Rowdy Boy (A High School Bully Romance): Black Mountain Academy

by Clarissa Wild

  “Is that what you think about me?” I ask.

  “It’s what everyone told me,” she says with a serious face. “And you’ve proven it too.”

  “How? What did they tell you?” I reply. “Where’s the proof?”

  She stutters. “I … well … all those other girls …”

  “What other girls?” I reply. “The ones that tell you what … that I collect girls like prizes? And you believe them?”

  “Oh, stop feigning innocence. You know damn well what you do. You treat girls like your personal playthings,” she says, her fists balling. “But I’m not going to be one of them. Not anymore. I won’t let you ruin my heart, Cole.”

  She grabs her earplugs and phone, plugs them in, and stuffs them into her ear, blocking me out. I continue to stare at her, wondering how long she’s going to keep this up.

  At least I got closer to the truth. She may not like it, but she loved what I did to her at the lake. She hides her needs behind a veil of lies, but I see right through it.

  I pluck her earbuds from her ear and say, “You can hide all you want, but that won’t keep me from finding out the truth.”

  “What truth?” she says with furrowed brows.

  I shift in my seat and bite my lip. “You’re hiding something.”

  Her lips part, but nothing follows, except the look on her face, which turns darker and darker by the second. “Who told you that?”

  I cock my head. “I don’t spill my sources. It’s bad for publicity.”

  Her nostrils flare. I’ve never seen her this upset, not even after I told her I won the dare. Her body stiffens as the harshness settles on her face unlike ever before.

  Whatever it is I asked from her made her crack.

  “Screw you, Cole. This conversation is over.”

  She stuffs her plugs back into her ear and looks the other way, determined not to give me any time of the day.

  But she’s given me more than enough. She gave me a clue.

  That I was right.

  She is hiding something.

  And that’s only gotten me more convinced to find out exactly what it is.

  Chapter 18

  Monica

  When we get to the location, Cole and his buddies didn’t want to get out, so I jumped out of my seat and slid out without saying a word. I wasn’t going to stay there one more minute with his wolfish eyes on me.

  His questions came in hard and fast, and I did not expect to get that triggered by them, but I did. He has no right to ask me about anything, let alone my “secrets.” I don’t know who told him what, if it was Jenny or some other gossipy bitch from my old school, but one thing’s for sure … he’s fishing, and I don’t want to wait until he’s baited me into telling him the truth.

  “Monica!” Mel calls, waving at me from the parking lot.

  I clutch my bag close and go to her. “Hey. Sorry for being late. My mom gave me an earful of advice I didn’t need.”

  She laughs. “Don’t worry about it,” she says. “I was gonna save you a seat, but the teachers forced us to fill up the bus. Literally, all the spots were taken …” She rolls her eyes. “Well, except for next to Cole’s.”

  “I swear, he left that open specifically for me,” I reply, rolling my eyes.

  “You think?” She blinks at me a couple of times. “I mean, I hate to say it out loud, but you two really have something going on there.”

  I gasp. “Nooooo, nothing’s going on.”

  I really don’t want her to know about the lake thing, even though she technically knows, I’m not about to spill the beans on the whole story.

  “He’s trying to get to you,” she says, placing a hand on my arm. “Don’t let him. This playboy thing is just his jam. He likes the fangirls. I mean, look.” She points at the front of the main lodge where the registry is. There are a bunch of people collected all around Cole and his buddies, all asking for autographs. Girls fawn over him like he’s some kind of god, and it makes the bile rise in my throat.

  “See? He loves it,” she says.

  “Tell me about it.”

  She nudges me with her elbow. “Just forget about him. Don’t let him hurt you again.”

  “Right …”

  “And chin up, we’re here, we’re not gonna let him spoil all our fun.” She winks, making me smile. “C’mon. Let’s go pick our bunkbed.”

