Scarred (Bullied Book 5) (Bullied Series)

by Vera Hollins

I stuck out my tongue at him, and he barked out a laugh. He wound his arm around my waist and pulled me to his side. “I accept your apology. You were such a pain in the ass, but I couldn’t hate you anymore for that even if I wanted to. Both of us had to grow up, so I can’t really blame you.”

  I leaned into him with a smile, and a heavy weight lifted from my shoulders. I wanted to cringe just thinking what a huge bitch I’d been, but he was right. Both of us had to grow up and learn to trust each other, and while that had been hard for both of us, we’d done it. Big kudos to us.

  Masen interlaced his fingers with mine. It was sunset, and the wind hummed quietly, sending a few strands of my hair twirling. I imagined Steven sitting against his grave and watching us with his annoying smirk. He would never admit it, but he would be glad that Masen and I (probably) wouldn’t kill each other before we both turned nineteen. The warm feeling in my chest multiplied.

  As if he knew what I was thinking, he said, “I’m sure he’d be happy for us. Sure, we would never hear the end of it because he would’ve made fun of us every single day, but he would’ve been cool with it.”

  “I know. He was my brother, after all. He didn’t know how to show it, but I know he wanted the best for me.”

  “Speaking of brothers . . .” I met Masen’s gaze, and he continued, “You were right when you said I was keeping Eli on a tight leash. I was overprotective of him, and I still am, but I talked to him yesterday, and he finally told me he wanted me to trust him more and allow him to be as independent as he can be. It freaks me out knowing he could get hurt if anything goes wrong, but I want him to be happy.”

  “I get you, but it’s the right choice. And now that Doug has given me the green light to help Eli, it will be easier for him to achieve everything he wants.”

  He took my hand. “I feel as though I haven’t thanked you enough for what you’re doing for Eli.”

  I smirked. “You’ve thanked me, all right. You thanked me so well last night.” I winked at him, and he laughed.

  “Have sex with a girl, and she becomes obsessed. I’ve created a monster.”

  “Says the monster himself.”

  “You mean I have a monster dick.”

  I rolled my eyes. “No, I mean, you have a peanut brain.”

  He laughed and kissed my cheek. “You need to have the last word every single time, right?”

  “Absolutely. The world would fall apart otherwise.”

  Masen tsked. “Anyway, I told you I’d promised to take him to New Haven. I found a racing instructor who works with quadriplegics, and we’re going there as soon as school ends. I want you to come with us. He will want you there, too.”

  “Of course I’ll come! You don’t even have to ask. I can’t miss Eli stealing hearts as he races. I can already imagine it. He’s going to be the sexiest race car driver out there. Just you wait.”

  He arched his brow. “The sexiest? But what about me?” He pointed his thumb at his chest. “I’m the sexiest race car driver ever.”

  I made a wry face. “Eh, no. Not by a long shot. You don’t even come close to Eli.”

  Masen crossed his arms over his chest. “Then go and date Eli.”

  I chuckled. “Thanks for your permission, Dad.”

  His eyes hooded as he smirked, and he leaned in. “I’m not your dad, but I can be your daddy.”

  I made the grimace of the century, drawing back to look at him. “Don’t. Okay? If you’re going to use those washed-out phrases you used with every single girl out there, I’m gonna tell ya—I’m outta here. I’m dealing with your overblown ego more than enough as is.”

  Masen laughed and grabbed my cheeks, pressing a hard kiss to my lips. He was lucky my black lipstick didn’t transfer, or he would’ve looked like a lunatic who just got out of a padded cell. Not that either of us cared about that possibility, because we were both lost in each other, both happiest when we were together. I could feel another piece of me healing, another scar slowly mending, becoming just a faint memory.

  I pulled away and stepped right next to Steven’s headstone. I touched it one last time. “Let’s go. I’ll come back soon, big bro. Don’t miss me too much.”

  Masen smiled. “Don’t take all chicks in hell, dude. Save some for the rest of us, okay?”

  I laughed. “No, Steven, take all of them so that Masen can’t have a single one. I’ll enjoy watching it from heaven.”

  I winked at him, and he chuckled, linking my arm with his. “That is, if you’re going to heaven at all, which I highly doubt.”

