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

by Melinda Terranova

  “In the fucking way again, freshman.” His voice echoes in my ears.

  I can feel the blush spreading up my chest over my neck and starting to colour my face, my bare, make up free face. Our eyes meet and I could crawl under a rock. My mind goes to the place I want it to stay far away from, I swallow at the memory of his skilful hands and his soft mouth against my skin.

  “Sorry,” I squeak. His damned molten dark eyes study every inch of my face. I clear my throat before stepping back out of his grip. His menacing sidekicks flank him, I feel their gaze against my heated skin.

  “Don’t be.” He raises his eyebrows. “Healthy breakfast.” He looks at the large paper bag in my hands.

  “Perfect to soak up the alcohol.” Amber spits. “What are you three doing here?”

  I squirm under his gaze, as his eyes slowly crawl down the length of my body and back up. His smile is borderline wicked when his eyes meet mine again. “I needed a hearty breakfast after last night.” He licks his lips as he takes in my lack of clothing.

  I watch out of the corner of my eye as Dante takes the large thick shake from Amber’s hand. “You two look a little heated.” His eyes roam from me to Enzo and back. He takes the lid off the thick shake and pours the entire contents over my chest so that it coats my breasts. “That should cool you off,” he chuckles darkly before handing Amber the empty cup.

  I stand there in stunned silence, willing myself not to punch him. The embarrassment heating my face. I glance up at Enzo and his face is impassive, his jaw twitches but he doesn’t move.

  “You fucking psycho.” Amber pushes at Dante.

  I gather my strength and step around the three assholes and escape out the doors, their chuckling echoing in my ears. I wait for Amber at the car and watch as she storms out.

  “I’m so sorry, Summer. I’ve warned them to stay away from you. I don’t know what is wrong with them?” Her words come out rushed.

  “Can we just leave?” I stare at my reflection in the window, the thick shake spread down my front. I feel like a fucking idiot for letting him touch me last night, I should have known he’d be a vicious asshole afterwards. The thought that he told his minions what went on, makes my blood boil. I make a mental note to avoid leaving my dorm room from now until I finish college. Amber comes to my side of the car and hands me a few napkins to clean the mess off. She doesn’t say anything but I can see the anger behind her eyes.

  We sit in silence until we get back to Concetta’s house.

  “I’m so sorry, Summer.” She grabs my hand and squeezes it.

  “It’s not you that needs to apologize, but thank you.” I smile at her.

  We eat our breakfast at the kitchen bench and I can’t help but stare at the pantry door and cringe at the memory of him. Fucking asshole.

  Concetta’s driver takes us back to our dorm after we have finished eating. The three hours of sleep not nearly enough to function for the day. The cream leather interior of the luxurious car reminds me of Ryan and his mad love for his Camaro and it’s leather interior. He was always so anal about his stupid car, never allowing me to eat or drink in it. As we pull up outside our dorm building, I spot the stupid Camaro, it’s as shiny as I remember it.

  “Great,” I huff as I step out of the car in Amber’s borrowed clothes.

  “Is that him?” Amber follows my eyes to watch Ryan climb out.

  “Yep.” I stand on the curb with my heels in my hands.

  “Wow. He’s hot.” She nudges me in the arm.

  Ryan is the all American boy next door, with his blue eyes, sandy blonde hair and tanned skin. He was the quarterback in high school and got a football scholarship to the college closest to our home town. I feel anxious as I watch him make his way across the street towards us. What is he going to say? The last time he called me, Enzo was an asshole to him on the phone. He stops at the curb in front of me and my heart aches for him. I realise I still love him and it hurts, I feel the threat of tears and blink rapidly to try stop them.

  “Hey, Summer.” He takes in my appearance and hesitates before gripping me in a huge bear hug. “I’ve missed you so bad,” he whispers in my ear.

  My heart lurches and I find myself clinging on to him. He feels like home and all the memories flood back. I don’t want him to let go of me and as much as I know it is unhealthy, I really couldn’t care, his arms feel safe.