  Cole

  After a long and boring day out in the woods, we finally get back to the cabin and throw ourselves down on our beds. Tristan managed to secure us a four-person cabin, so we don’t have to deal with fans while trying to sleep. I mean, it’s happened before, and it’s not a pleasant experience, save from the few times I jumped into bed with some of them. I used to love it when girls randomly slipped into my bed, but right now, I’m only interested in that girl being Monica.

  But I’m not here to play games. I’m here because our gig got canceled, and Tristan wanted to use this time to practice in front of a crowd and hopefully get ready for our big meeting. Because I’m opening the envelope right now with the boys looking over my shoulders, eager to read every single word.

  We read through it all at once, but three words are enough to make us all go bonkers. “Invitation to an audition …”

  Tristan and Benjamin bro-hug and dance together while Michael throws a fist up in the air. “Fuck yeah!” They hug me and force me to get up, so we all jump together and butt-heads.

  “We’re the real deal, fellas,” Benjamin says.

  “Honest to God, I thought we’d never make it,” Tristan says. “But it’s all thanks to you.” He looks at me now.

  “No … we did this together …” I say, looking at each one of them in the eyes. “And we’ll finish this together too. TO TRIGGER!” I roar, and the boys roar with me.

  Monica

  I’m on my way from the girls’ common room to the cabin where I’m staying when loud screaming makes me jump up and down on the stone path. I almost shrieked from the scare. I wonder what the hell it is. It came from the cabin next to me. Maybe someone needs help?

  I approach the cabin, making sure no one sees me as we’re not allowed to go anywhere near the men’s cabins according to school rules, but I can’t help it. I need to know if someone’s in danger, you never know.

  So I walk up the wooden staircase, which creaks under my weight. I hold my breath and lean toward the door, listening in. A bunch of dudes is cheering, making loud, grizzly bear-like noises. It sounds like they’re excited about something and want to celebrate. But more importantly … they sound like Cole’s band buddies.

  Then one of them says his name, and I know for sure. Shit. I can’t fucking believe it.

  A few seconds later, the door bursts open, and I barely manage to scramble to the side before it hits me in the face. Two boys, Tristan and Benjamin, come out, drunk on euphoria or something else, I don’t know, but I’ve never seen them this happy.

  But as they leave and walk their way up the path toward the main lodge where all the fun takes place, they left open the door. And a light inside reveals there are still two boys left.

  Cole and Michael. And for some reason, I can’t stop peeking through the small slit that’s left. Even if it’s probably going to end badly for me, I need to know what Cole’s up to. If he’s planning to do something to bully me or worse … take me down along with him.

  Cole

  A few seconds earlier

  “Fuck yes, time to get a fucking drink and party!” Benjamin boasts, bumping chests with Tristan. “C’mon.”

  They try to pull me along, but I’m still busy reading the letter. “Cole? You coming?”

  “Nah, I’m good,” I reply.

  “Aw, c’mon. You’re the biggest star,” Benji says. “The girls are waiting for you out there.”

  “I just wanna celebrate in private. That cool?” I reply, sitting down on the couch.

  “Whatever, bro,” Benji says, shaking his head. He throws an arm around Tristan, who�
�s still looking at me like he doesn’t know which side to pick. But I’d rather not throw myself into a bunch of fangirls right now. I’ve had enough of that for a while.

  “You go on. Have fun.” I wave them off, and they both leave the room.

  Only Michael is left, who is suspiciously silent, even though he’s normally the one to party the hardest. The youngest member of our band, but also the one who craves the attention the most. And right now, he’s not acting like his usual self, because he’s hovering over his bedside stand with his back toward me without saying a word. And I don’t trust it one bit.

  “Michael?” I mumble. “Aren’t you gonna party with Tristan and Benji?”

  He looks up and sniffs. Hard. Then he runs his finger along his nose. “Yeah. Of course. I just … needed a sec.”

  I narrow my eyes and get up from the seat. “To do what exactly?” I peer over his shoulder at the nightstand only for him to snatch a tiny bag that was there … A bag filled with some kind of white powder.

  I immediately pounce on him and grab him by the collar. “What the fuck are you doing, Michael?”

