Ruthless Rose: A High School Bad Boy Romance (Rosehaven Academy Book 3)

by Leila James

  I find Scarlett, Max, Xander, Beau, and Micah all outside of Mrs. Harden’s classroom once again, hanging out before first period starts. Tucking my lower lip between my teeth, I quietly approach. Micah’s eyes light up when he sees me, and I wrinkle my nose, embarrassed.

  “Nice jersey, sweetness!” Beau holds up his fist for a bump, and I cross the distance to him to return it, even though I feel like a big dork doing it. Scarlett pulls me over to her. She’s got Xander’s jersey on, but she also has his number written on her cheek. She holds up a chubby eye pencil of some sort. “You want?”

  From behind me, Micah’s voice grits out, “Do it.” He settles his hands on my hips, and everyone looks on as Scarlett scrawls #88 on my cheek. I’m trying so hard not to grin, I’m afraid I look crazy. Because this is fun. And I never saw this for myself in a million years. That I’d actually enjoy something like this—that I’d fit in with a group of my peers in some way other than wearing a uniform.

  Max smiles big as he looks at me and then at Micah. “You guys look really good together. I’m going to ask one mo—”

  I hold up my hand. “No, you’re not. I’m going with you. Everything is already set.”

  “Fine, fine.” He shrugs. The five-minute-warning bell rings, and students begin to hurry through the hallway.

  Xander, Scarlett, Max, and Beau all peel away and enter their English class, but Micah seems reluctant to let me go. I search his features. I get a weird feeling deep in my gut. “Is something wrong?”

  He clamps his lips together, looking down at me as he cups my cheek. “Nah. Just game day BS.” He glances down the hall at the students remaining before he lowers his face to mine, catching my lips in a hot kiss.

  I’m immediately sucked into it, and my vision tunnels. All I see is him. With every wicked swipe of his tongue, he takes a little piece of my heart. When he pulls away, a sound that sounds a lot like a whimper escapes me.

  I take that wild, free feeling with me as we part. I can’t help but think maybe this could really work between us, if we’re able to give it a chance.

  The rest of the day passes in a blur. There had been some whispering among the other kids in my AP Calc class when we did our voting for homecoming king and queen, but I’d successfully ignored it. And I’d voted for Scarlett, which made my heart happy.

  The only thing that gave me pause had been when I noticed Alora sporting Shayne’s jersey. It was a split second—no more than that—and I decided it wasn’t something for me to worry about. If she’s wearing his jersey, maybe we’re really and truly in the clear.

  Maybe he’s taking her to the dance tomorrow night.

  Maybe she’s ready to accept that Micah has moved on—with me.

  Maybe things are finally calming down.

  Chapter 42

  I should have known better. Life is never that easy, and people—especially someone like Alora—aren’t to be trusted.

  Max, Scarlett, and I had chosen to skip the fanfare of the homecoming parade after school and had instead opted to have pizza delivered at Max’s. I’d picked at mine, more nervous than hungry, while watching Max and Scarlett scarf theirs down. By the time we finally show up at the game, the crowd is crazy and half out of control. I’m amazed at how many more people have shown up to this game compared to the one I’d attended last week. Then again, I guess it is the homecoming game, and just because I’ve elected not to get sucked into it in the past doesn’t mean this isn’t completely normal.

  As I watch the people in the stands, someone tosses a beach ball into the air. It’s almost more entertaining to watch the ball come down on oblivious people’s heads than it is to watch the game. I give a little chuckle, watching the chaos of the crowd for another few seconds before I shift my focus to the field.

  I’ve always been a people watcher. What else is there to do when you’re on the outside, looking in? The average person is interesting enough to watch, but football players are a whole different beast—especially for me because of my past experiences with them. So many of them are Roses with money, social standing, and this ridiculous power that most others don’t have—well, they’re definitely different than Thorns. I know there are those who think they are so far above the rest of us that they can get away with whatever. And it can be really hard to tell which is which from casual observation.

