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

by Ruby Vincent

  Dr. O’Quinn handed me my device as she went down the row. “Since the news is out, I don’t have to tell you much about what these are or who gave them to you.”

  “At least we finally get them back,” Nico said.

  “It’s not that simple, Mr. Kazan. The staff have discussed it and we decided on the best way to incorporate it into the system and allow you to benefit the way Mr. Beaumont intended.

  “Monday through Friday after school, we will have a study hall of sorts. You will come in, check out your tablets, and work quietly on the assignments I’ve given you. Seeing as every student has their own tablet, there is no reason to battle for them. That being the case, they are not apart of the battle system, but they are considered a privilege and privileges reflect class. In your case, your tablet time is restricted to two hours after school.”

  Tanner raised his hand. “What about weekends and stuff?”

  “Unless I assign you weekend homework that requires the use of this device, you are not allowed to take it home.”

  “But the Elites can, can’t they?”

  O’Quinn didn’t reply which was answer enough.

  “This isn’t fair.” Tanner ran his hand through his hair, making it stick up. “They’re ours.”

  “You need to understand that they were gifted to the school as educational tools. Despite the numerous irate calls parents have made over the last few days, you have no grounds to claim these devices as your property.” She pinned him with a look. “So let me be clear, any more argument on this and you will be in detention for the rest of the year.”

  Tanner cursed under his breath. In a louder voice, he said, “Yes, Dr. O’Quinn.”

  I didn’t think it was fair, but I could say that about everything in Breakbattle Academy. I had to choose my battles and nothing was more important right now than beating out Cole, enticing Landon, and seeing Michael lose. Those last few weeks until spring break, every part of my plan was going perfectly.

  Michael lost two more track meets and Coach screamed himself hoarse. Landon and I spent almost every free minute studying, wrestling, or making out. Cole watched me run Future Leaders as president and be chosen by Mrs. Peterson as captain of the Archimedean team.

  Cole glared at me as I tossed my backpack under the bus.

  “It’s a wonder your face doesn’t stick like that,” I said. “Frown lines are a real thing. You’re too pretty for them.”

  “Fuck you. You’re real smug, but we both got straight As and do I need to remind you my classes are ten times harder than yours. Tying for top spot means nothing. Neither does sucking up to Peterson until she handed you the captaincy.”

  “Hmm.” I straightened and flashed him a grin. “If it means nothing, why are you so mad?”

  A vein in his forehead ticked. “I’m mad because you’re fucking with me. You’ve joined all my clubs and you’ve fucked with my friends.” He advanced on me, stopping only when we were a hair apart. “You think I don’t know what you’re making Michael do. When are you going to let up? When he gets kicked off the team? When he loses a chance of getting a scholarship? When his and his mom’s dream is flushed down the toilet?”

  My fist clenched within the sleeves of my sweater. “Michael made his own choice. I’m not out on the track with a gun to his head. You ever think there are more important things than athletic dreams? Like maybe... being a decent person.”

  “No,” he hissed. “I don’t.”

  Cole’s hair brushed against my forehead as he got in my face. His eyes blazed with intensity, but there wasn’t a day when they didn’t.

  It’s like he wants things more, feels things harder, and experiences life deeper than the rest of us, and I only need look in his eyes to see what he can’t hold back.

  “You’re going to stop this. You will let up on Michael, step down as president of future leaders, quit the math club, and stop playing whatever game you’re pulling on Landon.”

  I swallowed hard through a throat that was suddenly dry and scratchy. “Why would you think I’m playing a game with Landon?”

  “Because if you’re fucking with me and Michael, then you’re definitely fucking with him. He’s too in love to see it, but I warned you. I see right through you.”

  “You think so?”

  “I know so.”

  We must have been an interesting sight. Both of us puffed up, eyes flashing, and in each other’s faces.

  “And if you don’t stop,” Cole plowed on. “I’ll make you.”

  “How are you going to do that? Show up with five of your closest friends and jump me?”

