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

by Melinda Terranova

  “Where are we going?” I ask as he leads me down a corridor behind the stage area.

  “To peel that dress off, freshman,” his voice is filled with need.

  “No, you can’t,” I protest but allow him to drag me into an empty room.

  He switches on a light and shuts the door, locking it. My heart thuds in my chest, the need to have him inside me again overwhelms me. I lick my lips as he saunters toward me, each of his steps calculated and deliberate.

  “Turn around.” His eyes are half lidded, and full of need.

  I slink my fingers into the waist of his pants and gaze up into his eyes. “I’ve got a better idea.”

  His eyes go wide in curiosity. “What do you have in mind?” his hands wrap around the curve of my ass and he drags me against him.

  I slide my body down his until I’m kneeling in front of him and look up as I slowly undo the buttons on his pants, carefully pulling the zip down. He is already hard and I swallow in anticipation. I pull the front of his boxers down to reveal his hard cock, ready and waiting. I lick my lips before wrapping them around his engorged head and swirl my tongue around his end. I grab the base of his cock, and slowly drag my mouth along his girth until it hits the back of my throat. An animalistic growl escapes Enzo’s lips and I move in motion with his thrusts.

  “Holy fuck, Summer.” He moans as he grabs my hair in his fist and guides my mouth back and forth, slowly increasing the rhythm.

  I pull back and swirl my tongue around the tip, licking the sweet moisture as I run my hand up his length and back to the base, continuing to move in rhythm with his thrusts.

  “I’m going to come,” he hisses through his teeth and grabs my head in both his hands as he enters my mouth with deep thrusts.

  I grab onto his muscled thighs to brace myself and feel his legs tense as he moans my name and spills into my mouth, the warm liquid slithering down my throat.

  He pulls out of me and I gaze up at his heaving chest through my eyelashes. He hooks his arms under my armpits and hauls me to me feet, he kisses me with intense ferocity and I slacken in his arms.

  “You are something else, freshman.” His lips hover over mine.

  I kiss him and step back to allow him to do up his pants. Three loud cracks split into the air and I jerk in fright. “What was that?” I look around the room.

  “Fuck.” Enzo hurries to do up his pants. “Find Amber and get out of here.”

  “What?” I look at him in alarm.

  “Someone has opened fire.” He holds my face in his palms, his eyes search mine. “Please find Amber and be safe. I have to go.” He kisses me before running out the door.

  I stand in the room afraid to leave, the adrenaline courses through my veins and I wish I had my phone on me. I hear another shot ricochet through the air and it jolts me into action. I exit the room and make my way back to the stage area, I can hear shouting and screaming as the guests scramble to escape. A man in a tux runs towards me and I freeze, eyes wide in fear as he nears.

  “Enzo sent me to get you out safe. Come this way,” he says in a strong Italian accent and gestures for me to follow.

  I look at him, unsure whether to trust him and he senses my hesitation.

  “Amber is in the car already, she has your black sequinned clutch. We need to hurry.”

  I look at him in the eyes and try to gauge if he is telling the truth, my instincts tell me this man is safe. “Where are we going?” I step toward him.

  “The back of the building.” He places his hand on my upper back and glances down the hall before leading me down the hallway. I sense this man is custom to this sort of situation and I wonder how many shootings he has been a part of, the thought unsettles me.

  “Where’s Enzo?” I worry.

  “He’s helping the rest of the men. Don’t worry miss, he will be fine,” he reassures me.

  We come to a locked door. “Please step back, miss.” He guides me a few feet away. “Cover your ears.” I do as I’m told.

  He strides to the door and pulls out a gun, aims it at the lock and fires it. I jump at the sound as it vibrates through me and makes my heart thud in my chest. No matter how much training I’ve had with firearms, when it’s not in my hands, it gives me anxiety.

  “Come on.” He kicks the door open and holds it for me to go through. “This way.”

