Wicked Devil: An Enemies to Lovers, High School Bully Romance (Devils of Sun Valley High Book 1)

by Daniela Romero

  I squeal, whirling to see who’s behind me and find Roman and Aaron standing a few yards away.

  I press my hand to my chest, willing my racing heart to slow. “Don’t scare me like that!”

  Roman lifts both hands, “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just want to talk.”

  I frown and flick a glance toward Aaron who’s standing a few steps behind Roman. He gives me a sheepish look and shrugs. “I’m just here for moral support.”

  My scowl deepens. “For me or for him?” I thought they hated each other.

  Roman answers. “He’s here for you. We’re patching up some of our shit. Henderson can be an okay dude when he wants to be. But I asked him to come with me because I wanted him to be here for you.”

  He did? “Why?”

  Roman takes a tentative step forward. “Because I want to talk and I know you trust him. That you’re comfortable with him around.”

  “I’m fine with Dominique too, and he’s your friend. Why not ask him?”

  He shakes his head. “Because I didn’t want to gang up on you. Dominique’s my friend. He’s yours too, but I didn’t want you to think he’d be on my side over yours or that you wouldn’t have anyone in your corner. Henderson and I have our history, but when it comes to you and me, he’s always going to pick you first. He’s in your corner. He’s your friend. I want you to feel safe talking to me.”

  Oh. That’s ... thoughtful of him.

  He runs his hands over his face and I catch sight of the twin bandages over the top of both his hands.

  “What happened to your hands?” I ask, worry clenching my stomach. Is he hurt? Did something happen?

  Roman lifts his gaze, his dark brown eyes meeting mine. “That’s actually what I came here to show you.”

  Aaron looks nervous behind him, shifting from one foot to the other.

  “Ummm…okay.” I wait for him to elaborate but he doesn’t. His lips are pressed into a tight line, his eyes downcast. He peels back the bandages and underneath I see that he’s sporting new ink. I gasp. “You tattooed your hands?”

  He nods but doesn’t say anything as he removes the second bandage, shoving both in his back pocket. I swallow hard as I take in the new pieces he’s added, fighting the urge to get a closer look. They’re beautiful. On his left, he has an anchor surrounded in a sea of crashing waves that covers the entire top of his hand. The detail looks amazing and before I can talk myself out of it, I step toward him, curious about the design.

  “Do you want to see them?” he asks, holding perfectly still, almost like he’s afraid to breathe. I realize how close I’ve gotten to him and my own heart races, but I fight through the wave of apprehension and nod.

  He holds his hand out and with shaking fingers I trace the design on his left hand before jerking away and putting a foot of distance between us. Hurt flashes in his eyes before he masks it.

  I inhale a lungful of air. It’s just Roman. I remind myself. I force my gaze back to his hands, allowing myself time to take in the dark ink and see the stark differences between his hands and those of my attacker. Seconds pass and when my heart settles I move closer to him once again.

  “Why an anchor?” I’m whispering and have no idea why.

  “Because when you’re adrift, when you can’t find your way to shore, I want to be the one who steadies you.”

  My heart seizes in my chest. “You got this for me?” I ask, dumbfounded.

  His smile is hopeful.

  “I don’t understand,” I say. “This is permanent, Roman. You didn’t have—”

  He cuts me off. “I did, Allie. I need you to see how important you are to me. How much you matter and how incredibly sorry I am. I just… I want a second chance. To do everything the right way. To treat you like you deserve to be treated.”

  A tear rolls down my cheek and I hastily wipe it away. Forcing down the sudden knot in my throat I ask, “And what is this one? Is it an orchid… or maybe a daffodil?” I examine his right hand. This one is smaller though still covers most of his hand.

  Roman shakes his head. “No. Not an orchid or a daffodil.”

  “What is it then?”

  “It’s a vanilla planifolia.” At my confused expression he adds, “Mexican vanilla.”

  I gasp, dropping his hands. I look away as emotion threatens to bubble up out of me. It’s as if he’s shoved his hand in my chest and squeezed my heart until it beats only for him. The walls I’ve built to protect myself begin to crumble.

  I catch sight of Aaron. He’s retreated toward his car and is sitting on the hood, giving us some semblance of privacy. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a barely perceptible nod as if to say, yeah, that just happened. I turn back to meet Roman’s raw gaze.

  “Why?” I force myself to ask. None of this makes sense. “Why are you trying so hard to fix something that never really started?”

  “Because you’re worth it. You’re worth all of it. All the fighting, the pain, the feelings. You make me fucking feel, Allie.” He slaps a hand on his chest right over his heart. “Right here. You made my ice-cold heart beat, and it only wants to beat for one person. You. Only you. I don’t just want you. I fucking need you.” He steps forward and presses his forehead against mine, cupping my face in his strong inked hands and I close my eyes, breathing him in. Fighting through the fear of being close to a boy I’m not sure I can trust. “Alejandra Ramirez, I need you in my life.”

  Instinctively, I know Roman would never hurt me. Not physically. But the fear of giving this boy my heart has the air in my lungs freezing.

