Cruel Summer: A College Bully Romance (Verona Academy Book 1)

by Melinda Terranova

  With a sudden change in his expression, his eyelids go half-lidded as he studies my mouth. “I want to fuck you.”

  I gasp.

  He places his other hand on the railing, trapping me between his arms and warning bells go off in my head. He’s centimeters from me and I can feel the heat from his body against mine. I want to reach out and run my hands along his abdomen but I don’t dare move. I feel like the prey in the clutches of its predator, unable to escape now that their claws are out.

  He leans down and his lips are so close to mine. I am unable to tear my eyes away from his. “Lost for words, freshman?”

  I shake my head. My heart pounding against my chest, I lick my lips and swallow.

  He moves again, even closer and I feel his warm breath brush against my ear causing goose bumps to spread down my neck. “Don’t worry freshman. I won’t touch you until you beg me to.” The arrogance of his words is staggering.

  I watch as he stands at full height, staring down at me with glistening black eyes. His high cheekbones and full mouth are such a waste on a monster of a man. I open my mouth but nothing comes out and he likes this turn of events. He’s in control and he knows it.

  He lifts his eyebrows as though waiting for me to beg him to touch me. “Your turn freshman.”

  “I need to go.” My voice comes out all breathy, betraying me.

  He steps aside and the sudden distance between us is too far and I’m confused for the need for him to be close to me. “Run along freshman, back to your little college boy.” A dark edge beneath his fake smile has me stepping away from the railing.

  I make it to the door before his sultry voice stops me in my tracks for a moment.

  “Until next time,” his tone is wicked and the alcohol affected part of my brain hopes and wishes there is a next time.

  Chapter Five

  Summer

  Finding my way to the bathrooms once I’m out of the elevator is matter of urgency. How long was I on the roof for? I run into Amber in the kitchen.

  “Where have you been?” She looks at me concerned.

  “I got lost looking for the bathroom. I really need to pee.”

  “This way.” She grabs my hand and leads me in the opposite way I came from.

  I look behind me hoping that his royal asshole stayed on the roof. Maybe he will go home now that he has taunted me for the night. After my toilet stop, Amber and I head back to the deck chairs near the pool house and find Stephan and Jake have collected a few more party guests. Amber seats herself on Stephan’s lap and I’m so glad to see Jake saved my seat for me.

  “Did you fall in?” Jake laughs as I seat myself.

  “No.” I swat him on the arm. “I got lost. This place has its own elevator.”

  “No way.” His surprise is humbling, I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks having an elevator in your house is not normal.

  I’m introduced to the girl on my left and I find out that she also attends Verona and is studying English Literature. We are deep in conversation when I feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickle and heat color my cheeks. I carefully look up and my eyes lock with his, I take a large sip of my drink to calm my nerves. He leans against the bar with a glass of dark liquid, his eyes don’t leave mine.

  “Amber,” I whisper shout to get her attention but she doesn’t hear me. “Amber,” I say again but it’s too late and I’m genuinely terrified for Stephan at this moment.

  I watch Enzo’s calculated strides as he nears us, his eyes never straying from me. I swallow as he comes to stand next to Amber and Stephan. Amber looks up and reaches out for him to give her a hug and I’m surprised he hasn’t tugged her off of Stephan’s lap yet.

  “Everyone meet my cousin, Enzo,” Amber announces.

  “Hello children.” His cold stare lands on Jake.

  The group laugh collectively. Jake shifts uncomfortably in his chair. I look at him and give him a reassuring smile before he takes my drink to refill it.

  “Do you think you should be drinking again, freshman?” Enzo smirks at me.

  So, we are back to this again.

  “Leave her alone, stop being mean.” Amber glares at him but he takes no notice of her. His attention is purely on me.

  “She didn’t tell me to leave her alone on the rooftop before.” He looks at me with those wicked evil eyes and to my horror Jake is standing right behind him.

