In Silence: A Dark High School Bully Romance (A Black Falls High Novel Book 2)

by K. G. Reuss

  “They did,” Enzo whispered.

  “Do you deny anything I just said? Do you deny being with Juliet?”

  “No,” Cole answered in a monotone.

  Enzo hung his head as he ran his fingers through his black hair, his rings glinting beneath the fluorescent lights of the hallway.

  My heart plummeted to my knees. I didn’t know what to expect. Maybe a pretty little lie to make the pain stop. But no.

  Cole looked me in the eyes and confirmed what Juliet said. “But we did it to keep you safe—”

  “The only one I need to be kept safe from is you guys.” I took a step toward them. I reached out and cradled both their faces in my hands.

  They leaned into my touch, both of them with hunger burning in their eyes.

  “Mark my words, horsemen, the only one you should be worried about keeping safe is yourselves. Because I’m coming for all of you. And I swear I won’t stop until you’re nothing but a steaming puddle of shit beneath my feet.”

  “Don’t go to war with us, Rosalie,” Enzo whispered in a choked voice. “Don’t. I’m asking you to not do this.”

  I smiled at him and rested my hands on his chest. He stared down at me with his dark eyes, turmoil burning deep within them.

  I went up on my tiptoes and whispered in his ear as his hands landed on my waist, “I’m not afraid of you, Lorenzo De Luca. Not even your mafia daddy frightens me. Death would be a welcomed vacation from my life right now. So if you’re going to retaliate, kill me. I’ll hand you the fucking weapon.” I pulled away from him.

  His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat.

  “You’re making a mistake, Rosalie.” Cole grabbed my hand as I turned to leave.

  Jamie stood silently behind me the entire time, not moving.

  “The only mistake I made was ever letting you anywhere near me, you fucking twisted animal.”

  “Is that how it’s going to be, Rosebud?” Cole’s bottom lip trembled. Whether it was from his suppressed rage or something else, I didn’t know. Nor did I want to explore it.

  “That’s how it is.” I glared at him.

  He released my hand and gave me a tight nod. “Then bring it, little girl. But don’t be surprised when we fight back. We care for you, but we won’t let you ruin us.”

  “Of course you won’t.” I smiled at him as I backed away. “You’ll fight the entire way down, but that only makes it hotter. I do, after all, like the torment.” I winked at him before turning on my heel and strutting away, my head held high.

  Jamie was at my side in a moment. But it was the look in Cole’s eyes that made my throat tight.

  Cole didn’t fuck around. If I was going to bring it, I’d have my work cut out for me.

  I needed to tear them apart from the inside out.

  Ten

  “This is so stupid,” I grumbled as I looked down at the paper in my hands.

  “I know, but you should’ve seen Fox when you left the auditions. Mr. Dennison let him have a few minutes to pick a monologue. He blew it out of the water. I hate him, but I can’t deny he has skill.” Jamie sat down on my bed beside me. “And your song with him? People are still talking about it.”

  “Yeah, right,” I grunted.

  “They are. Jeez, Rosalie, have you been living under a rock?” Jamie pulled her phone out and typed something in before handing it to me. It was a video of me and Fox singing. It already had over ten thousand views.

  “Wow.” Surprise painted my words.

  “You guys were good. Like freaking amazing. Mrs. Adams has been jabbering about it since it happened. It only makes sense that they’d cast Fox as the lead male and you as the lead female for the show.”

  I sighed and flopped back onto the bed. “There are kissing scenes.”

  “You’ve kissed him before.”

  “Doesn’t mean I want to kiss him now.”

  “Well, it’s going to tear Juliet apart because she auditioned for the lead and didn’t get cast at all.”

  “Silver lining.”

  “Definitely. They were going to give her a role as an extra, but she pitched a fit about it. So, Mrs. Adams said that was fine and she wouldn’t be needed. I honestly think Juliet thought she’d be a shoo-in, but you upended her.”

  “Bitch can eat shit,” I muttered, peeking over at Fox’s house. His room was dark. But it was a Friday night, and they had a game. It would be starting within the hour.