  “I would never hurt you again!”

  I stepped back at the force of his response.

  “I wouldn’t have someone else do it either, but you and I both know, there are plenty of ways to get at a person that aren’t physical. End it now, Zela.”

  Cole turned his back on me.

  “Did you ever think this would stop if you learned your lesson? You’ve never said sorry, Cole.”

  He paused and I eyed the tense muscles of his back as I waited for him to say something. He picked up his feet and kept going.

  “Great talking to you too,” I called. He ignored me and stomped onto the bus.

  I climbed up too. This was it. This bus was driving through the night to take us on the big Elite and A Class field trip. Five days and four nights in an Orlando resort and every day a different theme park.

  Landon was beside himself about me going. After I won the battle for my spot, he scooped me up, kissed me, and heavily implied things would go down in his hotel room.

  The bus was still filling up so I grabbed a seat near the back. Adam and Melody came up next and grabbed the row across from me.

  “One to ten,” Adam said. “How jealous is Jordan that you’re going to Orlando without her?”

  I groaned. “Sixty-two. Aunt Bev is getting sick of her begging to transfer to Breakbattle.”

  Melody asked, “Who is Jordan?”

  “She is Zee’s cousin,” Adam said. “She’s terrified of rollercoasters and gets crazy motion sick, but she told me to step in if Zee has too much fun without her.”

  “Feel free to ignore that order,” I put in.

  Derek and Landon stepped onto the bus. I waved them over. Derek came down the aisle and threw himself on the seat next to me. Landon stood over him.

  “I was going to sit there, Derek.”

  “And now I’m sitting here.”

  “Get up.”

  Derek laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back. “Why doesn’t Zee tell me to get up?”

  They both turned to me. Biting my lip, I glanced up at Landon. “We can ride together on the way back.”

  His jaw clenched.

  “You heard him,” said Derek. “Move along.”

  Cursing, Landon took the seat behind me while I gave Derek a look.

  “You don’t have to make trouble, you know.”

  “Who’s making trouble? I’m just hanging out with my friend Zee.”

  I rolled my eyes but didn’t say more about it. The truth was we were hanging out like we used to but we weren’t talking much. Derek refused to explain what he was doing with Cameron, Heath, and Santiago that day. I wouldn’t tell him what I had planned for Landon. As a result, we spent most of our time reading books inches away from each other while I felt like we had never been further apart.

  On the ride to Orlando, we kept things light. We read, watched movies, joked around with Melody, Adam, and Landon, and made a plan on how to tackle the trip.

  “First, Islands of Adventure. Second, Universal Studios. Then, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot.” Landon reached through the seat and stroked my stroked. “You’re not afraid of rollercoasters, are you?”

  “Don’t know. I’ve never been on one.”

  Derek lifted his eye mask to give me a crazy look. I balked at him when he pulled it out. Sometimes I’d forget what a pampered prince he was and then he’d remi
nd me.

  “You’ve never been on a rollercoaster?”

  “I’ve never been to an amusement park either.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “Mom wasn’t into them so she never took me.”

  Landon’s finger glided along my skin. “I’m glad I get to experience your first with you.”

  I was saved from having to find an answer to that by Mrs. Clancy. “Alright, everyone. We’ll be at the resort in ten minutes. A few things before we get there. If your parents paid for the upgrade, you will have your own room. Otherwise, there will be two people to a room and you may choose your roommate.

  “We have seven a.m. wake ups to beat the lines. Be awake, fed, and in the lobby at eight thirty sharp. You’re sixteen and seventeen years old. We expect you can handle being on your own, so you will have our numbers, but will be allowed to roam freely. As long as you don’t leave the parks, we want you to have fun.”

  It did sound like fun. Exploring some of the best theme parks in the world with my friends was an incredible field trip and it made it worse that most of my friends couldn’t come.

  The bus lumbered under the hotel portico and turned us out. Together our group entered a dazzling lobby of marble floors, indoor palm trees, and glittering chandeliers that cast light on our tired faces.

