Alive (Mended Hearts #1)

by Beth Maria

  “Are you okay?” Maisie asks. She must think I’m a weirdo, I internally laugh to myself.

  I open my eyes and stare into her beautiful brown orbs. “I’m more than fine. I was just engraining your scent to my memory. I’m not going to lie.” I laugh, thinking how creepy that just sounded.

  “It’s strawberry cheesecake,” she replies, laughing.

  “Huh?” I ask, confused. Strawberry cheesecake?

  “My body lotion. It’s strawberry cheesecake scented, just in case you wanted to know.”

  “And where can I buy this body lotion?” I ask, deadly serious. I’m definitely going to buy it and keep it at my house for when I miss her. Okay... I’m definitely turning into a creep. I need to leave before I start painting my nails with her nail varnish or stealing her clothes, just because they’re hers.

  “Victoria’s Secret.” I wink at her, thoughts of her in some sexy ass lingerie running through my mind. “Get your head out of the gutter, Jesse!” she says laughing, swatting at my arm.

  “Goodnight, Maisie. Talk to you tomorrow,” I say, giving her a final goodbye kiss.

  “Goodnight, Jesse,” she whispers in reply.

  Stepping out the door, I wave, keeping my eyes on her as I walk down the hallway. “Oh, Jesse, please don’t say anything to her about it. I just want to forget about it.”

  I stop walking. “Okay. If that’s what you want.” I’m still having words with Tiffany. I’ll just make sure Maisie doesn’t find out.

  Only when she closes the door do I turn forward. Maisie really is a dream come true. She’s amazing and beautiful, with just the right amount of fight in her. I just hope I keep my promise about not hurting her. I’m going to have to try hard to keep my demons locked inside; way down inside. I don’t need my past jeopardizing my future, and I definitely see Maisie in my future.

  I hop onto my bike and gun the engine, turning in the opposite direction of home. I have some business to sort out first; business that can’t wait any longer. Tiffany needs to be put in her place, and fast. I won’t have her hurt a hair on Maisie’s head for as long as I live, and the quicker she realizes that, the better for everyone. I promised Maisie I wouldn’t destroy Tiffany, but I’m going to give her a little taste of what’s to come if she messes with the people I care about, promise or not.

  Chapter 7

  Jesse

  Once I make it to the beach, I kick the stand down on my bike, getting off on the sidewalk. I don’t need to know where the party is set up; the sound of the music helps me navigate there.

  Looking around for Tiffany, she’s not hard to spot. She’s always the loudest, draping over the guys in the team. Usually, it’s me, but I guess since I’ve blown her off, she’s had to find someone else. Oh well. Let them have her. I have a beautiful girlfriend now, who is being threatened by said girl.

  Being reminded of why I came here in the first place, I spot my target and make my way over. I have to make my point clear the first time and let her know that I mean business. I’m feeling more pissed off by the second, just from looking at her, so this shouldn’t be so hard to do. I don’t care if I’ve known Tiffany nearly my whole life. I have somebody who is special to me, who I would protect with my whole heart.

  “Tiff, can I have a few words, please?” I ask, standing before her, trying to act calm.

  “Course. I’ll always have time for you.” Somebody pass me a bucket. How did I never see how sickly she is? “What’s wrong?” she asks when we’re away from everybody else.

  “Stay away from Maisie, Tiffany,” I say, getting straight to the point.

  Putting her hands on her hips, I watch her welcoming mask slip into one of pure evil. It doesn’t surprise me; I’ve seen it before, just never directed at me. “Why do you care so much, Jesse?” Her upper lip curls in disgust. It takes all I have not to laugh at her, but that wouldn’t help the situation.

  “I’m not going to warn you again. Stay away from her.” I don’t have to explain why I care so much. That will just give her ammunition to use.