  Everyone’s eyes snap to me and the embarrassment spreads across my chest and neck. The arrogant prick and his fucking words. I look at Jake and then at Amber and I allow myself to look at the monster himself, standing there taunting me with his gorgeous eyes.

  “Go away. Please?” Amber pushes at him and he chuckles darkly before sauntering towards the guests near the pool house.

  “I’m so sorry,” Amber mouths and I smile at her.

  Everyone returns to their conversations and I watch as Jake hands me my drink and takes his seat.

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” I tell him before he can ask me anything.

  He nods and pretty much ignores me for the rest of the night until it’s time to leave. “Do you have a ride home?” He asks me and I must be forgiven for Enzo’s stupidity.

  “We’re staying the night with my cousin,” Amber announces.

  “But I didn’t bring any clothes,” I protest.

  “I have plenty here.” She hooks her arm around mine.

  “See you tomorrow.” She tippy toes and kisses Stephan on the cheek.

  “I guess I’ll see you in class.” I shrug.

  “Yep.” Jake’s tone is clipped and I can’t understand why he is pissed at me.

  Amber leads me into the house and I notice the cleaners are already getting the place into order, all the guests are gone and I spot Concetta sitting at the large kitchen bench.

  “Hey Concetta, the guest suite is empty isn’t it?” Amber asks.

  “Sure is, sugar plum. It’s all yours.” She smiles a genuine smile at me.

  “Thanks for letting me stay,” I grin back.

  “Anytime, a friend of Amber’s is family.” She yawns. “I’m going to bed too, I’m getting old.” She places her glass in the sink and heads out of the kitchen.

  “Guest suite?” I raise my eyebrows.

  “Don’t start.” Amber rolls her eyes and laughs. “Come on.”

  The guest suite is more like a guest apartment. A king bed faces the floor to ceiling windows, with the most spectacular view of the glimmering lake and the city lights beyond. There’s a seating area with royal blue velvet couches and the bathroom is bigger than our dorm room.

  “There’s a hot tub in here big enough to fit ten people,” I exclaim as I come back out to look at the view.

  “Want to go in? I might have some bathers here somewhere.” Amber grins.

  “Why not?” I laugh.

  “Wait here.” She disappears out the double doors.

  I sit on the bed and take my phone out. I missed a call from my mom and I have a text from Ryan. I click on it and frown. He’s coming to visit tomorrow. He’s so frustrating, I wish he knew what he wanted. No doubt he’s still pissed from Enzo’s comment a couple of days ago.

  “I found some bathers,” Amber announces and tosses a royal blue pair at me.

  We both change while the tub fills up and Amber looks in the bar fridge for drinks. “Damn, they haven’t stocked it. I’ll have to go get something from the main kitchen.”

  “I’ll go. I’m looking for an excuse to wear that lush silk dressing gown anyway. Will everyone be gone from downstairs?” I ask before I actually commit to going down there in bathers and a robe.

  “Only the cleaners, but they should be done by now. Concetta’s parents are away and no one else is staying here.” She nods.

  I make my way through the doors and hear Amber call out after me to grab some snacks. I find the kitchen relatively easily now that I sort of know my way around. It’s dark and the only light shines in from the moonlight. I feel
my way around to find a light switch but can’t locate one. I decide to check the pantry for something that Amber might like to eat, as I open the door a noise behind me startles me and I hear voices. I quickly shut myself in the large walk in pantry and try to control my breathing. The voices get louder and I realise the men are in the kitchen. How do I get myself into these stupid situations? I roll my eyes at myself.

  “I don’t give a fuck, get rid of the fucking body. Burn it, dump it, throw it in the lake for all I care but I need it gone,” the man seethes.

  “You hired me to kill him, not dispose of his body,” the other man fires back.

  I clasp my hand over my mouth and beg myself not to make a sound. Who the fuck are these people?

  “Don’t forget I can hire someone to make you disappear too. Watch yourself Marco, you’re not family yet,” the first man spits and I hear retreating footsteps.

  “Fuck you Vito,” the man who is clearly Marco calls out before he storms off.

