“Sabrina, are you here?” Matt called, pulling back the curtains.
Biting my lower lip, I waved him over.
“Really, Sabrina the Teenage Witch?” Matt flashed his cell phone light in my face as he shook his head.
I placed my finger over my lips.
“Sabrina?” Rocco called out, as he came into view.
His brow furrowed. “What’s with the crypted message?”
“Are you both sure no one followed either of you?”
“Seriously?”
I met their gazes. “Yes. This is a matter of life or death. I can’t tell either of you anything unless you promise to keep what I am about to say between us.”
Matt threw his hands in the air. “Of course.”
“If either of you tell. I’ll know. And we have to find a better place to meet without alerting Mason.” I glared between them. Tears streamed down my cheeks.
Matt’s gray eyes darkened. “Are we participating in a séance, Sabrina?” He dragged out my fictitious name.
“Your sister traveled to London for years to visit Mason. They’ve worked out this crazy plan of revenge on Tate and me. Mason wanted me for himself.” My hand flew over my lips.
“He’s holding Tate hostage in London.”
Matt slipped his fingers through his blond locks. “That can’t be true.”
Rocco gruffly rubbed his chin. “No, it would make sense actually. The guy with dark hair I kept chasing. I’d only see the back of his head.” He retrieved his cell from his back pocket.
We stared at his screen.
He zoomed in on the mysterious guy. “See, from the back profile he could pass for Tate. Or, I guess, Mason.”
“But how do you know for sure?” Matt’s eyes narrowed.
“His horrible plays at the football game were sign number one. Then later that night at the Halloween party...” I cleared my throat. “I was making out with my boyfriend, so I thought. I slipped my fingers through his hair and I felt a raised scar that Tate didn’t have. It wasn’t a fresh scar. It felt like it had been there for a while. He came clean. Told me he was holding my boyfriend hostage. If I didn’t play along, he’d kill Tate.”
“Fuck,” Matt growled through gritted teeth, pacing.
“I knew something was off. Tate would never throw shitty passes.”
“He said he wanted to destroy Tate’s chances of going pro.”
“Yeah, well he may have succeeded.”
“One game can’t end his chances of going pro. There has to be something he can do.” I dropped my head.
“Tate has connections. He might be able to try out for a few teams and redeem himself.”
I clutched my chest, blowing out a breath. “I still have to do what Mason wants to keep Tate alive.”
Rocco placed his hand on my arm. “What?” His concerned brown eyes met mine.
“I’ll have to marry him. And Tate will marry Marisa. They will run their grandfathers’ company together.” I ran my hands tightly over my long hair.
“So, their grandfather was behind Mason’s fake death.”
“Matt, it sounds that way. Tate said his grandfather was pressuring him to graduate from high school, enroll in college in London, then run his empire. Tate went there to tell him he planned to follow his passion and play football.” My hands shook.
“I have to find Tate. Rocco, I need your help to find him.” I paced the floor.
“He said we were moving to London after Christmas. I imagine we’re getting married there. In the meantime, we need to gain as much information as we can. I’ll need you guys to hop on a jet and fly to London. You two will have to look for Tate. Get him out of there before I tie the knot.”
“You know I have your back, Doll.” He pulled me into his arms.
“I’m up for an adventure.”
I peeked at Rocco. “This is a dangerous adventure. If you can’t help, now is the time to back out. I could hire a professional hacker to find Tate.”
His brows wrinkled. “You just insulted me. I am the best.”
I stepped away and looped my arms around Rocco’s neck. “I know you are. We better get back to class.” I took a step back.
They nodded.
“Please treat Mason like you would Tate. He can’t even have an inkling of what we are up to.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Matt’s sinister eyes held mine.
“Matt, I know this is upsetting. But I know we can find Tate together.”
“He makes me want to kill him again.”
“Matt, you and me both.”
I peeked at Rocco. “Can you create a student file for Sabrina Reuther’s? That way I can contact you both from that email undetected.”