  He releases me and steps back to introduce himself to Amber. “You must be the room-mate?”

  “That’s me.” Amber smiles. “I’ll leave you two alone.” She winks before skipping up the stairs.

  “Are you going to say something?” He runs his hands through his hair.

  I stand there with my aching heart in my throat. “Hi.” I smile at him.

  “Hi,” he says back.

  “Are you here for the whole day?” I ask.

  “If you want me to be?”

  I want to tell him I want him to stay for the rest of the weekend, but I don’t, because I don’t know why he is here and I don’t know how I will cope with him here. “Want to grab a late breakfast?” I say instead.

  “Sure.” His eyes light up.

  “Come upstairs and I’ll get changed into my own clothes, then we can leave.” I grab his hand out of habit and take him to my dorm room.

  Ryan decides he wants to explore the town. Which is fine by me as it means I’ll have less chance of running into his royal asshole and his sidekicks. We drive around until we find a café that isn’t too busy for a Saturday morning. There is an awkwardness between us and I’m unsure if it is because we aren’t together anymore or because of what Enzo said to him on the phone. I know I will need to clear things up before he leaves.

  “What are you having, babe?” Ryan asks as he hands me the menu. Babe. His nickname for me since junior high.

  “I’ll take the eggs benny and a latte.”

  “So predictable,” he laughs.

  “Don’t start your shit,” I snap. I knew we couldn’t get through the day without arguing. The side of Ryan that I’d prefer to forget slowly invades my memories.

  Ryan holds his hands up. “I was just joking. Far out, Summer.” He walks into the café to order.

  Our whole relationship consisted of him making fun of me and picking out my little quirks. He would always make me feel stupid in front of our so-called friends. What the hell did I see in this jerk? These few weeks apart have been a godsend in the clarity department.

  Ryan takes his seat across from me. “How are your classes?”

  “Most of them are okay but my favourite is Italian Renaissance. The professor managed to convince the faculty to allow us first years to tag along to Rome with the second years,” I boast.

  “As in Europe?” He leans forward.

  “Yes. How good is that?” I beam.

  He sits silent for a moment pondering who the hell knows what? Our food arrives and I stare at it waiting for Ryan to say something. Finally he clears his throat and takes a sip of his coffee. “Exciting times ahead for you.” His face turns into a scowl, I ignore him and dig into my breakfast.

  We sit in silence while we eat. My eyes are drawn to the real estate agency across the street, where a group of well-dressed men are in a heated debate. One of them storms off down the street and another separates himself from the group to make a phone call. I’m immersed in their display of vulgar cussing and hand gestures when a sleek black sports car pulls up with its windows down and music thumping.

  “What are you staring at?” Ryan turns around.

  Before I can get the words out of my mouth, I realize the driver is none other than Enzo. I want to crawl under the table and hide. “Nothing.” I drop my fork to which Ryan turns back to face me.

  “Are you okay? You look flushed,” Ryan worries.

  “My coffee is extra hot,” I lie.

  I glance back over to the real estate agency, one of the younger men jumps into the sports car before it tears off down the road. I slump in relief, glad
his royal asshole didn’t see me here.

  “So, what do you want to do for the rest of the day?” Ryan interrupts my mini anxiety attack.

  “I don’t know, I’m tired. Do you want to go watch a movie back in my dorm?” I suggest. I have no interest in wandering around pretending like nothing is wrong with the two of us. He may not be heartbroken but I sure still am, just having him here for the day is going to mess with my head for a good week.

  We drive back to the dorms and my eyes scan the parking lot for the black sports car, I’m thankful when I don’t see it. Amber leaves us to ourselves and heads out to see some friends. A small part of me wishes she would have stayed. Ryan chooses a movie that I’m sure I won’t like, as per usual and we settle ourselves on my bed.

  Half way though the movie I hear Amber’s strained voice. “No you can’t come in,” she huffs.

  Ryan and I ignore it and continue to watch the movie for a few more minutes when I hear Amber say, “stop it Enzo.”

