She turned to him. “Dad. Can I have a moment alone to speak with Cody?”
Her father spoke in hushed tones. “I don’t like this, Hannah. He looks like he’s been in brawl. I’m not comfortable leaving you alone with him.”
“Please, Dad. Just go inside. You can keep you eye on us the whole time.”
“Five minutes, Hannah. And then I want him gone. I mean it.”
Hannah waited until her father was inside, the door shut firmly behind him before walking over to Cody. She took his hand and walked him down the stairs away from the porch. She trudged silently through the spring grass to her old swing set. A skeleton of her youth, it sat rusting in the rose garden a few yards from the house. It was in perfect view of the large picture window in the living room, where Hannah was sure her father would be watching, but it would ensure their conversation wouldn’t be overheard.
Hannah perched on a swing and nodded for Cody to do the same.
“Why are you here?”
“I wanted to apologize for last night.”
“You said that already.”
Cody looked down at his shoes, scuffing them into the soft earth.
“We have five minutes until my dad calls the police so I’d advise you to say whatever you came to say and then leave.”
Cody’s head jerked up. He stared into Hannah’s eyes and she held his gaze. “Don’t go to the party tonight, Hannah.”
She laughed.
“I’m serious. I have a bad feeling about it. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“A little late for that, don’t you think?”
“I never meant to hurt you, Hannah.”
“If that’s all, I think you should leave,” Hannah said standing.
Cody stood too and took her hands pleadingly. “Please, Hannah. If you’re set on going let me go with you.”
“I’m going with Harrison.”
“He’s playing a game, Hannah, and it’s not going to end well.”
“Not everything is a game. I think Harrison actually cares about me.”
“You’re too smart to be that stupid, Hannah.”
Hannah ripped her hands from Cody’s. “I see. Just because you don’t want me, no one does?”
“No! That’s not what I’m saying.”
“Then tell me, Cody. What are you saying?”
“I don’t know. I can’t explain it, but I know Harrison’s using you.”
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to cry in front of him. “Of course,” she whispered. “Because it’s unthinkable that someone could actually fall for me.”
“Hannah—”
“Leave me alone, Cody.” She turned to leave, but he blocked her path.
“Fine. Keep my secret about Elena and you’ll never see me again.”
“I’m not making any promises. I don’t owe you anything.”
The front door opened and Hannah’s father walked onto the porch. His face looking like a tea kettle about to whistle. She fled back toward her house, straight into his arms. She let him fold her up like a frightened child, while he glared at Cody, who wisely kept his head down and walked down the driveway and out of their lives.
The walk home was long for Cody. The weather had turned agreeable and the sunshine and birdsongs only worsened his mood. He scowled as the world around him went merrily on while leaving him in the same insufferable spot—alone.
At least he’d tried with Hannah.
True, he hadn’t exactly had a chance to share his feelings, but there was nothing more to do. He’d screwed up again. He knew a lost cause when he saw one. He looked in the mirror often enough.
38
Hannah’s father held her tight. He stroked her hair like he used to when she was a child. He’d calmly held her hand while she spilled her guts about the last few weeks with Cody and Harrison. She told him everything, even the unflattering things. The lies, the drinking, the blackmail and upcoming party. But mostly she told him about Cody. She confided her fleeting feelings for him and her abrupt heartbreak over the gravity of his secrets and what really happened with Elena.
“What am I going to do?”
“Hannah, I’m sorry you’re going through all of this. I know growing up is inevitable, but sometimes I fear I may have sheltered you from the world too well.”
“Dad, this isn’t your fault.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I’m not happy about some of your decisions, but I am grateful that you were brave enough to tell me. I want you to know you can always trust me, baby.”
“I know, Dad.” Hannah hugged her father tighter. “But what do we do for Cody?”
“Honestly, I don’t know, Hannah. It’s not easy to help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.”
Hannah saw the pain in her father’s eyes and knew he was thinking of her mother.
“But I can’t do nothing. It’s wrong to keep this all bottled up. I think it will haunt me.”
“Let me think on it for a bit. I have some friends I can ask for legal advice.”
“How long will that take?”
“Hannah, you need to understand this isn’t something we can fix overnight.”
“I know, but I feel like I’m going crazy just sitting here doing nothing.”
Her father exhaled slowly. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this but do you still want to go to the party tonight?”
“You’ll let me go?”
“Do you still want to go?”
“Yes. I know this didn’t start out right, but I think I actually might like Harrison.”
“Do you feel you can trust him and make responsible decisions?”
“Yes.”
“And Cody won’t be there.”
“No.”
“Then I think a distraction might be the best thing for you.”
Hannah squealed and hugged her father tight.
“But I want to know where you are, who you’re with and you’re to be home by ten.”
“Dad, the party doesn’t start until ten!”
He grumbled something under his breath about kids these days. “Fine, midnight. But you’re to text me every hour.”
“I will.”
“I mean it. I’m not above showing up there if you’re late.”
“I love you, Dad,” Hannah said kissing him on the cheek.
“I love you, too.”