  My thoughts refocus on the game where the offense has just taken the field, so Xander and Micah are both out there. Scarlett grabs my hand and hurries to a spot near the fence where we’ll have a better view to watch the play. I still have no clue how they know where to line up or what plays they run or even how they remember them all, but I have to admit, I like to watch Micah in uniform. He’s sexy as hell.

  “Oh fuck, would you look at this?” Alora’s voice grates right over my nerves as she, Farrah, and Danica approach from the other side of the fence where the cheerleaders have gathered. It feels like she’s flaying the skin right off of my back with every word. She keeps her distance, and I swear it’s so she has to speak loudly for everyone nearby to hear. “Look at how you swim in Micah’s jersey, Double D. Maybe one day you’ll grow some boobies and fill it out for him. He’s always liked more than a handful.”

  That bitch winks at me, and it’s all I can do to not reach over and poke her in the eye.

  On either side of Alora, Farrah snorts loudly and Danica bites her lip, watching my reaction—which, I won’t deny, must be bordering on murderous. I’m steaming at the obviousness of her cruelty. Just when I think I’m in control of things, she shows up again and lashes out at me.

  “Shut the fuck up, Alora. I’m warning you,” Max snaps.

  I glance over my shoulder at his sharp words. I hadn’t realized Max had followed us over here, but I’m suddenly very glad he did.

  “Whatever.” She turns to me. “Have fun at the dance tomorrow with your gay-as-fuck date, Daphne.”

  Scarlett lunges toward the fence, but Max grips her shoulder in warning. “Don’t. She’s not worth it.”

  I’m seeing through an angry, red haze, but make every attempt to control myself. “Thanks. He’s more fun than most guys I know. Definitely better than that asshole Shayne whose jersey you were wearing today. Nice date.”

  She winks at me. “Why don’t you let me be the judge of my date. I’ll let you know how it goes. I heard he likes you too, though.”

  A shudder rolls through me as she and the other cheer bitches sashay back to their spot in front of the bleachers to the crowd as the game progresses.

  “Sorry, guys. I can’t seem to get out of her crosshairs.”

  Max rolls his eyes. “Tomorrow is homecoming, and she’s not getting her way. What better reason does she need to be a pain in the ass?”

  “Yep. Those spankies under her cheer skirt sure are in a twist.” Scarlett side-eyes me, then bursts out laughing. “I’m sorry. I can’t help but laugh at how desperate she’s coming across lately.”

  “You really think it’s all … false confidence?” I nibble on my lip.

  Max smirks. “No doubt. She’s been denied what she wants, so she’s trying to make you think she’s cool with it. If you think the pseudo-calm of the last few days was the new normal, I’m afraid you’re mistaken. The homecoming dance should be a fucking hoot.”

  We all glance over to where the cheerleaders have run down the field, waving their pom-poms in an attempt to energize the crowd. Alora’s eyes seek out Micah, who isn’t watching her because he’s glanced over his shoulder in our direction. I lift my hand to wave, but just as I do, he pivots back to the field.

  At halftime, Rosehaven is leading River Rock 14 – 3, and the marching band has just taken to the field for their performance. I pull my phone out of my pocket when I feel it vibrate. The wave Micah gave me as the team jogged back to the locker room had seemed a little lackluster and when I check my texts, I understand why.

  Daph’s Dream Dick: I’m not feeling so hot, so I don’t think I’ll be partying tonight.
>
  Me: What’s wrong?

  Daph’s Dream Dick: I just feel off. Stomach’s not right or something.

  Me: Uh-oh.

  Me: You’ve played great tonight, btw.

  Daph’s Dream Dick: I’m hoping I can hang in there and finish it out.

  Daph’s Dream Dick: Do you mind if I catch up with you at the dance?

  Me: Not at all. Get some rest. Text me later?

  Daph’s Dream Dick: Sure.

  Chapter 43

  But he didn’t text me after the game. And, ridiculously, it bothers me so much that I can’t concentrate on the book I’m reading and finally toss it aside. I don’t want to be that girl, so I don’t send him a text like I want to, either.