  “Roman, I can’t lose a—”

  “You won’t,” he says with conviction. “You fucking won’t. I can promise you that. I don’t know how to do this whole relationship thing. I’m learning as I go here. But I won’t ever turn my back on you like that again. Never, Allie. Just give me this chance. One more chance. I won’t mess it up.”

  “I’m broken,” I tell him because it’s true. I’m broken, my pieces jagged and sharp. I don’t know if I’m even capable or even willing to be intimate with him after everything I’ve been through, and he doesn’t need that. He doesn’t need my baggage. For what, a few months of bliss? We’re graduating in a few short months. And then what?

  “Let me pick up all your broken pieces and put you back together. Let me be your anchor when you’re lost and the world keeps spinning around you.”

  I pull back, and my heart aches seeing the sheer vulnerability on his face. His hands fall from my cheeks to wrap around me and I’m almost surprised when I don’t stiffen. “And when we graduate?”

  He presses his face into my hair. “We figure it out. I’m not letting you go, vanilla. I need you too much.”

  My heart does a free-fall and I pray that this time, he doesn’t let it splatter on the ground near his feet. My trust is a bruised and battered thing. But I think I love the boy standing in front of me. And I think he loves me, too. Neither one of us knows how to say it. Words don’t feel like they’ll ever be enough.

  But Roman said he needs me, so I take a leap of faith and let my truth pass over my lips, whisper soft. “Maybe we need each other.”

  Four months later

  “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to Allie. Happy birthday to you.”

  My smile is beaming as I lean forward and blow out the candles on the cake Mrs. Valdez made for me. It’s my eighteenth birthday, and while I don’t feel any different than I did yesterday, I know that after today, everything is going to change.

  It’s been four months since Roman and I decided to give a real relationship between us a try. We’ve had our ups and downs, and I’m still learning to cope with some of the traumas I’ve experienced, but I’ve made a lot of progress.

  I don’t freak out anymore when he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist like he’s doing now, leaning in to kiss my neck. “Did you make a wish?” he asks, his breath is hot against my skin, his voice pitched low and seductive.


  A slow smile spreads over my face and I shake my head, turning to look at him. “Nope.”

  His brows furrow in confusion, and I bite my lower lip to keep from laughing. “I already have everything I could ask for.” And it’s the truth. All my friends are here. I have the most amazing boyfriend who consistently puts me and my needs first. And I’ve gotten the help I should have when I was first assaulted. Roman’s mom—Maria—made sure of that.

  I’m happy and I’m healing. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

  His face cracks into a wide grin as he turns me to face him, then dips down and presses his lips against mine in a tender kiss. His kisses always start this way. Hesitant and soft. But one nip of his bottom lip has him deepening the kiss and I gasp, opening my mouth to drink him in, silently asking for more.

  Voices groan behind us before wandering off.

  “Get a room,” Emilio calls out and I pull away, fighting hard not to blush.

  “Fuck off,” Roman says, though there’s no heat in his voice.

  Emilio rolls his eyes then pries me out of Roman’s embrace. “You’ll have Allie all to yourself soon enough. Today you have to share.”

  I squeal as he lifts me into the air, throwing me over his shoulder and racing into the backyard with me, Roman hot on our heels. It’s strange to think that a few short months ago I was adrift. Lost to my pain and consumed by my grief. I didn’t think I’d find happiness again. Not like this. But I’m not numb anymore. I feel my emotions like a kaleidoscope of sensation and I relish each and every day.

  The entire crew moves outside. Roman’s parents—Maria and Melchor—Dominique, Aaron, Kasey. Even Julio, Gabe, and Felix made the drive up from Richland to celebrate with me.

  Emilio sets me on my feet before gripping my hand and dragging me to the center of the yard. Music is playing on the outdoor speaker system and he draws me into dancing with him as Rombai’s Me Voy plays. Kasey joins us before long and the three of us sing off key. Despite most of Kasey’s words being made up and not actual lyrics, we laugh, dancing without a care in the world because that’s how I’ve chosen to move on.

  So much happened that I didn’t have control over, and the threat of what tomorrow brings is always there. But my therapist reminds me during our weekly sessions that I need to focus on today and live my life without fear. I’ve lost so much. More than most people in my short eighteen years. But I don’t want to live a life full of fear and what ifs. Which brings us to today. I’m eighteen, and I’m getting the keys to my first apartment this afternoon. Roman is moving in with me, which Maria and Melchor aren’t thrilled about since both of us are still in high school, but Maria at least seems to understand.

  Living with Gerald isn’t an option for me if I want to escape my past. He’s a toxic piece of my life with an ever-present threat hanging over my head that we still need to deal with, and to move forward, I need to separate my life from his.

  Janessa set up a meeting with him just this morning and I explained that I was moving out. I thanked him for taking me in after my mother's death and told him I’d made other arrangements now that I was a legal adult. He didn’t look happy about it, but Janessa managed to smooth things over and help with some of the awkwardness.

  He’s letting me keep the car, a birthday gift of sorts. He also gave me access to a trust fund that I have no intention of using on anything beyond schooling, but I’m glad it's there. It helps with some of the stress that moving out brings.

