The Execution: A Reverse Harem High School Bully Romance (Breakbattle Academy Book 3)

by Ruby Vincent

  I waved goodbye.

  “All of this to go to the fall dance,” Adam said as I packed up my things. “Are you going too?”

  I tried hard to keep my face straight. “Maybe I would if someone asked me.”

  Adam shot me a grin. “Who do you think is going to do that?”

  I shrugged. It had been three days since my run-in with Landon in the storage room. We hadn’t spoken since, not even flirty texts. Every time I picked up my phone, I imagined my fingers running through his raven locks while he teased moan after moan from me. I’d promptly drop the phone as all the blood rushed to my face. That was my excuse. I don’t know about him.

  “Are you going?” I asked. We stepped out into the early autumn afternoon and I breathed deeply the crisp, refreshing air. Students raced across the lawn, playing a friendly game of football, and for a moment, Breakbattle felt like a normal school with normal worries and joys.

  “I’d have to battle for it and there’s only one person I want to go with.”

  “Melody.”

  “Do you know if she’s going?”

  “Melody Durant is the most popular girl in the school while also being the person least interested in popularity,” I replied. “All of her friends are most likely going, but if she doesn’t want to, she won’t. You have to give her a reason.”

  Color stained Adam’s cheeks. “I can’t just ask her to the dance.”

  “Yes, you can.”

  “What if she says no?”

  “She won’t.”

  He let out a frustrated noise. “You keep insisting she likes me but she’s never said anything. Ever.”

  “I don’t think she could be more obvious if she tried.”

  “She could definitely be more obvious!” Adam ran his fingers through his hair, messing up his wild curls and still looking cute. “All we ever talk about is school and Stand Up.”

  “So next time you see her, talk about how much you want to be with her.”

  He gaped at me. “I can’t do that.”

  “Again, yes, you can.”

  “Zee!”

  “Adam.”

  He tossed his head. “You’re being impossible.”

  I laughed. “I have to take my impossible butt to Archimedean club. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  I wasn’t the first one to arrive. Cole and a few Elites and As milled at the back of the room. I met Cole’s eyes but was the first to look away. I headed straight for Mrs. Peterson.

  She rose from her seat and shook my hand warmly.

  “I’m glad you’ll be joining us this year, Zeke. Exciting things are happening.”

  “I want to be a part of all of it. I plan on taking real responsibility. Leadership roles, team contestants, you name it.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. Our team plans to take first place in the regional mathematics competition next semester. With your skills, you’ll be a top contender for captain.”

  “I’m also interested in the captaincy.”

  Mrs. Peterson started. She didn’t notice Cole come up. I did.

  “I hope to take on more responsibility too,” he added.

  “That’s wonderful, Mr. Reed. I admire your dedication.” She clapped. “Let’s find our seats, everyone. We’ll begin soon.”

  I brushed past Cole, leaning in to whisper, “Is admiring your dedication as important as admiring my skills, Mr. Reed?”

  He tensed at my digging in the fact that she was on a first-name basis with me and not him.

  “I’m going to be captain,” I said as I moved around him. “The homeschooler has come to play.”

  MY TIMING WAS PERFECT. I stepped off the stairs seconds after Adam rounded the corner for the dining hall.

  “Adam, hold up.”

  He slowed down for me to join him. “How’d it go?”

  “Cole glared at me the whole time.”

  “You sound happy about that.”

  I tapped my temple. “I’m in his head, Moon. He’ll watch me take everything he wants academically, while you crush him in swimming.”

  “I’m not in it for the competition,” Adam admitted, “but what Cole and the others did to you... If beating him hurts him as much as he hurt you, then I’m not holding back. Those extra swimming practice times I battled for has me putting up the best numbers of my life. Coach Nelson won’t say he’s impressed with me, but I can tell. He’ll make me captain for sure.”

  “When will he make his decision?”

  “There is a swim meet a week before the end of the semester. He’ll decide then.”

