by L A Cotton
“So, Kyle said you’ve moved here permanently?” she said as we made our way out of the huge sliding doors. I nodded slipping my glasses over my eyes. There was something in the way she said his name. A mixture of longing and irritation that only came from knowing someone well, too well.
“Let me guess, ex?”
“Something like that,” she murmured cutting across the grass to a smaller building. We disappeared around the side and I could see it was the Gym, and behind, the sports track. A group of kids were huddled by the bleachers.
“Laurie, what's up?” The guy spoke to my new friend, but his eyes lingered on me. “Who's your friend?”
“This is Lo Stone, Kyle's cousin from England. She just moved here.”
“Lo, nice,” the guy said. “I'm Devon.”
I scanned the rest of the small group, and Laurie introduced me to Autumn and Liam. They didn't hit me with twenty questions or pass any judgement on my outfit or accent, like most of the kids in my morning classes. It was refreshing.
“Want a smoke?” Liam asked me after a few minutes.
“I'm good, thanks.”
“Hey,” Laurie said. “Show them your arm. Autumn, you have to check this out.”
I peeled back the sleeve, rolling it up my arm. Autumn leaned in close. “Holy crap, that's awesome.”
“Right?”
“I'm so freakin' jealous. My parents would die if I did that.”
I flinched at her words but stuffed down my emotions. Now was not the time to go postal. “My dad wasn't so happy with me when he found out.”
“Oh, shit,” Devon laughed and soon we were all laughing. It felt good. Strange, but good.
“So, what's it like?”
“What's what like?” I said.
“Oh, come on, you know, living with them. The Stone-Princes.” His voice was nasal, mocking, and Liam stifled a laugh.
“Devon, don't.” Laurie warned, and I wondered who she was protecting. Me, herself, or Kyle.
He threw up his hands. “I mean no harm. But she has insider access. I'd love to know what makes Prince tick. That guy is...” Devon raked a hand through his hair but changed the subject after receiving another death stare. “So, Lo, do you like to party?”
Did I like to party?
It was a loaded question. I liked to get drunk or high, and forget, yeah. But something told me these kids partied on a whole other level. One I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
“No, I like to stay home and study.” I flashed Devon an amused smirk, disguising the ball of nerves knotted in my stomach.
“Touché, Stone, Touché. Well, there'll be a thing at the Bay tonight. A bonfire, barbecue, that kind of thing. The annual back to school gathering. You should come. Everyone will be there.”
Everyone?
I remembered the Bay, the local beach. As if I could forget. It was a popular summer hangout. But if Maverick and Macey would be there, I wasn't sure I wanted to go.
Something snapped.
What the hell was I saying? Screw them and their shitty attitudes. I hadn't done anything to deserve their hostility, and just because they wanted nothing to do with me, didn't mean I had to sit and fester in the pool house. Besides, maybe it was better this way.
“Sounds good,” I said earning me a little shriek of approval from Laurie as she looped her arm through mine. “This will be so much fun. Oh, you should totally come to my house first and we can get ready together.”
That was how I found myself sitting in her bedroom, six hours later. Dad wasn't home by the time I’d left. I'd texted him to let him know I would be hanging out with a new friend. He seemed pleased, or relieved. Either way, he wanted me to embrace my new life and told me to be home by eleven. He'd already programmed the house's number into my new phone along with Rebecca, Gentry and Kyle's numbers. Speaking of Kyle, my phone vibrated. As soon as he found out I was going to the party with Laurie, he'd been giving me shit.
Kyle: Traitor.
Lo: You love me really.
Kyle: Yeah, I do, Cous. See you at the Bay.
It bleeped again.
Kyle: And behave.
I frowned. What the hell did that mean? Had Dad asked him to look out for me? Was this some kind of father-cousin tag team?
“Let me guess, Kyle?” Laurie eyed me through the free-standing mirror and I nodded.
“Geez, he's so overprotective. It's why I called it off, you know? I felt like I couldn't breathe. You're going to have your hands full with them.”
