Twisted games: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Wexley Exclusive Prep Book 1)

by Slash, Ana

He asked if I would be interested in volunteering with him later on during the day?

  I must be honest it surprised me to learn about his volunteering anywhere. I couldn’t believe, he volunteered at a local food bank!

  I would never have guessed. I had to tell mom, she was not happy with the change of plans, but she understood.

  I swallowed and thought why is this scholarship thing hanging over my head?

  Maxim smiled and said, “I have to meet the football coach, things are looking up. I will probably attend Harvard. If things work out as planned. Well see you later on then, Bella.”

  I nodded and smiled. I watched as he walked way. Then I turned and walked past the hot girls. They smirked and chuckled. I wondered why?

  I thought what is up with them?

  What is going on here? I proceeded through the school’s hallway and. I heard the words slu being whispered from other students.

  I thought oh no have they gone back to calling me names again?

  I clutched my backpack hard and just kept on walking.

  I gasped and wondered why they were doing this? Why are they calling me names. I hurried to class.

  Once I got close, Ethan and Lisa walked up beside me.

  I smiled.

  Then I looked up and gasped. There he was my ex Michael walking towards us.

  Holy fuck, we did not leave on great terms.

  There was no avoiding him now.

  He stepped up and asked to join my crew.

  I said, “Hmm okay, but what are you doing here?”

  He laughed and said,“I missed you.”

  I sighed.

  He said, “I want to make it up to you Bella I want yo u back in my life. My grandma missed you too.”

  I smiled.

  I had fond memories of his grandmother. She was kind and sweet. But Micheal was not the best boyfriend in the world. He hooked up with random girls. His actions made my insecurities worse.

  I knew getting back with him will never work. But he wanted something.

  He said, “I am glad to see you Bella. I can’t believe I am here. Just like old times.”

  I shook my head how could he afford the school. He said, “My mom won the lottery in case you are wondering how I am able to afford the tuition. We are rich now.”

  I smiled.

  He said, “I hear you want to get even, I can help.”

  I smiled but stayed silent. Thats what I thought I wanted but not now. I am falling for Killian and Maxim, who knows maybe even Mateo.

  Lisa said, “you can’t pass up a chance to get even with the hot boys and girls.”

  I wanted to tell her that will not be necessary any longer after all we are friends now.

  But then she pulled me aside and asked, “What happened at the party?”

  I laughed and said nothing out of the ordinary why?

  She sighed and said, “Are you sure?”

  I said “Yes.”

  “Well something is going down at the performance I just know it. That is when it hit me I forgot about today’s practice.

  I said,”Oh no, I completely forgot about the performance.”

  I thought I had to make an impression at the live stage event because it would boost my grade point average. Wexley takes pride in the arts. I heard acting in school plays boosts grades considerably.

  Lisa said, “Well I have a secret that must be revealed now and..”

  That is the moment Susan walked past us. She looked tired and disheveled.

  I gasped and asked, “Susan, are you okay.”

  She smiled and said, “yes never felt better.”

  But she did not look good. She had bags underneath her eyes. Her uniform looked sloppy. Susan sat down and averted eye contact with us. I sighed. I turned to Lisa and asked,

  “So what did you want to tell me Lisa?”

  “Well Killian, Matteo and Maxim’s moms …”

  That is the moment I interjected.

  “I don’t want to hear about the IT guy’s moms. They are nice to me now. I think I like them.”

  She gasped and said, “Don’t you want to know why they became bullies in the first place?”

  “No.”

  Susan gasped. Michael looked surprised.

  He just got here and heard all about the IT boys and what they did to me.

  He wanted to get even, or as he says protect my honor.

  I wanted to let things go.

  He said, ‘”I heard you were at the party?”

  “And?”

  “I know all about parties like that Bella, I attend a few.”

  I shrugged.

  “Well this was different,” I shot back.

  He took in a deep breath and exhaled. Then he shook his head.

  “You have changed.”

  I swallowed and said, “Well that is just what it is.”

  That is the moment, the French teacher walked in. Everyone took their seats and of course Helen tried dominating the discussion. But I made sure that didn’t happen. I refuted most of her answers and guess what I was right. The teacher was impressed. He said, “Looks like Bella might be valedictorian after all. Now you all need to be like her what a turn around, extra points for you Bella!”

  I smirked mischievously at Helen. Matteo and Killian smiled. Helen frowned.

  Once morning classes ended. I pulled Susan aside.

  She asked, “What’s up?”

  Her eyes looked glassy, was she on drugs?

  I said, “We need to talk.”

  She pulled back and said, “I have nothing to say.”

  I blurted out,“Are you fucking Maxim’s dad? And…”

  Stunned by my question, She winced.

  Then she scoffed and said, “ I don’t know what you are talking about Bella. How about you tell us about the party last night? Why didn’t you tell us what happened hmm? Why keep secrets from your crew?”

  Ethan heard her and walked up to us.

  He said, “Bad move on your part Bella.”

  I shrugged and said, “What is the big deal? Nothing happened. Besides what happened on the yacht stays on the yacht.”