  Together we walked into the dining room and got on line for roast beef sandwiches and cauliflower soup. Melody and her gaggle of friends entered the dining room as we headed for our table.

  “Hey, Melody.”

  “Zeke. Adam. How was class?”

  “The same except everyone is talking about the Fall Dance,” I said. “Are you going?”

  “No.”

  “Argh.” Melody’s friend, Ainsley, pushed through the pack. “Will you guys talk some sense into her? The dance is going to be epic, Mel. You have to come.”

  “The dance is on a Friday night. I’d rather be home than propping up another elitist event this school made exclusive for no reason. It’s a school dance. Everyone should be allowed to go.”

  “Mel, come on. We’ll dress up, dance, and have a good time.”

  “I’m not going, Ainsley.”

  I piped up. “Adam is thinking about going.”

  The stubborn fix to Melody’s chin melted away. “You are?” she asked him.

  “Yes,” I answered. “He just needs someone to go with.”

  Melody took a step toward him. “Who were thinking of going with?”

  I opened my mouth again. “He was thinking—”

  “Zee, aren’t you starving? I remember you saying you were starving. You should sit down and eat.” Adam clapped a hand on my shoulder and firmly sent me on my way.

  Laughing, I continued on to my table. My mirth dried up when I laid eyes on Landon.

  He was sitting at his usual table although Cole and Landon hadn’t arrived yet. As if he could feel my gaze, he lifted his head.

  Landon looked at me as the flush crept up my neck. I felt his hands on my body like phantom fingers ghosting over my skin. I tasted the sweetness of his lips as though it was only moments since we kissed. And if the tight grip of his fork and the lip caught between his teeth meant anything, he felt something too.

  I wanted him to stand up, come to me, talk to me, tell me that this peek-a-boo game was over and he wanted to be with me as much as I knew he did.

  But Landon didn’t do any of those things. He lowered his head and went back to dinner. Landon didn’t look up again.

  After a minute, I picked up my feet and kept going.

  “We’re going to the dance,” I announced after Adam sat down. “Let me say that again: Adam, please go to the dance with me.”

  “With you? But I thought...” Adam looked in Landon’s direction. “Is this about him?”

  “Yes,” I forced through gritted teeth.

  “Then let’s go to the dance.”

  It was difficult not letting my eyes drift over to him. A tray plopped down next to me and I looked up at Derek with relief.

  “Hi.”

  He grunted in my direction.

  “Hi, Zeke,” Hunter said more cheerily. “I never got a chance to tell you how cool your protest was.”

  “My protest?”

  “The flyers you put up in the F Wing forcing the board members to see what the battle system is really about.”

  He was careful to keep his voice soft but I looked around just in case. “I can’t take credit for that,” I said after ensuring no one was listening in. “It was a good idea but it only bought us time. The board will make their decision next year.”

  “How do you know that?” His smile disappeared.

  “Heard it from a reliable source,” I said simply.


  “What do they need to decide on? This system puts crazy pressure on people and a girl already died because of it. Why would anyone want more of that?”

  I put my hand over Hunter’s clenched fist. “Are you feeling pressure? If you are, you can talk to me.”

  He ducked his head. “It’s n-not that. I just—”

  “Let’s go.” Derek pushed back his seat. “Walk with me, Hunter.”

  Hunter picked up his food and followed Derek without hesitation. I assumed he was going to talk with him and he didn’t want the cafeteria seeing him be a nice guy.

  “So for this dance...” Adam nudged my shoulder. “Just how far are we taking this thing because I should let you know my virtue is off-limits.”

  I barked a laugh. “Just your virtue? What about the bases? Can I cop a few feels? Make out a little?”

  He hummed. “I’m good with some over-the-clothes action but I’m no cheap date. You have to at least buy me dinner before things start coming off.”

  “What the fuck are you two talking about?”

  We saw Justin’s and Owen’s slack-jawed expressions and practically fell out of our chairs laughing. At one point, I rested my head against Adam’s shoulder as I caught my breath. A quick look at Landon told me he was watching... and he wasn’t happy.