Didn't I know it?
“Summer is cool,” Laurie went on. “She's quiet and doesn't like the limelight. Kyle thrives on it. He’s even worse since he made the varsity football team. Macey is the same bitch she’s always been, and in case you hadn't already noticed, Maverick is … well, let's just say no one knows what has gotten into that guy over the last year.”
So, I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed his mood change.
“Do you...” I hesitated. Did I really want to understand him? He sure as hell didn't deserve it. “Know him?”
She shrugged, dragging the straightening iron through her honey-blonde hair. “Not really. I mean, I dated Kyle throughout tenth grade and I hung out at the house occasionally, but Maverick keeps his group small. No outsiders. And I don't know if you noticed, but there's some major tension between them and your uncle.”
“Oh, I've noticed. What is that?”
“Nobody really knows. I figured it was because Mrs. Prince left their dad, married your uncle, and they had a baby together, but that was years ago. This is something recent, it has to be. Or maybe it’s stuff with his dad. I’ve heard he can be pretty intense.”
She wasn't wrong. Surely, they didn't resent Gentry for something that happened over fifteen years ago? They were just children themselves.
“Macey is a grade A bitch. Watch your back with her.” Laurie switched off the iron and added some gloss to her lips, smacking them together before pouting into the mirror. “I think Devon likes you.”
“He's a guy, I bet he likes anything with a vagina.”
She sniggered and spun around to face me. “I knew we'd hit it off. Welcome to Wicked Bay, Eloise Stone. Time to show you how we party.”
~
The beach swarmed with people. Some I recognised from school. Most, I didn't. I stuck close to Laurie as she guided us through the chaos, the familiar rush of panic threatening to consume me. But, surprisingly, the feel of the sea air brushing my skin grounded me. Autumn waved us over from where she stood with Devon and another guy. “You made it,” she beamed, hugging Laurie while I stood awkwardly taking in the scene before me.
There was a huge bonfire in the middle of the small horseshoe bay. Flames flickered high in the dusky sky, throwing out more heat than necessary given the temperature was still well into the eighties. Glad I'd left my cardigan back at the pool house, I wore a sleeveless t-shirt and a pair of cut-off jeans. People stared at my tattoo openly, but so what? It was a part of me. A permanent reminder. I wouldn't hide it away like some dirty secret.
Someone came up beside me and I turned to find Devon grinning down at me. “Drink?”
“Sure.” I replied. One wouldn't hurt. Maybe two would take the edge off and help me relax, but I wouldn't have any more. I'd been there one too many times and promised Dad I’d not slip back into old habits. Even I knew getting wasted and making a fool of myself on the first day of school wasn’t the greatest idea. No matter how tempting the idea was.
Devon disappeared into the crowd with his friend, and I moved closer to Laurie and Autumn while they chatted about things that meant nothing to me. Until Autumn said, “Kyle, two o’clock.”
“I don't care,” Laurie huffed in an overdramatic sigh, silently telling us she cared probably a little too much.
“Yeah, right.” Autumn glanced at me and we shared a knowing look.
“You won't care he's talking to Melissa Tanske then?”
Laurie's head whipped around only
to elicit a grumble of disapproval when she realised Autumn was baiting her.
“Just admit it, you still want him.”
“Do not.” She folded her arms over her chest defiantly.
“Is it always this crazy?” I changed the subject. Kyle only took me to one party last summer, but it had been nothing like this. I quickly pushed the thought out of my head, not wanting to go there.
“Not always. First party back is something else, but after tonight people do their own thing unless it's game night.”
“Game night?”
“Yeah football season kicks off soon and then come winter, it'll all be about the Wicked Bay Wreckers.”
I stared at them blankly, earning me a sigh. “You do know who your cousins are, right?” Laurie said.