Hannah retrieved her borrowed dress from her car, which had been safely returned as promised. There was even a delicate black mask in the bottom of the garment bag. Hannah grabbed her phone and sent Savannah a quick text to thank her.
STILL COMING TONIGHT – SAVANNAH
YES – HANNAH
IMPRESSED.
HEARD H & C GOT INTO IT LAST NIGHT – SAVANNAH
Hannah sighed. Of course the gossip was already swirling. She was honestly impressed with the way the student body at Stanton kept their fingers on the pulse of peril. It was like they could smell drama.
DEETS – SAVANNAH
ALL GOOD.
FILL U IN TONIGHT – HANNAH
U BETTER – SAVANNAH
Hannah clicked off her phone and put it on the charger. It was about dead after being left in her car all night. She headed to the shower and turned her attention to getting ready for her first and last high school party.
39
DID U REALLY DRUG HANNAH – SAVANNAH
Cody glared at his phone. It had been going off all afternoon. He was doing his best to ignore it but Savannah and her minions, wouldn’t leave him alone.
THAT’S A NEW LOW. EVEN FOR U.
NO RESPONSE FROM THE GUILTY.
WONDER WHAT HANNAH WILL SAY?
I TOLD HER NOT TO GO TO YOUR PLACE LAST NIGHT.
BUT SHE BEGGED AND BEGGED – SAVANNAH
U BROUGHT HER HERE – CODY
SHE LOVES U.
I SAW IT IN HER PATHETIC FACE.
YOU’RE SUCH A HEARTBREAKER – SAVANNAH
LEAVE HER ALONE – CODY
&nb
sp; YOU FIRST – SAVANNAH
DO U GET OFF ON THIS – CODY
GUESS U HAVEN’T SEEN FB?
IT’S NOT JUST ME – SAVANNAH
Cody flipped open his laptop and pulled up the secret Stanton group everyone used to post the most gruesome gossip. His stomach dropped when he saw Hannah’s name lighting up the feed. She had a private social profile so no one could tag her, but that almost made it worse because people where using her first and last name. The theme of the defaming posts were mostly against Cody. Claiming he got Hannah drunk and laced her drinks with drugs so he could take advantage of her. Harrison was of course cast as the hero, swooping in and saving Hannah. And beating Cody to a pulp.
A dark picture began to work its way into Cody’s mind. Savannah had always been a jealous bitch. She’d caused trouble for him and Elena in the past. And it was a little too convenient that she brought Hannah to Cody’s house last night and Harrison just happened to show up. Then there was the way Hannah had been acting. She’d admitted to drinking some champagne but everything about her manner seemed off—over stimulated. Had he not been so drunk himself, Cody would have seen it sooner. Hannah was high. He didn’t know on what, but he’d been to enough of Savannah’s parties over the years to know she loved to play pharmacist, mixing up her own special ‘candy’ as she called it.
Cody’s blood pressure soared. He stormed into his closet and grabbed his tux. He was through letting the Goldens ruin people’s lives. He was more certain than ever that something twisted was about to go down at Harrison’s party and there was no way he was letting Hannah walk into it alone.
40
Hannah checked the address she’d been texted for what felt like the hundredth time. The location of the party was only revealed a few hours before it started, per Cohl tradition. The whole family certainly had a flare for the dramatic. It wasn’t that surprising to hear the party would be hosted at the Cohl country manor house, but after driving down a wooded dirt road for nearly twenty minutes Hannah began to feel her skin prickle. And she wasn’t sure whether it was from nervous excitement to see Harrison or something more sinister. She’d never been comfortable with the idea of being far from civilization. That was always where things went wrong . . . well at least in all the books she’d read.
The GPS alerted her to turn off the dirt road onto what could only be described as a path. She’d almost decided to turn back when she came to a massive iron gate. It was wide open, inviting her in. And in the distance she could see lights.
She drove through the gate and ventured a little further up the path. The trees finally gave way, opening up to reveal a gorgeous two-story colonial brick home, complete with white pillars and climbing ivy. It was right out of a storybook. Well, except for the bumping base that spilled across the immaculate lawn that now resembled a car park.
She was in the right place all right.
Hannah drove across a small bridge and around the circle drive, where her car was valeted. She walked up the polished flagstone steps and stared at the black menacing double doors. There was no one to greet her and when she tried the handle it was locked. Immediate panic flooded her heart.
Had she been lured out her as a joke?
But then she remembered—the key.
Hannah pulled it from her tiny black clutch and nervously slid it into the keyhole. She closed her eyes and offered up a silent prayer before turning it. A faint click echoed around her and the door swung open, ushering her into another world.
So this was a Cohl Ball?
A feeling of Alice discovering Wonderland overtook Hannah. She could immediately see the allure. She felt like she’d been whisked into a secret world that only the rich and beautiful were privy to. Masked figures in exquisite gowns and tuxedos dotted the black and white checkered floors. Their whispers and laughter rose above the scratchy wail of ‘20s Parisian music while they indulged themselves in cocktails, music and the unparalleled pleasures the Cohl Manor offered. The scene was a strange mix of Gatsby and Eyes Wide Shut.
