But then they left, and she and Letty turned up that night and things just got a little out of control without her big brother there as the reminder I needed that I wasn’t allowed to touch.
“Okay, so did she kill your cat or something because you looked like you wanted to slit her throat for whatever it was.”
“Nah, it’s not like that. I was just surprised to see her again,” I lie. “So what’s your story? Where did you move here from?”
He chats briefly about moving from Seattle, but he doesn’t give me much to go on, although it’s impossible to miss the shadows lingering in his eyes.
“So, what do you think?” Zayn says, dropping into the seat beside me. “You think you’ve still got what it takes on the field?”
“Fuck you, Hunter. Legend by name, Legend by nature.”
“Always were a big-headed motherfucker,” he deadpans, slugging me in the shoulder. “I gotta bounce, my girl is waiting on me. It’s good to have you back, man. I think you’re going to like it here.”
“Yeah? I’ve definitely experienced worse.”
He chuckles, I’m sure thinking about the hellhole that is Harrow Creek High but that place was like paradise compared to juvie and the motherfuckers I was forced to spend my time with.
“Harley…” he says somewhat hesitantly.
“It’s fine, man. What’s done is done. Time for us all to move on.”
He claps me on the shoulder. “You got it, man. You need anything, you know where I am.”
I don’t. I have no fucking clue where he lives, but I’m sure it won’t take me too long to find out.
Thoughts of the girl he shares a house with fill my mind. Maybe I should find out sooner rather than later.
“Sure. Thanks for today.” I nod to the guys surrounding me. I wasn’t expecting this, but I sure do appreciate it. I had a feeling I was going to walk into Rosewood High with a huge target printed on my back, but it seems I didn’t need to worry… or maybe I still should because it’s clear Zayn doesn’t know the whole truth.
“Anytime. I’m glad you’re here. We’ll catch up for real soon. J’s having a party Saturday night,” he says, pointing at another of the guys sitting at the other end of the table. “You’re coming, right?”
“Hell yeah.”
“Sweet.” He nods once more before turning his back and walking out of the diner.
“So a history with Harley and best buds with Zayn. This doesn’t have disaster written all over it at all.”
I narrow my eyes at Ash. I’m not sure if I’m annoyed with him or just impressed that he doesn’t beat around the bush.
“Watch yourself, man. Things could get messy.”
He laughs to himself and shakes his head. “Allow me to let you into a little secret.” He leans over the table so he can whisper something to me, and I’m powerless but to move closer. “Those girls…” He looks to the squad again. “They might look sweet, sexy… easy to play with. But let me tell you, they’ve got fucking claws, man.” He sits back, his face a mask of seriousness until his lips curl at the edges. “I’ve got the scratch marks to prove it.” He winks and I can’t help but laugh.
“That much fun, huh?”
“Man, you have no idea.”
“And Harley is one of them?”
“My girl? She’s about to become captain, and Harley is her right-hand woman. You want to go there after everything that’s gone down between you, then all I can do is wish you luck, man.”
“I’m not sure if this little chat is turning me on or scaring the shit out of me.”
Ashton throws his head back and laughs. “Seeing as you’ve just spent a year locked up with a bunch of dudes, I’d bet money on the former.” He reaches for his soda and downs it before pushing to stand. “I’m out, got a date with my girl.” He winks. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I nod at him and watch as he turns his stare on his girl. Something swirls within me as he prowls toward her and swoops her up in his arms. I tell myself it’s just been a really, really long time. My eyes scan around the rest of the cheer squad until I land on a dark pair of eyes. They’re not the ones I want to stare into sure, but they’re better than nothing.
A shy smile curls at her lips before her cheeks redden as I push to stand and walk over.
“Hey, I don’t think I saw you around today,” I say, dropping into the seat Ruby vacated beside her. “I know I’d remember if I did.” I cringe at my line but as her smile gets wider, I realize it’s worked a charm.
“I’m Aria, and you’re…”
“Lonely.”
She chuckles, her hand resting on my upper arm as I rest it around the back of her chair.
“The guys not making you feel welcome?” she asks, her fingers walking up to my shoulder. I glance at her long talons and Ashton’s warning repeats in my ears.
My own smile twitches at my lips. The Creek girls of my past make these girls look like teddy bears. I’m pretty sure I can handle a Rosewood cheer slut.
“Not in the way I need,” I growl. Leaning into her, I get close enough that my breath caresses her ear and she shivers. “You down for showing me around town… alone?” I whisper so no one else at the table can hear me.
“That sounds—”
“Aria,” another girl snaps.
We both look over and my eyes almost pop out of my head when I find a dark-haired girl standing, staring daggers at Aria with her hands on her hips and one very round belly.
Holy shit.
“Yeah, I’m pregnant, asshole. What of it?” she barks at me when she notices what’s holding my attention.
“Uh…n-nothing.”
“Aria, we’re going. I suggest you put jailbait down.”
“Excuse me?” I ask, my brows lifting in shock.
“You heard me.”