  “Jesse, you deserve better than a nobody. I’ve been waiting years for you to notice me for more than just sex, and then she comes along. You’ve forgotten all about me, Jesse. I can do so much more for you than she can.” I seriously think she’s insane. If she was my girlfriend, she would probably be sleeping with all of my friends behind my back. I laugh, earning a confused look from her.

  “You are seriously insane, Tiff. Don’t you realize that if I haven’t wanted to be with you before now, that maybe I’m never going to want to be with you? I can’t trust you as far as I can throw you, and I could throw you pretty far. Just stop all of this drama and walk away while you still have your friends and social status. If you don’t, well, you know I can destroy you. I’ll do exactly what you threatened to do to Maisie, only worse. I’ll make it so you drop out of college. Do you understand?” I say, my voice cold, held with a warning so that she understands that I’m not fucking around.

  She visibly swallows, her body trembling, even though it’s warm outside. She casts her eyes down to the ground, trying to regain her composure. I just wait patiently, not moving a muscle. I’m in control here. One movement could break the control that I’m holding over her.

  “I said, do you understand me, Tiffany?” I repeat after a few minutes have passed, my voice still cold and void of any emotion. She looks up, staring straight into my eyes.

  “Yes, I understand,” she replies, wringing her hands nervously.

  “Good. This is the only warning I’m going to give you. Don’t speak to Maisie. Don’t go near her. Don’t even breathe in her direction. If I hear that you’ve so much as given her a funny look, I’ll make good on my promise. Now, go back to your party.” I watch her turn around, her shoulders hunched, head hanging low. Waiting until she’s a few feet away, I dig the dagger in deeper. “Oh, and Tiff?” She turns around. “Have fun.” I smile at her, earning a confused look back in return. If anyone were to walk by, they wouldn’t think anything was off, which is why I smile at her. Nobody needs to know about this conversation, not yet anyway. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt for now, but people like Tiffany never change. She’s a snake, who when you’re not looking, will bite you on the ankles. I’ll be keeping my eye on her because, like I said, I can’t trust her as far as I can throw her.

  Leaving the beach without people noticing me is easier than I thought it would be. Everyone is too drunk to notice, which I’m thankful for, for once.

  Straddling my bike, I kick the stand up, starting the engine. I look over toward Tiffany one last time, and notice her staring at me with her eyes squinted. I give her the ‘I’m watching you’ signal, turn my bike around, and ride off.

  I’ve always known Tiffany’s had a crush on me, but I never thought she would threaten girls who I show some attention to. If it were any other girl, I wouldn’t have cared, but this is Maisie. She’s not like other girls. She’s beautiful and kind hearted. I can also see that she’s damaged, just like me. Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to her. I know I can’t be saved. I’m too far gone, but Maisie... Maisie can be saved. I see it in her eyes when I stare into them. She’s just lost, and I’m going to help her find her way back, if it’s the last thing I do.

  Tiffany

  I knew as soon as I saw Jesse, that the stupid whore had said something to him. Who was I kidding that she would keep it to herself?

  I’m not going to lie; Jesse scares the living shit out of me. I’ve seen him destroy people before and, trust me, it’s not pretty. I just never thought I would be on the receiving end of his wrath, especially over her! What does he even see in her? She’s just a plain Jane; a nobody. The captain of the football team should always be with the popular girl, and that’s me, not some new freshman that he met a few weeks ago.

  I’ve been waiting patiently for years for him to notice me, and he has. He’s always come to me when he wants something. Usually it’s for sex, but he still came to me. It
was only a matter of time before his feelings changed for me, and he saw me as a potential girlfriend, instead of a sex partner.

  That’s all fucked now. That whore has ruined it for me. After tonight, he will never give me a chance, and it’s all her fault! That interfering little bitch! I’m seething mad right now.