  Jamie grew quiet for a moment before clearing her throat. “What time do you have to meet Ian?”

  “He wants me to meet him before the game.” I sat up and took in her reaction.

  She nodded and gave me a weak smile. “Is he mean to you?”

  I nodded and gave her hand a squeeze. “He’s not a nice guy.”

  “He got really short with me a few times. I just blamed it on stress and stuff. I know his dad is getting out soon.”

  I nodded again.

  “He hits you, doesn’t he?” her words were barely above a whisper.

  “Sometimes,” I murmured.

  “Does he. . .make you do things?”

  “Sometimes.” I released her hand and wiped at my eyes.

  “Rosalie, you have to tell someone—”

  “I can handle it. I will handle it. I just need to get him in a position where he can’t run from what he’s done.”

  “He might really hurt you before then—”

  “That’s why I need to figure it out sooner rather than later.”

  “Then what’s the plan? Let me help.”

  “I honestly don’t have one yet. I figure once I decide what I’m going to do with the horsemen, Ian will fall into place.”

  “You said you want to tear them apart from the inside, right?”

  “I do.”

  “Do you have any ideas?”

  “Actually…” I got to my feet and paced for a moment before turning to her. “I do. The guys are all really tough. The only one I think I can break is Ethan. He’s the sweet one. I genuinely think he gave a damn.”

  “Makes sense. I heard someone say they don’t think he’s in on it with Juliet.”

  “Really?”

  Jamie nodded. “Think about it. Have you ever seen him with her like the others? He’s always off to the side. And seriously, have you looked at him lately? He looks rough. Like he’s sick.”

  “I have,” I murmured, thinking about how sad and tired he looked the last time I saw him. “I heard Cole and Fox say there was something wrong with him. I wonder what it is.”

  “Maybe he has depression or something. Maybe he did love you and is taking this hard. Maybe he doesn’t want to be part of the harem Juliet has and can’t leave because they’re holding something over his head.”

  “Maybe.” I frowned. “He might be my in.”

  “I say go for it. He misses classes a lot. He’s in my calculus class. He hasn’t been there in a few days.”

  “He hates calculus.” I smiled at the memory of helping him. How he’d been so eager to learn. How he’d caught on quickly when I’d tutored him.

  “I think you should talk to Ethan. Maybe break him away from them.”

  “Steal him,” I said softly, my heart thudding at the possibilities of Ethan being mine. He was gorgeous. Sweet. Funny. Caring. He was the sort of guy any girl would be lucky to have. Minus the bullshit that came with him, of course.

  “Do it. I know for a fact he hangs out in the library at lunch. He’s always in the nook. I wanted to go in there the other day for some quiet time away from all the rumors.” She cleared her throat. “I found him in there.”

  “Did he talk to you?” The nook was a small, secluded area of the library no one visited because it was dedicated to philosophy books and things of the like. It was all the way in the back through the maze of shelves. It had two large, leather armchairs and a small table. There wasn’t much room for anything else.

  “He did.” She bit her bottom lip.

  I sat down at my desk and loo
ked eagerly at her. I cared deeply for Ethan. I couldn’t deny it. While I cared for all the guys more than I should, I always felt like Ethan had earned my feelings, rather than demanded or stolen them.

  “He told me how much I meant to you. He said we should talk. It’s one of the reasons I came after you when you finished your audition. I missed you.” She gave me a quick smile and blew out a breath. “But I think he was doing drugs or had done drugs. He looked high. I mean, he even acted high. His words were a little slurred, and his eyes looked strange.”

  I frowned at the information.

  “Maybe that’s what the guys were talking about with him. Maybe he’s smoking too much. Or worse.”

  “I hope not,” I whispered, my heart clenching. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and looked down at the message.

  Ian: I’m coming to pick you up. Be ready in ten.

  “Shit,” I hissed, jumping up. “Ian’s on his way.”

  Jamie didn’t need telling twice. She was on her feet and grabbing her stuff.

  “Call me if you need me, Rosalie,” she said breathlessly as we rushed downstairs.