  I wait in the pantry for my anxiety to subside, my hands shake and my knees are weak. I manage to calm myself and crack the door ajar enough to get a good look around before I step out of the confined space and dart to where the kitchen sink is for much need air. I stand with my eyes closed, willing my heart to slow down, until it’s too late to move. I know it’s him, I can tell by the scent of his cologne. I don’t move, too afraid he will see the fear on my face if I turn to face him.

  “What are you doing up past your bedtime, freshman?” His voice vibrates to the pit of my stomach and I know he is just mere inches behind me.

  I breathe in, scared to let myself talk.

  “Where’s your little friend.” I can hear the amusement in his voice.

  “He went home,” I manage to whisper.

  “Good,” he breathes.

  He steps closer and the warmth from his body sends shivers down mine. How can my body respond to him when he’s not even touching me? I lean into him, a small sigh escapes his lips and I feel the twitch of his hardness against my lower back.

  “Ask me,” his voice is rough.

  I lean my head back against his chest and he responds with a low growl.

  “Ask me, Summer.” I can hear him grind his teeth in frustration. The way he says my name makes me want him to say it over and over again.

  I move from side to side ever so slightly, his large hand grabs me around the throat and his fingers dig into my jawline. He holds my head against his chest, the firmness of his grip makes heat rush between my thighs.

  “Ask me.” His voice has taken on a low strangled tone.

  “No,” I whisper.

  He spins me on the spot so I am facing him, caged between him and the kitchen bench. His eyes search mine and he takes his bottom lip between his teeth. He takes a step back, raking his eyes down my body and I suddenly feel very underdressed. I watch him reach a hand out and slowly untie the bow of the dressing gown letting it fall apart, exposing me. He licks his lips at what he just unwrapped before his eyes snap back to mine. I gaze up at him, all needy and wanting him to touch me but too stubborn to ask. He senses it, and steps so our bodies are flush.

  “Ask me, Summer.” His breath is hot on my neck.

  “Please?” I whimper before his mouth crashes into mine, the force of his lips painful. His hands grab my thighs and he lifts me up so I am sitting on the edge of the bench, he spreads my legs with his hand and pushes his hardness against me. I groan into his mouth and wrap my hands feverishly around his neck pulling him as close as I can. He swallows my gasp as his hand travels up my back and pulls the string of my bikini top until it is undone. His hand slides around to cup my breast, kneading it and playing with the hardened nipple between his thumb and finger. He slowly trails his mouth down my neck, biting and licking as he makes his way to my shoulder blade to then take my hardened nipple in his mouth. His tongue swirls around and around before he bites me, the pain feels so good I moan loudly.

  He stands up with a cocky smile. “Shhh or you’ll wake the help.”

  I come to my senses and realise the stupidity of the situation and I try to push him away from me but we are interrupted by footsteps and voices from the hall. Enzo grabs me around the waist and I wrap my legs around him. He motions with his finger to stay quiet before we hide in the large pantry. He puts me down and turns me around so I am facing the shelves.

  “Don’t make a sound,” he whispers.

  My heart starts to thump in my chest as the voices get louder. I’m hoping it’s not the same two men as before. I feel Enzo reach around for the ties of my bikini top, I help him by adjusting myself and marvel when he skims his fingers across my over sensitized skin. He ties the top back up and trails his hand around to my stomach, his finger lingering on the top of my bikini bottoms.

  “Where the fuck is it?” A loud voice echoes through the pantry and my anxiety shoots through me.

  “It’s been taken care of. You needn’t worry.” Marco’s voice is lethally calm.

  Enzo places his large hand over my mouth and pulls me hard into his chest. He pushes one of my legs out with his and his fingers slowly and sensually start their assault. I pull at his hand covering my mouth, afraid he will suffocate me but he doesn’t move. His fingers expertly circle my nub before entering me, pushing on my sensitive spot. The voices are drowned out by the overpowering thrumming of my pulse in my head. I whimper with pleasure as his fingers work on me, my legs start to quiver and I reach out for something to hold on to, my hands come in contact with the pantry shelves and I hold on for dear life as I come undone under the touch of this cruel man.

