“Wait, Matt said he followed her to the bank one day. After she left, she drove to a private air strip.”
“She might have money in a safe deposit box.”
“That would make sense. Anyway, you can hack the cameras in the safe deposit rooms, right?”
“Yeah. That’s probably our best lead. Ok, let me get to work. I’ll let you know what I found.”
“All right, thanks, Rocco.”
“No prob.”
I disconnected the call and bit into a strip of bacon. “I think she has a boyfriend there. And it isn’t Ethan.”
“Yeah.” His lips tightened.
“Tate, we’ll catch him, eventually. We need to focus on Marisa for now. Oh, did you ever find out who hacked your account?”
He slid an omelet chunk into his mouth and nodded. Tate swallowed. “One of our security guys found out it was a shell company called Melltronics.”
I shot Rocco the name of the shell company. Maybe he can find a connection between the shell company and Marisa.
“I hope so. She needs to be handled.”
“What if we catch her and she decides not to return?”
“Then I will pay her a visit. A conversation with my grandfather in person is long overdue anyway. Let’s play. Bring your food into the living room.”
“Tate, I’ll miss sleeping with you.” I strolled behind him.
“I know your dream is to become a doctor.”
We sat on the sofa. Tate placed our plates on the coffee table.
“I’d love to play for my favorite team in Boston. We could attend Harvard together. We’ll find an apartment close to campus.
I threw my arms around his neck. “Yes! We’ll follow our dreams together.”
“Sounds like you do need to pay your grandfather a visit. You should let him know you won’t run the company after all.”
“Yeah,” he said flatly.
“Tate, I’m behind you either way.”
His lips tipped up at one end then fell upon mine.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Tate and I shared the perfect weekend together. We wore each other out. Tate and I fought so long it was odd riding to school together and not arguing.
Kyle finally, warmed up to me. “The gang is back together again.” His green eyes glinted as I stepped out of the truck.
“Hey, guys.” I waved.
Stephen joked. “You two finally hooked up. It’s about fucking time.”
We laughed.
“Welcome back into the fold, Chelsea.” Stephen winked.
I smirked.
Matt bounced off of his black Bugatti, stepping closer. “I was the loyal one out of all you assholes. Morning, Doll.”
“Morning, Matt.”
Tate’s hand never left my waist as we walked into the school. I was friends again with the guys I grew up with. So surreal.
Tate halted in the middle of the hallway near our lockers. “Listen up, everyone.”
Students crowded around us.
“Chelsea Culver is my woman. The princess of Haven Saints High.”
My heart thudded my chest. I was a cool kid. I’d be respected not laughed at and mocked. There was no way I’d be mean to anyone. Well, other than those who were shitty toward me.
“If anyone fucks with her you will answer to me.” Tate growled.
Their eyes widened.
“Are we clear?”
“Yes,” the crowd responded eagerly.
“Jaime and Natasha.” I waved my hand in the air to get their attention.
“Be sure to spread the word.” I smiled.
Their faces dropped. I fucking loved it. Bitches.
The crowd dispersed.
Tate’s lips melted into mine for all of Haven Saints high to see. It was intoxicating.
A few minutes later, I scooted into my desk in English. Brittany wore the fakest grin. I hated we were in the same class.
“He’s great in bed, isn’t he?” she whispered.
I didn’t answer her. My pen skated across the page in my notebook. Ignore her, Chelsea.
“Did you come when he went down on you? I know I did every time?”
My heart plummeted to my feet. You’re stronger now. You can resist the urge. The skin tingled on my arms, begging to be cut.
Satisfaction was etched in her pretty face.
I stared at her. “How did if feel when he called my name while you were in bed together?”
The color drained from her face.
Felt good to get her back. “Awe, you didn’t think he’d tell me. What you must remember is he was always mine.” I winked and returned my attention to Mr. Barrings lecture.
Tate claimed he had only eaten my pussy. I believed him. Shaking off what she said was difficult. What did I expect? That every last person in the school would fall at my feet? Brittany was right they’d come after my man. I needed to stay on high alert.
Tate and I shared the same lunch hour again. He placed our trays on the table and sat beside me. My friends and his all occupied the same table in the center of the bustling lunch room. The overflow of jocks sat at the next table in front of us.
“Do you plan on speaking to me at all today, Chelse?”
Did I think we’d be together and all would be right in the world?
His short black hair fell on his forehead. My fingertips wiggled. Slipping my fingers through his hair would calm me. His worried gaze never left mine.
I leaned into his ear. “Brittany and I had a spat in first period. She said you’d gone down on her.”
He caressed my waist. “If I did there’s no way, I would have told you I’d never done that. I’ve only kissed and touched you there.”
My legs slammed shut. His big strong hand squeezed my thigh.
“She’s bitter and fucking petty.” He kissed my lips.
I smiled and turned to my friends.
Rocco sipped his apple juice across from me.
“Guys, can you believe this? We’re sitting at the dumb jocks table,” I joked, glancing at Kyle and Stephen sitting across from Tate and Matt.
