Ruthless Idols: A Paranormal High School Bully Romance (Gifted Academy Book 2)

by Michelle Hercules

  Phoenix rubs his face, setting his beer down. With his hands on his hips, he glances at the floor. “Daisy was sure Drusilla had given her Silver-voltage.”

  “Drusilla shared the same confidence. She believed without a doubt that she had succeeded in her mission,” I reply.

  “I’m going to have a word with Daisy.” Bryce starts for the front door, but Phoenix moves quickly and blocks his way.

  “Don’t. She’s beat, man. Let her rest for tonight. Drusilla gave her something; that much is true. She was high when I bumped into her.”

  I narrow my eyes, sensing something different about Phoenix’s aura. It’s less turbulent. I usually don’t make it a habit of snooping on other people’s energy fields, but the change in his is hard to miss. Something happened today that he’s not telling us.

  “Why are you Daisy’s knight in shining armor all of a sudden? What happened at your parents’?” Bryce crosses his arms in front of his chest.

  Phoenix tries to keep his face impartial, but I see the slight twitch of his eyebrows. I’m sure Bryce noticed that too. “Nothing happened. We didn’t stay long.”

  Rufio rips at his hair and begins to pace again. “Fuck. This is maddening. If Drusilla has levelled up, she’s going to be a fucking nightmare.”

  “Do you think she’s in the same league as us?” Phoenix asks.

  “She evaded my power blast.” Bryce steps away from him, but the tension in his frame remains the same, coiled tight. Any little trigger might set him off. It’s best if he doesn’t see Daisy tonight.

  “Like she blocked your blast, or she moved out of the way?” Phoenix watches Bryce closely.

  “The latter. Still, she moved way too fast. I don’t know if she’s a fifteen now, but she’s definitely no longer a twelve,” I reply, and then a thought occurs to me. “The Knights were interested in Daisy’s safety. I wonder if there’s a way to contact them.”

  “Why would we do that? They kidnapped Bryce.” Rufio glares at me.

  “Exactly. They know a way to neutralize Idol powers. We can’t declare open war on Drusilla without serious repercussions. And if she’s on our former boss’s team, she’ll keep gunning for Daisy.”

  “Our mother.” Bryce turns to Rufio. “She also wants Daisy safe. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a Knight herself. I followed her to Unearthly Desires on the same evening they jumped me. She could have tipped them off.”

  “So what’s the game plan? Daisy is safe in her room now, but what happens on Monday? She doesn’t share all her classes with us,” I point out.

  “I’ll think of something,” Bryce replies with a downcast expression.

  “I can’t stay here. I need to blow off some steam.” Rufio heads for the front door.

  “Don’t tell me you’re going to Unearthly Desires,” Phoenix says with a hint of annoyance.

  Rufio stops suddenly, shoulders tense. “No,” he replies simply before walking out.

  Phoenix stares at the closed door for a couple of beats before turning to me.

  “Aren’t you going to tag along?” I ask.

  Phoenix’s expression is solemn. There’s no mirth in his gaze. “No.” He focuses on the blanket wrapped around my shoulders. “Are the shadows bothering you again?”

  “Yup. Every time our overlord god comes for a visit, they gain strength. At least he didn’t stay long in my head this time or make me wish for death.”

  Phoenix keeps staring at me as if he wants to say something.

  “What?” I ask.

  He shakes his head and glances at the stove. “I can make you some tea or soup if you’re hungry.”

  My jaw drops of its own accord. Phoenix offering to do something nice for others? That’s a first. But he looks like a dog without a bone now, so I’m not going to pick on him.

  “Sure, I’ll have some tea. Thanks.”

  Phoenix gets busy in the kitchen, and after a minute I finally decide to offer something in return for his unusual kindness.

  “If you have something on your chest that you feel you can’t talk to anyone about it, I’m here.”

  His shoulders tense. “You’re not using your freaky gifts on me, are you?”

  “I can’t read minds, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m just offering my ear if you feel like talking, that’s all.”

  Phoenix doesn’t speak for several beats before he finally replies. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

  He’s not going to open up now. I can tell as much. Whatever’s eating him, I hope it’s not something that will destroy him in the end.