  He takes his hand off my mouth and holds me as I slump against him. My breathing is ragged and I don’t even care if anyone hears us. Once I’m able to stand on my own, without a word Enzo slinks out of the pantry. I feel like the dirty whore he accuses me of being and I cringe at the thought of ever laying eyes on him again. I manage to feel around for what I presume is bags of crisps and grab two before scurrying back to the guest suite, hoping to not run into any more of Amber’s family.

  Amber is none the wiser when I return with the bags of crisps, so I mustn’t look guilt stricken over having just been fondled by her cousin in the pantry. I want to ask her who Marco is and what kind of business her family owns, but I don’t dare ask. I’m hoping I heard wrong and the less I know, the better. After soaking in the hot tub and making an awful mess with the bubbles, we spend the night watching movies and finally fall asleep before the sun comes up.

  Chapter Six

  Summer

  I open one eye to be blinded by the glaring sun and quickly shut it again. This small movement causes my head to pound. I lay as still as I can, too scared to move when I hear quiet snoring. Who the hell is snoring? I slowly open my eyes to see sheer white curtains just out of reach, doing nothing to block out the morning sun. It dawns on me that I am not in my room, not in my bed. I attempt to swallow the anxiety creeping up my throat only to discover I may have swallowed a furry skunk in the course of the previous night. I allow my eyes to roam the floor space between me and the wall, nothing but dark grey carpet. I take in a deep breath and carefully turn in the bed to see who the annoying tractor noise is coming from.

  “Oh thank god!” I breathe a sigh of relief.

  “Shhh,” Amber groans, and pulls the covers over our heads.

  “I’m starving,” I whisper.

  “Me too. Let’s get McDonalds breakfast.” She sits upright.

  “What’s the time? Are they still serving breakfast?” I slowly sit up, my head pounding.

  Amber leans over to retrieve the phone from the night stand. “It’s only seven, come on lets go.”

  “Shouldn’t we get changed first?”

  “The very reason they invented drive through is for times like these. Now get your arse out of bed and get a move on.” She smiles sweetly before throwing a pillow at me.

  I stumble out of the bed, dizzy from the effects of the alcohol I consumed the night
before and follow her to the garage. I feel self-conscious walking through the house in broad daylight in nothing but a singlet and very short pyjama shorts that barely cover anything. “Are you sure you’re ok to drive?” I worry.

  “Yes of course,” Amber laughs.

  We borrow one of Concetta’s fancy cars and as we pull up to the McDonalds, I notice the drive through closed. I look at Amber and glare at her when she pulls the car into a parking space.

  “Here’s my card, my shout if you go in by yourself.” I smile sweetly at her.

  “Nope, no way I’m going in there without you.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, we’re either in this together or not at all and we can starve.” She arches one of her eyebrows.

  “I’m never going to forgive you for this.” I huff as I slide on the ankle boots from the back seat.

  “We’ll be in and out before anyone can notice us.” She clicks her tongue.

  I pull my pajama shorts down a little to cover my legs some more and shake my head when I see our reflection in the glass door. “We look like Hill Billies. I’m never coming to this place again.” I hold the door open for her.

  “Come on miss stick up her arse.” Amber giggles as she grabs my hand and drags me in after her.

  We line up behind two police officers who take forever to order and smile at us as they take their coffee and food from the counter and head toward the door. I already know my order and try to seem sane as I tell the poor young guy behind the counter, he is a lovely shade of pink by the time Amber finishes placing her order.

  “Can they hurry up already?” I whisper, a little anxious to get out before anyone else enters.

  What seems like an eternity later our food is placed on the counter along with our coffees, I make a grab for them and turn quickly, in my haste I bump into the person behind me.

  “Shit! Sorry.” I scramble to avoid dropping our food. The strangers hand steadies me by grabbing my elbow. I see their shoes first and when my eyes travel over their muscled chest, my heart sinks.