A twinge of panic gripped Hannah as she glanced around for familiar faces.
How would she ever find anyone among the sea of masks?
She was about to start wandering from room to room looking for Harrison when she heard his voice. She looked up and saw him gallantly descending the grand staircase. His charming smile disarmed her. It was dazzlingly white in contrast to his dark mask.
He took Hannah’s hand and bowed, brushing his lips against her knuckles. Blissful excitement raced to her heart.
“You look ravishing,” he murmured spinning her around to take in the full beauty of her shimmering silver sheath gown. It was simple, but its barely-there spaghetti straps and open back made it feel daring.
Hannah giggled, feeling ridiculously girly as she allowed Harrison to pull her into his arms and give her a chaste kiss.
“I’m so glad you came. I was worried that you wouldn’t after last night.”
“Me too,” Hannah admitted. “Turns out my dad thinks I need a distraction.”
Harrison smirked. “I like the way he thinks.” He kissed Hannah again, leaving her breathless. “Well now that you’re here. The party can start.” He took her hand. “Come on,” he urged. “Let’s get you a drink.”
“Oh I promised no drinking tonight.”
Harrison winked. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”
He didn’t give Hannah a chance to protest, leading her through rooms of intoxicating grandeur, stopping to make small talk when necessary. They entered a small room that glowed with soft blue light. The music was weaker and masked figures lazed about, draped over low-backed couches and upholstered chairs. Some were indulging in each other, while others just seemed to be staring into space. The scene reminded Hannah of the opium dens she’d read about. And one glance at the bar explained why. It held more than liquor bottles. A gilded sign, donning it the ‘Candy Bar’ gleamed back at Hannah as her eyes raked over martini glasses full of pills and powders of varying colors.
Harrison made his way back from the bar with two glasses in his hands. He handed Hannah the champagne flute, while keeping the rocks glass with swirling amber liquid for himself.
“Oh I really think I better not. I had enough of this last night.”
“Would you like something else?” Harrison asked, a hint of something sinister in his voice.
Hannah was beginning to hate the masks. It made it impossible to read Harrison’s features and that made her edgy. “Maybe a water?”
Harrison glanced back at the bar and frowned. “I didn’t think to stock the bar with water.”
“Oh, that’s fine. I’m not really that thirsty,” Hannah said trying to hand the glass back to Harrison.
“I thought you wanted a fun distraction tonight?” Harrison asked.
“I do.”
He grinned. “Good. Then hang onto the champagne. You might get thirsty,” he said extending his arm to Hannah.
She threaded her arm through his, just wanting to leave the hedonistic room behind.
“Come on,” Harrison said. “I want to give you the tour.”
41
Cody steeled himself as he walked up to the front door of the Cohl manor.
Of course this was where the party was.
The last time Cody had been there was the night Elena died. Tonight’s drive had been a battle of wills for Cody as he barreled down the dark roads that haunted his memories. The only thing that kept him going was Hannah, and his need to protect her from whatever cruel game the Goldens were playing.
He tried his key in the door and breathed a sigh of relief when the lock tumbled granting him entrance. Cody walked into his own personal hell. Memories exploded like flash bulbs in his mind has he desperately fought to breathe through the crushing pain in his chest. He’d had so many good times at this house with Elena, Harrison and the Goldens. But all of that was erased in one night, and an indelible darkness was left on his soul.
A shrill voice broke
Cody from his nightmare.
“Well look who it is?”
He looked up to see Savannah sneering at him under her frilly pink mask.
“You must be confused, we scheduled the trash pick up for tomorrow, Cody.”
Cody was wearing a classic tux and plain black mask. He looked identical to every other guy at the party, but he’d been foolish to think he’d slip by unnoticed. Savannah had a sixth sense for sniffing out weaknesses to exploit. She’d locked onto him like a bloodhound.
“Unless you have some dogs to run over I think you should leave,” she hissed.
Cody snapped and grabbed Savannah by the arm eliciting a shriek from her.
“I’d be happy too, but not without Hannah.”
“Didn’t get enough of her last night?”
“What’s your role in this?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Cut the shit, Savannah. I know you’re the one who got Hannah drunk and high and sent her to my house last night. Just what the hell did you think was going to happen?”
“You tell me. You’re the murdering drunk.”
“So that’s your game. You want her out of your way?”
“You said it, not me,” Savannah hissed.
“Do you really think you’re never going to get caught? One time you’re going to go too far and someone’s going to OD.”
“I can only hope,” Savannah grinned.
Cody’s grip tightened and her smile dissolved.
“Oh calm down. It was just a little harmless candy. If you ask me I did her a favor. She’s way too uptight.”
Cody took a steadying breath, telling himself to walk away because Savannah was wearing his already thin nerves to nothing and all he wanted to do was knock her pearly veneers down her throat. “Just tell me where she is.”
The Boyfriend Series Box Set (Books 1-6): YA Contemporary Romance Novels Page 14