  “Everyone, get your room assignments,” said Clancy. “Then off to bed.”

  Adam’s parents sprung for the upgrade while my mom didn’t. He smiled guiltily as he accepted his key. “Sorry, Zee. I’d let you sleep with me anyway but”—he peered over his shoulder at Melody—“I can’t.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

  A hand draped over my shoulder. “You can sleep with me like you always do.”

  Just as quickly, Derek’s arm was gone. Landon pressed his body against me. “Zee is staying with me.”

  “Zee is sleeping in his own room and will see you all in the morning.” I untangled myself from Landon and took off.

  “Zee, wait.” Landon caught up to me at the elevator and took my hand. He pressed something in my palm. “In case you change your mind.” He kissed me and then left for the elevators that would take him to the single suites.

  I pressed his room key to my chest as I waited. I know what he wants to do. He believes we’re ready to take things to the next level. Landon feels this is real. He cares about me.

  Which makes this the perfect time to dump him.

  The plastic cut sharply into my skin as my fist clenched. This is the plan. This was always the plan. I have to do this or he gets away with what he let those boys do to me. I have to do this.

  The words repeated on a loop as I rode up to the sixth floor. I found my room at the end of the hall. It was a cute space with two full beds, a small fridge, and a big-screen television. I tossed my backpack on the bed and then threw myself after it.

  My face buried into the comforter. I relaxed as I inhaled the fresh, downy smell of detergent. I didn’t have to decide what to do about Landon right this minute. All I needed to do now was sleep.

  I heard the door open.

  “Hey,” I said. “I hope you don’t mind I took the bed by the window.”

  “It’s all yours.”

  I shot up so fast I tipped and fell off the bed. “Michael?!”

  “Are you okay?” Footsteps and then two hands lifted me up.

  “I’m fine,” I muttered. I tugged free and reclaimed my spot on the bed. Michael sat down across from me, and for a while, we just stared at each other. I broke first. “Why didn’t you get a single room?”

  He shrugged. “Want the truth?”

  “Of course not, I love lies.”

  Michael cracked a smile. “You might. You do lie to people every day, Zela.”

  “I think we’re veering away from the point.”

  Sighing, Michael stretched out on the sheets. “I didn’t get a single because I figured you wouldn’t either. I asked Clancy to put us together.”

  “Why would you do that?” I chuckled. “Are you planning to smother me in my sleep?”

  Michael heaved himself off the bed. “I’m going to shower.”

  “Michael? Michael, I’m going to need an answer to that question. Michael!”

  His laughter was the last thing I heard before the bathroom door shut.

  SOMEHOW, I MADE IT through the night. I shivered as Landon pressed a kiss to my neck. “Use the key tonight. I have something special planned.”

  My heart thumped too loudly in my chest. “Special?”

  “Trust me,” he whispered. His nose skated over my skin as he traveled up to my ear. “You’ll like it.”

  “Morning, everyone,” called one of the chaperones. “You’ve waited long enough. Let’s hit Islands of Adventure!”

  Excitement pumped through my veins as we piled onto the bus and took the short ride to my first theme park. Landon stuck close by me this time as we got off the bus together, holding hands.

  “Do you guys want to be alone?” Melody asked. “Or ride the rides with us?”

  “Let’s do it together,” I replied. “We Es and Fs don’t get to hang out enough.”

  “We’ll come with.” Michael stepped up to our circle. He looked handsome today. I thought that when he dressed in front of me and it crossed my mind again. Michael wore a pair of tight-fitted jeans, a black sleeveless tee, and a soft-looking brown jacket. Cole trailed him several feet behind looking irritated as usual.

  “Well, I survived through the night, so I guess that earns you the benefit of the doubt.” I glanced around. “Where did Derek go?”

  “There.” Adam pointed across the parking lot to where Derek was getting in line for the park.

  “Let’s go,” I said.

  Our mishmashed group made it through security and the ticket line but Derek was nowhere to be seen when we stepped out.