“You know I can.” He winked.
A warm smile lit my lips. “I know.”
CHAPTER THREE
My cheeks brightened as I listened to Carson’s and Emma’s banter over who was the best at the video game they played.
“I am more than willing to step in and ruin both of your scores.”
Emma jumped on the sofa, tickling my belly. “You will be a good big sister and teach us all you know.”
Carson’s gray eyes lit up. He hopped on the sofa. They double teamed me. I couldn’t stop laughing. Spending time with them kept my thoughts off my ordeal.
“Chelsea, you have company,” Nina yelled from the atrium.
“Hey guys.” Tate opened his arms as he stepped into the family room.
“Tate.” Carson and Emma bounced into his arms.
My happy state was short lived.
“Hey, Chelse.”
“Tate, I thought you’d be hanging with the guys.” My fake grin was in place.
“I told them I had to spend time with my girlfriend.” He sank into the sofa beside me.
The kids sat on the floor, staring at the seventy-five-inch screen TV. They argued over what they’d build next on the game. I laughed. My family was my comfort zone.
Mason’s arm slipped over my shoulder. “I heard a rumor about Veronica yesterday. You have any idea who could have started that rumor?”
I stared at the TV arms folded. “Nope.”
His nose nuzzled my hair behind my ear. “I have needs, Chelsea.”
My blood coursed through my veins. I wanted to sock him in his mouth. Asshole.
“You’ve managed all this time with Marisa,” I whispered.
“Yeah, but I’d like to test drive something different.”
Ugh! I bit my lip.
“After we’re married, it’s just me and you, baby.”
“Marriage,” Dad growled from behind.
We sat up straight, peering over our shoulders. My heart raced. Of course, I knew Tate was the man I wanted to marry, but not now. We discussed our future briefly. Our goal was to focus on our passions and worry about marriage down the line.
“Mr. Culver, sorry you had to hear about Chelsea and I tying the knot casually. I assure you I planned to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage the correct way.”
Dad’s gray eyes narrowed. “Don’t you think you two are a little young to discuss marriage?”
Dad sat in the chair beside us.
“No. She was the only girl I ever had any intention of being with for the rest of my life. Why wait? She’s the love of my life.” His eyes darted over at me. “I’ve loved, Chelsea since we were kids.”
The reminder was very clear. ‘She’ll never be yours.’ He planned to keep his word. My dad’s nosiness may have just escalated my marriage to Mason.
“Tate, you are excited to have her in your life all the time?”
Mason squeezed my hand as he stared at my dad.
“You have no idea, sir. I won’t waiver from my decision to marry your daughter.”
Dad’s eyes narrowed between us.
“Chelsea, is this what you want?”
Swallowing was next to impossible. I felt like cotton balls were lodged in my throat. I nodded. “Yes, Dad. I love Tate.”
<
br /> Not sure if my shaky voice was so convincing. Chelsea, hold on. You can do this. Maybe escalating the process would give you access to Tate sooner than later.
I snaked my arm around Mason’s. “He’s the love of my life. I can’t wait to become his wife.”
Keep the tears at bay, Chelsea. Instead, think of revenge. My face brightened.
Dad stood and Mason followed. “I’ll have a talk with my wife and your parents.” He extended his hand.
“You have my blessing. We’ll see if we have everyone else’s.”
Mason grinned from ear-to-ear. “Thank you, Mr. Culver.”
“You’re welcome.” He smiled.
Dad vacated the room.
Mason settled in beside me, pulling me into his arms. “Don’t cock block me again unless you plan on giving me some of that sweet little pussy you gave to my brother so eagerly.”
A chill shot up my spine. If I could have kneed him in the balls again, I would have.
“Come on, let’s go to the theater room and watch a movie.”
He grabbed my hand and led the way. How did he know where the theater room was? Had he broken into my house without our knowledge? The fucker must have.
Mason sat in the recliner and pulled me against his chest. The tiny hairs rose on the back of my neck. Oh, my God. He watched me and Tate. Was anything we’d done private?