“Down, Chels.” One of the guys who was sitting at the table with me only moments ago steps up behind her and slides his hands over her growing belly.
“Good to know the Bears don’t shoot blanks,” I deadpan.
Chels—I assume Chelsea—turns beet red, her entire body locking up in anger while the guy—who I’m sure I’ve been introduced to but don’t remember, throws his head back.
“Damn straight, man. We’re not fucking champs for nothing.”
“Shane,” she gasps.
“What, baby? Just having a laugh with the new boy.”
My teeth grind at being called that. It’s a nickname I remember all too well from when I was first locked inside that place. A shudder rolls through me at the memories from my ‘initiation’ by some of the longer residents who thought they owned that place.
“Whatever,” she mutters, taking a step forward and out of his hold. “Stay away from my girls.” Her finger points right at me before she uses it to indicate her squad, her eyes narrowed in anger.
“It looks like you’ve got enough on your plate, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ll make sure I’m gentle… ish.”
She growls, actually growls at me.
“Alright, momma bear.” The guy wraps his arms around her tighter and presses his lips to her neck but her hard eyes never leave mine, even as they begin to shutter with pleasure.
“Stay away from my girls,” she warns again as she’s directed out of the diner by her boy.
“So,” Aria says, turning back to me. “What were you saying about showing you around?” Her eyes land on me and where I should probably feel some excitement about the possibility of spending time with her, I feel nothing.
“Another time maybe?” I push to stand and disappointment crosses her face.
I look over to the team but they’re all lost in their own conversation.
Unnoticed, I slip out of the diner and look out at the ocean beyond.
As a kid, I always dreamed of moving to Rosewood so that we could go to the beach every day. We’ve driven through once and I remember looking out at the glistening ocean and seeing the happy families playing on the sand. It
looked incredible, and at six or seven it was everything I wanted my life to be.
We might have had both our parents in our lives at that point, but things were far from perfect. If I’d have known just how bad things were going to get then maybe I wouldn’t have been staring out the window that day hoping for better, I’d have just been happy that the four of us were together. We weren’t going to get too many more chances.
With a sigh, I turn toward the parking lot.
It turns out that it wasn’t only the girls I didn’t remember from Kane’s little party the other night because when I step out onto the porch later that afternoon, I find my car waiting for me. Clearly, I walked straight past it in my desperation to start at Rosewood High this morning. I roll my eyes at myself.
I hadn’t thought much about it. I assumed that maybe Kane had sold it, I certainly didn’t expect to see it again, that’s for sure.
My black VW Golf looks exactly the same as the day I left her. Kane even made sure she was delivered back to me clean.
I walk over, taking in her black matte wheels and the sport bumpers I fitted in the months before I went away.
It feels like a lifetime ago now.
I tap her hood, a smile pulling at my lips although I feel pretty pathetic that I walk out of juvie and all I’ve got is my brother and my car waiting for me.
Aside from Kane’s friends who came to the house on Monday night, I haven’t seen any of the guys I used to hang around with.
I know why. I don’t need to put much thought into the reason they’re probably less than thrilled that I’m out but it still kind of stings to know that they really didn’t give a shit. I’d grown up with those motherfuckers. Did all sorts of shit for them, hence why I found myself locked up.
I hated it when Zayn moved away. He was the only one who got me in that place.
I drop into my car and rest my head back.
I wish I could confidently say that they’ll all stay away, but I know that I’m on borrowed time. When I was arrested, it wasn’t just me they took. It was the majority of Gray’s stash that was in my pockets.
He’s not going to let that go with a stint in juvie. I owe him, and it’s only a matter of time until he turns up wanting payment.
My fingers grip the wheel until my knuckles turn white.
I don’t want anything to do with any of them. I might not be thrilled about being here, near her, but it’s a hell of a lot better than being back in that shithole.
Kane’s car isn’t in the driveway when I get home. He’s still not told me what he’s doing but he did tell me not to expect him around much.
I find enough food to make a sandwich. I place that and a can of soda on the table before pulling out the books I was given today and making a start on my homework.
I was given tests from every single class I attended, and not just the standard homework the others got, helpfully each teacher supplied me with catch up work too.
I get it, I’ve got a lot to prove.
They’ll have seen my reports from Harrow Creek no doubt but even I know they don’t exactly fit the stereotype of a Creek kid. While everyone else was failing and set on a future without a high school diploma, my grades were always A’s.
I worked hard. Harder than anyone else around me. I had a dream and staying in that hellhole and dealing either drugs, weapons or people wasn’t where my interests laid.
I shake my head thinking that everyone I know from back there is probably still doing the exact same thing they were a year ago.
That creek is a place of ruin. There aren’t many that get out and make anything of their lives. It seems the Hunters—and hopefully us—might be an exception to the rule.
I do the statistics work first. It’s the easiest after all, then I set about doing the rest.
It’s dark out by the time I’ve finished, and Kane still isn’t home.
Packing everything away ready for another day at Rosewood High, I head for a shower then to bed.
As I lie there staring at the ceiling, the only thing I can see is her panic-filled eyes as she stared at me from the doorway.