  “Don’t worry about him. We’ll see him around.” Landon laced his fingers through mine, then brought my knuckles to his lips. “Let’s just have a good time.”

  That seemed guaranteed. There was so much to see and do. Landon had the park map out and our itinerary planned. The six of us didn’t waste another minute.

  My mouth fell open at the first look of the park. Despite the time, the place was packed with shrieking children, fans donning their favorite cosplay, and tourists with their hydration packs and oversized wallets. A sweet mix of caramel popcorn and cinnamon buns wafted over us as we passed a stand on the way to the first ride. It was a virtual superhero game that promised thrills without gut-busting drops.

  “Only a half an hour wait,” said Adam.

  “Only?”

  He laughed at me. “Get ready, Zee. This right here is going to be half our day.”

  We winded through the ropes to reach the end of the line. I’m pretty sure it took longer than thirty minutes for us to climb into the ride and buckle ourselves in but we passed the time talking and goofing off—except for Cole. He stood at the back, arms folded, and alternated between glaring at me and rolling his eyes.

  It was a real pleasure when I ended up squished between him and Landon. “You going to be like this all day, Mr. Pouty?”

  “Fuck off.”

  “Your standard answer to me. Can we get something else out of you? How about a smile? Hm? Hm?” I attacked his sides with tickles. Cole jerked like my fingers were electrified. “Let’s get a smile.”

  “Stop!” he wheezed. He caught my wrists and held them fast. “What the hell are you doing?”

  I laughed. Wide-eyed, slack-jawed surprise wasn’t what I was going for but this looked cute on him too. “Seeing if I can get a laugh out of you.” I wiggled my fingers at him. “I can do this all day.”

  “Don’t tickle me.”

  “Try and stop me.”

  Cole twisted around. “Michael, switch seats with me.”

  “No.”

  Cursing, Cole put my hands firmly in my lap. They were there for all of five seconds before
I went for him again.

  “S-stop!” he cried, and this time I heard it, a tiny breathless laugh.

  “Uh, babe. I’m over here.”

  Landon followed that statement by pulling me closer to him. I shook my head but leaned against his shoulder anyway. He was quite possessive for someone who agreed to a non-exclusive relationship.

  Soon, the ride rumbled to life. I held Landon tighter as we slipped into a darkened passage. I came out smiling on the other side.

  “What did you think of your first amusement ride?” Melody asked.

  “Loved it.”

  “Then let’s do this for real,” said Adam. “The Hulk ride next.”

  The rest of them cheered. Cole even offered a half grin.

  “What do you mean do this for real?” I asked.

  “Drops, twists, turns, head dangling upside down. Time for your first rollercoaster.”

  Everyone took off. The line for this ride was even longer but they happily hopped on it. Twenty minutes in, Landon and Adam were up front locked in conversation and Melody was in the back talking with Cole. Michael sidled closer to me.

  “Are you okay? You look nervous.”

  “I’m okay.”

  He cocked his head. “Seriously, Zee. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to.”

  I looked down. “It’s not that. It’s just these rides make Jordan sick. Doesn’t fill me with much confidence.”

  “You might not get sick. If it is too much, there are plenty of slower rides we can do. There’s a water ride in the back that good. We can brave that if you’re not scared to get soaked.”

  I blinked at him. “We?”

  A small smile played at the corner of his lips and it dimpled his cheek. “I’m not a big fan of rollercoasters either. Believe it or not, I don’t always like to go fast.”

  I chuckled. “I don’t believe it. Does this mean you’ll be screaming your head off in the next seat?”

  “Yes.”

  A full-blown giggle burst from me and tangles of anxiety loosened. “Okay. If I’m not a fan, we can take on the slow rides.”

  Another forty minutes and we finally reached the front of the line. The attendant strapped me in between Landon and Michael. My palms were slick on the green restraints. Landon wanted front seats, but all I could see through the hole was clear sky. My grip tightened as we inched forward.