“Everything okay?” he asks, pinning me with those gorgeous eyes.
“Yeah.” I look around again. “I don’t think anyone in here will pay much attention to me.” The crowd is older, and I don’t recognize anyone. I highly doubt anyone from school will make an appearance, and that shaves a buttload of stress off my shoulders.
“Skeet’s talent is wasted playing to these crowds,” Ax admits, taking a sip of his soda. “I know he loves playing with his dad, but he’s missing out on other opportunities.”
“I’ve talked to him about it,” Shaz says, sliding a Coke to me. “And you’re right, he doesn’t want to let Liam down.”
“That’s crazy,” Heath interjects. “Because Liam is the most laid-back of your dads and the one most likely to be cool with Skeet following his own path.”
“I know, but try telling Skeet that. He’s so stubborn sometimes.”
I take small sips of my soda as we wait for the gig to start. Twenty minutes later, the lights dim, and the owner of the bar announces the entertainment for the night. A loud cheer emanates from the room, accompanied by catcalls and hollers. I’m smiling as Skeet takes to the stage alongside Liam. Both are up front, guitars strapped around their torso, sporting big smiles as they wait for the other two guys to get settled.
They play a few covers to start, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. The dance floor is crammed, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s funny to see all the oldies letting loose, and the four of us laugh as we watch some of the old school moves on the dance floor.
“We’re going to slow it down for this number,” Skeet says into the mic. “So, grab your woman and hold her tight.”
“Man, he’s such a fucking pussy,” Axel exclaims, rolling his eyes.
“Want to dance?” Heath asks, leaning across the table toward me.
“Sure.”
Gripping my hips, he lifts me down and leads me out onto the dance floor as Skeet continues talking to the crowd. Heath positions us right under the stage, directly in front of him. I give Skeet a thumbs-up, and he grins back at me. “Recently, a girl came into my life, and she’s inspired me like no one ever has before. She doesn’t know this, but I wrote this song for her. Hope you like it, B.”
His use of Ethan’s pet name is only upsetting for a nanosecond. I’m determined not to do anything to upset Skeet or throw him off his game, so I flash him a genuine smile.
How can I not smile when he’s written a song for me?
When he starts singing, my smile is so wide it threatens to split my face in two. It’s one of the songs he played for me in the basement except this time there are words to match the soulful music. Heath holds me close, and we sway to the music as Skeet pours his heart out in the song. He stares at me as he sings, and I can’t look away. Our eyes remain locked on one another, and it’s as if no one else is in the room. It might as well just be the two of us.
I feel Heath’s smile as he bends down to my ear. “He wanted it to be a surprise, and he asked me to bring you up here so he could sing directly to you.”
“I can’t believe he wrote this for me. It’s beautiful.” My heart is full to bursting point. I don’t know what I did to deserve these three guys, but I thank God every day for bringing them into my life. They are saving me in ways they can’t even begin to imagine.
“And you look stunning, by the way,” he adds, and I momentarily drag my eyes away from Skeet to smile at Heath. “Best-looking woman in this room by a mile.”
I snort. “Considering most of them are old enough to be my mom, I’m not sure how to take that,” I tease.
“Trust me, it’s a compliment.” He lifts my arm, pressing his mouth to my wrist and placing a delicate kiss there.
I rest my head on his shoulder, grinning like an idiot as one of my guys sways me gently in his arms and another one serenades me from the stage.
“Thank you,” I mouth when the song ends, and Skeet takes a bow as rapturous applause breaks out around us.
“I love you” he discreetly mouths back, and happy tears prick my eyes.
I blow him a kiss before we return to our table. Axel lifts me onto my stool before placing a tray with fresh sodas on the table. “Our boy is quite the romantic,” he murmurs, peering into my eyes with that intense lens of his. “And I still can’t believe he kept it a secret. Skeet was dying to tell you.”
“I’m glad he didn’t. No one’s ever done anything like that for me before.”
