Eden High Series 2 Book 4

by Jordan Silver

  Now the fire inspector has confirmed that it was definitely an attack, that someone had launched some shit through her bedroom window, with the intent to kill. It was the second attack on her life in just a few short months, but this shit was escalating and still there were no answers.

  I knew from my dealings with the asshole cops that all they’d do is walk around with their little pens taking notes and asking questions, eyeing the wrong people, namely me. When all the while the one I knew in my gut was responsible was free to wreak havoc on our lives.

  “Enough of this shit.” I should’ve taken care of this shit from the get and we wouldn’t be here now, my bad.

  “Jace where are you going?” Jared grabbed my arm as I started to walk away. I’d almost forgotten that there were others here, so lost was I in my own head. His parents were still busy with the cops, and weren’t paying any attention to us, so they didn’t see the little tug of war that ensued.

  “I’m going to beat the shit outta Mandy and then I’m going to break her fucking neck. This is her doing.” I all but dragged him across the yard since he refused to let go. He body checked me and held me in place, coming very close to getting his face smashed in.

  “Jace think. If you go anywhere near her now you’ll only make things worse.” He kept his voice to a harsh whisper so the others couldn’t hear. I didn’t care who heard, her ass was gonna get what’s coming to her once and for all.

  I watched as his parents said goodbye to the cops and headed in our direction. In the back of my mind I knew Mandy hadn’t shown up here, climbed a tree, and thrown a firebomb through the window that was at least twenty feet off the ground. No, she’d hire someone to do it, just like I believed she’d done with the first attack.

  “I’m not going to wait until she hurts Sian again. This is my fault and I’m gonna take care of it like I should’ve.” It fucks with my head that this was happening to her because she was mine. If someone did this shit to mom dad would’ve already had them buried somewhere, I could do no less.

  “How do you figure it’s your fault? That’s stupid. I’m sure Sian doesn’t think that and neither does anyone else. If you want to get back at Mandy this isn’t the way to do it. This way she wins. Then the cops can pin all that other shit on you too. No, we have to use our heads. Belle was in there too remember? And so was Tammy. You don’t think Shane and I feel the same way?”

  Yeah, selfish me I didn’t even think about that. Damn! Now I’ve endangered everyone and still had no clue who the fuck the culprit was. Mandy wasn’t ever going to talk. I know enough about her to know that. She would never accept the blame for anything not even if she was the one to set shit in motion, and there was no telling which one of her knuckleheads she’d scammed into doing her dirty work.

  “We believe you, I believe you when you say that she’s behind this. With that, I say we watch her, and we plan, but no way you go in hot. Think about Sian, and what it would do to her if you’re behind bars.” Yeah and what about what it would do to me if this asshole succeeds in ending her life?

  “If anyone doubted you before I’m sure after tonight they won’t, trust me, my dad is going to be all over this shit. He was willing to let the cops do their job before, but I know him. Not only was his daughter in danger but mom could’ve been hurt in there as well. If Mandy is responsible for this, you’re not the only one she has to look out for now. But we do this together.”

  I calmed down enough to let the truth of his words penetrate and it was then I got a real good look at his face. For the first time I noticed how pissed he was. He’s always so cool and unassuming I somehow didn’t think he had it in him. She’s his sister, his little sister. And though I don’t think anyone can love her as much as I do, I had to accept that she meant as much to him.

  “You’re right Jared I’m sorry. Shit this is fucked up.” How the fuck had we come to this?

  “I know it and don’t get me wrong, I like your idea, but there’re better ways of dealing with someone like her without putting our ass in the sling; we’ll figure it out.” Makes sense, but still I could almost feel the satisfaction of having her fucking neck snap between my hands.

  “What’s going on?” Shane and Alex jogged over to us by the time the Claibornes reached us. Jared shook his head at them as he finally moved away from blocking me, and they got the message. “Let’s go boys I bet the girls are worried. Jace son you okay?” Jackson clapped me on the shoulder. I was still barely keeping myself in check, could all but feel the electric charge from the rage running through my veins. Then I saw the worry in his eyes and reined myself in.

