Alpha Douchebag: The Virgin: Gabriel & Willow duet #2 (Alpha Douchebags of Grifton Falls University)

by S. N. Garza

  Both Lock and I answer, “Me.”

  “Oh, a grand a piece. Sounds fair.” Then she turns and passes into the filing room without another word.

  “A grand, Lock?”

  “Yeah, well, I had to make it worth her while. She’s smart as fuck. You see how she just played us right there?”

  “Yeah. She gets two grand because you’re a dick. Didn’t you give her some? Took you two long enough to get down to the truck.”

  He rolls his eyes and says, “Yeah, well, takes one to know one. And yeah, but I still made the pot sweet enough to tempt her.”

  “Here you go.” Ragan slips back out and hands me a piece of paper.

  Willow Claire Mason, 16806 Stroker Rd, Brisbon, TX 77666.

  Those aren’t favorable numbers.

  “Thanks, Snow.”

  “Don’t call me Snow, douchebag.”

  “Princess, let me take you home and show you my many thanks again.” Lock tried to take her hips in his hands when she backs away suddenly, wide-eyed, yet loathing burns in her eyes. Damn. What the hell is wrong with her?

  “Just the wired money will suffice, Lochlan.”

  Lochlan gives her a mean fucking glare and I can see there’s something deeper between them. It’s intense too, but I’ll put up whatever amount to get the info I need.

  “Give Lock your info, and I’ll wire it to you. I don’t have time. I need to get there before… thanks, Ragan. I owe you one.”

  “No thanks. Just the money owed will do.”

  “Don’t worry, Ragan. You’ll get what you’re asking for.”

  “Yeah, well I don’t need anything else from you, Masters. Thanks bunches. And Lock will give you the info, Gabe, since he has my email. PayPal or Venmo it to me.”

  Then she walks off, apparently done with the both of us. “What the fuck, Lock?”

  “Long story.”

  “I thought you just hit it and quit it last year.”

  “Yeah, well, it lasted for longer.”

  I’d wait for him to explain, but Alann and Willow have at least an hour and a half head start. Already too long.

  “Go ahead, Gabe. I’ll make sure Ragan gets home.”

  I nod and race to my truck. I plug in the address and hit the highway. She’s going to learn that ditching me like that, was the wrong move.

  <<>>

  This is one small-ass town. So, this is where she’s from. Nothing’s open except the Walmart. The further I go, the darker it gets. This one-street town is dismal. No wonder she wanted out of it. I’m doing my best to keep it the speed limit since I saw two Brisbon Police cars parked in an empty lot across from the main neighborhood. When she said country, she wasn’t kidding. I see the Mason Private Eye building, dark, except for security lights and figure no one’s there.

  I pass a few feed stores, grass farms, little mom-pop shops until I see the street I’m looking for. Stroker Road. Suggestive as hell, isn’t it? As long as she’s not stroking anyone, I’ll keep a lid on my anger. I know our emotions were running high as all get out. I was a complete douchebag to her and hurt her feelings. Yeah, the four-hour drive calmed me down. Not calm enough not to punch the daylights out of Worsch, but I know what I did was wrong.

  Kind of.

  She could have told me. I wouldn’t have belittled her feelings. I think I can see her loving me like in those rom coms she likes to watch when no one is looking, except me. A fairytale love I’ve never been able to stand, but I like that she does. She’s everything I’m not and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next. I’ve never had that kind of outlook on life before. Everything was just the next win, the next bitch, the next accomplishment at the office. Being with her, having an intimate connection to someone, has brought meaning to my life. I don’t… I’m not going to lose that.

  I like falling asleep next to her. I love watching her sleep before I get up and go for my run and then work out down in the basement. Then coming back to bed to realize she’s still asleep and wake her up in the best of ways. Her body pliant and soft and wet and fitting around my cock so perfectly.