  I was having fun at this after party, at least until Jesse showed up to threaten me. Now, I just want to go home. Not to cry or wallow in my misery; I’m not that kind of girl. I will never subject myself to being that pathetic. No, I’m going home to plot how to ruin Maisie once and for all. I don’t care what Jesse said. I can handle him. I’ll find something to use against her sooner or later. I just hope it’s sooner. I don’t have time to waste. I don’t want my Jesse falling in love with anybody but me. That’s why I have to leave now and get started. I’ll just have to be very careful, especially with Jesse watching my every move.

  Chapter 8

  Maisie

  I woke up this morning with a ginormous smile plastered on my face, and nothing is going to remove it. I haven’t felt this happy in months, and it’s all thanks to my sexy man, my boyfriend. Yes, I said it. He’s my boyfriend! I want to scream it from the rooftops, letting everybody know that I’m in a relationship with Jesse Cohen, the guy all the girls want, but can’t have because he’s with me now.

  I’m currently getting ready to go out with Jesse this morning. He called about an hour ago, telling me to dress comfy. When I asked what we were doing, all I got in reply was ‘it’s a surprise’. No matter how much I begged him to tell me, he wouldn’t budge. I hate surprises, I always have. I trust Jesse, though, so I know I will love whatever he has planned.

  Headphones in, I start applying my make-up. One Direction’s Midnight Memories starts playing. I can’t help but sing. Loudly. I love this song; it makes me happy.

  A tap on my shoulder makes me turn around, screaming my head off. My eyes land on Chloe, standing there, laughing her head off and pointing at me.

  I take out my headphones, giving her a glare. “Didn’t your mother teach you not to sneak up on people like that, Chloe? I think I just had a mini heart attack, you bitch!” I say, holding onto my heart and waiting for my heartbeat to even out. It’s beating double time right now.

  “Oh, stop being a big baby. I tried getting your attention by shouting your name for the last few minutes, but you were too into your song. But your face was priceless!” she says, another round of laughter hitting her. Her laughter is infectious and, with the good mood that I’m in today, I can’t help but laugh along with her. It is pretty funny, now that the shock has worn off.

  “Just don’t do it again. I think I peed my pants a little. I’m going to have to go change,” I say, getting up to grab some new panties. After choosing a white lacy pair, I walk into the bathroom.

  “Where are you off to anyway?” Chloe shouts through the door.

  “Jesse’s taking me somewhere. Don’t ask where because he wouldn’t tell me,” I shout back, pulling my jeans up. As I open the door, I’m met with a confused Chloe. Yeah, I’m not surprised. I haven’t had a chance to talk to her since the football match yesterday. I have a lot to fill her in on. “Come sit down. I have a lot to tell you, but I’ll have to make it quick. Jesse’s picking me up in twenty,” I say, looking at my cell for the time.

  “Start by telling me why you left the game early? You were fine when you left to get a drink, then when you got back, you looked like someone had kicked your puppy.” I tell her everything that happened with Tiffany in the restrooms.

  “Who does she think she is? She wouldn’t have said shit if I’d have been with you. I’m sorry, Maisie. I take it you didn’t listen to her, seeing as you’re seeing Jesse today?” she asks, anger radiating from her body.

  “That’s the thing... I was going to forget all about him. That’s why I left early. I couldn’t sit there and watch him when I knew I had to give him up. I was going to give him a chance before Tiffany threatened me,” I say, remembering how I felt yesterday.

  “So, what made you change your mind?” she asks, intrigued.

  “Jesse happened,” I reply, a smile taking over my sullen face. Chloe doesn’t say anything, just waves her hand for me to explain. I explain about Jesse coming over after his match, me explaining everything to him, and how we ended up admitting that we have feelings for each other. The whole time, the smile on my face gets bigger and bigger. I must look crazy.

  “Please, tell me that you two are officially a couple now?” Chloe asks, sitting on the edge of the bed in suspense.

  “Yes!” I squeal, jumping up and down. Chloe joins me, her smile matching my own. This is why I love my best friend. She always shares my enthusiasm.

  “Thank God for that. I thought I was going to have to give you an intervention and knock some sense into you,” she shouts while continuing to jump up and down.