  “Yeah let’s get back. Dammit her pills. I’m sure she didn’t have them with her.” I had no idea what I was saying or doing at this point. I’d gone from rage to fear and back so hard that my emotions were all over the place. Now that the rage and fear was contained, the reality was finally sinking in that she could’ve been killed. I could’ve lost her forever tonight.

  Once I put the events of the evening together piece by piece it hit me in the gut, that I could now be picking up pieces of her. I would never see her again, never hear her laugh or see that light that comes into her eyes whenever she’s about to zing me. Oh Sian! I felt like crying but didn’t have the energy.

  I stumbled and Jackson caught my arm. “It’s okay Jace I know exactly how you feel.” Really, you feel like crying like a bitch too?

  Of course I didn’t say that out loud, I kept my mouth shut as my mind worked. One way or another I’ma put an end to Mandy and her shit. But Jared was right I had to be smart. The asshole cops were still looking at me. At least the two here tonight seemed to have more sense. It was frustrating that she would get away with this too; at least for tonight.

  I’ve learned that even though I may have my suspicions, just throwing her name out there does no good. The cops will just say they have to investigate and Mandy will just blink her eyes and fawn all over them until they forget their own names, and we’ll be back to square one. No matter what anyone says, I’m going to have to deal with this shit on my own, but Jared had a point. Maybe I’ve been going at this shit the wrong way. Maybe it was time I found another way to beat her at her own game. I’m gonna need Track.

  We all climbed into the two vehicles and headed for my home. The guys kept their voices low but I noticed Alex was looking very thoughtful and shaking his head a lot as the three of them kept a watchful eye on me. It was then I realized they were all in back leaving me upfront by myself.

  “What are you three talking about?” I was surprised at how normal my voice sounded. Alex shook his head but I didn’t miss the look he threw the other two and I put it down to them not wanting me to lose my shit again and go after Mandy. My boys know me too well.

  5

  Jace

  She was the first to see us pull in and came running. My heart tripped in my chest when I caught her in my arms and lifted her off the ground. “You’re short.” There were tears in her eyes and on her cheeks. I hate her tears so that last comment was meant to piss her off or make her laugh. Either one would take care of them for me.

  Anger won the night I guess, though she wasn’t really angry. “Hey take that back. I am perfectly proportioned thank you very much. We don’t all have to look like lurch.” I tickled her sides and she kicked and squealed to be let down. Now I was the one who felt like crying. Sometimes she sounds so happy. Like no one I’d ever known before. Her happiness is a different kind of happiness to the one I’m used to. There was nothing superficial about it. Something very rare in this town of make believe.

  Maybe that’s why I felt more with her than with anyone else. She was so different from the norm, so real, and she actually makes me fucking feel. “I would die for you.” I pulled her head to mine and ignored the snickers of her parents and my boys as I covered her lips with mine. I let go only when she needed to breathe, and buried my face in her neck.

  “I love you so fucking much I can’t breathe right now.�
� I wrapped my arms around her tight enough to cut off her breath. Our hearts knocked against each other rapidly as I closed my eyes in thanks that things hadn’t turned out as bad as they could have.

  “Tell me you’re okay baby. Say Jace I’m perfectly fine.” My voice almost caught in my lungs as she took my face in her hands and stared into my eyes. I felt the slight tremble in her hands and held her closer.

  “Jace I am perfectly fine.” I read her eyes and knew she was lying her ass off, but she was trying to be brave. I kissed the tip of her nose and rubbed her ass, making her swat at me.

  “Good girl.” She wrapped her legs and arms around me and laid her head on my shoulder and I began to settle a little. It was that innocence that touched me more than anything. Although I know she’s strong, that underlying core of innocent sweetness makes me want to wrap her up in silk and keep her safe from the world.