  THE DAY OF THE DANCE dawned dark and gloomy. Heavy, gray clouds hung over the academy promising to unleash its wrath. Adam didn’t stir as I dressed in the dark and slipped out. I preferred to run at night, but with the skies the way they were, the track was sure to be empty.

  I inhaled deep lungfuls of clean, moist air as I stepped out. I loved the rain. I loved thunderstorms that rattled the windows and smudged out the sun. I loved feeling the damp cling to my skin as much as I loved curling up inside with a book, a blanket, and the thunder as my soundtrack. I couldn’t think of a better time to run and if I catch a little rain, I’d enjoy the sharp splashes on my skin.

  I jogged up to the bleachers, water bottle swinging from my hand by a strap that was beginning to fray. I’d need to get a new one soon.

  I didn’t notice the lone figure on the bench until it was too late.

  “Are you kidding me? What are you doing here?”

  Michael paused in tying his shoes. “I’m going for a run like I do every morning.”

  “But it’s raining.”

  “That’s not stopping you.”

  “Fine. I’ll run tonight.”

  “Zeke, wait,” he called. “You don’t have to go. We can share the track.”

  “No, thanks.” I turned to leave.

  “Zeke. Zeke!” Footsteps sounded behind me. “Can you wait for a second?” He took hold of my arm. “I need to talk to you.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about.” I yanked out of his hold and kept walking.

  “I’m sorry!”

  That made me stop. Michael ran out in front of me, blocking my path. His usually serene, perfect face was nothing but. Beads of sweat collected on his forehead and his eyes were huge.

  “I’m sorry, Manning, and I know I should have said that before.”

  Michael reached for me. I shot away and tripped over my soles. I caught myself before I could fall but my skin felt raw like I smacked the turf anyway.

  “You’re sorry?” I repeated. “Sorry for what, Michael?”

  “For everything. I’m sorry I went along with Cameron’s plan and challenged you to those battles. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you when you said you were framed. I’m sorry I let those guys hurt you.”

  “You ordered those guys to hurt me, Michael!” My heart beat an irregular, rapid pattern in my chest. “I’m supposed to believe you’re sorry now!?”

  “I was sorry then! After I realized that you were— After I found out—”

  “That I’m a girl,” I rasped. “You felt bad after Zach stripped me. Is that what you’re trying to say? It was okay to beat Zeke, but not Zela.”

  He tossed his head. “Nothing that happened was okay no matter what I thought. I’m not this guy, Zela. I’ve never been this guy. I don’t bully people and get revenge and... hurt my friends.”

  He took a tentative step, trying again to close the distance between us, and I let him.

  “You were my friend,” he whispered, “and I should have believed you.” Another step. “I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”

  Michael threaded his fingers through mine. I gazed into his eyes, mind spinning, as the first raindrop splashed on his cheek. It traveled down his face reminiscent of a tear.

  “Just tell me... and I’ll do it.”

  “Anything?” I croaked. The rain struck me, falling harder and faster and soaking me through to the skin in seconds. Backing away, I pulled out of his hold. “I’ll let you know.”

  Michael was still standing there when the door closed behind me.

  “HOW DO I LOOK?” ADAM did a little spin.

  “Gorgeous, as usual.”

  The corner of his lip quirked up in a grin. “As usual?”

  “Don’t get smug,” I replied. “It’s one of the things I don’t like about you. You’re way prettier than anyone has a right to be.” I smiled to let him know I was kidding.

  He laughed. “People could say the same about you.”

  “Can they?” I muttered as I took a turn in front of the mirror.

  Adam’s suit for the dance accentuated all the gifts competitive swimming and good genes gave him. He did something with his curls that made them look effortlessly tousled instead of wildly adorable.

  Me, on the other hand, went with my school pants, black suspenders, and a white button-up shirt. I didn’t do anything with my hair other than put it on.

  “I feel bad you have to walk in with me as your date,” I said. “At least Melody won’t be there.”

  “Are you sure Landon will?”

