Broken: A Reverse Harem High School Bully Romance (An Evergreen Academy Novel Book 2)

by Ruby Vincent

  My eyes widened. Wait, no. It can’t be.

  “The Undisturbed!”

  I thought I was done with the open-mouthed gaping, but apparently, I had one more in me as the members of my favorite band jogged out onto the stage. The cheers that went up this time were ear-splitting, and I twisted around to look for Sofia.

  I thought she canceled them. How are they here? How are they seriously here?!

  “Thank you, everyone,” said lead singer, Dougie. “It is an honor to be here tonight for Valentina. Where is she? Let’s get her up on stage.”

  Dougie was getting closer and closer. I looked down. My feet were carrying me up all on their own. That was good because my brain went offline five seconds ago.

  The dance floor went from empty to packed in a heartbeat. Everyone rushed the stage as I climbed up the steps and placed my hand in Dougie’s. His bearded cheeks stretched into a smile.

  “This is for you, Valentina.”

  “I’m here with the band. When they leave, I leave.”

  It was easy to forget that Jaxson was the son of a legendary music producer, which was funny because he didn’t like to let people forget it. I wish I could say as I looked into the eyes of my celebrity crush that I started to hate him less, but this didn’t change a thing.

  Dougie started crooning one of my favorite songs and I let the music take over. I danced unheeding of the people watching me or the knowledge of what this year would bring. At that moment, I was just a girl at her sweet sixteen.

  The band let me stay on stage through the whole set. My night couldn’t have gotten any more amazing.

  “Now we have one more song we’d like to sing to the birthday girl, and I think you all know this one so feel free to join in.”

  The guitarist started playing the tune to “Happy Birthday” and I looked over the sea of bodies to see the sliding doors open. Sofia wheeled out a cart loaded down with a massive, five-layer birthday cake—green of course.

  I climbed off the stage as the crowd parted to make way for her. My favorite band at my back, my hated classmates on my sides, and Sofia beaming at me as she turned the cart and set it in front of me. None of this was what I planned for my birthday, but I guess it could have been worse.

  Sofia smiled at me as I reached for the cake knife. “Happy birthday”—her expression morphed in a blink—“bitch.”

  Sofia yanked and the cart tilted to the side. I screamed as a mountain of frosting, fondant, and chocolate batter crashed on top of me.

  Chapter Two

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

  I peeked out through the hole in the towel and gave her a look. “Sof, stop apologizing. You only did what I told you to do.”

  Sofia sank onto the sheets looking wretched. She was still dressed in her party gown, even though everyone had been sent home hours ago. I had only just gotten out of the shower. It’s harder than I thought to get icing out of your hair.

  “I shouldn’t have gone along with it,” she moaned. “I ruined your birthday.”

  I pulled my robe tighter and sat down next to her. “I got to dance onstage with the Undisturbed. You could have lit me on fire and it wouldn’t have ruined this night.” I bumped her shoulder. “Besides, I should be saying sorry to you. I heard Madeline chewing you out.”

  She scoffed. “She even grounded me. Can you believe that? Look who decided to act like a parent.”

  “Bright side: no one will think we’re friends now.”

  She gave me a sad smile. “There is no bright side to this. I really don’t like this, Val. I’m... scared.”

  “Don’t be. I promise everything will be okay. I have a plan.”

  “Will you let me in on the plan?”

  “The less you know, the better.”

  “Sounds like something people say before they kill someone.”

  I let the towel fall back over my head, blocking my face.

  “If you’re sure about this... I’ll trust you.”

  “I’m sure.” I tossed the towel over my shoulder and stood. Crossing the room, I peeked at Adam and found he was still fast asleep. I stroked his soft little cheek. “I’m going to make everything right.”

  “Okay. Good night, Val.”

  “Night.”

  “DID YOU HAVE FUN WITH Sofia?”