When I didn’t answer, she blew out an exasperated breath. “You are far too cool for your own good. Wicked Bay thrives on two games: football and basketball. See those guys.” Laurie pointed to a group of boys over by the bonfire, all big and ripped. “That's the football team. Kyle is tipped to captain the team next year.”
“Football, got it.”
“And those.” She swung her arm around to another group hanging out by the volleyball net. They were taller and leaner, but every bit as gorgeous. “They are half of the Wicked Bay Wreckers.”
Oh.
My eyes found him first. Maverick Prince in all his shirtless glory as he lunged for the ball, fist clenched out in front of him. I ran my slick hands across my jean shorts. Jesus, it should have been illegal for my step cousin to look so hot. I mean, he’d been gorgeous last summer, but he was different then. Even though he’d left me feeling cheap and confused in a darkened corner of the beach, he’d been nice to me.
Kind.
I’d sensed a vulnerability about him. It was the reason I talked to him in the first place. But something told me nice and Maverick Prince weren’t words that belonged together anymore.
A hand clapped me on the shoulder and female laughter pulled me back into the present. “Don't worry, we've all been there. Once you get used to seeing him like that, life can resume. Soak it up, store that shit in your Jill till, and move on.”
“Jill till?”
She exploded with laughter. “You know, spank bank?”
“What? No! That's gross, he's like family.” Or something.
Laurie sniggered again. “You should see your face. It's a completely normal reaction. It's like he was crafted from Adonis himself. But trust me when I say that what's on the outside is far more beautiful than what's on the inside with him. Look, enjoy, but don't fall for the illusion.”
“Laurie, I'm not—”
“Not what?” Devon reappeared with bottles of beer balanced precariously in his hands. “A little help?”
We relieved him of the drinks and fell into easy conversation. He lingered a little too close for comfort, but I needed the distraction. Now I knew where he was, my eyes insisted on trying to search him out, and I couldn’t risk getting caught. Not in front of Devon and Laurie.
“So, Lo, how you are liking it in Wicked Bay so far?”
“It's okay, I guess. I haven't really...” My spine tingled, the hairs along the back of my neck electrifying. I shook off the sensation, inhaling a steadying breath. “Had much time to explore yet.”
“Well, if you need a tour guide, just shout.” Devon was talking, his lips were moving, but I couldn't respond, too paralysed by the person burning holes in the back of my head. I glanced over my shoulder slowly. Sure enough, Maverick was watching me. His eyes dark and emotionless.
Seriously? He couldn’t be that hung up on that night. It wasn’t like I was the one who left him feeling dejected and unwanted. I held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. He broke away first, when a petite brunette strolled up to him, commanding his attention.
“So, what do you think?” Devon watched me with eager eyes, but I had no idea what he’d just said. “Hmm, sounds good.” I smiled wondering what I'd just agreed too.
When the sun disappeared on the horizon, the party really broke out into full swing. Someone turned up the volume on a docking station and music filled the warm air. Laurie and Devon introduced me to some more people, and we formed our own little gathering by a smaller bonfire. Devon came and went, and I was grateful for the space. Whilst not uncomfortable, I wasn't entirely at ease being here either. I watched Kyle make a fool of himself but realised it was his front. He was the joker. And people loved him for it. I tried to avoid looking in Maverick's direction, choosing to sit with my back to his group. And it worked, for the most part.
“Hey, do you mind if I bail?” Laurie whispered to me, clutching her cell phone to her as if it was her lifeline. I'd noticed her texting someone for most of the night. Funny, because I'd also spotted Kyle with his nose buried in his phone more than once.
“Where are you going?” I said unable to hide the accusation in my voice.
“Nowhere.” Her gaze flickered to Autumn.
“Your secret is safe with me.”
She grinned and left me. They were discreet. She wound her way through the crowd completely ignoring Kyle. He waited a few minutes then slipped out of the party after her.
“Where'd Laurie go?” Devon dropped down beside me offering me another beer but I declined.
“Hmm, she said she had a thing.”