  My heart beats furiously. I can’t face him. Not today, not with Ryan here. Ryan takes no notice of my impending panic attack and remains relaxed on my pillows next to me. The door swings open and I sit up trying to put distance between Ryan and I.

  “Enzo,” Amber’s voice whines.

  In strides the devil himself, dressed in black dress pants and a black dress shirt, with his signature rolled up sleeves. I squeeze my thighs together at the very sight of him. He’s so fucking hot but so fucking mean. My eyes follow him as he prowls into the bathroom and back out within seconds, stopping at the foot of my bed. His menacing eyes lock with mine and he arches a dark eyebrow.

  “See, no Stephan here, you douche.” Amber holds the door open for Enzo to leave.

  Ryan has sat up next to me, confused as to what is going on. He looks from me to Amber, to Enzo and back to me but doesn’t say anything. I swallow hard, the anxiety in the pit of my stomach slowly inching its way up. Enzo’s eyes are mere slits as he takes in the scene before him.

  “Follow me,” he orders.

  I look at him in horror. “No, thank you.”

  “I’m not asking.” He storms out of the room.

  I sit with my mouth open, unsure of what to do. My eyes dart to Amber who is just as confused as I am.

  “Who the hell is that?” Ryan looks at me for the answer.

  “My stupid cousin,” Amber huffs. “He’s probably wanting to ask Summer if I’ve had Stephan in here.” She rolls her eyes.

  “I’m not going out there.” I cross my arms. Knowing Enzo, he’ll have some smart ass comment to make about last night.

  “Just go or he’ll wait until you leave the room, even if that’s three days from now.” Amber falls onto her bed, grabs her pillow and screams into it.

  “Want me to come out with you?” Ryan offers.

  I pat him on the leg. “No, it’s okay. I’ll go.”

  I climb over Ryan and make my way to the door, opening it like it’s made of precious glass. My heart thuds against my chest and I can feel the blush rising up my neck. I take a deep breath and close the door behind me. He leans against the wall at the end of the hall, his tantalizing eyes watch me as I make my way toward him. His square jaw frames his bowed lips perfectly, I notice a scar along his jawline, giving him a gritty edge. I stop at a safe distance.

  He chews on his lower lip before he speaks. “Is that number four?”

  I gasp. “Seriously.”

  A slow wicked smirk spreads across his face, he’s clearly enjoying being cruel to me again.

  “At least you’re dressed appropriately now, not in your skanky clothes.” He raises his eyebrows, baiting me.

  “I don’t need to listen to this.” I step away from him.

  “I’ll need a penny, Summer.” He stands up off the wall and steps toward me.

  “What?” I ask confused.

  “A penny for my thoughts.” He clicks his tongue.

  “I don’t care for your thoughts,” I spit.

  He feasts on my anger and his smirk widens. “I bet you’ll care if I blurt them out back in your dorm.”

  “Penny for your thoughts.” I glare at him.

  He leans forward, invading my space. “I don’t share, Summer,” He warns. His cologne swirls under my nose and I’m reminded of his warm breath against my sensitized skin and his expert touch.

  “What?” I blink.

  “You heard me.” He licks his lips.

  I open my mouth and then close it. I have nothing to say to him. I turn on my heels and make my way back to my dorm room with Enzo about an inch behind me. “What are you doing?” I look up at him before I open the door.

  “Saying bye to my cousin.” He smiles innocently.

  I huff in annoyance and storm into the room and climb over Ryan onto my bed.

  “Did you get your answers?” Amber throws her pillow at him.

  Enzo steps over the pillow and into the centre of the room, his eyes scan the room before they land on me. “You know what this room needs? A walk in pantry, one with sturdy shelves.” His eyes sparkle and he bites his bottom lip before turning and leaving the room without another word.

  “What the hell did he ask you?” Amber pushes me for answers.

  My insides are a tumultuous roller coaster of anxiety, fear and need. I can feel the blush spread across my chest and neck and I bring my pillow up to hide it. “If Stephan has been over here,” I lie.

  “He needs to seriously relax. That guy is so intense.” Ryan scrunches up his face.