  I snorted. “Oh, I’ll go to heaven, all right. You’ll see.”

  “Oookay. So, are you ready, the queen of darkness?”

  “Darkness?”

  “Yes, darkness. Because you’re not going to be the prom queen. You’re too scary for that.”

  I clicked my tongue. Prom was starting in an hour, and I was sure it was going to be a parade of who’s-going-to-wear-the-most-gorgeous-clothes. Everyone would be sparkly and giggly, and it would be a shit-fest, but it was prom, after all. One couldn’t help but enjoy it at least a little. Our lives would change after that, and everyone would go their own separate ways, so it was a big deal.

  “And you’re too sleazy to be the prom king. But to answer your question, hell yeah, I’m ready.” I kissed his cheek. “As ready as I can be.”

  As I’d expected, it was going to be a night of glimmering lights, sappy pop music, and dresses of various colors that screamed “Look at me.” We’d met up with Sarah, Hayden, Jess, Blake, Kev, and Marcus to take group photos before we headed to school, riding in a limo rented by Hayden.

  Everyone standing near the entrance looked at us when we arrived. Their jaws dropped when we got out of the limo, and I rolled my eyes. A group of girls nearby grimaced at my outfit, and I smiled sweetly at them.

  “Grimace any harder, and you’ll need plastic surgery to get your normal expression back,” I said and waved them off with my middle finger.

  We went inside after the photographer took our pictures. Almost all the girls were drooling over the guys in our group. Hayden and Blake both wore traditional black tuxedos like Masen, and Marcus and Kevin had opted for gray tuxedos with matching purple ties—all of them looked as if they were ready to walk down the runway. Sar and Jess looked equally amazing. Sar wore a long, light-blue dress that wrapped around her slender body delicately, and her hair was styled into a bob cut. Her professionally-done makeup emphasized her brown eyes, making them appear larger, giving her a more exotic look. I was sure Hayden couldn’t stop salivating over her.

  As for Jess, she had on a long, red satin dress, with a low neckline that revealed the tops of her lush breasts. Her hair was placed in a braided side bun, and her red lipstick brought attention to her plump lips that, I bet, were the object of all of Blake’s fantasies.

  Masen didn’t even look at other girls; he walked with his usual swagger, but this time, his smile was only for me. I had to admit that fed my ego, big time. If this kept up much longer, I’d have a bigger ego than him.

  The gym was crowded when we strolled inside. Students danced with no sense of rhythm whatsoever next to a stage that had been brought in for this occasion. The stage lights hung from the ceiling above the dance floor, and round tables were placed all around, with decorations that had depleted our school budget more than Mrs. Aguda would’ve liked.

  The excitement spreading through the air was contagious, and I was glad I’d come here. As much as I didn’t care about watching our peers act like monkeys and jump all around like kids, I knew now it would’ve been a shame to miss all of this.

  Just as we reached our table, Shreya and Mateo approached us with their arms linked together, looking as though they were made for each other. Shreya wore a white dress that complemented Mateo’s black tux, and her long hair fell in styled shiny waves.

  Both of them smiled at me, and I glanced at Hayden, expecting the unexpected. His face or posture, however, didn’t give away anything as he wa
tched them, instead remaining blank. More progress?

  “Hey, you two,” I said with a grin. “You look like you’re ready to be swept away on a magic carpet while you sing ‘A Whole New World.’”

  Mateo raised his eyebrow at me. “While you look like you’re ready to crash a goth party. Why are you wearing that dress?”

  Masen snorted next to me, and I elbowed him. Wasn’t he supposed to oppose everything Mateo said like the possessive caveman he was? Or at least defend me as my boyfriend? Figures.

  “Because if I ever decide to play a Disney princess, it will happen only if I’ve lost all my brain cells.”

  Mateo rolled his eyes, and then his gaze landed on Sarah. She offered him a small smile, and I watched their interaction with bated breath, expecting escalation at any moment . . .

  “How are you, Mateo? You and Shreya look good together,” Sarah said, and I couldn’t help but gape at her. It was the first time in a long time she’d spoken to him directly, and I could see she was feeling a little awkward about it, especially because of Mateo’s surprised expression.