SITTING ON A DESK IN the boiler room, I slipped a scrunchie around my hair. The smell of rusty pipes filled the air.
Matt then Rocco came into view.
“Well, if it isn’t our favorite teen witch,” Matt snickered.
“Funny.”
Rocco placed his laptop on the desk beside me. “I logged into the system and sent a message to your History teacher informing Mrs. Kipper you had an appointment with the school nurse.”
“That’s great. Gives us time to talk. We have to work fast guys. Mason upped our time table to get married.”
“How?” Matt’s brow creased as he loosened his navy tie.
“My dad overheard Mason mention marriage to me.” I smirked. “Dad, gave us his blessing.”
“We better work quick.” Rocco tapped away on his keyboard.
“I tracked the last time Douglas Forrester was in the states. Wouldn’t you know it was the week of Mason’s accident. I wonder who was buried in Mason’s grave.”
Matt hovered beside Rocco, glaring at the screen. “Doesn’t matter. Probably some poor kid who was already dead.”
“What else did you uncover?” Matt asked.
“Douglas hired a team of doctors who he brought from the UK. They were on his payroll for two years.”
My eyes widened. “Wow, so that’s how he nursed Mason back to health. Why can’t their father run the company?”
Matt tapped his index finger against his temple. “There has to be something higher at stake. Why else would it matter which heir ran the empire? There’s another piece to the puzzle. We just haven’t uncovered it yet.”
I slammed my fist on the desk. “Matt, but we will. We have to. The second Marisa returns to town, I want to know.”
“Will do, Chelsea.”
“If you two are done, I’ll show you guys what else I found.”
“By all means, Rocco we’re paying attention.”
“Ok.” He pointed at the screen.
“I dug up a picture of the Forrester London compound.” He pointed at the blue print.
“There are two unlabeled rooms on each wing of the house. One could have been used as a hospital room. The other room could be where Tate is being held.”
“Do you think Douglas knows Mason is holding Tate?”
“Matt, I think anything is possible when it comes to him. Tate’s grandfather knew he was coming to visit him. And Mason returned instead. The fact that he would use his grandsons for his personal gain, shows he only cares about his shitty legacy.”
“Chelsea, I think it’s time for you to set a date.” Rocco peeked at me.
I swallowed hard.
“Yeah, Doll, I think a Christmas wedding is in order.”
He was right. Didn’t make sense to delay the inevitable. The sooner I set a date, the sooner I could find Tate.
Saturday afternoon, Mason and his buddies sat in the bleachers two rows up from my friends.
Connie and Megan waved. Trevor and Rocco gave me a thumbs up. Dad and the twins sat down front, waving. At the sound of the whistle, we took off along the grassy terrain. Tate’s bloody face flashed in my head. The last few nights I envisioned him tied to a chair in the room Rocco found. I wished I could fly to London and find Tate on my own. I knew there was no chance. I had to play my cards right.
Five miles later, the point at which we started was in view. Myself and my teammate Sara waved to the cheering crowd as we reached the end.
Mason appeared to be fitting into Tate’s life. Matt joked with him as they approached, I was sure to keep Mason from suspecting our plan to blow up his fucking world.
“Congratulations, Chelsea.” Mason wrapped his arms around me. The nip of the cold air whipped through my heaving body. My body heat had kept me warm until that moment. I was reminded that I was in a chilling situation.
“Thanks.” He released me and the twins moved in squeezing my legs.
“Chelsea, you won.” I smoothed my hand over Emma’s hair and grinned.
“Dad, said since you won, he’ll take us to your favorite restaurant.” Carson smiled.
“Hungry, huh, buddy?”
“Yeah.”
Dad fell beside me. “Great job out there, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek. “I recorded the start and finish of the race for mom. She’s in surgery.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Dad greeted our friends. Everyone stood around congratulating me.
“Tate, I bet your relieved you only have to worry about playing one sport instead of two.”
