“That would take care of Daddy Dearest in a way but he could still retaliate by forbidding us to see each other if we ruin his wedding and his business deal. Unless ...”
This idea had begun forming in my mind last night but I was too upset and then between what happened with Chaz, and Reece coming back ... I was too exhausted and emotionally spent to think clearly.
“Unless it was his business partner to decide that I’m not suitable but not through any wrongdoing of my own.”
“What do you mean?”
I tell Aubrey about my reputation at school and what happened with the guys and our deal and the poll that almost split me and Reece up for good.
“Holy shit! That's insane! Who do you think is doing this? And sis, how could you fall in love with those guys after they almost bullied you into having sex with them? No, scratch that. I mean they're hotties, even though I haven't met Reece yet, but ...”
I explain why they didn't believe me at first, how they'd thought that I was using them to become popular and how some false accusations almost landed them in jail.
“Fuck! That's like an episode of Gossip Girl! But how can you use that to your advantage?”
“I’ll speak to the guys and to my friend Gabbie and we’ll make sure that we use those mean cheerleaders who thought it was ok to spread rumours about me to hurt me, to spread those rumours for me this time. If my reputation got all the way to the ears of my potential suitor, I’m sure that he wouldn't wanna be involved with me.”
Aubrey nods.
“This could work. These days what people say about you is everything, especially in the circles of the rich and famous. The only way you can get away with a certain reputation is if, for example, you’re in the music business. Think about Chaz, he was known as a man whore but that made him even more famous and desirable to his fans.”
Chaz ...
Flashbacks of last night come back to me and I still feel sore and guilty for how I used him.
I love him and I should've told him what had happened with my father. But then he wouldn't have gone through with it or he would've made it a point to be sweet and gentle and that wasn't what I needed.
I didn't even know what I needed, I guess it was more about me being in control of my life and my body, about choosing something and going through with it.
I know it could have felt great if I let Chaz take control but that was what the whole thing was about: me having control.
But it was really painful and I’m really wondering how women want to do that if it hurts that much.
I don't know if it was just because it was my first time but all I felt was searing pain.
And I thought that sex would feel different: every time the guys have touched me or kissed me there, it felt amazing but when it came down to the act in itself, it just wasn't what I had anticipated.
Aubrey looks at me and asks me if I'm all right and I nod.
I’m not ready to talk about what happened with Chaz last night, not even with Chaz.
“Tomorrow I’m supposed to go back to school. I’m calling the guys and see if they can help with the plan. This time we’ll be the ones spreading rumours.”
Abi
I CALLED EVERYONE AND we’re meeting at Chaz's, away from prying ears.
Aubrey is obviously excited and beside herself to get to see her idol’s house and I smile indulgently at her squeals as Chaz gives her a tour.
I think she’ll need CPR when she sees the platinum records, the MTV awards, the Grammies, the Brits, he’s even got an Oscar.
I didn't know that one of his band’s songs was used as a soundtrack for a movie and he won best original soundtrack.
It's unbelievable how I knew nothing about all this and how I’d never set foot in his music room before.
The quiet, slightly broody boy I met doesn't quite reconcile with the picture that emerges looking at Chaz's pop career.
I obviously admire what he accomplished but I admit that knowing him the way I know him, I’m surprised that he was ever happy as a world famous pop star.
When the tour is over, Reece arrives and I introduce him to my sister: I see her blush under Reece's intense gaze and when he isn't looking she mouths the word ‘hawt’, fanning herself and making me giggle for the first time in days.
We’re waiting for Gabbie and Max and while Aubrey is helping Reece and Pryce to set out some snacks in the kitchen, Chaz corners me when I’m about to come out of the bathroom.
He kisses me softly, his lips light like feathers on mine and his voice is low and smooth when he whispers in my ear.
“I can't stop thinking about last night. It was ...”
Painful.
I think.
“Hot.”
He says. Ok, well at least it felt good to him. That eases my guilt a little bit.
“I can't stop thinking about how soft and hot and tight you are. Being inside of you is the best thing I’ve ever felt ...”
So I was the only one who felt as if she was being ripped in half by a hot metal rod.
I swallow and hug him tighter. If last night didn't feel good it's all my fault, not his.
I wanted him to be rough, I forced him to be and he just gave me what I asked for, he probably thought that I’d been already with Pryce or Reece or I know he would've never had sex with me that way.
So if now I’m scared to do it again, it's all my fault.
“Will you spend the night here tonight?”
The look on his face is so tender and so hopeful that I promise him that I will.
Maybe I can make it up to him.
But I have no time to dwell on the mess I made with Chaz because loud voices coming from the living room make us rush there to see what the commotion is all about.
Of course, Max has just arrived and Reece is glaring at him and asking him who's invited him.
“I asked him here, Reece.”
“Why? I don't trust this motherfucker!”
Max’s gaze hardens and his jaw ticks when he grinds out his next words.
“It’s completely fucking mutual.”
They're staring each other down and I’ve seriously had enough of them not being able to be in the same room without getting at each other's throats.