  Hayden looked between them impassively, but he held her by his side with a firm grip, as if he wanted to send a clear message to Mateo that she was his. Still, it was definitely progress, and I wondered if he and Sarah had had a conversation about this. About him acting less like a possessive asshole.

  “Thanks. I’m good, and you?” he replied, looking equally awkward.

  “I’m good, too.”

  He must’ve seen the truth on her face because he half-smiled. “That’s great. Keep looking after her,” he said to Hayden.

  Hayden pulled Sarah even closer to him, staking his claim more clearly. “As always.”

  Mateo nodded at this and motioned to Shreya to go to their table. Shreya waved, and they left, taking the awkwardness in the air with them. I knew it would be far-fetched to say Mateo and Hayden had buried the hatchet, but they weren’t going to kill each other, and that was saying something. I smiled at their retreating forms, glad that it had all worked out for Shreya and Mateo. After all my matchmaking failures, it was ironic that the last attempt worked. At least, it didn’t turn out to be a complete mess.

  “That was weird,” Blake said as he sat down at our table, Jessica taking the seat next to him.

  “Tell me about it,” Marcus said and sat across from them with Kevin. He smiled at Kevin. “It’s good I don’t have to meet any of your exes.”

  Kevin blushed. “That’s b-b-because I never had one.”

  Marcus grinned. “And let’s keep it that way. No exes, I mean.” He winked at him, and Kevin chuckled.

  The night turned into one of continuous chatter and munching of delicious food, and I found myself enjoying this more than I’d thought I would. Masen made me tune out everyone many times, with his hand under the table finding its way up my thigh, teasing me mercilessly. I almost wanted prom to end already so we could have some time alone together. His eyes sparkled as he looked at me, and I lost myself more and more in him.

  It was strange. We were surrounded by so many people, but I was aware only of him, my eyes tracing his handsome features constantly. He looked damn fine in that tuxedo.

  Just before midnight, Mrs. Aguda cleared her throat and tapped the mic, which introduced silence to the whole room. Everyone gathered around the stage. Mr. Xiong, our art teacher, stood next to her, carrying a big-ass crown that would probably make your neck cramp while you were wearing it.

  Masen squeezed my hand. An excited grin spread across his face.

  “You’re not going to win, you know,” I said, smiling slyly at him.

  “Likewise. So, what’s your point?”

  I laughed.

  “All right, everyone. It’s time to announce this year’s prom king and queen,” Mrs. Aguda said, and the excitement in the room multiplied. There had been a vote a few days ago, and students just couldn’t wait to see who it was going to be this year.

  I glanced at Sarah and Hayden, who stood next to us, holding hands. They didn’t look at Mrs. Aguda. They looked at each other, completely unaware of the rest of us as their eyes conveyed deep feelings, and I could feel the connection between them pulsating and growing stronger. It was captivating. I felt happy for them, and I had to finally admit it would’ve been a shame if they had never gotten together. Because damn—the fire between them was sizzling.

  I could bet my left nostril they were going to win. I’d voted for them aaand maybe also convinced the other council members to vote for them, too. I was using my power as the vice president, and I wasn’t ashamed of it one bit.

  Mrs. Aguda unfolded the paper in her hand. “And this year’s prom king is . . .”

  Everyone started chanting. “Hayden! Hayden! Hayden! Hayden!”

  Hayden’s eyes widened, and a rare smile spread across his face. He looked around the crowd, and then at Sarah. Sarah grinned and joined the chanting. “Hayden, Hayden, Hayden!”

  “Hayden Black!” Mrs. Aguda exclaimed, and the whole gym erupted into applause, happy shouts, and whistles.

  Hayden’s eyes widened even more before he broke into an ear-splitting grin and pulled Sarah in for a passionate kiss. Masen and Blake howled.

  “Bravo!” Marcus and Kevin shouted, applauding him, while Jess observed them with happy tears in her eyes.

  “I knew you would win,” I said to him when they broke their quite long kiss. “You’re simply too popular. Although, I might’ve pulled some strings for you to win,” I added quietly, and he rolled his eyes.

  “Melissa Brooks doing me favors?” he said with raised brows. “What do you want in return? My soul?”