  I follow him down the back street and hope to hell he isn’t leading me to my death. We turn a corner and a large SUV is waiting, as we near my heart starts to sink and I am most certain I am being captured to be tortured. My footsteps slow and I consider turning and running the other way when the car door opens and out scrambles Amber.

  “Summer.” She runs into my arms. “You’re okay.”

  I hold onto to her tiny frame and thank my lucky stars that we are both okay. “You’re safe.” I hug her tighter as tears pool and threaten to fall.

  “Let’s go.” She grabs my hand and drags me into the SUV.

  The driver takes off and I hold on to the seat to steady myself. “What about Enzo?” I look out the back window.

  “He will be fine. This is what they handle.” Amber looks at me, the sorrow in her eyes evident as she takes in my frightened state. “I’m so sorry this happened. I shouldn’t have asked you to come. I knew it would all go to shit,” she sobs.

  “Where are we going?” I watch the buildings fly past as the SUV tears down the road.

  “Back to my parents place, it’s safe there.” Amber’s voice is quiet as she leans against the door, defeated.

  We ride in silence the rest of the way, my mind constantly worrying about Enzo, hoping he is safe. We arrive at large wrought iron gates and the driver presses the intercom before the gates open to allow us to enter. The sprawl of illuminated perfect manicured lawns and the border of giant lush green hedges makes this estate seem otherworldly. As we pull up at the circular drive, the expanse of this mansion has me gobsmacked. I take in the scenery before me as I climb out of the SUV and I cannot fathom the sort of corruption these families must be involved in.

  “Come inside.” Amber indicates to me.

  I dutifully follow her up the large front steps and through the oversized double entry doors. The grandeur of the interior makes my mouth pop open. Marble floors and the ornate carved staircase that leads to the second floor, greets us at the entry. As I follow Amber towards the back part of the house, I notice all the statues and beautiful paintings that decorate the rooms, it reminds me of an art gallery. I immediately think of Rob and how much he would love to explore this house if the tension between him and Enzo wasn’t so palpable.

  “Do you want something to drink?” Amber strolls to the fridge.

  “A coffee.” The exhaustion that has taken over my body is overwhelming.

  “Good idea.” Amber gathers the coffee mugs and milk. Their coffee machine is one you would find in a swanky coffee shop.

  I watch her go through the motions and feel numb, removed from my body, the stress of the shooting finally catching up to me. “Thank you,” I say as she hands me the coffee. I take a sip and it melts my insides a little.

  “Are you okay?” Amber sits next to me.

  “Not really.” I shake my head.

  “Me either. I’ve been protected from that side of my family all my life. I’m a little shaken,” she confesses.

  I put my arm around her shoulder and pull her into me, giving her a tight squeeze. “We can deal with this together.”

  Footsteps echo down the hall from the front of the house and my stomach tightens. I don’t feel like meeting more mobsters, not tonight. Enzo’s father strolls in like he owns the place, not a hair out of place I notice. No doubt he left all his made men back at city hall to clean up the mess.

  “I am so glad you are safe.” He walks up to Amber and kisses her on the top of her head. He eyes me then, his gaze burning through me. “Are you okay, my dear?”

  I am surprised by his kind words. I swallow my anxiety. “I think so,”
I stutter.

  “Summer, isn’t it?” He goes about pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

  “Yes.” I nod and look at up him. He watches me for a moment before he speaks.

  “My apologies you had to witness such atrocious behaviour tonight. I do hope it has not tarnished your ideas about my family.” He winks at me, trying to lighten the mood.

  Just being in the same room as him, gives me anxiety and I find myself being extra careful in how I behave and in what I say. “It wasn’t your fault.” I take a sip of my coffee.

  “Uncle Salvatore, do you think anyone is hurt?” Amber asks.

  “Not anyone of importance. Don’t dwell on these things.” He pats her on the hand.

  “Do you like it here?” He turns his attention to me.

  “It’s different,” I answer honestly.

  “In what way?” He has a drink from his glass and waits for my reply.

  “The campus is beautiful but I haven’t had the warmest welcome,” I offer.

  “It’s all in one’s perception of things. You see, it could have been much, much worse.” He sips his whiskey.