“We’d do anything for you, Blaire. You know that, right?” He tucks a few stray strands of hair back off my face.
“I know, and I’m grateful.”
His hand slips subtly up the outside of my thigh as he leans into me, whispering in my ear. “You look fucking hot tonight. All I can think about is peeling that dress off you later and worshiping every inch of your body.”
My core pulses with deep longing at his words, but before I can reply, Shaz butts in. “I need to wash my ears out after that.” She makes a gagging gesture.
“It wasn’t meant for your ears.” Ax waggles a brow. “And maybe you shouldn’t eavesdrop if you don’t like what you hear.”
She flips him the bird, and her mom slants her a cautionary look. The oldies have mostly been sticking together, chatting and drinking and leaving us to hold our own conversation on this side of the table, so it’s been easy to forget they’re here.
“Maybe you need to tone it down a level or ten,” she retorts with a flirty wink. “Unless you were aiming to turn your girlfriend on in front of everyone.” Heath chuckles, listening attentively to our conversation but not joining in.
“I liked you better when you were four with those cute pigtails and a more limited vocab,” Ax deadpans.
“Ouch.” She grins, pulling me down off the stool. “It’s just as well I know you love me like a sister, or I might take that to heart,” she tells Ax, darting in to plant a chaste kiss on his cheek, before looping her arm in mine. “Bathroom break. C’mon.”
Grabbing my purse, I waggle my fingers at the guys. “Back in a bit.” Heath blows me a kiss, and Ax drills me a look that promises wicked deeds later. I shiver all over from the force of their attention, and I’m floating on a cloud as we walk away. I force Shaznay to walk through the crowd toward the restroom so I can wave at Skeet as we pass by.
“God, you’re so nauseatingly in love with them. I can’t decide if I’m jealous or just genuinely ill at the thought.” She shivers, as if a chill just tiptoed down her spine.
“When it’s your turn, you’ll see.” I shoulder-check her, grinning as we enter the bathroom.
I remove my cell when I’m in the stall to text Mom like I promised. My parents are wary of letting me outside now the news has been leaked. I tap out a quick text telling her I’m fine. Before I put my cell back in my purse, a new text pops up with a link.
I know I shouldn’t look.
I’ve become adept at ignoring stuff online, and I know better.
So, there’s no excuse for my actions.
I click on the link, and all the blood drains from my face as the video uploads.
Chapter Thirty-Two
I watch with the volume turned off, my heart sinking with every frame. The first image is Heath and me kissing at the party. The next one is Axel and me cuddling intimately down by the lake. The third scene shows Skeet kissing me outside Jacinta’s store.
My stomach lurches at the thought someone’s been watching me and secretly taking footage of me and the guys. I shudder at the thought of what other stuff they might’ve captured on film.
A barrage of insults ends the video reveal. Words flash by on the screen. Whore. Slut. Psycho.
I shut it off after that, unable to watch any more.
“Blaire, you okay in there?” Shaz inquires, knocking on the door of my stall.
“Yeah.” I shove my cell
back in my purse, rubbing at the moisture under my eyes, inhaling and exhaling successively until I feel back in control. “Hey.” I plant a false cheery smile on my face as I open the door and face my friend.
A small frown puckers her beautiful features. “You sure?”
“I’m peachy. Chill, Shaz.” I brush past her, ignoring the twisting in my stomach and the blood pounding through my ears as I make my way to the sink. I shove my shaking hands underneath the water, keeping the fake smile plastered on my face.
“Shoot,” I say, when we’re back outside in the hallway. “I forgot I’ve got to call my mom.” I shrug casually. “She’ll freak out if she doesn’t hear from me.” I take a step back toward the restroom. “You go. I’ll follow in a minute.”
“I can wait.” She makes to come with me.
“Shaz, seriously?” I send her an incredulous look. “I know the guys are overprotective as shit but not you too. Nothing’s going to happen to me in here. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I don’t mind waiting.”