  We followed the others inside where my parents had done their usual of putting out a spread. No matter the occasion, food was always the answer around here. I wanted to take her upstairs and get away from the others, have her to myself until the fear of what could’ve been disappeared completely. Instead I sat with her on my lap while everyone else paired off including the parents.

  There was a lot of whispering among the adults as the girls grilled us for information, which we kind of sidestepped. No way was I telling Sian this shit. Not until it had been taken care of. She had enough on her plate as it is. I’ll just be her eyes and ears and stand between her and all comers. Her dad was going to have a fit but I’m not letting her go back home; I can’t. I’d fucking die if something happened to her and I wasn’t there to protect her, never again.

  I kissed her temple and tuned back in to the conversations going on around the room. Mom had called the other parents letting them know the girls were okay, not wanting them to hear about the fire from elsewhere and freak. She must’ve played that shit down because they were all still here and there were no panicked parents beating down our door.

  “How are you doing baby?” I rubbed her back and pulled her back into my chest, sniffing her hair and just being extra fucking grateful that she was still here with me. She snuggled in close and the last bit of fear finally lost its grip on me. “I’m fine I promise.”

  She took my hand in hers and I let her convince me while conversation went on around us.

  “Well Jackson, Veronica, you know you’re staying here until your place is livable again.” Dad offered her dad a drink while the moms sipped on wine. Her parents protested but I could’ve told them they were wasting their breath. I was about to laugh at the back and forth when it struck me that this little invite might pose a problem for yours truly.

  It seems it’s my day to be selfish but I couldn’t help it as I tried to imagine what it would be like having her parents here while I had her in my bed. Not the most comfortable thought and I really was being a selfish prick. A bomb had just chased them out of their home, and all I could think about is fucking their daughter.

  It was just a natural reflex I guess. The need wasn’t so much about getting off as it was about reaffirming that she was safe and unharmed. I pulled her closer on my lap and wrapped my arms around her possessively while nuzzling her neck.

  It doesn’t matter what’s going on, I always want her. I can’t imagine my life without her in it. I used to laugh at my dad and the way mom had him wrapped around her little finger. The way he could be harsh with everyone else, put his foot down with even me, but when it came to her, it was a different story. I never saw it as weak, but I did question how such a thing could be; and now I know. Now I have my own love that transcends all else.

  As usual, having her this close was having an affect on me and I was soon trying to come up with an excuse to get us out of the room before I embarrass myself. The little minx knew, she felt my dick under her ass and with a cheeky grin ground herself harder down on me. I pinched her side to get to her behave and she just pouted and kept at her shit. “Sian.”

  I sat there with my dick getting hard and my need for her growing to the point I had to grit my teeth. Dad asked me some shit and I grunted out an answer, but my mind wasn’t there. She felt me grow to fullness beneath her ass and smirked back over her shoulder at me.

  I put my mouth to her ear. “I need you.” I bit her ear and she scrunched up her shoulders and tried to get me out of there. “Jace behave, we have company.” Like I give a fuck.

  “How are you really baby? Are you okay? I mean up here.” I tapped her forehead and she grew serious and cupped my cheek in her palm.

  “I am, everybody’s fine. It’s probably just some kinda faulty wiring or something like that.”

  Damn she’s so innocent. Not an ounce of cynicism. “I hope you never change.” I kissed her again before she could ask me what I was talking about. Fuck Sian! My baby’s like a baby. But it only made me that much more determined to protect her. Each day I learn more and more why dad is the way he is with mom. Why her parents from what I’ve seen live pretty much by the same tenets.

  The way they protect the women from shit that they know will upset them. Mom mostly finds that shit out anyway, but it’s usually when the shit has been taken care of and can no longer harm her in anyway.

  It’s strange when both parents treat you like you’re part of the equation. Dad, when I got older would sometimes tell me things that he was keeping from mom. As his son he knew that when he wasn’t around I would be the one looking out for her. Mom on the other hand would bitch and moan that dad was keeping stuff from her.