  I open my mouth to say something in reply but remember who he is and quickly retract my response. Instead I nod curtly, hoping I haven’t angered him. My mind boggles over his last statement. Much worse? Does he even know what his asshole nephews have done to me? I choose to not dwell on their behaviour and continue to drink my coffee and ignore the Mob Boss as he makes conversation with his niece.

  “Summer,” Enzo’s voice booms from the front of the house.

  We all turn to watch him race through the hall towards us until his eyes meet his father’s, he stops dead in his tracks and collects himself. Relief and confusion washes over me as I take in his anxious features. A look I never thought I’d see on Enzo’s face, he is always so in control, always so threatening. He hesitates before taking the few steps towards us and stands between his father and I. His eyes don’t stray from his father and I yearn to reach out and touch him, but I don’t.

  “I need to speak with you.” Salvatore glares at his son before departing the kitchen.

  Without even glancing my way, Enzo strides after his father. I’m left feeling deflated and embarrassed, the cruel version of his royal asshole is back.

  Amber grabs my hand. “Let’s go back home.” She looks at me with pity.

  “Isn’t it unsafe?”

  “Tonight had nothing to do with us.” She pulls me after her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Summer

  I stare at my books, not paying any attention to what Rob is saying. I tuned out when he started discussing our trip to Rome at the end of the week. As excited as I am about going, I can’t seem to stop thinking about Enzo and the fact he hasn’t contacted me since the night of the charity auction. He has probably been banned from speaking to me, his mobster father linking the shooting to me and my bidding on his only son. I cannot handle being at this academy right now and the thought of going back home until I fly out on Friday is tempting.

  “Earth to Summer.” Jake nudges my arm.

  “I’m here, just thinking about home.” I smile at him as I pack up my belongings.

  “Feeling homesick?” He stands ready to leave.

  “Something like that.”

  “Are you ready and packed for our fieldtrip to Rome?” His eyes light up.

  “Not in the slightest. I haven’t even thought about it, to be honest,” I laugh.

  “There’s still time. Let me know if you need a lift to the mall or something.” Jake grins at me before taking off to his next class. “See you around.”

  “Bye.” I wave after him, hoping he heard me.

  Just as I’m about to exit, I notice Rob walking behind me.

  “Trouble seems to follow you, Miss Richards.” His accusation halts me.

  “Excuse me.” I turn slightly to face him.

  A hint of a smirk appears on his handsome face and grows as he takes in my scowl. “The shooting at the charity ball. Weren’t you in attendance?”

  “I was there.” I narrow my eyes, waiting to see where he is going with this.

  “I am joking.” He holds both his hands up and laughs at me.

  “Oh, okay.” I stare at him for a few moments before offering him a fake smile. “I have to go to my next class.” I turn and head out the door with him trailing behind.

  “Not so fast, blondie.” Luca steps in front of me, blocking me from my intended path, with Dante a step behind him.

  I look up at his tall frame, at his intricate tattoo designs before allowing myself to look him in the eyes. “What do you want?” I take a step back.

  “You’re coming with us.” He grabs my arm.

  I try to pull out of his grip. “No, I’m not.”

  “Gentleman, this is not how you treat fellow students.” Rob’s voice slices through me. I’m grateful for his presence, these assholes may let me go, unscathed.

  “Stay the fuck out of it. This does not concern you,” Luca growls.

  “It does concern me when it’s one of my students,” Rob interjects.

  Luca digs his nails into my arm out of frustration, I cower at the pain and a whimper escapes my lips. “Let go of me.” I try to pry his fingers off me, but fail.

  “Watch yourself Carbone, this is not your territory. Stay in your box,” Dante spits as he takes a menacing step toward Rob.

  “Fine,” Rob huffs and strides off towards the faculty building, leaving me with my tormentors.

  “Now, if you come with us without kicking and screaming, we won’t need to hurt you. Understand?” Dante’s face is inches from mine, his eyes focused on my mouth.