  I snorted. “Only your eternal obedience.” I raised my chin high like the true queen of Egypt I wasn’t.

  “Good luck with that,” he said and gave Sarah a quick kiss before he headed to the stage. Sarah watched him with stars in her eyes, on the verge of crying. I had to admit Hayden had a presence about him as he stood on that stage, looking more handsome than ever. He definitely had that something that drew people to him, so it was no wonder students had voted for him. He was one of those guys who was popular so effortlessly.

  Mr. Xiong put the crown on his head and then a sash over his shoulder, and everyone burst into another round of applause and shouts. I linked my arm with Sarah’s as tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Oh, come on. You and Jess are going to ruin your makeup with your tears,” I said.

  “I know, but I’m so happy for him. He deserves this.” Her voice was hoarse. I knew enough about Hayden to know he’d been neglected his whole life, always holding second place to his twin, Kayden, and I was glad that he got to experience this. To know that he wasn’t unimportant. That he was also loved.

  “Okay. And now for the prom queen,” Mrs. Aguda said, and everyone quieted before they started chanting, “Sarah, the savior! Sarah, the savior!”

  I gaped at them. Idiots. “She has a name,” I shouted, but I doubted anyone heard.

  The people continued chanting, and Sarah just stood frozen next to me, her expression stunned. Even in the dim light, I could see her cheeks were red.

  Mrs. Aguda smiled. “Sarah Decker!”

  I screamed. “Yes!” I jumped and pumped my fist in the air. Sarah didn’t move an inch, her face telling a hundred tales.

  “I’m so happy for you, Sar!” Jess said and hugged her. Kevin and I joined them.

  “Bravo, Sar!” Masen said. Both he and Blake watched her like proud dads. From bullies to friends. Life had such strange ways of bringing people together.

  “I can’t believe this,” she whispered. More tears poured down her face. “I was an outcast. How is this happening?”

  Geez. My heart warmed and broke for her all at once. “You deserve this,” I told her. “More than anyone else in this room.”

  And she did. After all those years of school bullying and everything with Hayden, she deserved the world. She deserved to know that she was worth much more than she though
t.

  “Sarah Decker?” Mrs. Aguda called for her again. “Come up here.”

  We ushered her toward the stage, and she moved with slow and insecure steps. Hayden was there, waiting for her with an expression I’d never seen on his face before, and it was making me more emotional than I’d ever admit.

  Masen laced his fingers through mine and gave me a tender smile. “You look cute when you have that expression, Satan. Are you going to cry?”

  “Of course I’m not going to cry. Do I look like a two-year-old to you?

  “When you’re pouting like that, yes.”

  I made a zipping motion with my fingers over his mouth. “Shut it.”

  Mr. Xiong placed a shiny tiara on Sarah’s head and gave her the sash. Applause roared through the room.

  “Kiss, kiss, kiss!” everyone chanted.

  Hayden didn’t waste a second. He wound his arm around her waist and yanked her against him, pressing his lips down on hers. Howls and more applause ensued, until Mrs. Aguda had had enough.

  “All right, everyone! Let’s tone it down a little! It’s time for the prom king and queen to dance.”

  We stepped to the side to give them space as a ballad started to play. Hayden placed his hand on her back and caught her hand in his. They started moving slowly, their gazes locked on each other. I let out a happy sigh.

  I looked at Masen, and he looked back at me, giving me one of his gorgeous smiles. “What?” he asked.

  “I like you a lot,” I blurted out, feeling the strong need to tell him how I felt about him. “Like, so much.”

  His smile widened, and his hands found their way to the small of my back as he pulled me against him. “I like you too. So much that I feel I’ve already fallen for you.”

  My heart skipped a beat. I expected the fear of intimacy to knock on my door, but it was gone, and it seemed it was never coming back.

  No, I wasn’t afraid of this. I wanted much more.

  I left a soft kiss on his lower lip. “Good. Because I feel the same way.”

  His eyes flashed with a need so raw it took the air from of my lungs. He pressed his lips to mine, making my head spin round and round, showering me with attention and care I never thought I’d experience. I’d always thought I would remain broken, forever alone, with scars and distrust that knew no boundaries, but I’d found my happiness in the most unexpected place. And it felt absolutely right.