  She doesn’t have to be afraid to tell me how she feels. The only problem I have is I might not be able to say it back to her. I feel more for her than I’ve ever felt for anyone in my life, but there’s never been love in my parents’ house. I’m pretty sure they hate each other’s guts. I was raised by a slew of nannies. After the conversation I had with Father, seeing what her mother looks like, and how I am with Willow, I understand… to a certain degree. Why settle for second best? Second choice. Mom was his second choice. He lost Willow’s mom to someone who could save her and get her out of Grifton Falls. That’s not me. Willow is my first, last, and only choice. She made hers when she promised me. Me. I’m her choice. Her only choice.

  Do the bitches of Grifton Falls love me? Of course, they do. I’m a Saint. They know who my family is. What I’m worth. Willow? She doesn’t give a fuck about any of that. I don’t think I can let her go. She gives me something I’ve never had in my entire life.

  Softness.

  Hope.

  A future I don’t see myself in without her.

  And I know she loves me like in her fairytales. The kind you think doesn’t happen this fast, but it does when you least expect it. And I hadn’t been expecting her. Never in a million years did I think I could find someone who could light up a room by just being there. I don’t know how she’s gotten so deep under my skin. I want more with her. And I hope, right now, it’s enough for her. I don’t know if I can physically say I love you. I love Rugby. I love my truck. But a person is different. Those are emotions that can make you or break you. She’s substantial in a way I don’t want to know what it’s like not to have her in my life.

  Fuck. Only a few months and I’m running after a girl who probably hates my guts right now. Can I not be a total asshole to her? Probably not. But for her, I’ll try. God, I’ll try, but I’m also going to teach her she can’t run away either. Smack me. Call me a douchebag. But don’t fucking walk away.

  And a low, simmering, dark lust burns within me. I’m going to show her how leaving me as she did wasn’t the right choice.

  I pull up to a large gate, with an intercom, but thankfully, the gate is open. Thank God. I turn onto the gravel road and see lights on in the house and as I get closer, I see the front door open. Then my eyes catch that motherfucker’s Mustang out front, near her uncle’s SUV. Makes me want to get out and key the side of his car. That’s how jealous her hanging around him makes me feel. Fuck. There goes my calm. I get out of my truck, anger boiling in my blood. I can’t help eating up the gravel when my feet pound on the steps just before I get close to the storm door. Then all I hear is a deep growling. I’m about to knock on the storm door when a Great Dane appears in front. The growling intensifies. I stop, but I stand my ground. I’m going to see Willow.

  “Burke, hush now. He’s of no consequence.”

  I clearly hear the disdain in his voice, and I look up into blue eyes so much like Willow’s.

  “Hello, Luke. Is Willow here?”

  His eyes roam over me, giving me a bored, droll look. “Obviously, Gabriel. You saw her saviors Mustang. Burke, heel.” The dog sits immediately.

  Her uncle steps out onto the porch and I know he’s going to give me the riot act. That I’m not good enough for his precious niece. And after what I did, he’d be right. But I can’t stop seeing her. She’s as vital to me as breathing. Did she tell him what happened? I don’t think she would, but the loathing I see in his face right now, seems it might be a probability. Then the dog comes out and sits right next to his master and I still don’t back down. To beast or man.

  Her uncle looks me over, scrutinizing every detail. From my wild hair I ran my fingers through a million fucking times on the way here, to my rumpled appearance. I didn’t give a shit about looking any better. I didn’t stop for clothes. My one and only concern was getting to Willow as fast as possible.

  “N
ow, I’m going to say this before I let you go any further. And you better be fucking listening, Gabriel.”

  I grit my jaw, ready to tell him to watch who he’s fucking talking to. Normally, I’d have no problem, but he means a lot to Willow and I’m sure she’d hate me even more if I punched him right in the face.

  “Okay. I’m listening.” The snark in my tone only makes the dog growl, baring his teeth.

  Her uncle smirks and says, “You know, I think you’re good for Willow.”

  Whoa. No one’s ever said that to me before. I can’t help the surprised look I give him and he just chuckles.

  “To an extent. Surprised you, didn’t I? Well, for the most part. You, Alann, and I suspect that girl Ragan have made her more confident in the woman she’s becoming.”

  “Did he do something with her? Are they sleeping? Together?”