  I yanked open the door, and we hugged for a moment before she ran to her car and got in. I watched as she pulled out of the driveway, driving in the wrong direction. It was a good idea since Ian would be coming in from the opposite side.

  I managed to make it upstairs and was in my closet trying to find something to wear when I felt like I was being watched. A yelp left my mouth as I saw Ian leaning against the doorframe to my walk-in closet. I hadn’t even heard him come in. My parents weren’t home.

  Should’ve locked the damn door!

  “You look hot as fuck,” Ian commented, his gaze traveling over me in my bra and panties.

  I immediately snatched a shirt and tried to cover myself, but he stepped into the room, grabbed it from my hands, and tossed it to the floor.

  “I like you like this. All vulnerable.” His lips brushed against my jaw. “Where are your parents?”

  “They’ll be back soon.”

  He chuckled as he dropped his hands to my waist.

  “Not soon enough for you, I’m afraid.” He pressed his lips to mine, letting me know exactly what he meant by it.

  Eleven

  I winced as Ian dragged me along the sidelines, his camera in hand. Being the editor of the school paper, Ian liked to do the sports photos for the teams. The area between my legs was sore from his earlier assault of rough fingers and a not-so-gentle mouth.

  “Come on,” he snapped at me, tugging my arm roughly.

  I trotted to keep up and was grateful when we stopped near the team. Ian snapped some photos, completely losing interest in me. I shifted awkwardly and looked around. Ethan sat on the bench, his head hanging. Cole tapped him on the shoulder and said something to him, but Ethan shoved him away. Cole seemed angry because he threw up his hands as Fox moved toward them. Enzo stood back and shook his head. I couldn’t see their faces because of their helmets. Except Ethan. He wasn’t wearing one.

  Coach called them to a huddle, but Ethan didn’t bother moving from his spot. They ran out onto the field a moment later, Ethan remaining where he sat. He finally lifted his head and looked behind him, scanning the crowd. Then his gaze landed on me.

  I wasn’t far from him at all. His eyes shone, unnaturally bright. His lips parted. I could almost hear him saying my name as they formed the word without sound. His dark hair was a hot mess. It stuck up in various directions. Dark circles rimmed his bloodshot eyes.

  Ethan looked like hell.

  I took a step toward him, not even thinking. His gaze darted from me to someone behind me.

  “Get the fuck over here,” Ian growled in my ear as he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. Ian reached out and turned my face toward him, kissing me deeply, his tongue in my mouth. He winked at me when we broke apart before giving my ass a squeeze.

  “Don’t even think about it, Rosalie,” he whispered before turning back to the game.

  I glanced at Ethan to see the devastation on his face. He got to his feet and swayed before he took a stumbling step forward. Enzo saw him first. He slapped Cole on the chest as Ethan shuffled forward, shoving through people to reach me.

  “Shit,” I choked out.

  “Sweetheart,” he slurred, reaching for me before he staggered and stumbled, falling forward.

  I caught him to my body as he tried to keep himself upright.

  “My Rosalie.”

  “Ethan.” I held onto him as Fox and the guys stared in our direction. Even the coach looked confused.

  “Get the fuck off my girlfriend,” Ian snarled, grabbing hold of Ethan and making to shove him away.

  Ethan caught his arm and pushed him hard.

  Oh no.

  “Fucking piece of shit,” Ethan snarled, his face morphing into a mask of hatred and rage. “She’s not your girl. She’s mine.”

  I didn’t know what the hell to do. There were whistles blowing and people surging forward to try to separate the two as Ethan shoved me roughly aside. I lost my footing and fell to the ground as Ethan punched Ian. Ian hit him back. They tore into one another, fists flying, until they were both on the ground with Ethan on top.

  “You stole her. You fucking took her from me!” Ethan shouted through a sob as he pulled back to hit Ian.

  Ian moved his head just before Ethan’s fist hit the ground. Fox reached them first. He tore Ethan off Ian. Cole and Enzo and half the team tried to hold him back. A few of the players got behind Ian and helped him up but hovered nearby in case he attacked again.

  “I don’t know what the hell is happening here, but it ends now, Masters. Get the hell off the field. And you…” Coach pointed a finger at Ian. “Don’t come onto my field if you’re going to fight.”