She had no idea I was going to be there, that much was obvious. What I don’t understand is why, because it seems that it was Jada Hunter who helped Kane set all of this up. Why wouldn’t she warn Harley that I was going to suddenly be a part of her life once again? Surely a heads up would have been nice, although, I must admit, I did love her shock.
4
Harley
Nathan: I’ve got a surprise for you.
Excitement flutters in my belly as I stare down at his message. We’ve spoken every day since he dropped me home after our meal on Sunday night but I have yet to see him again and I’m desperate to. I hate that he’s all the way in Maddison County.
“What are you smiling about?” Ruby asks as her and Poppy join me on the bench I’m sitting on.
“Message from Nathan.”
“Oooh,” Ruby sings, her brows wiggling.
“You seeing him this weekend?” Poppy asks.
“I think so. He says he’s got a surprise.” I shrug.
“He so wants to get between your legs,” Ruby jokes.
“It’s only been a few weeks,” I argue, although I wonder if the words are more for me than them.
“Time doesn’t matter. If it’s right then it’s right.” Ruby shrugs.
“I’m just going with the flow,” I tell them although I can’t help the knot that forms in my stomach.
The first night we met, things between us were electric and when he kissed me… whoa. I’d only felt anything like that once before in my life and I latched onto it, that along with the fact he’s clearly a really nice person.
He’s perfect in pretty much every way, he’s everything I said I wanted but as time goes on I can’t help thinking something just isn’t right. I keep telling myself that it’s because we haven’t had any time alone. We’ve either been at a party or in a movie theater or restaurant. What I really want is it to be just us away from prying eyes and other people. I want to get to know him properly. See if that spark that was there at the party reappears when we’re alone.
Harley: I can’t wait. x
“He’ll be at Justin’s party tomorrow night, right?” Ruby asks.
“Err… I have no idea. I’m not…” I trail off, knowing that they’re not going to like what I want to say next.
“You’re not what?” Ruby asks, her brow quirked.
“I don’t think I’m going to go.”
“What? Why not? Especially if Nathan is going to be there.”
“It’s not him. It’s—”
“Kyle.”
“Can we not?” I beg.
“What happened, Har?” Poppy asks, her warm hand landing on my thigh.
“I… uh… I was the one who had him put in juvie,” I admit, staring at the concrete beneath my feet but their lack of response has me looking up at them.
“We kinda assumed that, Har.”
“Oh.”
“I didn’t actually call the cops on him. He just happened to be there. I didn’t even know he was in possession of anything. I totally screwed him over,” I admit.
“You didn’t know.”
“I shouldn’t have called the cops. It’s not how things are done where we’re from.” They both stare at me like I have two heads. I understand why. Poppy might have been with us to Harrow Creek, she understands a little about what it’s like there, but only people who live there really get it.
“You must have had a good reason to do it.”
“Y-yeah, I thought so. But things didn’t go as they were supposed to.”
“That’s not on you.”
“It doesn’t matter. I blame myself anyway. He didn’t deserve that.”
“Have you spoken to him?”
I shake my head.
“Maybe you should. Get it all out in the open. Zayn seems to think he’s okay about everything. He certainly doesn’t seem angry,” Popp
y says.
“You didn’t see how he looked at me yesterday morning,” I mutter.
“She’s right. It was brutal,” Ruby agrees.
“He was just surprised. He said so himself.”
“You seem to have fallen onto Team Kyle pretty fast, Pops.”
“Not at all. I’ve got your back always, you know that. I’m just telling you what I’ve seen and heard from both him and Zayn. He seems like a decent guy.”
“Yeah, he was.” My mind wanders back to a simpler time. A time where my biggest issue was having the most insane crush on my brother’s best friend.
“OMG, you have a crush on him, don’t you?” Ruby almost squeals.
“What? No. Why would you even say that?” I argue a little too insistently.
“Um… because it’s obvious that you do. I mean, he’s hot. I can see why you’d want him but—”
“He hates me. With good reason, I might add.”
“Nothing a little blow job wouldn’t fix, I’m sure.”
“What?” I shriek. “Ruby, you did not just suggest that.”
“She’s got a point. It’s amazing what you can convince a guy to do with a good su—” I hold my hand up to Poppy.
“Do not go there,” I warn. “I don’t need to know what gets you on your knees for my brother.” I shudder at the thought.
“Just try talking to him, Har,” Ruby says. “It was what you told me to do about a million times with Ash, remember? And it worked.”
“You ended up in bed with him,” I point out helpfully.
“See,” Poppy says. “It’s the answer.”
“You two are no help. I need new single friends,” I whine, not for the first time.
“Aw, you love it.”
“Do I? Do I really?” I roll my eyes at the pair of them.
Thankfully, the bell rings before they can try convincing me to talk to him or drag me inside where I know he’s hanging out with the team.
Only a few days in and he’s already found his place in this school. It’s not lost on me that as he fits right in, I feel like I’m losing my grip on my place.
LEGEND: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Rosewood High Book 7) Page 4