Vicious Titan: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Golden Olympus Academy Book 4)

by A. J. Logan

  As I’m driving down the street, a black Mercedes flashes its lights at me. It takes me a second to realize it’s Olivia, waving out the window, attempting to flag me down. I steer off the road, pulling into a gas station parking lot as she comes to a stop behind me, stepping out of the car.

  I jump when a loud horn blares. Looking over, I see it’s just one car blowing their horn at another car that’s lingering too long at the stoplight. It’s not surprising that something as simple as a car horn would freak me out. I’m more than on edge.

  Olivia appears less frazzled as she pulls me into a warm embrace. “I’ve missed you so much.”

  “Me too.” And I have. Olivia has always been an important part of my life. And now that I’m dating her son, she’s even more important because Elliot means everything to me. “When did you get out? Does Richard know?”

  “Yesterday and yes, Richard is aware. He also is still clueless. Did you say anything to Elliot about it?”

  “No. I was too scared Richard would do something to him … or you.”

  She nods, gazing at her feet before looking out at the cars passing by. “Thank you. I knew I could trust you. Thank you for looking out for Elliot when I couldn’t.”

  “Now what? What are you going to do?”

  “First, I need to keep Richard believing that I don’t know he tried to kill me. He thinks I’m staying at Lawrence’s because of the affair, and I want to keep it at that. He had the nerve to say he hopes we could work everything out.” Pain flashes across her face as she looks to me.

  “I know. Elliot does too. Richard told him.” I intentionally leave out the part where Heidi showed up at the Bass residence wanting to speak with Elliot. It’s still Olivia’s home; I don’t want to make this any worse than it already is.

  “I always wanted to have more kids, but Richard didn’t. Which made it sting that much more when he got her pregnant. He was so adamant about not wanting to have another baby. I knew it was for the best, with our volatile marriage, but I’d always wanted a big family … especially a daughter. That’s one of the many reasons it was always a joy to have you around.”

  “Thank you. I love spending time with you.” With everything she has going on, I feel awkward telling her my news, but I’ve always talked to Olivia about things that bother me. And she always seems genuinely interested in our conversations, unlike my mom. “My dad was arrested. He’s still in jail for embezzlement and fraud.”

  Her hand reaches out, gently cupping my arm. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry. How’s Asher handling it?”

  “Good. He helped my mom gather evidence that put my dad away.”

  “Oh.” Her unsure tone is understandable because that detail still feels unsettling to me.

  “Yep,” I say, glancing around the parking lot.

  “Well, if you need anything from me, just say the word.”

  “Thanks.”

  “In the meantime, please don’t say anything to Elliot. We need to keep him out of harm’s way.”

  “Okay.” Damn. More lies. But she’s right. It’s obvious that people can’t be trusted. Even people you think you know can be hiding deep, dark secrets.

  Giving me another reassuring hug, she waves goodbye and gets into the Mercedes. I hurry to my car, speeding away quickly. Once I’m home, I go straight to the shower, hurrying to get changed and dressed. I slip on a simple black dress. Glancing at the time, I realize I’ve got hours to wait before Elliot picks me up.

  Hurry up and wait. That’s what my entire life feels like—waiting. Waiting on Elliot to get here. Waiting on Olivia to tell me that she’s safe and so is her son. Waiting on my dad’s trial date. The thought of seeing him in a courtroom is unnerving. It angers me that I feel sorry for him. Why should I? If he did the things he’s accused of, he’s exactly where he belongs. But why?

  Before I think twice, I’m off the bed, out the front door, and driving off in my car. I just need to ask him why. That’s it. I’ll ask him why, then leave. I deserve answers, and I deserve to not feel guilty about him being exactly where he should be by his own doing, even if my mom and brother handed over the evidence to get him there.

  Less than ten minutes away. My dad is less than ten minutes from my home but it feels so much further. Stepping out of the car, I walk through the glass doors and toward the guard who’s eyeing me the entire way to the counter.

  “Name?”