  His brows widen and he gives me another annoying as fuck chuckle. “No offense, but are you really that dumb? Maybe I don’t want you around my kid. If you haven’t noticed, my niece is an attractive woman. If Alann wanted to get with her—he’s more her type—I’m sure she would have chosen him way before you.” I feel myself getting red. I’m ready to punch something. Stat. Then he shakes his head before rolling them, “But maybe you don’t know. She’s not his type.”

  “Of course, she is. She’s sexy, beautiful, smart, kind and strong.”

  “Yes, she’s all those things, but she’s not a man and that’s the kind he wants.”

  I jerk back, shocked. “Are you saying Worsch is gay?”

  “Yes.”

  “How could you know that?”

  “Well, it kind of takes one to know one. And he was checking me out when we met in Grifton Falls. And then just a bit ago when Willow was getting our coffee together. She already knew.”

  “Then why didn’t she tell me?”

  “Because, Gabriel, it’s not her story to tell. It’s his. And by the whole silent, brooding off-look stare he’s got going on, now everyone knows. It’s why he left the game early. It was all over social media about the break-up he had with some guy from a neighboring town. His parents went postal.”

  That has me reeling. Then a smile curves on my face. “Good.”

  “Good? About his parents pretty much disowning him? Wow. He’s right. You are a complete douchebag.”

  “He’s right, I’m a douchebag. But not about his parents. That’s fucked up. I meant good as in he’ll never try to get with my girl. Nothing is standing in my way.”

  “I am, buddy. So is Burke. Now, Willow’s been a responsible girl since she hit puberty. I’ve never seen her hurt like this before. Not even with that little prick Peter.”

  I let a nasty curl twist on my lips at the mention of that tool. Luke’s brows raised high, surprised at my vehemence.

  “She tell you about him?”

  “Not to my face. Seen him at the football game we were at. Pretty much ambushed her. Was ready to pound his worthless face into the ground too after he called her a tramp. But she… she’s got me reined in it seems.”

  “Called her a tramp, did he?” The deadly calm in his tone, has goosebumps rising on my skin. God, he’s kind of creepy with that dark, sardonic look. Then it’s quickly put away when his gaze flickers back to me and this smile lifts on his face. “And Willow can do that. Bring calm to any storm. Two rules, son. You better not hurt her because even though she’s damn good at holding it in, she’s hurt by whatever the fuck you did. Don’t do it again. Two. No sex under my roof. I cannot deal with that shit. OH! And three. Don’t do anything to the boy. He saved her when she needed saving. They’re both asleep and her head is resting on his shoulder.”

  Oh, hell the fuck no. I take a step only to have the dog stand up, barring the entrance.

  “Burke, come on now, let’s let this boy on through. He’ll do for now.”

  For now? How about fucking forever?

  Fuck me.

  They both step aside and I manage to walk in and the sight before me has my vision narrowing, going completely red. Yeah, he might be gay, but he’s got his arm wrapped around my girl’s arm and her pretty little blonde head is resting against his sternum with her arm across his lap. Dangerously fucking close to his dick.

  “Rule number three.”

  I ignore him and ask, “Where’s her bedroom?”

  “Top of the stairs, second room to the right. Remember rule number two, Gabriel Saint.”

  I nod, not about the rule, but the directions to her bedroom. I walk over to the couch where Alann stirs. Catches me coming close and his eyes widen. Then narrow.

  “Saint.”

  “Worsch. Didn’t I tell you to stay away from my girl? You just couldn’t listen, could you?”

  “You’re a dick.” He whispers and I let a smile roll on my lips.

  “That’s Mr. Dick to you, asshole.”

  “Hey, I’m the only dick in this house. Private Dick. Now, if you’re going to cart her off to her room, do it, Gabriel, before I change my mind.”

  “Yeah, she’s totally wiped out from crying.”

  That makes my jaw tighten and my teeth grind. I don’t want anyone seeing my girl cry. Especially not because of me. Unless I’m there to make it better. Like I’m about to do right now. I slowly approach her and give him a glare as I sweep her gently into my arms. Her head rests against my shoulders and I hear her sigh.

  “Gabriel.” At least it’s my name she whispers out and I feel better. She might be mad at me, but she also knows I’d never hurt her.