  I swallow the bile as it rises up my throat and nod in agreement, I have no chance of escaping these two psychopaths.

  “That’s a good girl,” Luca coo’s and tightens his grip on my arm until the pain is unbearable.

  “Ow, stop.” I grit my teeth.

  “Shut the hell up, blondie.” Luca yanks me into him, running his free hand over my ass and trailing it up my back before fisting a handful of my hair. He pulls hard and my head snaps backwards. “Isn’t this how you like it?” He chuckles darkly.

  Tears sting my eyes, not from the pain and humiliation but from the knowledge that Enzo has spilled our secrets to these two assholes. The hurt that rips through me is like nothing I have felt before. I want to disappear and never be found. I grit my teeth and place both my hands over Luca’s and dig my nails into his skin until I can feel the flesh under my fingernails.

  “Fuck,” Luca growls and pushes me away from him, examining his hands. Blood starts to bubble where I scratched his skin and a sardonic smirk appears on his evil face when his gaze returns to me. He lunges forward and his large hand connects with the side of my face. “You dumb bitch,” he spits.

  A flash of light dances across my eyes and I stumble back in surprise. My hand instinctively reaches for my face and I glare at him with pure hatred. The sting starts to burn and I am positive that the whole left side of my face is red.

  “That’s enough, Luca. Let’s get her there in one piece.” Dante eyes his cousin with concern.

  My eyes dart from one to the other before Luca grabs my elbow, his anger palpable. He yanks me after him as he heads towards the entry gates. I jerk against him, but it is useless, he is much too strong for me. “Leave me alone.” I slap at his hand.

  “Don’t fucking test me, blondie.” He pulls me harder after him.

  I can barely keep up with their haste. “Where are you taking me? Where’s Enzo?”

  Neither of the assholes answer me and I allow myself to be dragged to their flash Mercedes. Dante opens the door for me before Luca forces me in, I hit my head on the top of the door and land unceremoniously sideways on the leather seats. Dante scrambles in next to me, to ensure I don’t try to escape and Luca climbs in the driver’s side. I’m thrown into the seat as the car takes off, granting me a sly smirk in the rear vision mirror. Th
e asshole can’t help himself and every turn is taken at high speed causing the car to slide and the tyres to screech. I hold on for dear life as we race through the city to an unknown destination.

  “Not so fast.” Dante snatches my phone from my bag.

  “Give it back to me.” I try to get it from his hands.

  “Not until you are returned to Verona.” He slides it into his pocket.

  “Why are you doing this to me?”

  “Because you stick your pretty little nose where it’s not wanted.” Luca wiggles his eyebrows at me as he shifts down a gear and guns it around a sharp corner causing me to slam into Dante.

  “Put your seatbelt on. We promised you would be delivered unharmed.” Dante pushes me back to my seat and reaches over my body, I freeze and expect him to do something sinister, he simply grabs the seatbelt and buckles me in.

  I sit in silence as the car glides through the streets, I watch for landmarks I will be able to recall if it comes to that. My mind goes over all the tips and tricks my father drilled into me growing up. Being the chief of police, he was always paranoid someone would want revenge and kidnap me. Well, here we are daddy dearest, I’m taken against my will by two of the assholes at my college.

  “This is so stupid,” I blurt out without thinking.

  “Please indulge us with your reasons, oh smart one.” Luca chuckles in the front seat.

  “I haven’t done anything.” I punch the back of the seat.

  “Settle down, princess.” Dante grabs my wrist and holds it against my thigh.

  I struggle to free myself and he lets go, shooting me a warning look. “Behave and make it easier for all of us.”

  I huff in annoyance and fold my arms across my chest. We pull up outside another gated mansion. The gates open automatically and we cruise up the driveway and around to the back of the property. The massive villa looks like it was plucked straight from the rolling green hills of Tuscany, even the pencil pines bordering the property look out of place for this area.

  Dante pulls me out of the car, he is much gentler now that we have arrived. “Come on, blondie.” He leads me into the back of the house with Luca right behind me.