by Cala Riley
Unapologetically
Brighton Academy Series #4
By Cala Riley
Copyright @ 2020 by Cala Riley
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, except brief quotes used for reviews and certain other non-commercial uses, as per copyright laws. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Unapologetically Cover Photo by: TakeCover Designs
Dedication:
Readers, without you we wouldn’t be able to bring these stories to life.
Prologue
Tinsley
Tonight’s the night.
I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever to experience Samhain. The mystery surrounding it has intrigued me since I first heard the whispers about it. Add in the fact that I get to go with Finley, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Tonight, Finley will finally see me—Tinsley. Not Tin Tin, his best friend's little sister. Not the little girl he grew up with, but the woman I’ve turned into. I’ve been in love with Finley Abbot my entire life, but he’s never looked twice.
Until tonight.
I follow Finley into the woods, my hand in his, my heart beating a little faster with each step. He comes to a stop and drops my hand, and I instantly feel the loss.
“Okay, time to strip. Leave your bra and panties on,” he says gruffly.
I wordlessly remove my dress, leaving me in my pink lace bra and cheeky cut panties. My bra is strapless, and the lace goes down below my breasts, hugging my ribs like a corset. When I found this set, I had to have it. It makes me feel sexy and feminine.
“Christ,” Finley growls.
“What?” I look up at him.
“Nothing, let’s go.” He turns and walks towards the clearing, leaving me behind. I flinch at his reaction.
All right then.
With a sigh, I silently follow him into the clearing. The bed in the center is illuminated by a huge bonfire. Barely clothed people are gathered in the area socializing. I look over at Fin, taking him in. His shoulders are defined but not excessively large. The outline of his muscles on his back are visible down to his boxer-brief-encased ass that you could bounce a quarter off of.
Don’t slap it. Whatever you do, don’t slap his ass.
Finley looks over his shoulder at me, briefly making eye contact. “Come on.” He holds out his hand, and I take it without hesitation, allowing him to pull me closer towards the fire but far enough away to avoid others.
Does he not want to be seen with me?
I rub my arms as I shake off my doubts.
“You cold?” he asks while looking at me with blank eyes.
“No, I’m good.”
“I told Reed and Keaton this was a terrible idea.” Sighing, he turns away from me, but
I lay my hand on his arm, bringing his focus back to me.
“I want to be here.”
Without responding, he scans the crowd, looking anywhere but at me. I follow his example and take in the new and familiar faces. I spot Keaton standing with Morgan tucked into his side. They’re completely lost in each other. Then I see V and Sterling, who look like they’re fighting. I wish they would just admit that they love each other.
I’d been so caught up in my surroundings, I failed to notice when Fin stepped away to talk with some girl. When my eyes lock on them, the first thing I notice is how her hand is casually resting on his arm as she smiles up at him. They seem to be comfortable with one each other.
Great. I try to shake off the melancholy, but it's hard.
Finally remembering my presence, Finley breaks away from her and comes back over to me. “What do you think?”
Eyes locked onto the fire, I shrug in answer. I won’t risk looking at him, afraid he’ll see the hurt in my eyes. Finley doesn’t bother trying to start a conversation. We just stand there in heavy silence until Sterling and V step into the center of the clearing and call for everyone’s attention.
Sterling keeps the announcement short and simple. “Hello, brothers and sisters. New recruits, welcome to Secretum Societatis. You all know why you’re here, so let’s get started.”
Drinks are brought out on trays and handed out. Finley hands me a glass and whispers, “Don’t drink all of it,” just as Sterling proclaims, “Drink!”
I toss it back in one go, ignoring the dirty look from Finley before handing the glass back to the staff.
“Enjoy,” Sterling says in a devilish tone right before the music starts. Deep bass plays, making everyone move. One by one, people sync up with someone.
I turn towards Finley. “What now?” I ask with a raised brow.
“Now we pretend that we’re into each other.”
“Pretend?”
“Pretend, because I’m sure as shit not going to touch you.”
I flinch at the harshness in his voice. “Wow, okay then,” I whisper before turning away from him.
“Tins….” He grabs my arm, keeping me in place.
“What?” I look anywhere but at him.
“Don’t act like this.”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re mad.”
I finally meet his eyes. “But I am. I wanted to be like everyone else tonight. Once again, you and my brothers are trying to control me and what I do.”
Finley pulls me into him, hugging me tightly. I lay my head on his chest and hear the steady thumping of his heart.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
“Shit,” Finley hisses.
“What?” I try to lift my head to look around, but he stops me.
“Don’t look,” he growls as he shifts us around. “Let’s get out of here.”
Like the obedient girl I am, I walk next to him but look over my shoulder.
Oh V. At least one of us is getting love from the man we want.
✽✽✽
Chapter One
Tinsley
“New year, new me,” I whisper to myself as I finish my makeup in the mirror.
