Chapter Thirty — Devlin
“I’ll be in touch” Deano says pressing an envelope to my chest.
“How much is here?” I ask peeking inside.
“Eight”
“G’s?” I hate fighting but I do enjoy the money part of it.
“Yeah.”
“People were betting big tonight huh?”
“You are our top guy Stone.”
He looks over at Dahlia, “She’s why he was here isn’t she?”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you were relentless. You clearly had a reason to hate him and since she hasn’t really shown any concern for her old man, it’s obvious he must’ve done something to her.”
“Yeah. I’d like to know how my dad knew though.”
“He said he met him inside. He knew what he was in for, but he didn’t tell me. I’ve mentioned Dahlia to him and about you coming back. He must have put it all together. Like I told you before, I don’t know the details, I can only assume. Seems he was right though.”
“Yeah. Maybe he’ll think twice about his actions now.”
“Go on, get her out of here.” I nod and walk back over to Dahlia. She looks out of place in her prom dress and she looks nervous as hell.
“Come on, let’s get going” I say throwing my arm over her shoulder and pressing a kiss to her temple. I lead her to the exit enduring several congratulatory pats on the back as I pass, and she earns way too many lustful stares for my liking.
“Do you think it’s too late to make the prom?” she asks, and I can see she really wants to go.
“We can probably make the last hour if you still want to go, get at least one dance in? If you don’t mind me being a bit scuffed up that is?” I’ve thrown my shirt back on and considering her dad didn’t put up much of a fight, I don’t look all that bad.
“I’d like that” she smiles, and we climb in the car.
I pull out some wet wipes from the glove compartment that I keep there for such times that I might need to wipe a guy’s blood off my hands. Not a great reason for keeping wet wipes in the car, I know, but hey that’s who I am.
I clean myself up as best as I can with the wipes and Dahlia gives me a brush from her clutch to fix my hair.
“So, will I do?” I ask wiggling my eyebrows at her and she giggles.
“Only Devlin Stone can attend prom after fighting and pull it off.”
“Of course.” I dust my knuckles against my chest and smirk.
She’s smiling at me like I’m everything and I consider just keeping her to myself for the rest of the night, but I know that’s not hat she wants, so instead I pull her into a quick kiss that has me instantly hungry for more.
“Let’s get you to your prom beautiful” I say before pulling away and heading towards the school.
∞∞∞
I’ve been in this gym hundreds of times, never have I seen it looking quite like this. Decorations and lights pepper the ceiling and drapes have been placed on the walls doors and windows giving the place a magical feel. It’s pretty breath taking and that’s coming from a guy like me.
The place is packed with bodies and I look over at Dahlia, she seems happy and relaxed, her head bobbing along to the music. You wouldn’t think she was just at a fight a few minutes ago.
“You know the hook up is supposed to happen after prom, right?” Caleb laughs digging an elbow into my side.
“Deano called” I whisper, not wanting anyone to overhear.
“Shit. that’s where you’ve been?” He looks me up and down as if he’s wondering why I don’t look too roughed up. He’s seen me after some of the fights before, so it probably comes as a surprise to see me looking relatively normal.
“Yeah” is all I say as I scan the room for the rest of our friends.
“Were you with him Dahlia?” Caleb asks, surprised that I would let her. For the record I would never have let her. I was pissed when I saw her standing there with Deano. Those are not the kind of places or people I want my girl being around. They’re dangerous.
“Yep” she says popping the last letter without looking at Caleb.
“She followed me” I explain shooting her a disapproving look.
“You two are so alike” Caleb laughs again. “So, did you win?”
“Yeah.” I’ve never lost a fight yet and I think he’s secretly waiting for the day that I do.
“What poor schmuck had to face off with the infamous Stone then?”
“My dad” Dahlia answers and I’m too shocked to speak. She’s never mentioned her dad to anyone else before so I’m a little caught off guard.
“Shit, what? You beat up her dad? Wow I’ve heard of meeting the parents going badly but jeez Stone, talk about next level shit man.”
“He deserved it” Dahlia speaks again, continuing to throw me off.
“Wait what? Am I missing something”? Caleb asks looking between us.
“Not tonight okay. All you need to know is he deserved way more than I gave him” I interject not wanting this conversation to turn into something that could potentially upset Dahlia. Her prom’s already been disrupted enough.
“I’m hot I think I’m going to go and get a drink” she says and as she walks away, she pulls off her jacket and I smile proudly to myself.
That’s my girl!
“Shit man, what happened to her?” Caleb asks taking note of her scars as she walks confidently across the gym.