  “Victoria Hastings,” I say lowly, looking around the room.

  “Not your name.”

  Flinching at his harsh tone, I debate turning and running out, but I need to see my dad. “Victor— I’m … here to see Victor Hastings.”

  “ID.” He types away on a computer, not looking up when I pass him my driver’s license. A feeling of déjà vu washes over me as I’m reminded of the same atmosphere as the facility where I’d visited Olivia. Only the employees weren’t as impolite. It’s not like anyone really wants to be here, myself included.

  He passes my driver’s license back along with a sticker with my picture and name printed on it. “Wait here and they’ll call you back when he’s ready.”

  I don’t take the time to respond because he’s already typing on the computer. I sit in one of the stiff chairs, watching as he gives a few more visitors the same frosty attitude. At least it wasn’t reserved just for me.

  The door to my right opens, a guard in an identical uniform to the first guy stands in the doorway, looking to a clipboard before shouting. “Victoria Hastings.”

  Rising from the chair, I hurry over as a smile rises on his face.

  “This way, Miss Hastings.”

  So, the uniform is the same but the guard beneath it isn’t. Fortunately. This sucks enough. He leads me down a hallway, motioning for me to enter a room where I see a row of chairs situated at desks along the walls, plexiglass separating the other side that looks into a room with the same desk on the other side.

  “Have a seat and he’ll be right in. The conversations are monitored on the handset, but I’ll give you some privacy since you’re the only one using this room for now. I’m right outside the door if you need anything.”

  “Thank you,” I utter, taking a seat in the chair. I was expecting more checkpoints, so I don’t feel ready. Not that I would’ve been even if there were a million more stops along the way.

  Less than a minute goes by before my dad appears on the other side of the glass. He looks so different, weak and tired. The opposite of the man I’ve known my entire life has a seat across from me. His face is scruffy since his beard and mustache have grown in. I don’t think I’ve ever seen facial hair on him, he’s always been clean-shaven and well kept. His exquisite suit and tie is replaced by a simple gray cotton shirt and pants, both of which appear to be two sizes too big. His cheek is yellow with faded bruising. Did that happen before he got here or after?

  Clearing my throat, I attempt to swallow the pity rising inside me as he picks up the handset hanging on the wall next to him. Reluctantly, I grab an identical one, placing it next to my ear.

  “Hi, sweetheart,” his smooth, soft voice sounds through the earpiece. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “I can’t say the same,” I whisper, but he hears and I see the shame on his face. “Why? What happened? I got home and you were gone.”

  “What did your mother tell you?”

  “Nothing. Asher told me that you were arrested on fraud and embezzlement charges.”

  “I was, but it is all a big misunderstanding.”

  “How am I supposed to believe that? You are here for a reason. Tell me why you did it, please.”

  “Victoria, I didn’t do the things I’m being accused of.”

  “So, Nathan, Mom, and Asher just planted evidence on you? They faked all the files?”

  “Nathan?”

  “Yes, your best friend. Why would he do that if it weren’t true?”

  “Because he wants to overtake my company. He wants me out and your mother gladly helped him.�
��

  “Why did you have a falling out? What happened all those years ago when you didn’t speak to each other?” I remember the time clearly because I’d been so upset when my father started cursing and raving about Nathan, saying crude and cruel things that I didn’t understand. Nathan was the person Asher and I both ran to when our dad was having a bad day. When he and Mom would fight and he’d trash the house, throwing anything within reach—just as Asher does when his temper flares—Nathan offered a safety zone. Elliot doesn’t throw everything not bolted down, but he has thrown things, though I’ve never been scared he’d hurt me. I can’t say the same about my dad—even if I’d always tried to convince myself he wouldn’t.

  “Victoria …”

  “Was it because you hurt Asher? Tell me the truth!” I scream into the receiver, shooting up from my chair. “Did you?”

  My dad remains calm, a tear falling down his cheek. “No. I caught your mother in bed with Nathan and lost my temper.”