  “Relax.” He holds up his hands. “It’s just some coke. No biggie.”

  “Just some coke?” Rage fuels my bones, and I tighten my grip. “Do you have any idea what the fuck you’re doing?”

  “You should take some. It might take the edge off,” he says, raising a brow. “Lord knows you need it the most.”

  I punch him right in the face.

  He falls on the hardwood floor with a big, fat red mark on his nose. Blood pours out.

  “Jesus Christ, Cole! What the fuck!” he growls, wiping the blood from underneath his nose. “What’d you do that for?”

  “I told you not to fucking do drugs while you’re a part of our band,” I say through gritted teeth. “Do you have any idea how fucking dangerous it is to bring that shit here?”

  He makes a face and leans up on his elbows. “Who gives a shit? It’s just coke. We’re not the only kids who—”

  “I DON’T FUCKING CARE!” I’m boiling over now, but it’s for a good reason.

  I know where he got those drugs. I’d recognize those baggies anywhere.

  The mere thought of my family’s drug empire creeping its way into my blood, sweat, and tears just to spoil everything I’ve worked so damn hard for is too much.

  I hold out my hand. “Give me the fucking bag.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Do it!” I growl. “Or I swear to God, not playing for us will be the last thing on your mind.”

  He gulps and fishes the baggie from his pocket. “You’re a fucking lunatic.”

  I ignore that last comment and bring it straight to the toilet, where I flush it down whole. Good fucking riddance. Then I focus my attention on him.

  “This is the last time, do you hear me? The last fucking time,” I growl as he gets up from the floor. “No more free passes. This is your last shot.”

  He looks at me with disdain in his eyes. “Or what? You’re gonna kick me from the band? As if the others would let you.”

  “Watch me,” I hiss. “Don’t for a second think I wouldn’t. I created this band, and I have the power to disband it too. You want that on your conscience?”

  He seems agitated, but not as much as when he looks over at the door. I imagine it’s because he wants to leave to escape this harrowing situation so he can party with the boys and forget this ever happened.

  But when my eyes follow his, I know right then and there why the look on his face turned lethal. And mine do too … because Monica fucking Romero is peeking through the crack in the door.

  Chapter 19

  Monica

  My eyes widen in shock.

  Fuck.

  I got caught watching, and Cole’s eyes are churning with rage.

  Then Michael steps in front, blocking my view.

  The look on his face is beyond any Cole has ever given me, filled with murderous intent.

  “You sneaky bitch!” Michael yells.

  Before I know it, the door flings open, and he grabs my arm and drags me inside, slamming the door shut. I scream, but he covers my mouth with his hand. “Don’t you fucking dare.”

  “Monica?” Cole growls. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Snooping on us, that’s for sure,” Michael fills in, glaring at me with a smug face that reminds me of a bulldog. “Fucking girls. They’re all the same.”

  I try to free myself, but his grip is powerful.

  “Ah, ah, little girl. You should’ve thought of that before you tried to listen in to our conversation,” he growls.

  Tears spring into my eyes.

  “Michael …” Cole intervenes while leaning against the cabinet near the door. “Let her speak.”

  Michael’s nostrils flare. “Isn’t this the same one who bumped into you in the hallway?”

  When Michael looks at him, Cole doesn’t even flinch, almost as if he’s reluctant to admit it.

  “Yeah, she is. I recognize you,” Michael says with a vicious grin. “You’re that fan girl who just can’t get enough, can you?”

  He ogles my nightgown, and he slowly lowers his hand from my mouth only to move it to my thigh.

  “Get your hands off me,” I growl, crossing my legs so he can’t feel me up.

  “Michael,” Cole barks.

  “What? I’m just having some fun. What’s the problem?” he retorts.

  “She doesn’t want you,” Cole says, approaching us. “She’s here for me.”

  Michael narrows his eyes. “Oh, really now? All the fan girls are just for you?” Michael’s clearly looking for a fight, just like before, and I’m on his radar somehow. “Taking all the fun for yourself,” he mopes.