“That’s your brother and your dad out there, and their set will be over soon.” I give her a gentle push. “Stop being an idiot and go!” I roll my eyes, smiling. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Okay.” She still looks hesitant, and I wonder what instructions Skeet gave her in regards to me tonight.
I wave her off, and my smile crumples the instant I turn around and stride toward the bathroom. I waste no time once I’m in there. No one else is here, thankfully, so I lock the door and head straight toward the window. It glides up easily, and I climb outside, wrapping my arms around my body as the cooler evening air greets me. I’m shivering as I walk away from the venue, but it’s not purely from the weather.
I can’t believe we’ve been outed. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say Cassie’s behind this too.
She’s never going to leave me alone.
She’s going to torment me until she’s driven me out of town.
I don’t want to let her win, but I’m not sure I can take any more finger pointing and slurs. It’s bad enough everyone thinks I’m a monster who enabled her brother to kill in cold blood, but now they’ll be adding whore and slut to the repertoire of names they call me. They won’t understand our relationship, and it’ll only give them further ammunition to ramp up the bullying. The school can’t protect me from this. And my parents will go ballistic when they see this.
They won’t get it either.
My good mood has been erased, replaced with dark thoughts I thought I’d long since buried. I don’t know how I ever believed happiness would be mine for keeps. There is no silver lining for someone like me. That’s the reality I have to accept as my future.
And I can’t drag the guys down with me. I won’t. They have bright futures, and I won’t be responsible for ruining them. I don’t know how I’m going to stay away from them, but the only way to put the rumors to bed, to protect their reputation and safeguard their futures, is to break up with them.
I knew that as I watched the video play out, and I couldn’t return to that bar and hide all this from them. Axel would see through me in a split second, and they’d talk me around. I don’t want Skeet to look down from the stage and notice something isn’t right. Nothing should take away from this night for him.
I pull my cell out of purse and call Mom to come get me. I keep walking in the direction of home, fearful of stopping in case the guys come after me. It won’t take too long to realize I’ve run off and I need to put as much distance between us before that happens.
I’m halfway up the deserted road, freezing my butt off, with blisters forming on my aching feet, when the sound of approaching vehicles tickles my eardrums. I keep closer to the side of the road, not looking back.
“Oh my God, it’s her!” some girl yells, and blood turns to ice in my veins. Keeping my eyes forward, I quicken my pace praying for Mom to hurry up. “Slut!” another girl shouts as the car draws up alongside me.
I refuse to look over at them, walking as fast as my legs will carry me while the car keeps pace with me. “What’s wrong, sugar?” a male voice says. “Grown tired of your boy toys already?”
“If you’re looking for some new fuck buddies, we’re game,” a different boy says.
“Do you fuck all three of them at once, whore?” one of the girls hollers.
Tears stab my eyes, but I keep walking, still refusing to look at them.
“Look at me, bitch,” the guy roars, but I ignore him, pushing my legs as fast as they will go in these heels.
Suddenly the car revs up, speeding ahead, and relief courses through me.
But it’s short-lived.
The car swings around, coming to a halt in front of me. It’s horizontally positioned across the road, blocking my path. The screeching of tires behind me raises my blood pressure to coronary-inducing levels. I glance over my shoulder, horrified to notice a second car blocking me in from the rear. Tall fences line the road on both sides, so I’m pretty much hemmed in. “Leave me alone,” I hiss, hating that my voice trembles. They’re all getting out of their cars now, moving toward me. With trembling fingers, I reach into my bag for my cell, but it’s yanked out of my hands before I can call the guys for help. “My mom’s on her way,” I blurt even though I know it won’t deter them.
“I’m quaking in my boots,” Jenkins says, putting himself right up in my face.
Another guy presses against my back, way too close for comfort, and a single tear rolls down my face. “Is that where you learned to be a slut? From your mom?” he whispers in my ear while his hand slides up the back of my thigh.