  Susan sighed.

  “Well don’t bet on it.”

  I shrugged and said, “Well, I had fun at the party. Then I went home, no big deal. Why should really get ready for the practice performance.”

  I just wanted to change the subject.

  Susan said, “You have minor part in the performance. You are not the main actor. So I don’t see any reason to be worried. Plus you need to work on your grades.”

  Ethan said, “Thats right. Listen girls I will catch you all later.”

  And with that he walked away. Now that we were alone, I turned back to Susan.

  “Please tell me truth what is going with you Susan? Maxims dad and ….”

  “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

  “Oh I know you do. I saw you Susan.”

  She gasped. Her face paled in horror.

  “Yes the secret is out what happened?” I asked.

  Susan looked away.

  She held my hand and walked to a quiet corner. She leaned in and said, “What do you know?”

  I sighed.

  I said, “Tell me Susan.”

  Teary eyed, Susan leaned in. Then she said, “Well, That night at your mom’s wedding I…”

  I cut her off thinking she was going to bring up my beach incident with Maxim.

  I said, “I will rather not talk about it.”

  She swallowed.

  She said, “Freaking hell, Bella, would you let me talk? This isn’t about you and your tryst with Maxim on the beach. It is about your Stepdad, Brian and Maxim’s dad. Yes, There is something you need to know.”

  I said,”Well I am listening”

  “Well I sighed up at this arrangement site to make extra money from billionaires and …”

  “What? Why would you sign up for that? I know you are 18 but….your scholarship pays for everything you need…
”

  She burst out crying and said, “I am an adult and no there are strings attached to the scholarship. I hooked up with …”

  “Hooked up with who? What you are not ….”

  She cut me off, anger flashing in her eyes.

  “No Bella I am not a fucking virgin like you. How do you think I got the scholarship hmm? Listen, I needed the money and then I got an offer. My affair with Brian continued on the night of your mom’s wedding. We met in junior high. I had no idea he was getting married to your mom that night. He invited me over.”

  That is the moment Susan told me the sordid tale of having a threesome with my Maxim’s dad and Brian.

  “I wanted to attend Wexley but I did not have money. I met your step dad last summer. I lied about my age, but then he promised me a good time and a chance for a full ride through the senior year, all expenses paid.”

  I gasped.

  “He pulled the strings to get me in, but that first night I told him I was a virgin but he did not care. The sex hurt like hell, he was not gentle or kind. He was rough and intimidating. He liked that I was a virgin and said if I stayed loyal, he would pay for my education all the way through. I had no choice Bella, besides I couldn’t believe an older billionaire gave me that much attention. Then the night of the wedding it got worse, he told his friend was getting married that night and needed a virgin. I told him I was not one in case he had forgotten.

  He laughed and said, “Oh yes you are back there.”

  I gasped.

  “Did you? With my…”

  She burst out crying. Then she wiped the tears and continued.

  “When you invited me to your mom’s wedding, I had no idea it was your mom’s fiancé. But earlier in that morning Maxim’s dad took me to the motel and introduced me to Brian.”

  I swallowed as she spoke.

  “It didn’t take long, it was rough painful and within minutes it was over. I thought that was the last time but no, I had to continue the relationship with both of them as long as I receive the scholarship.”

  “They took turns with you and still do?” I asked horrified.

  She nodded. I pulled her into my arms and said, “I am sorry, Susan. You have to tell someone, they can stop this. I will …”

  “You will do nothing. You will keep your mouth shut about it. I want to graduate. Plus it its not that bad, your mom knows who she married. Hell he was freaking married when they hooked up.”

  I gasped.

  “I can’t believe you, I would never have guessed. I mean I knew you were not a virgin but what you did for money is…”

  She frowned and said, “ Is what Bella? Hmm, how dare you judge men? You went on date with the bully. God only knows what happened on that yacht.”

  “Hey they picked me and they are not so bad,” I retorted angered by her words yet sympathetic to her plight.

  I wanted to let her know things have gotten better with the IT boys. Then I thought, Is she jealous?

  That is the moment Maxim walked up.

  He said, “Hey babe, are we still on for tonight?”

  I said “We have that performance practice?”

  He said “Canceled till tomorrow. Something about the equipment. So, you join us tonight? It could boost your grades too.”

  I said, “Okay I would not miss the opportunity to see you volunteer.”

  He chuckled and said, “Killian is going too.”

  I asked, “And Mateo?”

  Maxim’s smile turned into a frown.

  He asked, "What's it with you? Why would you care about Mateo?”

  I want to tell him, why do I care about you and Killian?

  But I did not say it. Instead I said, “Sure maybe later.”

  He nodded, “maybe I can learn from you too.”

  I thought “OK you're just being nice.”

  He smiled and tilted my chin.

  Then he said “We better get to class.”

  I said “OK.”

  The rest of the day was uneventful.

  I tried my best to stay focused in class. But I couldn’t.

  I thought about Susan revelation about my step dad and Maxim’s dad.

  I stole glances at Susan during class.