“Okay. It's getting late. What time do you need to be...” he stopped, something over my shoulder holding his attention. I didn't need to turn around to see what... or who it was.
“London, let’s go,” Maverick's voice was so cold a chill rippled through me.
“London, who's London?” Devon glanced between us. “What is he talking about?”
“Don't worry about it, Devon,” I said not wanting to cause a bigger scene than Maverick was already making.
“Say goodnight to your boyfriend, I'll be at the car.”
Boyfriend? What the…? Red hot fury sizzled through my veins but Maverick was already moving, cutting through the crowd of people, most of whom were watching us. I squeezed my eyes shut, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Lo, what just happened?”
When I opened them again, Devon was looking at me like a wounded puppy.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” I murmured getting to my feet, and he followed me up.
“You don't have to go with him, I can give you a ride back.”
I eyed the beer in his hand. He was more than above the legal limit. “Do me a favour, yeah? Don't get behind the wheel tonight. I kind of like hanging out with you.”
He stood a little taller wearing a goofy grin. “Yeah?”
“Yeah. I'll catch you tomorrow at school. Promise me, no driving.” I gave him a pointed look, and he nodded. “Scouts honor.”
I smiled and went after Maverick.
“What the hell is your problem?” I marched up to Maverick as he stood next to the Audi, his arms folded over his chest, jaw clenched tight. His eyes widened a fraction, as if my outburst surprised him, but he narrowed them quickly. “Get in the car, London.”
“Stop calling me that! It's not my name. My name is Eloise. Or Lo. Not. London.”
He looked bored. It only infuriated me all the more, and I got right in his face, craning my neck up to meet his ruthless gaze. “You might get to boss around the rest of your friends and family, but newsflash, tosser, I am neither of those things.”
He cocked his eyebrows, a momentary flash of amusement in his eyes. “Tosser?”
“Yes, you know idiot… jerk… dickhead.”
“You think I'm a tosser?” His voice was smooth with a hint of annoyance.
I annoyed him?
Good.
“Well, you are, aren't you?” It was my turn to arch my eyebrow.
“Get in the fucking car, London.” It came out a low growl.
Aargh. I wanted to scream or punch his pretty little face, but I did none of those things. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
“What's she doing here?” She flicked her head in my direction with a sneer, but otherwise ignored me.
“Devon Lions was hanging around her. I fucking hate that guy.”
I sat a little straighter. He hated Devon? Interesting. He had been nothing but nice to me.
“You hate everyone.” Macey sank back into the seat and the car purred to life. “I need sleep. Practice starts back up tomorrow and I am so not ready.”
My phone vibrated, and I slid it out of my pocket.
Kyle: Sorry I bailed. Get a ride with Maverick.
Lo: Traitor. I hate you!
Kyle: Love you too, Cous.
A couple of classes with Kyle, and I’d somehow already fallen into friendly banter with him. But he made it so easy whereas these two moody sods made it impossible. Then it occurred to me, maybe I was here because Kyle arranged it? He lost serious brownie points if that was the case. No wonder Maverick was pissed at having to play babysitter. When I glanced back up, his eyes were on me in the rear-view mirror. “New boyfriend?”
“Fuck you.”
Macey barked a laugh. “Who knew the princess had claws.”
I winced at her mocking tone, and we rode the rest of the way in thick silence. The second Maverick pulled into the Stone-Prince's driveway, I was out of there. He didn't follow. Macey got out of the car, leaning back in to say something. Whatever it was, she didn't look happy, her usual scowl even more menacing. She slammed the door, and the car roared out of the drive and disappeared.
“Where's he going?”
She shouldered past me. “None of your fucking business.”
I watched her go. She had a runway worthy body, all long legs and slender curves. Her hair was the same dark tone of Maverick's, and it hung to her shoulders in an angular bob. She was strikingly beautiful, but her eyes screamed don't mess with me or I will eat you alive. I didn't want to get in her way—or Maverick's—but I was here and we had to find a way to co-exist.