  This dude’s got issues, and Cole knows, judging from the darkened look on his face.

  “Tell us then. Why are you here?” Michael asks, still firmly gripping my arm. “Huh?”

  I make a face at him. “I heard yelling, and I thought someone needed help. Obviously, you don’t.”

  He smiles, but it turns into a roaring laughter right away. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me. That’s your excuse?” He turns his head to Cole. “This girl is full of shit.”

  “I swear, Cole, it’s the truth,” I reply, hoping he’ll believe me.

  But Cole doesn’t budge. The tension between us is grim.

  “Now, what did you see?” Michael asks in a way that makes me think he doesn’t care about hurting me. He just wants to protect his tiny ego. “Tell me all of it.”

  “Nothing.”

  “Don’t lie to me,” Michael hisses so close to my face that it makes me close my eyes. “Or I swear to God …”

  “Stop,” Cole growls. “Let her go.”

  The tension between us breaks, and he turns his rage on Cole. “Why? You know what she saw,” Michael spits back. “And you know what happens if she tells others. We can’t let her leave.”

  When Cole doesn’t respond and merely stares at him with folded arms, Michael finally releases me from his grip. I immediately rub my sore arm and take a few steps away from him. I briefly glance at the door, but he’s keeping a close eye on me. No way he’d let me escape without blocking the exit.

  “Tell us the truth,” Michael says.

  “Or what?”

  He snorts. “Girl, you don’t want to mess with me. You don’t know what’s at stake here.”

  “Your band?” I retort as I manage to muster up some courage. “Or the drugs?”

  Michael raises a brow. “See? Now we’re getting somewhere.”

  “I was just watching because I heard a noise. That’s all,” I say. “You guys do whatever the fuck you want. It’s not my business, and I don’t care.”

  I try to turn around, hoping I can leave like Cole said, but he’s right there blocking the way.

  “Get out of my way,” I say.

  “Can’t do that,” Cole replies with a stern voice.

  “You said I could leave,
” I hiss.

  When I try to move past him, he moves backward too, blocking the door with an arm. He inches closer, and murmurs, “I said he had to let you go. I never said you could leave.”

  My pupils dilate. They’re gonna keep me as a prisoner?

  “You can’t be serious,” I say, my voice sounding more strangled by the second.

  “I don’t think you’ve met my boy then,” Michael says. “He’s dead serious.”

  I gulp as Cole refuses to budge. I glance over my shoulder at Michael, who’s stepping closer and closer. Fuck.

  “Come on now. You didn’t think you’d be off the hook that easily?”

  “What do you want, Cole?” I ask, trying to ignore the looming threat in my back. “Tell me, because I’m curious. I thought you were better than this.”

  His face scrunches up as he clenches his teeth and looks up at Michael then back at me.

  “What? Cat got your tongue?” I ask. “I didn’t think this was your ammo, trapping girls in cabins, doing illegal shit.”

  “You don’t know us,” Michael says. “And I’m not in the mood to play games with silly fangirls.”

  “I’m not a fucking fan girl,” I retort at him while looking over my shoulder. He’s closer than ever, trying to intimidate me. But it won’t work on me … not unless his name is Cole Travis.

  “And you …” I point at Cole’s chest, trying to stay strong. “You’ve already treated me like shit. What else do you want to do? Huh? Think you can break me?”

  Michael approaches from behind like some wolf stalking its prey, and I don’t like it one bit.

  “I’m not against showing someone what to do and what not to do … there should be a punishment for eavesdropping, right?” Michael muses, and I can hear his belt buckle ring.

  My eyes widen, and a single tear rolls down my cheek as I realize what’s about to go down.

  Fuck. No fucking way.

  Suddenly, Cole grabs my waist in a sudden bout of rage and spins me on my heels. He pulls me close, my back against his thick chest, his arm across my body, head leaning against my shoulder. I gasp in complete shock, my heart pounding in my chest.