  “Yes. Derek told me he’s going.”

  “Then let’s do this.”

  Adam offered his elbow and I chuckled as I slipped my arm through his. Together we stepped out of our dorm to a silent hallway. The F dorm had emptied out, leaving us weekenders and dance-goers behind.

  Stepping out onto the quad, our soles squished in the damp, muddy earth. It stormed on and off all day, and through the windows of Dr. O’Quinn’s class, I saw the volunteers running and screeching in the rain as they set up the dance. We walked into the gym and saw right away it was worth it.

  I barely recognized the space I once wrestled in with Landon. Standing tables covered in soft orange tablecloths and single glowing candles surrounded a dancefloor swirling with spotlights. The decoration committee went all in on the fall theme. The serving table had small, fake autumn leaves between the punchbowl and snacks. String lights hung from above, casting red and yellow glows down on the dancers. For my first school dance, this already blew past my expectations.

  “Let’s get something to eat.” Adam held tight to my hand as he led me to the refreshment table. If he noticed the curious looks people were giving us, he gave no sign. “Do you see him?” he asked under his breath.

  I scanned the sweet-scented, high-heeled, bowtied crowd for a boy with multicolored eyes and a suit that was sure to blow everyone away. I didn’t see him anywhere.

  “No,” I said. “We can snag a table near the door so we’ll see him when he comes in.”

  “You mean so he’ll see us when he comes in.”

  “That too.”

  We loaded a plate up with stuffed mushrooms, pita chips, tomato hummus, wontons, and jalapeño deviled eggs. A weird culinary mash-up but everything was delicious. Adam and I chatted while we ate, but I kept one eye on the door.

  Cameron strolled inside twenty minutes later with his entourage. Santiago and Heath flocked him but this time the three of them were accompanied by three gorgeous girls draped over their arms. Santiago appeared seconds away from passing out from boredom most days, but as the bespectacled brunette gazed up at him...

  “Oh my goodness,” I breathed. “Is Sa
ntiago smiling?”

  “I did not know his face could do that.”

  I laughed.

  “We’re not staying here until he shows up,” Adam announced. “It’s a party. Let’s dance.” He grabbed my hand.

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I cried, digging in my heels. “I cannot dance. I’m serious. If I go out there, it won’t be pretty.”

  “Just do what I do.”

  “Adam, you don’t understand.”

  “You don’t understand”—he yanked and I found myself flying into his chest and scooped up bridal-style—“that I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  I laughed even though it was wrong to encourage him. Adam carried me out to the dancefloor and the crowd cleared a path for us, most likely to avoid getting knocked by my feet.

  The speakers were thumping with a rap song I never heard of but everyone else was singing along to. Adam put me down and I stood stock still.

  “Relax,” he called over the music. “Have fun!”

  “What’s fun about making a fool of yourself?!”

  “Everything!” Adam grabbed my hips and jerked them side to side as he devolved into this wild, flailing dance like a man electrocuted. I laughed so hard tears ran down my face.

  “Come on,” he shouted. “Do it!”

  I tried to copy him and soon we were both laughing and jumping around the dancefloor, scaring everyone around us away. My nerves loosened up enough that when Adam began dancing for real, I joined in.

  The guy did know how to dance. He rode every beat and knew all the dances down to the last step. Every time I got shy and tried to stop, he’d take my hands and dance with me.

  The music shifted to an old-school TLC song and knowing the words injected some confidence in me. I took hold of him and Adam spun me into his chest and twirled me back. The room swirled in a blur of reds and golds. On the second spin, I saw him.

  They probably weren’t holding a spotlight on them, but in my mind, the world was converging on three single points named Cole, Michael, and Landon.

  Cole went with a black tuxedo and black shoes, but tonight his blond locks were swept to the side and falling over his eyes. An understated effect that had me almost weak in the knees before I moved onto Michael. So unconcerned with fashion, Michael wore a simple pair of white pants and a red shirt with a white tie. He looked like cupid come to steal my heart, but when he glanced at me, I pointedly looked away.