  “No.” Shaking my head, I close my eyes. That’s not the man Nathan is. I don’t know for sure about my mother, but that is not the man I know.

  “It’s true. Asher covered for them. He made up lies to hide their affair because he hated me so much and wanted Nathan to be in his life instead. That’s why we can’t get along. He’s told me he’d rather Nathan be his father than me, and I can’t get past it. Don’t let them rip you away from me too. I need someone by my side. I won’t survive in here without some hope.”

  For a second, I almost buy his words. While I’m now questioning every single memory I have from my childhood, there’s one thing I cling onto and don’t have to question. Asher. He wouldn’t do that. I wonder whether I truly know Nathan or not, but I know my brother, and he would never do that no matter how much he hated our father.

  “You’re lying.”

  My father’s hand covers his mouth as he sobs, “They’ve turned you against me too. I thought out of everyone, you’d be the one who knows I don’t deserve this.”

  Tears involuntarily stream down my cheeks. “No, they protected me.” Even if it was by keeping me in the dark, they’ve shielded me from the monster on the other side of the plexiglass. That might not have been the best thing, because I can’t fully comprehend how he’s the hideous monster that I know deep down inside he is. “And there’s one more reason I know you are full of shit. You would never let Nathan back into our house if you’d caught him with Mom. It wouldn’t matter how much time passed; you would never forgive someone who double-crossed you.”

  His sobs immediately cease, an emotionless expression covering his face. The change is so abrupt and complete it sends a fear like no other through my body. “And you’d be wise to remember that,” he intones through the handset.

  Intentionally, he returns the receiver to the wall, keeping his murderous glare on me as I slam the handset into its cradle on the wall. This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come here. But I know now. He is everything they say he is.

  I hurry to the door, yanking on the handle to pull it open but it’s too heavy, something prevents it from opening. Banging on the door, I scream for the guard and make the mistake of looking back. Now I know why they say never look back. My dad is standing in the window, a wicked, gleaming smile on his face as he watches me through hooded eyes. My scream grows frantic as the door swings open. I stumble forward, crashing into the sturdy chest of the nice guard as his firm hands steady me.

  “What happened? What’s going on?” He looks around me into the room as I try to catch my breath. Looking back, I see the window where my dad stood is now empty.

  “The door wouldn’t open. Why was it locked?”

  “It wasn’t. It gets heavy to push open, but it wasn’t locked, and I was standing here the entire time.” He glances behind me again before turning a concerned look back to me. “Do you want some water? Need me to call someone for you?”

  “No. I just want to leave. I need to go home.” Get out of this place and stay far away.

  The guard escorts me back to the door I’d entered through, asking me once more if I’d like a cup of water. He’s thoughtful, but I decline because one more second spent in the building would be too much. I run through the lobby, thankful when the doors open up and I’m outside. But even with the fresh air, I can’t catch my breath. Why had it taken me all this time to see him for what he is?

  I ask myself that question the entire way back home. Luckily, I make it back into my room without seeing anyone because I’m still full-on sobbing, completely unable to stop. I don’t feel sorry for my dad, but I am sad for Asher, and even for my mom. But I can’t tell them that because I don’t want them to know I visited my dad.

  Crawling into the bed, I pull the comforter over me. Lying there, I’m finally able to settle my mind by telling myself I never have to see my father again. I will not attend the trial. Even if, by some chance, he doesn’t serve the entirety of the years he’s expected to be sentenced to, I’ll be long gone out of this house. And I hope for my mom’s sake she’ll be gone too.

  Hours pass by as I drift in and out of sleep until the bed shifts behind me. A familiar and comforting scent floats through the air as Elliot nuzzles his nose in my hair. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

  “Mm-hmm.” I should freshen up, but honestly, I don’t even want to go now. I’m mentally and emotionally drained. “Can we just hang out here?”

  “Um. I guess, but I have an entire afternoon planned for us. I even set up a private tour at the art museum. Hopefully, I can stay awake.” He laughs, making me feel guilty as I remain silent. “Hey, I was just teasing. I’m super excited about the tour because I love the way your face lights up when you talk about anything art related.”