  “It was great, Mom.” I took my eyes off the mansion fading in my rearview mirror and focused on her. The rest of our vacation had been great even with Sofia being grounded. That didn’t look much different since Madeline went back to work and wasn’t around to keep her in. “I’ve got to show you the pictures of the sweet sixteen they threw me.”

  “That was nice of them.” Mom pulled out of the driveway and set us on the lane that led home. “I’ll show you mine too. I’m sorry I missed your birthday, baby, but we’ll celebrate tonight.”

  “I know we will, and I’m glad you had fun. You could use a break.”

  “Not from my Adam.” She grinned at him in the rearview mirror. “He’s such a good baby. You destroyed my figure, gnawed my nipples half off, and screamed whenever I closed my eyes. I started taking it personal after a while.”

  “Love you too, Mom,” I mumbled under my breath.

  She cackled. “Let’s have dinner at our favorite spot, swing by the mall, see a movie, and pick out a present. Sound good?”

  “Perfect.”

  I was wrong that celebrating my birthday couldn’t get any better than being up on that stage. We had so much fun talking about Olivia’s cruise adventures and the things Sofia and I got up to that I had no trouble finding my smiles that night.

  We stepped into the elevator and Mom pushed the button for the top floor. “Oh, yeah. I’ve got all your deliveries stacked up in my living room. What’s with that? I don’t remember you needing all of that for last year.”

  “It’s sophomore year, Mom. Things are even more intense.”

  “But what is it?”

  “Just some books. Things for my new dorm. Stuff like that.”

  “Okay, but I need you to move them to your room.”

  “I will.”

  We stepped off the lift and went into our apartment. I didn’t waste a second in moving the packages into my room. I’d have rather not sent it to the apartment, but sending it to school was out of the question. I couldn’t tell Mom what was really in these boxes, but I hadn’t lied completely. Sophomore year would be intense, and all these things would ensure I survived it... and they didn’t.

  I set my list of names on the floor as I checked everything over and packed it away. Second year, first semester; here I come.

  SUMMER ENDED MUCH TOO quickly and soon I was piling my things into the car and putting Wakefield in my rearview mirror. I was chatty when we started the two-hour drive, but as the gates loomed closer, I got quieter. I wanted to be here. I had gone through so much to earn my spot at this school, but the girl who rode up to those wrought-iron fences a year ago wasn’t here anymore.

  “Want me to help you unpack?”

  “No, that’s okay. It’s a long drive. You guys should head back.”

  “Alright, kid. I’ll see you soon then.”

  Mom joined the line of cars and pulled up to the curb. Like before, there were gray-uniformed staff who sprang into action the moment she popped the trunk. I kissed Olivia, and then climbed over the passenger seat to kiss Adam too.

  “I’ll miss you, son,” I said softly. Adam blinked up at me with huge eyes. “Be good for Grandma.”

  Whack!

  “Ow!” My hand flew to my backside.

  “What did you just call me? You watch your language around the baby.”

  Grumbling, I pulled back and hopped out. Mom beeped before throwing the car in drive and riding off—leaving me alone.

  I spun around and faced the gates of Evergreen Academy.

  Time to burn this motherfucker to the ground.

  I PUSHED INTO MY NEW dorm room and stepped aside so the men could bring in my sui
tcases, I tried not to be impressed, but I wasn’t fooling anyone. This room was bigger than my freshman dorm, and that place had been bigger than our apartment.

  My bed was bigger. My desk was bigger. My wardrobe took up almost an entire wall. There was a cute study nook with shelves above for my textbooks.

  Gotta give them this much; they hire great interior decorators.

  “Thank you,” I said to the staff members. They tipped their caps at me and filed out.

  I let the door slam shut and then flung myself on the bed. My phone was out and my fingers typing moments after the comforter claimed me.

  Me: They put me on the first floor. Rm 105. Where r u?

  Sofia: Third floor. Rm 316. They probably want to make sure you don’t fall down anymore stairs.

  Me: Good call.

  Sofia: I know you said you had a plan, but I’m glad you’ll have Noemi watching your back.