It’s finally here. My senior year.
While I’m nervous to tackle this year without my friends and family beside me, I’m also excited to step out of their shadows.
This year I’m queen. I’m not baby Yates. I’m not the little princess kept in a tower. I’m Tinsley Yates, ruler of Brighton Academy.
I smile at myself in the mirror. It’s finally my time to shine.
It’s not that I want to be a queen or rule anything, but as the youngest Yates, it’s my duty to take over where they left off. I won’t rule with fear as they did, but I will protect the weak like Sage did when she showed up.
Finally ready, I make my way downstairs.
Sage hugs me as soon as I walk into the kitchen. “You look beautiful, Tin.”
Sage is my oldest brother Reed’s girlfriend and my pseudo mother and sister. She knows when I need a lecture from my mom or the wise advice from my sister.
I wish Reed would get the memo. He’s in the role of protective father all the time. I miss my brother.
“She’s always beautiful. The most beautiful Yates.” Keaton scoops me up from behind, spinning me.
“Keaton, aren’t you supposed to be at school?” I blurt out between laughter.
“And miss my baby sister’s last first day of high school? Never.”
I squeal as he attempts to ruffle my hair. “Don�
��t mess up my look.” I pat my hair to make sure it’s all still in place.
“Enough messing around. Let’s have a family breakfast before you head off, Tin,” Reed commands. My heart pangs a little as he makes his way over to Sage to give her a lingering kiss. I love my brother and Sage, but sometimes watching them so in love reminds me I’ll never have that—or at least not with Finley.
It doesn’t help that Keaton’s finally with his true love, Morgan. I’m happy for them too, but I kind of lost my best friend in that deal. Sure, Morgan still comes and hangs out with me, but more times than not, she ends up sneaking away to stay in Keaton’s bed.
I’d like to say it will be better now with Keaton not living at home, but I doubt it. Keaton and Morgan got an apartment together near Northwestern, where they both take classes.
All that tells me is that I probably won’t see them much at all.
“You okay, Tin?” Sage wraps her arms around me as the boys bring the food she made to the table.
I force a smile. “Of course. I’m looking forward to finally being able to be me. No more Reed or Keaton telling me what to do.”
“We will always be around to tell you what to do,” Reed interjects.
“Or how to do it well.” Keaton winks at me, causing me to giggle.
“Keaton.” Reed’s tone is a warning, but Keaton doesn’t care.
I give Keaton a thankful smile. It wasn’t long ago that he was just as overbearing as Reed. Then Sage came along and turned our world upside down. Keaton started viewing me as a person instead of an object to protect, giving me more freedom. He started taking me to parties with him and letting me live.
Reed has been as protective as ever. He’s allowed me to go to the parties with Keaton, but with strict instructions. Oftentimes, he sends his own guard dog to watch me.
Finley.
Finley Abbot, best friend to Keaton and a loyal member of this dysfunctional family we’ve created.
Ever since I turned thirteen and grew boobs, he’s been my guard dog, always lurking around the corner, ruining every conversation I have with a boy. He once caused my lab partner to run away crying while we were doing homework in the courtyard at school—a little overkill, if you ask me.
Let’s just say Finley takes his duties seriously.
When I was younger, I took his protectiveness as a sign that he liked me. With Finley being only nine months older than me, it was natural for me to develop a crush on him. Add in his protective nature, and I thought we were destined.
Through every girl he dated or messed around with, I thought he would one day see me for the woman I am. That was until Samhain last year.
I shudder at the thought. I didn’t even care about being in the Secretum Societatis. Had anyone else given me a black rose, I would have turned it down. I wanted Finley to ask and was beyond surprised when he did. But it wasn’t the fairy-tale ending I dreamt of, though—more like a nightmare. I found out from Sage after that he was chosen by my brothers to be my escort. It was their way of allowing me to be included but also monitoring exactly what happened to me.
My heart shattered at the revelation.
Which brings me to today. New year, new me. No more Finley since he graduated with Keaton last year. I used to curse his birthday for being in August, making him start school a year earlier than me. But now? Now it’s a blessing. I want this year to be amazing.
“Don’t worry, Papa Reed. I have plans this year. This will be the best senior year ever. I will go to parties—” When Reed growls, I amend, “Parties approved by you. I want to make some new friends.” Since mine have all graduated and have boyfriends now. “I may dance with a boy or two, but more than anything, I’m going to work on myself. This year is all about me.”
“Damn right it is. You deserve the full senior experience.” Sage grins at me from across the table.
“No sex. No drugs. Alcohol only from approved sources,” Reed grinds out.
I take it as a win. He’s agreeing.
“Deal. Besides, I’ll always tell you where I’m going and who I’m with. I’ll even put that tracking app on my phone. I’m not trying to hide from you guys. I just want to experience life.”