  When he’s still silent Saturday morning, I get up the courage to call him, but it goes straight to voice mail.

  The reality is that Micah is a big boy and can probably take care of himself, but his words the other day keep coming back to me—no one cares, no matter what he does. Finally unable to stop myself, I tap out a couple of quick texts to him.

  Me: Micah? You okay?

  Me: Are you still sick?

  After five agonizing minutes, the dots signaling he’s typing begin to hop up and down.

  Daph’s Dream Dick: I’m fine. Must have eaten something weird.

  I wait a few minutes, expecting him to elaborate or say something about meeting up tonight, but there’s nothing. I’m due at school to put up decorations, so I tuck my phone into my pocket and hope it’s only that he’s not quite feeling like himself. If he doesn’t show up at the dance tonight, I’ll be sad, but I’d rather he stay home if he’s not feeling up to it. It’s not like I’m officially his girlfriend, and it’s not like we’re going to the dance together. Still, I’d hoped to see him there—so he could see the beautiful dress I’d purchased thanks to him.

  My heart sinks a little bit. I really hope he’s okay. I think back to the way he’d held me while Scarlett painted his number on my face … I’d felt safe. Loved?

  Am I overthinking this? Crap. Probably. And now I feel selfish that I’m thinking of myself instead of him. This is exactly what girls who have no experience with dating do to themselves. This is where all the drama of high school relationships develops. I see it now. God, listen to me trying to psycho-analyze myself so I feel better.

  In the end, all I can do is hope he’s fine and try to focus on finishing out my commitment to the homecoming committee. That perks me up. Thank goodness this bullshit is almost over.

  I’ve just finished hanging an insane number of stars from the ceiling of the lunchroom, which has actually been transformed into something rather beautiful, when my phone rings. Seeing it’s Scarlett, I swipe my thumb over the screen and answer. “Hey. What’s up?”

  “You sound out of breath.”

  “Well, I’ve been up and down this ladder decorating for the dance for hours now. I finished about a minute ago.”

  “Oh good. Tiny change of plans. Can you meet at my house later? Xander and Max have a surprise for us.”

  My brows raise. “Oh yeah?”

  “Yep, and Aunt Liz says to tell your mom not to worry, she’ll share photos. If that’s okay, I mean. If she really wants to come over and take photos, she can.”

  “Actually, they’re tied up at the bookstore because they had to let their cashier go.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Yeah. Anyway, I’ll get dressed and come over. What time do you want me there?”

  “Six—so I can do your makeup for you.”

  I squeeze my eyes shut. “Really?”

  “For sure. We’ll do something to play up those green eyes of yours. I’ll turn you into a smoke show. How’s that sound?”

  I groan a little into the phone. “I guess so.”

  “Come on, girl. You know you want to look good. Not just for Micah, either.”

  “You’re right. I do.” I heave out a breath. I don’t say it aloud, but I don’t want to give anyone a single opportunity to say anything about me. I want tonight to be perfect.

  Sitting in Scarlett’s room on her desk chair a few hours later, I resist the urge to look in the mirror. It turns out that while she doesn’t wear a ton of makeup on an everyday basis, she’s very adept at applying it.

  “Almost done. I want to put another coat of mascara on.”

  “Really?”

  “Trust Scarlett.” She wiggles her brows and points a blush brush at me. “You look gorgeous—this color is so natural on your cheeks it looks like you just … you know.” She shoots me a playful grin.

  “Like I …?”

  “They may as well call the color Orgasm Flush or something like that.”

  “Oh.” My eyes widen and a real flush infuses my cheeks. I wipe my sweaty palms on the poofy flounces of the skirt of my dress.

  She stops, setting the makeup brush down. “Daphne …” She sinks her teeth into her lip as she eyes me. “Did you and Micah …?”

  I meet her steady gaze, and my heart rate ramps up.

  She cocks her head to the side, her eyes getting big.

  “Yes,” I blurt out, then swallow hard, squeezing my eyes shut.