  Me: Actually, I won’t. No bodyguard for me this year.

  Sofia: WHY?!

  Me: It’s all a part of the plan, Sof. Don’t freak. What wasn’t a part of the plan was it being harder for us to sneak into each other’s rooms. Someone might see us if we try now.

  Sofia: I know. This sucks. We’ll have to meet up in our secret spot from now on. Unless Rossman goes back to bending Panzer over the couch up there.

  I hit her with a wave of vomit emojis.

  Me: Thanks for the image! Gross. Why is that our secret spot again?

  Her reply was a bunch of LOLs.

  I tossed my phone on the pillow beside me and heaved myself up. I was here now. It was time to put things in motion. I went through and unpacked all my stuff, hanging up my clothes, setting out my makeup, then sliding one locked suitcase under my bed. I hoped the security system would protect me from another break-in, but I wasn’t taking chances.

  When everything was put away, I reached for my phone again.

  Me: Did you find them?

  I waited with bated breath, counting the seconds tick, tick, ticking from the clock as I stared at my phone.

  S: Yes. I will send you the information.

  Me: Great. Thank you.

  I went to set my phone down when a buzz vibrated my hand.

  S: Your account is low. I will deposit more money.

  I thought about saying no. My fingers were poised to type it, but at the last second, I stopped myself.

  More money would come in handy this year.

  I pulled up the reply and typed in six letters.

  Thanks.

  The next text was the information I had asked for.

  I stayed up well into the night setting my plans into motion, which is why I didn’t welcome the banging on my door early the next morning.

  I poked my head out from under my pillow. “Who is it?!”

  It was Sunday. Classes didn’t start until the next day and Sofia wouldn’t be banging on my door begging to get caught. Who was out there and what could they possibly want from me?

  “Valentina, it’s me.”

  My irritation melted away. Slowly, I pushed off the covers and padded to the door. Noemi beamed at me over the threshold.

  “Hey, Val. How was your summer?”

  “Good.”

  “Did you go anywhere fun?”

  “No.”

  She nodded. “Let me guess, it was homework, homework, homework. You study like crazy, but I tell you, I got through so many books while I was sitting with you in the library that I made my husband jealous. The kids make sure we don’t have time to shower, let alone read.” She laughed at her joke.

  “Bummer.”

  Noemi clapped. “So, the new semester starts tomorrow which means I’ll be outside your door bright and early. After the awards ceremony... the headmaster felt it best I continue to escort you.”

  “No.”

  “So I was thinking we...” Noemi trailed off, the smile slipping off her face. “What?”

  “No, I don’t want an escort this year.”

  “But, Val, last year you went through—”

  “I don’t need you to tell me what happened last year.” I tried to keep my tone even. “I don’t want a bodyguard and I’ll tell the headmaster that and sign whatever he puts in front of me.”

  Her eyelashes fluttered as she blinked at me. “If that’s what you want—”

  “It is.” I stepped back inside and grabbed the door. “Wait here while I change. We can go right now.”

  I closed the door on Noemi’s screwed-up face and got dressed. I was stepping out of my door ten minutes later. Noemi fell in beside me, silent as we walked out into the quad.

  It was the chaos you’d expect of the final move-in day out here. People ran around meeting up with friends, herding parents, and lugging oversized suitcases. Noemi and I weaved through the chaos without saying a word, but every now and then I caught her looking at me out of the corner of my eye.

  Stepping through into administration was night and day what was happening outside. It was deathly quiet in here. Mrs. Khan sat behind reception shuffling papers around while the other office workers had their eyes glued to the computer. You’d think they’d have a lot to do getting ready for a new school year. Looking at them I remembered something Paisley told me.

  “There may be a whole administration office with little worker bees banging away at their computers, but Jaxson and the other Knights are the ones who really run this school—at least in the ways that matter.”

  It was hard to argue with that.

  “Mrs. Khan. We need to speak to the headmaster.”

  She pointed without looking up. “You can go right through.”