“Yup, only basketball until the spring, then I’ll have Lacrosse to worry about too.” Mason smiled.
The bastard knew my boyfriend’s life inside and out.
“Would you like to join us for lunch, Tate?”
My heart raced. Please say no. His blue eyes met mine, and a smile tipped the end of his lips. “No thanks. Chelsea and I are hanging out tonight. Y’all enjoy family time.” His southern accent, I didn’t know he still had, shined through.
Mason leaned down kissing my lips. “See you later, Chelse.” He winked before walking off with the guys.
Even though they were twins, Tate and Mason were different. Mason was twisted and evil. Tate could be evil too. I learned that first hand. But to infiltrate someone’s life making it your own, and forcing their girlfriend into marriage, I’d say was pretty sick. I felt like I was cheating on Tate. What else could I do other than play the part of the elated girlfriend? Rather than what I was; repulsed and counting the days until the charades was over.
I said my goodbyes to my friends.
“Chelsea, are you all right? Is everything ok with you and Tate?”
Tears stung the backs of my eyes and I swallowed hard. “Yeah, couldn’t be better. I’ll meet y’all in the car after my shower.” I never met my father’s gaze. If I did, I may have broken into a million pieces.
∞
Connie and Megan tore through my closet searching for the perfect dress for Matt’s party.
I leaned against the door frame. “Guys, you are aware we don’t have to dress up. Knowing Matt, the atmosphere will be chill.”
“You are Tate Forrester’s girlfriend. You have to look like it. You can’t show up everywhere in jeans and a long sleeve blouse.”
“He doesn’t mind.”
Connie’s head snapped in my direction. “Wear your crown proud bitch. Now you are wearing the cutest dress tonight.”
I threw my hands in the air. “Fine.”
If I was truly dressing up for Tate, I wouldn’t have complained. But because I knew the person who would benefit made my skin crawl, he’d
purposely keep his hands plastered all over my body. The night at Stephens hit my memory bank. Tate and I were all over each other. I felt like the universe was playing a cruel joke on me.
Pretending to be the perfect girlfriend to a sociopath every day was draining. Earlier, I soaked in a hot bath, remembering how Tate ignited my body with a simple touch. Not to mention, when we made love, I wished he was there holding me in his arms reassuring me we’d share our life together. Now our future hung in the balance. My boyfriend had been missing for over a week. I darted into the bathroom and hurled my guts out. Luckily, the girls didn’t know I slipped away. My old wounds tickled. Begged to be slit with a razor. Months ago, I would have given in to the urge. This situation would’ve definitely afforded my body two new cut marks.
I brushed my teeth, staring in the oversized mirror. No more.
I wouldn’t cut myself every time I was dealt a bad hand. Making Mason pay for kidnapping my boyfriend and ruining my life was my priority.
“Hang on, Tate,” I whispered.
CHAPTER FOUR
Connie drove us to the party. Surprisingly, Mason was ok with meeting me at Matt’s.
The Brauner residence was over the top, it dripped luxury. A grand marble, off-white staircase with silver banisters greeted us in the gray and white plush atrium. Loud music thudded the walls around us as we sauntered toward the kitchen. I hadn’t been in Matt’s house in years. It was always grand. The color scheme changed from stark white to gray. I glimpsed at the long keg line.
“Megan, do you see Matt? Maybe he can score a bottle of vodka for us.”
She scanned the room then her smile dropped. “Found him.”
I glanced over my shoulder.
“What’s up, ladies?”
“We’d like drinks, Matt.” I yelled over the busy chatter in the kitchen. There were a few make out sessions happening around us. Matt didn’t bother shutting them down. He had his own agenda.
A gray T-shirt hugged his pecs. His hands were stuffed in his jeans pockets.
“Cabinet left of the stove.” He never took his eyes off Megan.
He stepped forward, gripping her waist. Matt leaned down and devoured her lips. They kissed like we didn’t exist.
You're To Blame 2: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Saints High) Page 2