It's crazy how they can play in the same football team and even win games with how much they detest each other.
I grab Reece's hand and drag him around the corner by the pool, where we can't be heard nor seen.
“Reece, I need all of you to help me. Can you try to be civilised for a couple of hours and tolerate Max’s presence?”
“He’s—”
“He’s my friend, Reece. He was there for me yesterday. He came to my mom’s memorial. He was there because my dad blacklisted Chaz and Pryce and they called him to help. He dropped everything and was my rock, honestly.”
Reece looks even more unhappy to hear how I feel.
“Shit!”
He places his hands on my forearms but his touch is gentle and his next words surprise me.
“Baby, it's just hard after what happened between us last spring. But I’ll try for you. After all, I owe him.”
“What do you mean, you ‘owe’ him?”
He sighs but his eyes stay on mine.
“He came to talk to me after I was a complete asshole to you in the cafeteria. He told me that you had nothing to do with the rumours or the Facebook posts. He said that he knew it was Lissa.”
I don't even know where to start.
“Lissa? He did tell me he thought that some of the other cheerleaders might've been involved but he left it at that.”
“See? We can't trust him, why didn't he tell you?”
I touch Reece's cheek, skimming the back of my hand on it to calm him down.
“It doesn't really matter, Reece. He told you and obviously he must've known that you’d tell me. What I’d focus on right now, is that he helped us repair things between us.”
He doesn't give up.
“Yeah, cause he wants to get in your pants.”
I giggle at his eye roll but I set him straight.
“No, he didn't do it because of that. If he had, he’d have made sure that I knew that he came to talk to you. But this is the first time I've heard about it. He did it for us, because he knew how much we care about each other and how painful it was to be apart because of something neither of us was responsible for. It was quite a selfless act, if you think about it.”
“I guess it was. And if he has your best interests at heart, I guess I’ll have to learn to accept that you're friends. A big part of me misses him, Abi. But I’m not as kind hearted as you are. You forgave me for not believing you but I can't forgive him for believing that I was capable of rape. And to think that I could do that to his girlfriend of all people.”
I nod.
“I understand that. And I don't totally blame you. But what he did for us, was a big gesture. So please think about it when he pisses you off, ok? And yes, it hurt a little that you didn't believe me but it's not like you’d known me forever. I get it. And it's forgiven. Because, Reece, I really, really care about you.”
Reece does another unexpected thing: he lets one tear slide down his cheek.
“Oh, baby. Chaz is right that you're an angel. I’m so fucked up with my trust issues and I treated you like shit and I bullied you and you didn't run from me.”
I don't even think about the next words that slip out of my mouth but I don't regret them.
“It's because I love you.”
His eyes widen and for a second they sparkle with a different emotion than the anguish I saw in them until a moment ago.
“I love you too, Abi. I’ve known since the night of Marlene's party, after I punched Max in the face. When we were in the kitchen. This is why that Facebook post killed me. Because ...”
“I know. But we’re over that shit, ok? We have stuff to do and I have a parent to take down. I’ll explain more in a minute. The problem is that we’ll have to take a rain check on our date on Thanksgiving. I need to go to that wedding to make his plans fall through ... Are you mad at me?”
He shakes his head.
“No, actually I’m relieved. My dad called me earlier and said that he needs me to be at an event on that day. Apparently it's very important for his career. I didn't really wanna go but he made it clear that if I don't, he’ll disown me. I only need to stay with him until graduation, baby. If I get the football scholarship I'm hoping for, he can go fuck himself, since he made it quite clear that he never wanted me.”
I scoff, saddened and in disbelief that someone might not want Reece.
He’s fierce and smart and yes, stubborn and strong headed but when he loves, he does with all his heart.
“Ok. Then how about we have our date on Black Friday?”
He smiles.
“Sounds good.”
“Now, before we go back where the others are, kiss me.”
When we join the others, I tell everyone about my dad's disgusting plan to marry me off to some stranger as part of a lucrative merger.
The reactions vary from outraged to disgusted but everyone agrees to help on the plan I made with Aubrey.
I’ll make sure to be seen getting cozy with all my guys and Max at school and we’ll keep feeding the rumours that Lissa started that I’m a slut.
Everybody at school already thinks I am, so I might as well use my reputation to my advantage.
“And since Lissa, Marlene and Kylie are so hellbent on ruining your reputation, they'll help without knowing.”
Gabbie agrees but then adds that what they did to me can't go unpunished and promises to think about a way to get even and take them down a few notches before graduation.
21.
Innocence
Abi
AFTER OUR STRATEGY is decided, we have dinner and I’m proud of Reece and Max for staying out of each other's way and interacting politely whenever they have to.
Pryce and Chaz seem to feel less animosity towards their ex-bestie.
After all, they were the ones to call him yesterday and to ask him to be by my side.
Aubrey and I agree that until the wedding, she’ll sleep at the hotel to keep Dad’s radar off of us.
But the guys promise her to come and pick her up whenever safe, so that we can hang out here where Dad can't see us.
