mumble another thanks to my friend and get in the passenger side.

  The ride back to my house is slow, no doubt because Brady doesn’t want the back of his car covered in vomit—again. It smelled like a dumpster in here for a week before he could get an appointment to have it detailed.

  Once we pull up, the two of us drag my dad into the house and to his bedroom. To my relief, he only calls me a piece of shit once before he passes out face down on his bed. I place a bottle of water and a couple Advil on his nightstand for when he wakes up later. Then, I grab my stuff for school and lock the house up.

  “Just another day in paradise?” Brady jokes as we get back in the SUV.

  “You know it.”

  INSTEAD OF GOING STRAIGHT to a class I’d inevitably be late for, we decided to grab something for breakfast first—or more like he decided and I had no say in the matter because “my car my rules.” So, I arrive at Haven Grace Prep just after first period lets out.

  After the morning I had, my patience is minimal when I get inside. I push my way through Paige and Becca to get to my locker, not even giving them a chance to move first. Pulling my phone from my purse, I throw the bag inside and grab my book for second period.

  “How nice of your royal highness to join us,” Carter says with a smirk, but I’m hardly in the mood for it.

  I let out a sound of annoyance. “Don’t you have better things to do than focus on my whereabouts, Trayland?”

  As I turn
around, I notice someone new standing between Carter and Jace. My gaze starts at his chest and works its way up. When my eyes meet his, my breath hitches. No, it can’t be. The dark blue eyes I remember, the same ones I’ve dreamed about hundreds of times over the last eight years, stare back at me.

  The last time I looked into that night sky gaze, I was ten years old, before he and his family completely disappeared. My father said they moved away, but I didn’t want to believe it. He would’ve told me. He would’ve said goodbye. However, when I ran across the street and into the empty house, I realized he was right. My best friend, my everything, left me without a word.

  “Savannah? Hello?” Carter waves his hand in front of my face, snapping me out of it. “Damn, girl. I don’t think Brady would be too happy to find out you were checking out the new quarterback.”

  “Q-quarterback?” I croak. This is the new QB?

  “Savannah, this is Grayson. Grayson, Savannah. She’s the captain of the cheerleading squad.” Jace introduces us, completely oblivious to the fact that we already know each other. Hell, at one point we knew each other better than anyone. “You would’ve met her last week at practice, but her dad took her to Bora Bora.”

  I’m about to open my mouth when Grayson cuts me off. “I’ve got to get to class.” He snarls, walking away before anyone gets a chance to say anything.

  My eyes can’t seem to look away from his retreating body as he disappears into the crowd. The last thing I ever expected was for Grayson Hayworth to be the new quarterback. I’ve spent countless hours trying to find him, never with any success. No social media. No listed phone number. No address in the phone book. Even Brady’s boyfriend, Jacob, the son of a private investigator, couldn’t find anything on him. Still, that hasn’t stopped me from trying every now and then.