  “It’s okay. I just need a minute to touch up my makeup.” More like I need to scrub it all off because I’m sure I’m a mess. I guess I’m right because Elliot looks at me strangely.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’ll be right back.” I slide off the bed, heading to the bathroom.

  His hand catches mine, pulling me back to him as he says, “Something’s wrong.”

  My bedroom door swings open, slamming into the wall, as Asher storms into the room. My mother is on his heels, pleading with him to calm down—the same way she always did with my father.

  “What did you say to him?” Asher shouts.

  Elliot’s arm loops around my waist, pulling me back as he pivots in front of me, blocking Asher’s attempt to reach me. “Back the fuck off. Now.”

  “Ask her. Ask her where she was today.”

  Elliot doesn’t take his eyes off Asher but I feel his arm tense beneath my fingers as I hold onto him. “I don’t care where she was. You will not lay one finger on her. I won’t fight you but I sure as fuck will defend her.”

  “Well, she’s gonna need it when Victor is released because of her stupid ass.”

  “I didn’t tell him anything. I just wanted to know why he did it.”

  “Because he’s a sick, sadistic lunatic who thrives on making everyone miserable, except his little princess,” Asher mocks.

  Elliot shifts forward but I hold onto him.

  “You’re right. I didn’t know because you hid it from me.” I step in front of Elliot, knowing everyone is fuming and the only person who should feel the wrath isn’t in the room. “I wish I would’ve known. I wish it hadn’t taken me this long to see him for his true self.”

  “‘His true self’ would lock me in the darkest, smallest space he could find for hours until he’d let me out when he was ready to beat me to a pulp. Is that what you wanted to know? Are those the details you wanted me to tell you? That he only kicked harder when I fought back? That I was too scared not to fight back because I thought he was going to kill me?”

  Bile rises in my throat as I think of the trauma Asher has endured, and that’s just the few seconds he’s told me about. It had gone on for years. “I’m so sorry.”

  “If he gets out, it will b
e on you,” Asher says.

  “He’s not getting out,” Mom says, but her strangled voice is unconvincing. “Now just don’t go back there, Victoria. The lawyer has a hard enough job without you intervening like you always do.”

  “Why didn’t you? You knew what was happening to my brother. Why didn’t you intervene?”

  Asher goes rigid, and my guess is it’s because he has the same question. How can he forgive her since she allowed it to happen?

  My mother’s hand presses against her chest. “I should have, but I was scared. I thought he was going to kill me.”

  “So, you sacrificed your son to save yourself?”

  “No, no. There was no stopping him. Nothing is ever going to stop him. Even in prison, he’ll find a way to make us suffer.”

  “No. He won’t.” Asher looks to our mom before looking to me. “I took the hits; I took the beatings, so I get to decide who should feel guilty for it, and the only person responsible is Victor Hastings. Remember that next time you want to go have a heart-to-heart with him.”

  Asher leaves the room and my mom follows behind him.

  “Why did you go?” Elliot asks as I turn to him.

  I have no answers other than what I’d told Asher. “I just wanted to know why.”

  “You shouldn’t have gone.”

  “I know.”

  “It was stupid.”

  “I know! I don’t need to be told over and over again. I know! I’m stupid. I’m clueless. I’m naïve. I’m a fucking idiot. I. Get. It.”

  Hurrying away, I escape into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. I don’t cry. I don’t have anything left inside. Numbness has replaced the sadness, the anger, all of it. I know I made a mistake. It’s bad enough without being reminded every five seconds. I remain in the bathroom until I’m sure Elliot is gone, or at least I hope he is because I don’t want to talk to him. I need to talk to Asher though.

  Fortunately, my room is empty when I hurry out. Walking down the hall, I stop in front of my brother’s door, knocking before pushing it open.

  He sitting on the edge of his bed, his elbows on his knees.