  Headmaster Evergreen wasn’t as old as his sallow skin and white hairs suggested. According to Sofia, the man was only in his early fifties, but had been running the school since he took over for his father when he was thirty.

  I peered at him through hooded eyes as he gestured for me to take a seat. Evergreen once said he had no idea what it meant to be marked. I believe that like I believe deep down Ryder Shea was really a nice guy.

  “What can I do for you, Miss Moon?”

  “I won’t be needing a bodyguard this year. I’m supposed to sign something for that, right?”

  Evergreen’s forehead wrinkled with his frown. “You expressed concern last year for your safety and seemed quite pleased with this solution. I must say I’m surprised to hear this after the incident at the awards ceremony.”

  I gritted my teeth. “Speaking of the ceremony, what did you do about Jaxson Van Zandt stealing my medical records and announcing my business to the school? Last I checked, that was a crime.”

  Evergreen’s face smoothed out. “It was negligence to the highest degree, and I assure you, we take that very seriously. Dr. Miller was let go and new systems have been put in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Every video of the incident that was put online has been taken down, and our lawyers will ensure no more are posted.”

  I waited for him to say more. “And?” I pressed when he didn’t go on. “How was Jaxson punished?”

  “Mr. Van Zandt’s parents were informed of his actions and he will no longer M.C. school events.”

  “That’s it? You made me pick up trash for weeks because I broke a television, but Jaxson breaks the law and nothing.”

  Now his expression changed. Evergreen’s frown said everything about how far I would get pushing this. “The punishments I give are not for you to question, Miss Moon. Now let’s return to the matter at hand. Why are you refusing an escort?”

  I folded my arms. “It’s simple. No matter how I look at it... your escort was involved in me falling down the stairs.”

  The reaction to my accusation was immediate.

  “Miss Moon!”

  “Excuse me?!”

  I sat stony-faced while they raged around me. All I’ve done over the last few weeks was think about what was done to me, and this was the only thing that made sense.

  “That is a serious allegation,�
�� Evergreen said. “Do you have any proof of this?”

  “Of course there’s no proof,” said Noemi. “I had nothing to do with it. It was an accident.”

  “It wasn’t an accident.” I announced. “I asked the custodians and they said they had no reports of the elevator being broken down that day. Someone put up that sign to make me take the stairs, and then trip over a line that was gone when I came back.”

  “What line?” Evergreen sputtered. “How can you be sure it was there? And—”

  “I know what I felt, Headmaster,” I cut in calmly. “But the real problem is... where was Noemi? She was supposed to be standing outside my room waiting for me but she wasn’t there when I came out, and she wasn’t the one who found me knocked out on the stairs. Some random freshman came back from class and screamed the place down thinking I was dead. That was an hour and a half after when she was supposed to meet me.”

  I turned to Noemi. The woman didn’t meet my gaze, her eyes fixed on a point above Evergreen’s head. “Why weren’t you there? And when you couldn’t find me, why didn’t you look?”

  Noemi still didn’t look at me. “I did nothing—”

  My hands clamped down on the arms of the chair. “Stop lying!” My anger came up hot and fast. I had liked Noemi. I thought she was my friend. Realizing she must have betrayed me was the final nail in the coffin. “If one more lie comes out of your mouth, the next person I speak to will be the cops. Let’s see how many books you read in prison.”

  Evergreen rose from his seat. “Miss Moon, it won’t be necessary to involve the police. I will handle this matter personally.”

  Noemi fixed on him; her face stricken. “Headmaster, I swear I was not involved in any plot to harm her. I—”

  He held up a hand. “We have yet to determine that there was a plot, or even that it wasn’t an accident like Miss Moon believes. That will be looked into. But a fact that does remain is you were not at your post at the time of her fall. That is unacceptable.”

  “But, sir, I—”

  Evergreen wasn’t letting her get a word in. “Mrs. Kennedy, you no longer work for Evergreen Academy. Please, pack up your things. Security will escort you from the building within the hour.”