Connie bumped my shoulder and burst into laughter. Still no signs of Marisa. She hadn’t returned from London.
“This weekend we should have movie night at my house.” I glimpsed at their faces.
“Megan, Matt will probably be there.”
She swept her fingers through her hair. “Doesn’t matter if he’s there or not. I will be there.”
“We’ll all be there.” Trevor grinned from across the table.
“Good.”
Shit were Megan and Matt on the outs again. Not like they’d stood close together for more than five minutes when we walked the halls. I’d interrogate Matt later.
∞
“We can chill here after school every day. My parents usually get in around six.”
I hadn’t been invited into his bedroom until now. I’ve peeked from the hall or took it upon myself to snoop when he wasn’t home.
It was a guy’s football memorabilia paradise.
Navy flannel sheets hugged his king-sized bed under our bodies.
Tate held me in his arms. I swept my fingers across his bare chest. My toes slid along his calf.
“Ok. I’ve met with my new therapist weekly. I’m allowed to lock my door finally.”
“That’s great.” He kissed my forehead.
“When will we tell our parents about us?”
“I told my parents, Sunday.”
“The second I tell my mom and dad; I’ll lose my lock door privileges again. There’s no way my dad will trust us together alone anymore.”
We laughed.
“They probably already know. Our mothers talk every day.”
“Shit, you’re right. I’ll tell them later. My mom, was acting weird this morning. She smiled and stared at me as I ate my bagel.” I peeked up at him. We chuckled.
I think she wanted to hear the words out of my mouth since Tate and I no longer want to kill
each other.
“You should eat breakfast with us tomorrow.”
“I’ll be there, babe. Ride my cock before we hit the books.”
I straddled him. His fingers circled my clit. “I want to hear you scream my fucking name.” He palmed my breast and bit my nipple.
Piercing pain countered by his fingers, working faster between my legs brought pure pleasure.
My eyes hooded.
“Damn it, baby, you are the sexiest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Bringing you pleasure will be my honor till the day I die.”
My lips picked up at each end. I gasped as Tate slipped inside of me. His impressive cock was all mine.
“Are you still sore?”
“No, the hot bath last night helped.” I looped my arms around his neck.
“Holding you in my arms in the tub Saturday and Sunday felt good. I’d give anything to do that every night.”
His lips grazed mine as our blue gazes locked. “I don’t want you to ever think our relationship is based on sex.”
I grinned. “Tate, I…know…that.” My head dropped back as he bounced me up and down his length. “Fuck me, Tate. Harder.” My fingers grazed the nape of his neck. I gripped his hair tighter. My orgasm hit me in waves. “Tate!” I screamed, slumped over his shoulder.
“Chelsea, your sweet pussy will be the death of me. Fuck,” he roared as he stilled inside me.
His body quivered against mine. Tate sucked my neck as his cock pulsated inside me.
I loved the bite and suck marks all over my neck and breasts.
“Good thing, it’s cold outside. I have an excuse for wearing scarfs around my neck.”
He chuckled. “I can’t apologize for my actions. You taste good all over.”
I caressed his face and crushed his lips. “Homework time.”
“Yup.”
∞
We sat in silence around the dinner table in our grand dining room. In the middle of our study session we each received a text telling us to get across the street for dinner. We knew we were in trouble because I hadn’t mentioned to mom or dad I was at Tate’s. The other clue was the twins weren’t eating dinner with us.
“So, you two are together?” Dad glared at me.
My heart was in my throat.
Dad pointed his fork between me and Tate. “Or are you just screwing my daughter?” he roared.
I felt my cheeks heat. Tate’s eyes bulged.
Everyone’s eyes honed in on us.
“We are a couple, sir.”
Melissa cleared her throat. “I came home early. You two were so loud, I could hear the yelling and screaming as I walked up the steps.”
My eyes dropped to my lap.
“How long have you two been involved sexually?”
“Not long.” I peeked at mom.
“We are practicing safe sex.” I fumbled with my fingers in my lap.
Dad tossed back a half a glass of whiskey.
“What happens if he breaks your heart? Do you think you’ll relapse?”
“No, Dad. I won’t stop therapy this time. I’ll be fine.”
“Mr. Culver, I love your daughter. Everyone at this table knew the truth. I wasn’t ready to accept it yet. It was just a matter of time before I went after Chelsea.”
Tate’s dad winked at him.
“Brian, what are you doing?” Dad asked.
“My son was miserable without her. I told him to go after her.”
“Chris, you dated Jenny in high school. I know for a fact you were-”
“All right.” Mom sliced her hand through the air. “We just want you two to be careful. And don’t let your grades slip.”
“We won’t,” Tate grinned.
It was rare our mothers were off early on a Monday. Mom said she and Melissa had a spa appointment. I’d have to check my mother’s schedule closely going forward.
~
Tate left for London Friday evening. He said he’d return before next Friday’s game.
We talked on the phone Sunday and Monday then I didn’t hear from him.
Sitting in the bleachers, I slid the oversized sleeves on Tate’s Letterman jacket up a bit. He gave it to me before he flew to London. He said he wanted me to wear it to his games.