  You don’t say, I think to myself. I need Ryan to leave, I can’t have all these emotions swirling through me. I need space.I switch off the television hoping Ryan gets the message but of course he doesn’t.

  “Who wants to go get gelato?” He announces.

  “I could eat gelato.” Amber looks at me for permission.

  I sigh and climb off my bed, plaster a fake smile on and grab my bag. “Your shout, Ryan.”

  We all pile into his shiny Camaro and Amber plays navigator from the backseat. We arrive at a small Italian restaurant.

  “It’s not open.” I stare at the closed sign.

  “My family owns it. We can go through the back.”

  “Is there anything your large family doesn’t own in this town?” I laugh jokingly.

  “Well.” She hesitates. “They do own many of the businesses here.” She opens the door and exits quickly.

  My mind circles over her statement but I push it aside.

  Ryan and I follow Amber to the back of the restaurant and find ourselves at the back entry of the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and tomato makes my mouth water.

  “Nono,” Amber calls as she walks past the cool room.

  “Out the front,” responds a male voice with a thick Italian accent.

  “This is my room-mate, Summer and her friend, Ryan,” Amber introduces us.

  “Welcome, please come sit. Are you hungry?” The kind man gestures for us to sit at the table nearest to the pizza oven. He’s a short, round man with wisps of hair atop his head. His kind round face glows with admiration when he looks at his granddaughter.

  “Nice to meet you,” Ryan and I say in unison.

  “We came for the best gelato in town.” Amber gives her Nono a big hug.

  “Sit and I’ll serve some up.” The old man hurries back into the kitchen.

  “I like your Nono.” I smile at Amber.

  “He’s my favourite person in the world.”

  The rest of the afternoon is spent chatting with Amber’s Nono about our dorm room and our classes. Amber mentions how Enzo has been keeping tabs on her.

  “You know it is the way we do things.” The old man grabs hold of Amber’s hand and squeezes it.

  “I know, but he needs to lighten up a little. Can you talk to him please?” Amber pleads.

  “Enzo will not listen to me or to anyone. He is the way he is.” The old man shrugs.

  I snort at his response.

  He eyes me for a momen
t. “You have met Enzo?”

  I choke on my gelato and cough. “I have.”

  “He’s so intense,” Ryan adds.

  “He has a lot on his shoulders. Not only is he in his final year of college but the family business weighs heavily on him,” the old man explains.

  I never would have thought he was in college, I just presumed he hovered around to keep a watchful eye on Amber.

  “Doesn’t mean he needs to be mean to Summer though.” Amber looks at me with sympathy.

  “He is rude to you, my dear?” The old man’s eyes watch me, there’s something behind them that I can’t put my finger on.

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” I smile, hoping they change the subject.

  “Give as good as you get.” The old man winks.

  Amber and I giggle at his response and Ryan sits there looking at me, his eyes searching for something.

  We head back to our dorm building, the sun is setting and I pause before getting out of the car. “Thanks for coming to see me.” My heart aches at the thought of him leaving me again.

  “I’m sorry Summer.” He looks at his hands in his lap.

  “For what?”

  “For everything.” He looks at me then, his eyes tear stained. “I fucked up.”

  “Yes, you did,” I sigh.

  “I miss you so fucking much, it hurts.” He grabs his hair in both his hands.

  “I miss you too,” my voice is barely audible. I can’t deal with seeing him like this. I’m so confused.

  “I see you here, getting on with your life without me and it kills me. Do you think you can let me back into your life again? Like before? I don’t even care if that dick on the phone earlier was telling the truth.” He turns to me, his eyes pleading.

  My heart drops. “It’s not true, what he said to you over the phone.”

  “I believe you.” He turns to look at me.

  “You shattered my heart when you broke up with me, I need time to think about this.” A small cry escapes my lips.

  “Please think about it?” He places his hand on my thigh and squeezes it.

  “Bye Ryan.” I step out of the car and manage to hold myself together as I follow Amber up the stairs.

  “Are you okay?” Amber places her arm around my waist and pulls me into her.