  “Oh, wow.” Her shock at my outburst is clear when I peek at her with one eye. “Was that your first time?”

  At her gentle tone, I nod, opening both eyes.

  She pats my knee and comes at me with the mascara wand again. After a few swipes, she softly asks, “Was it good?”

  “I mean—yeah. It hurt a little, but it was—” I exhale through pursed lips. “It was kind of amazing. It just happened on Tuesday.”

  “That’s good. I mean, I wouldn’t expect anything less from someone like Micah considering he’s been with—” She sucks in a sharp breath. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “It’s okay. I knew what I was getting into with him.” I press my lips together. “But I couldn’t seem to stop myself. And we were fine at first—better than fine, really—but …” I hold up my hands. “I guess I’m just frustrated that I don’t get to go with him tonight.” I wedge my lip between my teeth. “Don’t tell Max.”

  She waves a hand. “It’s not like Max doesn’t know the deal.” With a chuckle, she takes a step back to survey her work on my makeup, squinting as she looks at me from different angles. “And there’s no way Micah’s not going to like what he sees tonight. Maybe this will be the turning point.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Like when the big guy decides to grow some balls and tell Alora to fuck off, once and for all.”

  “His balls are just fine.”

  Scarlett gasps, laughing. “Watch it, or I’ll give you a new nickname.”

  I raise my brows, playfully. “Lay it on me.”

  “Dirty, Dirty Daphne.”

  We dissolve into laughter just as the doorbell rings, interrupting us. We exchange an excited look.

  “Shoes.” Scarlett helps me slide into a pair of strappy heels and get them fastened. “You look flipping awesome.”

  I grin at her, getting up from the chair. “You do, too. Thank you.” Downstairs, we hear the door open and Scarlett’s uncle greets the guys. He calls out to us from the bottom of the stairwell. “Girls? Max and Xander are here.”

  Scarlett hurries down the stairs and directly into Xander’s arms. He holds her close, then takes her hands, making her step back, eyes roaming over her. “You’re gorgeous, Red.” He nods his head in approval as she lets go and does a little turn for him. He slides the pad of his thumb over his lower lip. “Seriously hot.” He glances up to find her uncle glowering at him. “Sorry, sir. Your niece is beautiful.”

  And she is. She’d chosen a cobalt blue dress that shows off her curves and makes her eyes pop. I can tell from the hot, hungry look in Xander’s eyes that they are going to have a lot of fun tonight.

  My eyes shift over to Max as he puffs up his chest posing for me. “What do you think? Does your date measure up?”

  I grin. “Always.” />
  “Thank goodness because I was half-afraid I wouldn’t when I laid eyes on you. You look freaking stellar, babe.” He gathers me into a hug, tucking his head down near my ear. He whispers, “Micah’s going to lose his fucking mind. You’re about to give him enough spank bank material to tide him over for the next twenty years.”

  I jerk my head back, laughing. “Max! I swear to God, the things that come out of that mouth.”

  He rakes his teeth over his lower lip, grinning. “You call it no filter. I call it the truth. And you can always count on me for that.”

  “I know. I appreciate it.”

  Scarlett’s aunt appears with not only her phone, but also a fancy camera with all the bells and whistles, and she declares she has to get all the right poses. We give in, letting her take as many shots as she wants of each of us individually, both couples, just the girls, just the guys, and all together. We’re having a lot of fun with it, which I never would have dreamed could be the case, but there you have it. My only regret is that I won’t have photos with Micah unless we take some at the dance. My heart twinges a little with that thought, and then squeezes harder. I pull my phone from the super cool pocket hidden within the flounces of my skirt and shoot him a quick text.

  Me: See you soon? We’re leaving Scarlett’s now.

  I breathe out hard after several seconds. Nothing. He must be getting ready.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  “Mm-hmm. I was just texting Micah.”

  Max wriggles his eyebrows. “Oh yeah? You want me to send a shot of you to him?”

  I give a quick shake of my head. “No.”

  “Why not?”