  25

  Daisy

  I spent at least half an hour staring at myself in the mirror before I finally took a shower and called it a night. I didn’t see anything different about my appearance, but I feel strange, almost as if I don’t fit in my own skin.

  Falling asleep is difficult. I toss and turn in my bed while disturbing thoughts plague my mind: Drusilla’s glee after Renata drugged me, the contempt on Phoenix’ mother’s face, the hatred in his father’s eyes.

  I’m still in the scene where the man shattered his own windows when suddenly the landscape vanishes. I’m in the woods now, and it’s wintertime. I’m dressed for the occasion, wearing snow boots to protect my feet plus a puffy jacket, a woolen hat, and thick gloves.

  I don’t recognize the place, but it’s peaceful. I keep walking the beaten path until a chalet appears at the end of it. Smoke billows from the chimney. I head for the small house without hesitation, almost as if I know who I’ll find inside. Giddy anticipation unfurls in the pit of my stomach.

  The door is unlocked, so I push it open. “Hello?”

  Phoenix comes down the hallway, wearing a thick pullover and dark jeans. His gorgeous face breaks into a thousand-watt smile when he sees me. “Hello, gorgeous.”

  My heart does a backflip before it starts hammering away as if it wants to leapfrog out of my chest. I break into a run and jump into Phoenix’s open arms. He hugs me tightly, kissing the top of my head, while I burrow my face in his chest and take a whiff of his cologne.

  “I’m glad you came,” he says.

  I ease back and raise my face to his. “Were you afraid I wouldn’t?”

  His smile wilts a fraction. “Yeah, I was.”

  Rising on my tiptoes, I bring my lips to his. It’s a feathery brush first, but it soon turns smoldering hot. With a groan, Phoenix lifts me off the floor. His tongue darts in my mouth while I wrap my legs around his waist, hooking them at the ankles. With expert strokes, he slowly unravels me completely. He tastes like rain and sunshine.

  I run my fingers over the short strands of his hair, pulling at the roots a little.

  “Daisy, you’re going to be the end of me,” he mumbles against my lips.

  “That sounds ominous.” I chuckle.

  “You laugh, but I’m serious.” He forgets my lips for a moment to worship my neck. With each open kiss he places against my sensitive skin, I melt a little more.

  “I think you’ll be the death of me,” I sigh.

  He walks us to the living room. Pulling back to look into my eyes, he asks, “Couch or rug?”

  Quickly, I check both options, and then I smile coquettishly. “We can start on the couch.”

  “A woman after my own heart.” He captures my lips again for a toe-curling, panty-dropping kiss.

  Slowly, he sets me down without letting go. But I’m in the mood to tease. I flatten my palm against his chest and give him a light shove, stepping back as well. Phoenix stares at my mouth with hooded eyes, which only makes me yearn for him more.

  “I’m so terribly hot. I think I should get rid of some layers,” I say teasingly.

  “Some? How about all of them?”

  “Patience, boy.”

  “I’ve run out of patience. I’ve been waiting for this moment for far too long.”

  “Me too.”

  I unzip my coat and let it drop at my feet.

  “I thought you had nothing
underneath that,” he says.

  “It’s cold outside.” I pout.

  “I’ll make you warm in no time, babe.” He takes a step forward, but I wag my index finger.

  “Not yet.”

  It’s his turn to look like a kid who was denied a lollipop.

  Finally, I pull my sweater and T-shirt off in one move and toss them aside. Naturally, Phoenix’s heated gaze drops to my breasts.

  He licks his lower lip and says roughly, “Daisy, you’re a weapon of desire. But you’re done torturing me.”

  With a flick of his wrist, he unhooks my bra and sends it flying out of sight.

  “Hey!” I say, but before I can protest any further, Phoenix is on me, mouth and hands everywhere.

  We tumble onto the couch, a twist of limbs and urgency. I close my eyes and surrender to the onslaught of the most incendiary sensations running freely through my body.

  An annoying noise sounds in the distance, killing the mood. I try to ignore it, but it gets louder with each second. For fuck’s sake.

  My eyes fly open and Phoenix is gone. I’m in my room, in my bed, tangled in my sheets. But the throbbing between my legs is way too real.