Her dress starts at the bottom of her shoulder blades, so her shoulders and upper back are completely exposed every raised mark on display, but she doesn’t seem to care.
“It’s not my story. She’ll tell you when she’s ready” I say, and he nods in understanding before we follow after her.
Chapter Thirty-One — Dahlia
I know people are looking, whispering too, but I’m done hiding. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I am not the monster in my story. I have done nothing wrong. Stone sidles up to me with a huge smile on his face, he takes my jacket from my hands and pulls me into a kiss.
“I’m so proud of you baby he whispers.”
“I’m done letting him have control” I mumble. I can see the range of looks coming from the people around us. Some are pitying, some are disgusted, and some are just curious.
Stone presses hot kisses along the scar on my shoulder, his hands tracing those on my back. His acceptance is all I need right now. He still wants me; he’s still attracted to me. Why should I care what anyone else thinks?
“Are you going to give me that dance before this thing is over?” he asks nuzzling my neck.
“Only if you don’t mind my two left feet?” I laugh. I’ve never been a good dancer; despite my love of music, I myself have never really had any rhythm.
“You could have ten left feet and I wouldn’t mind; I’d still love you” he purrs as he leads us out on to the floor to dance.
Pulling me close he snakes his arms around my waist, and I rest my hands on the back of his neck, twirling my fingers in his hair. He sways me gently to the music and I lean in and rest my head on his chest. It’s like everyone around us has disappeared and it’s just the two of us, this night, and this dance.
“This isn’t exactly how I saw prom going, but I’m glad we’re here now. Together” I whisper as I look up into his stunning blue eyes. He’s looking down at me warmly and I wonder how I could have ever hated this guy.
“Me too” he says as he moves in for a kiss; it’s quick and feather light, but it lands hard on my heart. “You know, you might’ve been the one to fall on your ass when we first met, but I’ve been falling ever since. I can’t imagine spending this moment with anyone else; my beautiful hellhound.” I chuckle and he kisses me again. I feel like I’m in a fairy tale and I’m a little sad when the song eventually comes to an end.
∞∞∞
“Stone” I say tugging on his sleeve and locking eyes with the figure across the road. We’re just leaving the prom and the seven of us ar
e heading to an after party.
“Yeah baby?” he asks looking down at me and follows my line of sight. “What the fuck is he doing here?” He tenses beside me, there’s a tick in his jaw and his eyes have turned dark.
“Who is that?” Beth asks as she looks him up and down, her eyes narrowed to help her focus in the dark.
“My dad” I mumble, and she looks at me with a look of surprise and confusion.
“Haven’t you had enough?” Stone growls as he bounds over to my dad, his fists clenched. I can practically see the anger rolling off him.
“Do you really think you won kid? Did you really think that would be the end?” My dad’s face is swollen and bloody and he can barely even stand up. His eyes are almost completely swollen shut that I’m wondering how he can even see.
“I went easy on you back there. You want me to let loose for real, then keep pushing.”
“You’re going to regret this Stone.” He reaches inside his jacket and pulls out a gun, waving it around in front of Stone’s face. Everyone starts to panic, and they try to calm the situation but my dad’s not hearing them; he’s too focused on pointing a gun at my boyfriend.
“Dad don’t do this. Put the gun away.” I plead, but I know he won’t listen. He hates me as much as he hates Stone, if not more.
“Say goodbye to your boyfriend D” he snarls as he cocks the gun.
I push Stone out of the way just as my dad pulls the trigger. I won’t let him hurt Stone. Beth’s screams ring out around us and I hear the guys take off after my dad. I’m lying on the floor in Stone’s arms. I can smell him, feel him but something doesn’t feel right.
“Stone?” I breathe, my vision hazy.
“Hold on baby, helps on the way.”
“I love you Devlin” I choke out.
“Don’t you dare. You are not saying goodbye Dahlia. You’re going to be okay; do you hear me?” I nod briefly but I’m not sure I believe him. “I’m gonna kill him for this.” I can hear that he’s crying and tears spill down my own cheeks as I gasp for air.
“Is she going to die Stone?” Beth chokes as she squeezes my hand.
“I fucking hope not. Stay with me Dahlia, please.” He’s rocking with me and he’s sobbing now, but their voices are fading in and out and it sounds like I’m under water. I want to do as he asks; I want to stay but I can’t fight it anymore.
* * *
Stone Series
Want to know what happens next in The Stone Series? Then look out for book 2 coming isoon.
Heart of Stone ~ Book 1
Stone Cold ~ Book 2
Devil in Stone ~ Book 3
Heart of Stone ~ Book 1 Page 10