“Don’t touch me!” I shriek, trying to elbow my way out from between them, but Jenkins grabs my arm, digging his nails in.
“I told you what would happen if you stayed around here.” He smirks. “The assholes aren’t around to protect you now.”
The guy’s fingers move up under my dress, and a hysterical scream rips from my mouth. Jenkins clamps his hand over my mouth, stifling my cries. At the same time, he looks over my shoulder, narrowing his eyes at the other guy. “Enough.”
“What the fuck, man?”
“Much as I’d like to teach the bitch a lesson, that kinda shit won’t end well. I’m not doing time for banging a murdering slut.”
“You wouldn’t want to put your dick in her anyway. God knows what you’d catch,” one of the girls says.
Jenkins turns to the two girls behind him, one I recognize as Shell, the girl from the parking lot the other day. “You got the stuff?” They nod. He turns back around to the asshole behind me. “Strip her.”
“Gladly.” I hear the smug tone in his voice.
“No!” Adrenaline courses through my veins, and self-preservation kicks in. I simultaneously stab my stiletto heel in Jenkin’s shin while I hit that sensitive spot in his carotid. His eyes loll back in his head before his hold on me loosens, and he slumps to the ground, out of it. The guy behind me makes a grab for me, but I stab my heel in his foot while simultaneously elbowing him in the gut. It catches him off guard, giving me enough time to attempt an escape. Kicking off my shoes, I race forward, shoving both girls out of the way and running toward the back of their car. Up ahead, in the distance, I spot lights, and I’m silently praying it’s Mom.
I slam into something solid, falling backward and landing hard on my back. Pain ricochets up my spine, and I cry out. “Fucking bitch.” A different guy looms over me, lounging against the hood of the car. He crouches down, disgust lining his face even in the dark. He opens his mouth, and I scream as his spittle lands on my face. Then something cold and sticky lands on my forehead, and I look up in time to see the others crowding around me. They pelt me with eggs and pour sticky soda all over me. I scream as I thrash about on the ground. Ignoring the pain splintering me from all sides, I twist around, attempting to crawl away, but someone
stomps down on my hand, and an agonizing scream tears from my lips. Someone else grabs hold of the hem of my dress. A loud ripping sound mixes with laughter as my dress is torn off me. Someone puts their boot on the middle of my back, pressing me face-first into the ground, holding me in place for the others.
I zone out. I’ve no other choice. I’m not getting out of here with my sanity intact. Images torment my mind, and I’m powerless to stop them or the shivering covering my entire body. Burying my head in my hands, I pray the car in the distance is Mom.
They start kicking me. Inflicting new wounds over the existing ones which haven’t yet healed. I block my ears to their insults, and I beg God to take me.
I just want this to end.
Life is too hard.
And I’m not strong enough to survive this kind of torment again.
The roar of an engine startles everyone. “Now the fun starts,” some asshole male says.
Car doors slam, and racing footsteps come close. “Get the fuck away from her,” Axel roars. Sounds of scuffling reverberate around me, but I don’t lift my head. I’ve gone beyond the point where I’m grateful help has arrived. I don’t want them to see me like this. Lying facedown on the ground in only my undies, covered in a sticky eggy mess and a fresh layer of wounds, only some of them they can see.
“Blaire!” Heath shouts amid the sounds of wrestling, panic underscoring his tone.
The glare of headlights hits me from the other side and expletives litter the air. “Shit. Scatter!” I recognize Jenkins’ voice.
“Run away all you want, but you’re still dead, assholes,” Skeet shouts after them.
I keep my face pressed to the asphalt, praying for this nightmare to end. Tires screech, and the smell of burning rubber lingers in the air as my assailants make a hasty escape. Racing footsteps approach. “Blaire, oh my God, Blaire. Honey, are you okay?”
Surviving Amber Springs: A Stand-Alone Contemporary Romance Page 24