  Damn it. He messed with my head again. I didn’t think I had to worry about that anymore. I was so fucking naïve. In a huff, I toss the sheets aside and sit up. My eyes travel toward my desk where I left the librarian’s book.

  I was supposed to have a read-a-thon with Morpheus yesterday, which, thanks to Drusilla, didn’t happen. But I already know how to keep Phoenix out of my head. I just don’t have a clue how I’m going to make him bleed without my dagger.

  Guilt, the last emotion I should be feeling right now, enters my heart. Phoenix was out of his mind with worry when he thought I had taken Silver-voltage. And I’m sure we shared a special moment in the car right before his strange tattoo started to bother him. Does he think that gives him the right to give me erotic dreams?

  I’m all fired up and ready to start a fight. Not caring that I’m wearing sleepwear, I veer for the door. The air gets sucked out of my lungs when I find Rosie and Toby standing there.

  “Surprise!” Rosie yells.

  “Oh my God. What are you doing here?” My eyes drop to her arm, which is no longer in a cast. “When did that happen?”

  “Oh, yesterday. Toby took me to the hospital. Now we no longer match.” She pouts and looks at his cast.

  “And I’m glad about that.” He pulls her closer and kisses her on the cheek.

  A little pang hits my chest. I’ve always been responsible for taking care of Rosie, but since I’ve joined Gifted Academy, I’ve slacked off.

  “How did you get in?” I ask them.

  “I still have my credentials, so getting through the gate wasn’t a problem. And I rang some random dude’s apartment and he let me into the building,” Toby explains.

  “Boy, security in this place is tight,” I half joke, because my other half is actually concerned about it.

  “We came to kidnap you,” Rosie continues. “Aren’t you going to let us in?”

  Stunned, I open the door wider to let them pass. Toby whistles, and Rosie is looking at everything wide-eyed.

  “This is way better than my former quarters,” he says.

  “Oh, Toby. You have to convince your parents to let you come back. The school isn’t the same without you.” I pout.

  “I’ve tried. If it was only up to my father, I’d still be here. My mother is the problem. And she doesn’t know about—” He stops suddenly, probably remembering Rosie doesn’t know I was tossed out of a window.

  “Know about what?” Rosie asks.

  Toby rubs the back of his neck, turning beet red. “Uh, she doesn’t know that I faked being a Fringe.”

  “What’s happening today? Where are you kidnapping me to?” I change the subject before Rosie can probe further.

  She turns around with a big smile on her face. “Toby’s father’s employer is throwing his annual barbeque today, and we’re invited.”

  Now it’s my turn to make a face. “But doesn’t your dad work for an Idol?”

  “Yes, but he’s not like the assholes in school. He’s pretty nice.”

  I watch my sister closely. “Still, they’re Idols, Rosie. Are you okay with that?”

  She bobs her head up and down. “Yup. I’ve already met the guy. You really can’t tell he’s an Idol. He’s super chill. Besides, they have a pool!” she squeaks.

  “Okay, okay. Let me get ready, then.”

  I grab a change of clothes and lock myself in the bathroom. I hear giggles on the other side, so I feel it’s my sisterly duty to yell, “You’d better not be making out in my bed.”

  “Shut up, Daisy, and hurry up,” Rosie replies.

  I shake my head while a small smile blossoms on my face. I haven’t heard Rosie laugh like that in a very long time. It doesn’t matter that my life has been hellish since I came here; as long as Rosie’s happy, then all the hardships are worth it.

  I glance at the clothes I randomly picked and curse in my head. A pair of faded jeans with several holes that aren’t a fashion statement and a T-shirt with a psychotic unicorn on it. Shit. I have to change.

  Outside the bathroom has become too quiet, so it’s no surprise when I walk in on Rosie and Toby in a lip-lock. At least they aren’t on my bed. Rosie is sitting on my desk, and Toby is between her legs. Okay, not that much better.

  I clear my throat, which prompts Toby to leap back as if Rosie electrified him.

  “Are you ready?” Rosie asks, the poster child of innocence. Toby’s face, on the other hand, is in flames.

  “Almost. I need to change my T-shirt.”