  She burrows further and wraps an arm around my chest, up to my shoulder. I take her up the stairs and to her old room. I shut the door behind me and walk her to the bed, gently laying her over the comforter. I’m going to wake her, but I need to make sure no one tries to interrupt us. I take the desk chair and prop it under the knob after locking it. No one will get in or out.

  Good.

  It’s going to be just me and her all night long. I look at her, all sweet and innocent in the bed. My cock hardens to a sharp point and I know I can’t wait any longer. She’s the only thing I see. I have tunnel vision when it comes to this girl.

  I never want to be without her.

  “Willow? Time to wake up for me, fairy-girl. You’ve got some explaining to do.”

  She mumbles, which is the cutest fucking thing and then her eyes slowly open, she looks around until her baby blues lock on mine.

  A small gasp rings from her lips as she whispers, “Gabriel?”

  “Oh, yeah, baby. It’s me.”

  “You actually came?” There’s surprise in her voice and it guts me. She really thought I wouldn’t come? Time to show her just how wrong she was.

  “Yeah. I came.”

  Fourteen

  Willow

  I can’t believe he’s here. Tears spring to my eyes. Does this mean he cares? I push up on the bed and look as he stands before me, bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than before. His ocean eyes bore into mine, taking my breath like they always do.

  “Willow. Why’d you leave me?”

  “You’re not stupid, Gabriel. I’m sure you figured it out on the four-hour drive here.”

  The smirk he gives me sends a shiver down my spine. “Yes. I did. I also didn’t expect you to just leave. And with him, of all people. Of all people, Willow, why him?” There’s his jealous streak shining through.

  “Gabriel, don’t you know you outshine every guy I’ve ever met?”

  Something inside him must have relaxed because his shoulders deflate. “But with him? Why is it always him?”

  “Do you want me to seek comfort with someone else?” I ask softly, not wanting to stoke the fire I see igniting in his eyes. He really makes no sense sometimes. I don’t get why he’s jealous. Why he thinks I’d want anyone outside of him. Even after what he did, he’s the only man I see myself with. I rub my eyes, clearing out the blur when I hear this snarl, almost like a wolf.

  I look at Gabriel and the snarl curls on hi
s lips, telling me he doesn’t like that idea. He takes two long strides and pushes down on the bed, climbing on top, forcing me to lay back until he’s completely on top of me, pressing me down. God, I love feeling him on top of me. He’s so warm and hard, yet soft in some places.

  “You ever find comfort with anyone; it’ll be with me.”

  “And what if it’s you I need comfort from?”

  His brows purse as if he can’t fathom me needing to be saved from him. I did though. Tonight. What he did really hurt me, and I don’t think he really understands that.

  “Tell me what you were going to say.”

  I could have lived without him bringing my faux pas into it. He shuffles around and I hear two thuds. His shoes. At least he’s planning on staying. He shifts until his arms are cradling next to my shoulders and head, and his fingers sift through my hair. His gaze pierces deep into mine. And I get lost.

  His hands tighten in my hair and he pleads, “Tell me, Willow.”

  “Why? Every single female that you’ve ever banged has said those words to you, I’m sure.”

  He raises his brow and says, “So?”

  Anger boils in my blood, “I’m not going to be a casualty of trying to win your affection when I’ll never get it. I won’t be like them. I’m not them, Gabriel. I refuse to be second.”

  “Fairy-girl, you don’t have to try winning it. It’s yours already. I might not be able to say it. It’s as foreign to me as getting an A in computer science is to you.”

  I smack his shoulder and he throws his head back laughing. Holy shit. Wow.

  His eyes sparkle with mirth and joy until he sees mine and it flattens quick. “What?”

  “You laughed.”

  His nose trails a soft line over my jaw and up to my ear. “I laugh, Willow.”

  “Not really. Not like that. Not with me. You’re always intense and gritty, which I really like. It balances out my naivety, I suppose.”

  His green gaze finds mine and he turns serious. “I laugh, Willow. You’re not naive. Just… innocent, baby. I just—

  “Gabriel, that’s a different laugh than when you joke around with your friends. This was… genuine.” I bite my lip, holding in the next onslaught of tears. Seems I’m a watering pot.