  Roman smiles at me across the lawn, a beer in his hand as he stands with Aaron on his right and Dom on his left. Kasey stands surrounded by my boys from back home, soaking up all their attention and I fight a grin when I see Dominique’s murderous glare aimed their way.

  Something makes me think there’s something going on between the two of them, but neither has mentioned anything and I haven’t asked. I’m just happy. Content, for once, and looking forward to what comes next for us.

  It only takes a few lingering looks before Roman sets his drink down and joins me on the lawn, his hips swaying in sync with mine as his arms wrap around me. “You’re so beautiful,” he tells me.

  I can’t help the smile that blooms over my face. “You’re pretty good-looking yourself,” I remark, giving him an obvious once-over and letting heat build in my gaze.

  His eyes gain a wicked glint. “I’m so fucking lucky.” He presses his lips to mine again before whispering against my mouth, “And I love you so fucking much.”

  God, this boy. “I love you, too,” I say, flinging my arms around his neck and hugging him tight. No matter what our future holds, I know he’ll be by my side, and I can’t wait for what our next chapter might bring.

  Wanna a sexy bonus scene from Allie and Roman and see what they’re up to?

  CLICK HERE

  If you want more from the Devils CLICK HERE to pre-order your copy or Savage Devil, book 2 in the Devils of Sun Valley High series.

  What to Read Next

  It’s hard to deny a Devil …

  Especially one who promises you a night you’ll never forget.

  One night.

  No exchanging names.

  No exchanging numbers.

  That was the deal we made.

  I was moving away. I’d never see him again and I wanted to leave Sun Valley with zero regrets.

  Only I got more than I bargained for and nine months later delivered a bundle of joy complete with ten tiny fingers and ten perfect toes.

  A year and a half later, I’m back.

  And this Devil is no longer the devil in my dreams. Now he haunts my nightmares.

  He’s savage.

  He’s sinful.

  And I’m barely a blip on his radar.

  I came with good intentions. Determined to tell him the truth. But with so much on the line, I’m beginning to reconsider.

  Because making a deal with the devil again just might be another mistake.

  CLICK HERE to pre-order your copy or Savage Devil.

  And be sure to sign up for my newsletter for exclusive sneak peeks and new release alerts!

  Wicked Devil Playlist

  Miedo by Leroy Sanchez

  The End if Where we Begin by Thousand Foot Krutch

  I Hate This by Tenille Arts

  Grey by Grey Area ft Sofia Carson

  There’s No Way by Lauv ft. Julia Michaels

  Without You by Breaking Benjamin

  Now or Never by Halsey

  Here Tonight by Brett Young

  Let Me Go by April Lavigne featuring Chad Kroeger

  I Love You by Billie Eilish

  Despues que te perdi by Jon Z and Enrique Iglesias

  Hold me while you wait by Lewis Capaldi

  Perfect by Hedley

  Issues by Julia Michaels

  Lovely by Billie Eilish and Khalid

  The part that hurts the most by Thousand Foot Krutch

  Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

  Till it happens to you by Lady Gaga

  Only you by Zara Larsson

  In my blood by Shawn Mendes

  Lento by Lauren Jauregui

  Falta amor by Sebastian Yatra and Ricky Martin

  Little Do you know by Alex & Sierra

  CLICK HERE to pre-order your copy or Savage Devil, book 2 in the Devils of Sun Valley High series.

  About the Author

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  Daniela Romero is a Snarky AF, Latinx Author, who happens to also be a Mom of 3. Born and raised in sunny California, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest and is happy to enjoy all four seasons even if the snow can sometimes be a
bit much. She hates cheese--of all kinds--and yes that means she orders cheeseless pizza. Daniela is an ENTJ all the way which means she loves to talk (a lot) and is probably as extroverted as they come so feel free to shoot her a message, send a raven, throw up smoke signals. Whatever it may be. She love's chatting with readers so feel free to stalk her.

  No really!

  Learn more about her books and upcoming release by visiting her website: Website ➜ http://www.daniela-romero.com

  Acknowledgments

  This book was an adventure and for a while there, even I didn’t know where I was going with it. It started as a vague idea and a desire to have more latinx characters represented in books. It turned into something so much more.

  There were a few scenes I struggled to put on the page. I worried they would be too much. That they might hit too close to home for some readers.

  Then a few good friends of mine reminded me that that was the point. That even though this book is a work of fiction, it is important to accurately represent what women and many people of color face in their lives still today.

  I didn’t want to sugar coat it. Those scenes are uncomfortable and they should be. They are unfortunate realities so many individuals have faced. I know some of you might have struggled reading those words as much as I struggled writing them. I want you to know that justice will be served. I couldn’t bring it together in this book but don’t worry, Allie won’t be left looking over her shoulder for long.

  I couldn’t have done this without my amazing editors. Cynthia, Lisa, and Amy. Thank you so much for encouraging me to keep going when I began doubting myself.

  Thank you to the Level Up Romance ladies—especially B. Ivy Woods— those late night sprints and chats are what made this book come together and made me brave enough to write it.