  “Wait. Is that unicorn saying he’s gonna shank some bitches with his horn?” Toby cracks a smile.

  “Exactly why I need to change.”

  “No!” Rosie jumps from the desk. “You have to wear it.”

  She unzips her hoodie, revealing a tank top with a similar design. Her unicorn is floating lazily in a pool smoking a joint and drinking a beer.

  “Rosie! What the hell? Where did you get that?”

  “It was a gift from me.” Toby looks sheepish. And then he reveals his own inappropriate T-shirt, two popular cartoon characters dressed as pimps.

  I raise a brow. “Guys, I thought the party was at the boss’s house.”

  Rosie giggles. “It’s a fun T-shirt party, silly. I totally forgot to tell you. But it doesn’t matter. Just make sure you keep that covered until the right time.”

  Wow. There are Idols out there who are fun?

  “Okay, now I can’t wait to meet the guy.”

  26

  Daisy

  When Toby takes the exit leading to the mountains instead of the beach, I let out a relieved breath. I haven’t had the greatest experience in Saturn’s Bay coastal line. The boss is named Gunther Silverstone, and he’s an art dealer. Toby’s father helps the Idol procure rare pieces for his galleries. This I learned from Rosie. She now knows more about Toby than I do, which makes me feel guilty in a way. He was my friend, yet I never bothered to truly get to know him. No, I was too occupied with four impossibly sexy and hateful Idols. Only now the hateful part isn’t so true anymore.

  The house—mansion, actually—is an hour away from school. It sits in the Sapphire Mountains on a piece of prime real estate. It has breathtaking views of the wineries all around and also the ocean from the other side, although it’s a little far.

  Wrought iron gates part when Toby’s purple menace approaches the entrance. A man in a polo shirt and khaki pants is waiting in front of the house.

  “Is that a valet?” Rosie asks.

  “Yep. Welcome to the Idol sweet life.”

  The valet smirks when Toby hands him the key.

  Toby twists his face into a glower. “I know she doesn’t look like much, but if I find a scratch on her, you’ll have to answer to your boss.”

  I trade a worried glance with Rosie. I’ve never heard Toby sou
nd so snobbish before. There’s a moment of silence before he and the valet burst out laughing. They then do the bro-hug thing—side hug, tap on the back—and turn to us.

  “Rosie, Daisy, this is Stephan Silverstone, the prince of this palace.”

  My jaw drops. I look closely at him, but I don’t sense any Idol vibe coming from him. How is that possible?

  “Nice to meet you, ladies.” He smiles broadly, showing perfect white teeth.

  “You’re not an Idol,” Rosie blurts out.

  Stephan glances quickly at Toby and then his smile turns into a smirk. “Are you sure?”

  His power flares up like fireworks in the sky. He didn’t become the sun like Bryce, but I sense his power flowing freely now.

  “How did you do that?” I ask.

  “Hide my Idol nature? It’s easy with practice. In theory, all Idols can, but most choose not to.”

  “Why would you want to hide your powers?” I ask, but then I think about Mr. X, who does it daily so he can pretend to be a Norm.

  “I don’t enjoy seeing fear in the eyes of Norms, so I do it anytime I know I’ll cross paths with them.”

  “I suppose that’s considerate.” If not deceiving as hell, but I kept that thought to myself.

  Stephan turns to Toby. “It’s good to see you, man. You’ve grown since the last time we hung out.”

  Toby’s cheeks turn bright red. He throws a fleeting glance in Rosie’s direction. “Jeez, thanks, Stephan. Way to make me feel like a little kid.”

  Stephan catches Toby’s reaction. He glances at Rosie, and then it’s like a light bulb turns on above his head. “Oh, I see. I didn’t mean to embarrass you in front of your girlfriend. Nice job, Toby. She’s pretty.”

  Stephan switches his attention to me. “So, Daisy. Are you single?” He flashes me that bright smile again.

  I’ll admit, he’s easy on the eyes. His straw blond hair is cut in the typical preppy boy style—a little long on top and short on the sides—and he’s packing some serious muscles underneath his polo shirt. But I feel nothing, not even a faint fluttering in my chest. I think my heart is at capacity at the moment, filled with four boys already. They each have a hold on me and pull my strings in different ways.