When Gabbie offers to drive my sister home, Max decides to leave too.
“Hey sweets, I take it that your dad never let you get a driving licence?”
Pryce asks and I nod.
“Of course not. But at St. Mary's we weren't allowed to keep or drive any vehicles anyway.”
He takes my hand and his silver eyes have a determined glint in them when he offers me to teach me how to drive.
“That will make you more independent. Another way to stick it to Daddy Dearest. Shame that Aubrey needs his signature to get a licence.”
Before Max left, the boys were playing an NFL game on Chaz’s PlayStation and the final game is between Reece and Pryce.
They decide to finish the battle.
“The winner gets to sit next to Abi in the car all week!”
That's the wager that Pryce proposes and Reece shakes his bestie’s hand.
“You're on! Prepare for some ass kicking, motherfucker!”
As the guys begin to play, I yawn: I’m still exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster of the last few days.
Chaz notices and takes my hand, guiding me upstairs to his room.
As soon as he locks the door behind me, his lips are on mine in a kiss that begins hot and becomes knee weakening when I’m flattened against the bathroom door and I feel his solid body against mine.
The kiss is gentle and hot at the same time, his tongue brushes against mine in expert strokes: it's firm and it doesn't invade my mouth completely, it gives me the chance to kiss him back.
Chaz is the best kisser out of all the guys, no wonder Reece wanted him to coach me on kissing.
When he starts using his teeth to graze at my bottom lip and takes it in his mouth to suck on it, my nipples react by hardening against his chest and I feel a jolt of sharp, almost painful pleasure travel all the way down, between my legs.
I’m soaking wet and I don't understand why my body gets on fire when this feels a hundred times better than what it will eventually lead to if we don't stop.
One of Chaz’s hands descends to my breast, cupping it gently and he breaks the kiss to look into my eyes with his incredible hazel gaze.
“Abi, I love you.”
The way he’s looking at me makes my heart clench painfully but I say it back with no hesitation, I love him with all my heart.
The guilt for how I used him last night has nothing to do with him and everything to do with how screwed up I am.
His hand skims down my hip and when it gets to the bottom of my thigh, he lifts it up to curl against his waist and that’s when I feel him rock hard against my core.
And my body reacts accordingly, flooding me with more pleasure and more excitement and there's nothing wrong with being with him again: he’s sexy, exciting and we love each other.
I trust him.
So I let him take my clothes off, one garment after the next and I take his tight grey t-shirt off of him, to reveal his muscled chest and cut abs.
Before I know it we're down to our underwear and he lifts me up in his arms and puts me down on his bed climbing on it by my side and exploring my body with hot kisses that descend from my neck down to my stomach.
He removes my underwear with deft hands and he’s hovering over the top of me, hard and so gorgeous that I can't catch my breath.
“Abi, I want you so much ...”
It’s a whisper, soft and warm against my ear and I think that maybe it'll be different than last night, that tonight I’ll let him take the lead.
He guides his hard length towards my opening but when I feel its head beginning to push inside me, I cry out.<
br />
“No, Chaz! Please, don’t!”
He stops immediately, concerned and so caring that I have to fight hard not to cry.
“Angel, what's wrong? Did I ...”
“No. You didn't do anything wrong. I’m just sore from last night. We were a bit rough and ... I still wanna take care of you, though. I love you.”
He looks concerned and I try my best to reassure him.
“We don't have to do anything. We can just cuddle and fall asleep.”
I insist and when I close my hand around the base of his shaft, he stops protesting and relaxes into my touch.
We caress each other until our fast breathing turns into excited gasps and I wonder why this feels so good but what happened last night was just so painful.
Sleep takes us under and I seek refuge in his arms: I feel safe and protected when I’m there, what happened last night didn't change that.
Pryce
WE BEGIN TO PUT OUR plan into action: there's lots of whispered rumours, Facebook posts and we make sure that we’re seen together a lot for the benefit of our peers, especially the cheerleaders and the other football players.
Gabbie is heard talking about how Abi sleeps at Chaz's most nights and how the four of us practically live together.
When she describes Marlene's sour expression, I wish I could've been a fly on the wall.
We get caught making out in an empty classroom during lunch period and we made sure to be seen when we sneaked in. But I can't say that I would've minded to see where it could've ended if Lissa hadn't ratted us out to Ms Webber, who was really cool and just ushered us out with a warning and didn't give us detention for breaking the BHPA code of conduct.
Reece makes sure to get hot and heavy with her in the library during a free period and it's not by chance that the yearbook club was having a meeting nearby.
The club president is one of the biggest gossips in the whole Academy and by the end of the school day, photos of them kissing against a bookshelf go practically viral.
Chaz is the one that takes every opportunity to hold her hand in the hallways. During the semifinals for state championship, after he scores a touchdown, he runs up to the spot where the cheerleaders are hanging out, lifts her in his arms and plants a passionate kiss on her lips in front of our whole school and a lot of the parents who have come to support our team.
Beverly Hills Prep Academy The Complete Boxset : A Light Bully Romance Page 55