  “He attacked me. I defended myself,” Ian spat.

  Coach nodded tightly before looking to Ethan whose chest was heaving, his wild-eyed gaze locked on me.

  “Off the field, Masters. Now.”

  “Rosalie. Come with me.” Ethan tried to step forward, but Enzo and Fox held him in place. He shoved at them, trying to break free, but they held fast. He threw a punch which landed on Fox’s helmet.

  “Masters!” Coach shouted. A couple assistant coaches moved forward and took hold of Ethan, trying to drag him off the field.

  “Rosalie! Please,” Ethan shouted. “I need you. I fucking need you!”

  I stared at him, my heart breaking. Whoever that guy was, he wasn’t Ethan. I took a step forward, but Ian reached out and wrapped his hand around my arm.

  “Do it and fucking pay, Rosalie.”

  I tore my arm out of his hold. “Eat shit, Ian.”

  I ran away from him and toward where they’d led Ethan. I passed by the guys who didn’t say a damn word to me. My heart was in my throat. I knew I’d pay for my disobedience to Ian but screw it. Ethan needed me. Something wasn’t right.

  I had no clue where they’d taken him. I checked the bathrooms first before looking at the building where the crow’s nest was for the announcer. I knew there was a sitting area there. Maybe they made him sit there. When I didn’t find him, I ran into the locker room, breathless. He was seated on the bench, sobbing alone.

  “Ethan,” I murmured, approaching him carefully.

  His head snapped up, his eyes unfocused. His pads were gone, and he sat in trackpants and a white t-shirt.

  “Rosalie?”

  “Hey.” I kneeled in front of him.

  He let out a soft laugh, his eyes unable to focus on me. “You came.”

  “I did. Are you OK?”

  “Are you? I pushed you. I didn’t mean to.” His words came out in a slur as he cradled my face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean any of it. I don’t ever want to hurt you.”

  “Shh,” I murmured. “I’m fine.” I rested my hands over his.

  He gave me a tired smile. “Will you go home with me, Rosalie? I want to kee
p you forever.”

  My heart clenched. “I can’t.”

  “You hate me.” He released me and stumbled to his feet. “You fucking hate me. I hate me.”

  I watched in horror as he punched a locker, denting it. He did it again and again until the door barely hung.

  “Ethan. Ethan, stop!” I called out, terrified of the man before me.

  He turned to me, his chest heaving, his eyes dark.

  “Let me help you. Will you let me?” I reached out to him.

  He stumbled to me, his lips parted. When he reached for me, I closed the distance and drew him into my arms. Ethan towered over me by a foot and outweighed me by a lot, but I held him as he sobbed into my neck.

  “I’m not OK, Rosalie. I’m sick. I’m so fucking sick.”

  “It’s OK,” I mumbled in a choked voice. “It’s OK.”

  We stood like that for a long time before my body shook, growing weak from his weight on me.

  “Can I take you home?” I asked gently. I could smell the alcohol on him.

  He nodded and lifted his head up.

  I cradled his face in both hands. “Where are your keys?”

  “My bag,” he mumbled.

  “Do you need anything else?”

  “Just you,” he answered in a slur.

  “Well, I’m here.”

  He smiled, his eyes barely open. “Then I’m fine.”

  I led him out of the locker room and to the parking lot, my body quaking from trying to hold up his weight. When we reached his car, I unlocked it, worried Ian was going to come charging at me. I hurriedly helped Ethan into the passenger’s seat and buckled him in before getting in on the driver’s side.

  As quickly as I could, I pulled out of the parking lot and drove to Ethan’s house. He mumbled incoherently in his seat as I clutched the steering wheel. This was so screwed up. He was messed up beyond anything I’d ever seen before.

  When I pulled into his driveway, I cut the engine and turned to him. His eyes were closed, his lips parted. Sighing, I got out and went to his side.

  “Ethan, come on. Let’s get you inside.”

  He grunted and opened his eyes as I tried to shuffle him out of the car. When I got him standing again, we made our way to his front door.