Ever since my sophomore year when I went on a date with this public-school asshole, I have understood the importance of making sure my brothers know where I’m at. Asher was sweet at first. He convinced me to go to his friend’s party instead of the movies like I told Reed. Once there, there was drinking and drugs, but I didn’t participate. When he started kissing me, I let him. It felt good to be wanted for once. It was all fun and games until he kept trying to take it further, not taking no for an answer. Thank goodness Sage showed up when she did. Now, as long as my brothers respected my boundaries, I don’t mind them tracking me.
“I wouldn’t mind that,” Reed concedes.
“Great. Well, thanks for the breakfast, but I’m off to my first day at school!”
“Have fun. It’s your last first day of hell!” Sage yells.
“Thanks!” I holler over my shoulder.
✽✽✽
Finley
Keaton: Hey man. Want to meet for dinner?
Keaton’s text comes through at the perfect time. I’ve been doing homework for two hours and desperately need a break.
Shutting my textbooks, I shoot him a message back letting him know I will be there. As I’m about to head out the door, I hear a noise coming from the kitchen. I hesitate for a moment before cursing to myself and going to investigate.
“You’re going to regret this,” I mumble to myself.
I shake my head as I round the corner and find my mom pinned against the counter while an unknown man shoves his tongue down her throat.
“Momma?” I interrupt.
The man jumps back, his shocked gaze meeting mine.
Her eyes are glazed over a bit. “Baby, I didn’t realize you were home.” She straightens her clothes before walking over to me.
“I’m just leaving. Did you, uh....” I trail off as she narrows her eyes at me.
“Ken, give me a minute with my son. I’ll be right back.”
“Of course.” He turns and stares out the kitchen window, as uncomfortable with this situation as I am.
I wonder if she even told him she had a son.
Mom grabs my arm and drags me to the front door.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she hisses at me.
I sigh. “Taking care of you. So, have you been?” She knows what I’m asking.
“Mind your business, son. Let’s not forget who the parent is here.”
The glazed look is gone as she stands her ground in front of me.
“I’m sorry, Momma. I just worry about you.”
Her eyes soften as she reaches out to hug me. “I know, baby. You don’t need to though. I’m good. Go have fun with your friends. Maybe meet a nice girl.”
I lean in and kiss her cheek before turning to go. “Love you, Momma.”
“Love you too, baby.”
The entire drive to Reed’s house, my mind overanalyzes my interaction with my mom.
Was the glazed look in her eyes a sign or was it from her actions with that man?
Was she quick to anger, or was that because her son was acting more like the parent?
Did she seem rational?
By the time I make it to the Yates estate, my mind is fucked.
Fuck, I need a drink.
As I walk up to the door, Boswell opens it before I even get there.
“Evening, Finley.”
“Evening.”
I head straight upstairs to where I’m sure Keaton is—most likely with Morgan.
Just another thing in my life not going as planned.
That sounds selfish, but now that the guys have all booed up, I spend a lot more time by myself. Lost in my thoughts. Locked up with my demons.
Knocking obnoxiously loud, I scream through the door, “Stop fucking. I need a fucking drink.”
; A door opens, but it’s not the one I expected.
I look down the hall to find the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on. The same woman I should never even consider thinking about the way I do.
Tinsley Yates.
“Finley?” she questions with a hint of hesitation in her voice.
“Hey, Tin Tin.” I gulp. “Keaton said he wanted to go to lunch.”
“I know. He said you were meeting him there.”
I run my hands through my hair. “Fuck. Right. Sorry.”
I go to leave, but as I pass her, she grabs my arm. I look over to find her biting her lip.
“Are you okay, Finley?”
Mustering that damn mask I always wear, I throw her my best smile. “Of course, Tin. Why wouldn’t I be? I have the world at my feet begging to be taken.”
She lets go of my arm and takes a step back. “Right. Have a great day.”
Before I can respond, she returns to her room and shuts the door, and the smile falls from my face. Placing my hand on her door briefly, I mourn what could have been before turning and leaving, demanding a shot of tequila the moment I walk into Momma’s House.
✽✽✽
Tinsley
“Fuck, you’re heavy.”
Startled awake at the sudden noise, I jump up, running to fling my bedroom door open. I let out a sigh of relief when I see Finley and Keaton in the hallway.
“What are you guys doing?” I hiss out.
“Finley had a few too many. I’m trying to get him into the spare room, but he’s being difficult.” Keaton’s voice sounds strained.
Stepping out of my room, I take up Finley’s other side, taking some of his weight off Keaton.
“Tin Tin. You’re so fucking beautiful. You know that, right?” Finley slurs.
Drunk words are sober thoughts, right?
“Help me get him to the spare room,” Keaton grinds out. “Morgan’s in the car. I still have to get her home to spend time with her parents before we go back to school.”
At that moment, Finley decides to move towards the open door—the open door that leads to my room.
“Not there, buddy.” Keaton tries to redirect him, but he stays his course.