  She looked back at me.

  Then I turned away. I did the worst thing, I ignored her.

  At the end of the day.

  She said, "Bella?”

  That is the moment Killian walked up. He said to Susan, “Bella is with us today.”

  Michael said, "I think it's best Bella hang out with us.”

  Maxim scoffed and said, “She can decide for herself."

  And with that I said to Michael, “He is right. I don't want to go with you guys.”

  That looked surprised and pain. He said, “What has gotten into you Bella.”

  I said to him, “Nothing I'd be with Killian and Mateo."

  And with that Michael sighed and walked away.

  I wanted to ask Lisa about the secret but I figured I could do it later.

  I could not wait to volunteer with Killian and Maxim.

  But then what about the performance practice?

  Maxim said , “ You don’t need to attend the practice. You will do fine.”

  I smiled, he is right about that. I only have a minor part anyway.

  I called Mom to tell her about volunteering with Killian and Maxim.

  She said, “Okay, well you do that and have fun sweetheart.”

  I swallowed.

  I want to tell her all about Susan's revelation about Brian.

  But I decided not to.

  I got in the car and headed over to the food bank with Killian and Maxim.

  Once we got there, It surprised me to see by how well they took care of the clients.

  They treated them with dignity.

  I thought, “Now this is nice. I would love to see each and every time."

  20

  Watching Maxim assisting an older lady with her food tugged at my heart strings. I guess he is not made of stone as everyone assumes. He is not just an alpha male jock!

  I turned and noticed Killian doing the same with another family.

  I smiled and thought, "I misjudged them. They're not as bad as claimed.”

  Soon we had to leave.

  Killian said, "I'm sorry, I have to leave you guys. My dad has a task that must be handled today. You know, he wants me already for Columbia University. At least we are on speaking terms.”

  I stepped up to Killian.

  I said, “Killian I heard there’s…”

  He cocked an eyebrow and interjected.

  “You know what, Bella. I must go. Talk with you later, alright beautiful?”

  I swallowed and nodded. He was clearly avoiding the conversation. I wanted to say something else but decided to leave it alone.

  I turned back to Maxim.

  Maxim asked, “Listen I know this is really insane but do you want to hang out at my place tonight?”

  I said “No I should go home.”

  Disappointed, he nodded and raised his brows.

  He said, "OK, yeah that's fine, I'll drop you off.”

  “Thanks Maxim, they'll be great.”

  We got in his car and drove off.

  Moments later he got a call and suddenly slammed on the brakes.

  I gasped.

  “What was that about? Are you OK?”

  He burst out crying.

  I couldn't believe it the guy that everyone looked up to and school was in tears.

  I've never seen him cry.

  He said, “I’m really sorry I'm sorry Bella.”

  Concerned I asked, “What is it Maxim?”

  He said, “My grandma, the only one who stood up for me passed away tonight. I don't want to be alone.”

  I sighed and place an arm over his hand concerned.

  “Who is it?”

  “My grandmother. She's been in a home for years.”

  He said, he sent when he sent her letters, sh
e always replied. But for some reason his father never let him visit her.

  He added, she is his maternal grandmother.

  I swallowed.

  Why would he do that ? I thought.

  I wanted to ask but Maxim why, but he just kept crying.

  I asked, “Do you want me to drive?”

  He shook his head and said, “No it's OK I can drive. I'll drop you off at home and…”

  I said, “No I want to be with you tonight. You shouldn't be alone."

  He nodded and said “Thanks.”

  And with that he drove towards his home.

  During the drive to his place, he apologized for everything he did.

  He said, "I must apologize to you about what happened on the beach, people have the wrong oppression."

  I said “It's OK.”

  He sniffed and said, “You're really cool you know. You should not be with someone like me. I'm damaged. I'm wounded, Bella. I’m no good for you. If you choose Killian or Matteo, I will understand.”

  I said to him, "I'm choosing no one. I want to be with you.” He said, "I understand you feel sympathetic towards me but…”

  I interjected.

  "Just Drive Maxim, just drive."

  He nodded and with that we drove to his beach side home.

  I gasped and cocked an eyebrow staring at the magnificent home.

  “You live here?"

  He said “Yeah my dad pays the mortgage. We can't stand each other so he requested I move out of the house and stay here until I in his words, get my mind right. I tried pleasing him but nothing worked. I don’t know how to make him happy”

  I swallowed.

  He got out the car and opened the passenger door to let me out of the vehicle.

  I thought wow what a gentleman.

  I held his hand as he led me into his beautiful nautical designed home.

  * * *

  The moment we walked into the house, I don't know what came over me, I tilted my head, leaned up and kissed his lips.

  He gasped and wrapped his arms around me. He deepened the kiss.

  Moments later, he pulled back and said, “You have no idea how long I wanted to do that.”

  Then he said, "I thought about you every day from that day at the beach. I know Susan probably told you I am no good. but it's not true, it really isn’t.”

  I said “Don't worry about it.” He nodded and he crushed his lips on mine, parted my lips with his tongue and deepened the kiss.