  I get a stitch, so I stop jumping and hold onto my side, trying to catch my breath. “I know, but you know I’m wary from what happened with Matt. But, you helped me see that life is too short and to live in the moment. This is me living in the moment, giving things a go. I just hope it’s worth it.”

  “Oh, babe, it will be. Trust me. Plus, if Jesse upsets you, then he has to deal with the angry best friend. I’ll chop his balls off, which by the way, you should have let me do to Matt!” Chloe says, putting her hands on her hips and giving me a stern expression. I just laugh at her. Trust her to bring that up now.

  “That’s all in the past now. However, if Jesse upsets me, you will be the first person I tell so that you can seek revenge.” Chloe’s cell phone ringing interrupts us. Looking at the caller ID, I see it’s Jake. Interesting... Chloe’s just staring at the cell, watching it ring. “Are you going to answer that?” I ask.

  Looking up at me, she shakes her head, chucking the cell down onto her bed. “Nope.”

  “What do you think he wants?”

  “I don’t know, and I don’t care. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? Jesse will be here in five minutes,” she says, changing the subject. Having known Chloe since I was little, I know it’s best to just drop the subject. She will tell me what’s going on when she’s ready, and I will be here to listen to her when she is.

  “Oh crap. Yeah, I have to finish my make-up,” I say, scrambling off the bed.

  Five minutes later, I’m ready and peaking out the window to watch for Jesse. It’s not normal, but I can’t seem to get enough of him.

  I don’t have to wait long. He’s literally coming down the road as soon as I reach the window. He is definitely the hottest thing I have ever seen, especially riding his motorcycle. My parents would have a fit if they found out, but oh well. What they don’t know won’t hurt them.

  I grab my denim jacket from my bed, put it on, and pick up my cell. “I’m off now, Chloe. I’ll see you later?” I ask, making my way toward the door.

  “Yeah, I’ll be here,” she replies, still staring at her phone. We need to have a girl’s day soon. I’m getting worried about her.

  My cell rings as I’m making my way downstairs. Jesse. Smiling at the screen, I answer, “I’m on my way down.”

  “Okay. See you in a minute, pretty lady,” he replies, then disconnects the call. I can feel my cheeks heat up from him calling me that. I know I’m not the prettiest girl around. I’m quite plain compared to most girls. I don’t think I’ll ever understand what Jesse see’s in me, but he must see something, so I’m not going to complain.

  As I step out into the autumn heat, a breeze sweeps my hair in front of my face, blocking my view of Jesse. Swiping my hair to the side, I take him in. I swear he seems to get better looking every time I see him. How is it even possible? His jet black hair has that ‘just got out of bed’ look about it, but he pulls it off so well. At least if I run my hands through it, I don’t have to worry about messing up his hair. I don’t think he’s shaved since I saw him last night, either, as he’s sporting more stubble than usual. That’s go
ing to hurt if we kiss. I’m hoping there’s plenty of kissing today. I’ve been dreaming about his lips pressed against mine, along with other things, all night. Jesse’s wearing his usual black leather jacket, but this time, he has on a red tight fitted t-shirt, showing off his perfect pecs. I just want to run my hands up and down them to see if they feel as good as they look! He’s wearing his usual dark jeans and biker boots, too. All that’s missing are his yummy tattoos. I’m turning into a pervert, but I don’t care. When your man looks as good as him, it’s hard not to look and think dirty thoughts. I stop in front of him and look up, smiling. Cheesy much?

  “Do I meet up to your standards?” he asks, a dimpled smirk on his face. Busted! I feel a blush creeping up my neck for the second time in the last five minutes. I’ve never blushed so much in life before. Damn you, Jesse, and your hypnotic powers!

  Trying to act indifferent, since the redness now covering my face gives me away, I say, “Mostly yes. However, it would be nice to see your tattoos once in a while.” I hope I sound confident. I sure don’t feel it, though.