  I used to agree with her; after all she’s an adult. But now I see why he does it. Adult or not when your woman is in danger you don’t see the age. All you see is the most precious thing in your life, that soft beautiful creature that you’d bleed for, in harm’s way.

  “Jace you’re squeezing me to death.” Shit! I eased up on my hold but still didn’t let her go.

  Something was going on in my head and the rest of me was trying to play catch up. If that shit wasn’t bad enough I had another worry. If she hadn’t disobeyed me she would be dead or seriously hurt now. Is this what they call a catch twenty-two?

  What the fuck am I supposed to do with that shit? I told her to stay put, she didn’t stay put and it saved her life. Now she’ll never let me forget this shit and for the rest of our lives she’s gonna use it to get her damn way. Shit! Not gonna happen. I looked down at her trying to figure out how to out maneuver her.

  She curled up in my lap like a little kitten. Across the room Jared was whispering to Belle and calming her down while Shane did the same with his girl. Cassie and Valerie had their heads together and Alex looked like he was deep in thought. He kept giving me these strange looks but every time I looked at him he’d look at the girls and shake his head. Later then.

  Maggie had already gone up to one of the guest bedrooms upstairs apparently too tuckered out from her friend’s house to even care about all the excitement. Everyone else was now tired and mom was talking sleeping arrangements. She gave the girls a room to share and the boys another.

  “I think I’ll stay with the girls tonight.” Sian said to the room at large. Like hell!

  “Yeah, uh no.” She’s out of her fucking mind too. I stood and grabbed her hand and headed for the stairs with a ‘goodnight’ to everyone. The room erupted in laughter and she hid her face in my back as I pulled her along behind me.

  My boys, except for Jared had spent the night here before they know how to get around. I was pretty sure before the hour was out Shane and Jared would have their girls with them. That would leave Cassie and Alex. Oh shit Valerie, Track. He must be going out of his mind.

  I have no way of calling him since they take his phone whenever he gets stuck in that place. Speaking of which how had he called me tonight? That’s the first time he’s ever done that while away. Not to mention the fact he knew something was wrong before it happened. If my head wasn’t full of her I would think about that, but right
now I couldn’t focus on anything else but her.

  “Wait here.” I left her and went back to where Valerie was sitting still looking a bit dazed. “Are you okay?” I knelt in front of her and took her hands in mine. She nodded and looked at me. There were tears drying on her cheeks. Track is going to lose his shit when he hears about this.

  “Track, heard he heard everything.” I looked at her questioningly. “What do you mean?”

  “He called just before you guys showed up. He was asking me where we were and if everything was okay when that thing went off. He sounded really worried and then his phone went dead. He was screaming for me when the explosion happened and then he was gone.”

  Fuck! I squeezed her hand feeling helpless. “I’m sure he’s okay, I promise you he’s okay.” And after this I’ma make sure dad does something to stop the fucking school from sending him away each time he acts up. He wasn’t as bad as everybody tried to make out, and I was sick of them doing that shit anyway.

  “Try to get some sleep and I’ll try to find him in the morning.” I knew the words were empty. In my gut I was sure my friend was okay but if it were Sian at the end of nowhere and I couldn’t reach her at a time like this I’d lose my fucking mind. I hope he doesn’t get into any more trouble than he was already in. But I know Track, if the thinks she’s hurt, or in danger, nothing will keep him away.

  I patted her knee one last time and got up to go to my girl. Dad waylaid me on the way back to the stairs where I could see her sitting waiting for me, twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers. The act was so innocent it almost stopped me in my tracks.

  Dad followed my eyes and turned back to me. “That is why you don’t tell her shit Jace. You get it now? You want her to remain like that, innocent.”

  “I get it dad.” I just joined the ranks of the Neanderthal. Fuck my life.

  “Jackson told me what happened but we’re not telling the girls. I told your mom because Veronica already knows but the others don’t need to know this. The story for now is faulty wiring. Her detail wasn’t there tonight because she was supposed to be staying in and no one thought anyone would go to their home. I guess we know better now.”