“Are you sure Tate will make the game? He’s cutting it close.” Megan peered at our team as they ran onto the field.
“I hope he makes it.” Tate always led the team onto the field. I clutched my cell and peeked at the screen. No calls or texts. What was going on?
Fans rose in the stands, clapping. I jumped to my feet. Number twelve Tate’s number flashed on the highlight scoreboard at the end of the field. Tate ran onto the field, holding his finger in the air. His teammates patted his back. They ran to the bench. He always turned to the crowd. They were his energy. This was a big game. The scouts were here tonight to watch Tate play.
“Let’s go Cougars.” I clapped.
The team took their positions on the field. Matt whispered something in Tate’s ear. He pointed to the stands. Tate never turned around. What the fuck was going on? Please tell me his grandfather didn’t get in his head and deter his focus from football.
We were down by six points after the half. Kyle ran down the field, hands in the air. Tate threw the ball and it totally missed Kyles hands. He was excellent at throwing the ball to an open man. What the hell? The coach benched Tate. Stephen replaced him. We won the game by three points. After the game Tate walked across the field, head down toward the locker room. My friends waited with me outside the locker room.
Tate emerged. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I missed you.”
He held me tight. “I missed you too, Chelse.”
I pushed back, leaned up on my tip toes and kissed his lips.
“Come on we need to get ready for the party.”
He nodded.
“Guys, I will see y’all in an hour.”
We went our separate ways.
Tate threaded our fingers, and we walked toward the parking lot.
He placed the keys to the G-wagon in my hand. “You can drive.”
My forehead creased. He never let me drive. Tate said I was a reckless driver.
We climbed into the truck. “How was your trip?”
He rested his head on the head rest. “Fine.”
“The last time we spoke was Monday.”
“Grandfather wanted my undivided attention at the board meetings I sat in all week.”
I stared at him a minute longer, mouth a gape.
“You were supposed to tell him you were going pro, Tate.” I drove out of the parking lot.
“Yeah, well plans change. After I graduate, I am moving to London.” He stared out the window.
“You alone are moving to London?”
“Yeah, why?” he glanced at me.
“Tate, you said we were moving in together after we graduated. Did you change your mind?”
“No, baby. Sorry this is a big adjustment. I planned to go pro. Now I am not.”
I rubbed the top of his hand. “Tonight, lets focus on having a good time. We’ll worry about our future tomorrow.”
“Ok.”
I’ve known Tate all my life. He was acting strange. He wouldn’t ever shut me out. Well not now any way. I was probably over thinking it. He decided to give up on his dream of playing football. But he wouldn’t purposely sabotage a game because his life plan changed. Would he?
∞
We stood in Kyle’s kitchen surrounded by our friends. We were all dressed as a character from our favorite video game. Tate was in a better mood around the guys. I guess they forgot about how poorly he played since they still won. Tate leaned into Matts ear and pointed across the room. I followed his finger. He pointed at Veronica and smirked. She smiled back. Did she text Tate? She licked her lips. He shook his head. Tate stepped over caressed my waist and planted his lips on my neck.
“You’re shaking.” He stood up straight and stared into my eyes. “What�
��s wrong?”
“A little chilly.” I wore a tight black tank top, camouflage pants, and boots. Tate wore a one-piece blue and black game skin.
“I am burning up. Come on let’s head upstairs. I’ll warm you up.”
I smiled. “Sounds good.”
We stepped into one of the eight bedrooms. Tate peeled off the top half of his costume. I threw my plastic axe on the floor and straddled him.
“Tate, I want it,” I moaned against his lips.
“It’s all yours, Chelse.”
My cell buzzed in my back pocket. I ignored it.
His hands gripped my ass. I slipped my fingers into his hair. Our tongues collided.
“I love you, Chelsea.”
“Tate, I love you too. There was a time I never thought you’d forgive me for Mason’s death.” My tongue slid across his neck. My fingers slipped over a raised scar along the back of his head. My breath caught in my throat.
“I didn’t.”
Every muscle froze in my body. I swallowed hard and sat up staring into his eyes. He flashed an evil smile.
“Long time no see, Chelse.”
My heart plummeted to my feet. He gripped my wrists.
“Stop playing, Tate.”
He laughed. “You’ve never been a stupid girl.”
I scowled. “What did you do to Tate?”
“He’s locked away. It’s just you and me, baby. I told him you’ll never be his. You belong to me.”
“Never,” I bit out through gritted teeth.
“What is this payback? Because I chose your brother? I’ve always loved him and he’s always loved me. Way before you got it in your head to want me for yourself. You can’t have me, Mason. I belong to Tate. I will find him.”
Tears slid down my face. I didn’t know what Mason’s complete plan was. I figured he wanted to destroy Tate’s chances of playing pro football. And he wanted…me.
“You will do as I say or I will give the order to kill Tate.” “Give it up, baby. I am taking over the world with my prize. My soon to be wife by my side.”
To Be Continued
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Release date December 3, 2019.
Author Brooke Jordan Facebook
You're To Blame: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Saints High) Page 16
