Mine : You Can't Help Who You Fall In Love With... (The Winterburg Series Book 1)

by Linzvonc

  "Ugh. Just ignore him—what does he know?" Rosie mumbled, her voice trailing off as we saw Krystal standing at the bottom of the corridor, a wicked smile on her face. “What the fuck is she smiling at?”

  I narrowed my eyes at her before following Rosie into class, preparing for even more grief. “Fuck knows,” I sighed.

  I searched the room desperately for Cal, my eyes meeting the judgemental ones of my classmates.

  I slid into my seat and tried to ignore the stares from everyone, dragging my phone out of my bag.

  GRETCHEN:

  Where are you?

  CAL:

  Bit of something to deal with at home. I'll text you later...are you okay?

  GRETCHEN:

  You aren't coming into school? Cal don't leave me on my own here. It's fucking horrible.

  I stuck my phone in my bag and rubbed my eyes, as though by doing that it would erase this shit from my brain.

  The door slammed open, and I jumped, a sinking feeling in my stomach when I saw Finn, Ethan and Luke walking in.

  Luke had dark circles around his eyes, which he trained on me.

  Holy shit.

  I stared out of the window, trying not to make eye contact with any of them. My leg jiggled when I heard the chair beside mine scrape across the floor, the familiar scent of Luke's cologne making my stomach do gymnastics.

  I dragged my book out of my bag, my phone dropping out between us on the floor.

  Luke glanced down, his eyes falling on the digital envelope with 'Cal' on display. His eyes met mine, flashing darkly.

  "Where is he? Left you to face the music alone? What a lovely guy,” his voice was thick with sarcasm, the anger clear.

  Sniggers spread around the class as he tilted his head to peer at me, his ocean blue eyes churning with waves of anger.

  "Then again, I don't suppose he gives a shit about you, or school."

  The teacher cleared her throat, commanding our attention. She had no hope of me paying any form of attention today. I closed my eyes as tears filled them. Although I deserved that from Luke, it still didn’t make it any easier to swallow.

  I opened the text from Cal, my vision blurry.

  CAL:

  Coming.

  Relief coursed through me; I couldn’t wait to see him. I was the bad bitch here, and it was a heavy cross to bear.

  Luke glared at me from his seat, leaning forward towards me. "How could you do this to me?" he hissed at me, not bothering to keep his voice low.

  "Luke, I’ve said I’m sorry..." I said, fully aware that everyone was ignoring the teacher to listen to our heated exchange.

  Luke pointed at my phone; his eyes wide as he spoke through gritted teeth. "Yeah? So why are you still fucking texting him?"

  The teacher addressed us then, her hands on her hips as she glared at us from the front of the class. "Is everything alright there? If you would like to have a lover's tiff you can do that in your own time."

  Laughter broke out around the room as my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

  "Fuck this," Luke growled, grabbing his bag as he stormed out of the class, followed by the teacher.

  All eyes turned to me, and I retaliated without thinking. "This is none of your business, why are you all so nosey?!" I snapped, gathering my things and following Luke out of the class.

  I found him sitting on a bench, his arms folded as the teacher walked back towards the class.

  "Deal with your drama and get your asses back in here. We don't have time for these ridiculous games. I won't have it disrupting my class. In here working, or the principal's office. Your choice," she arched a brow at me, sending a warning glare to Luke as she strode away.

  I stared at Luke, shifting my weight from one side of my body to the other as I tug on my hair, a habit of mine.

  "I'm—"

  "Sorry. Yes, you said. Do me a favour, Gretchen; don't fucking talk to me again. You've made your choice," he stood up, pushing past me back into the class.

  I sat down on the bench, realising I couldn't stay in school today. It was too much, too hard.

  I walked out of the exit, tears blurring my vision as I walked into a hard chest.

  I looked up to see Cal’s beautiful green eyes narrowing as he tilted my head up to his.

  "I can't do this, Cal, it’s fucking awful. Luke doesn't want to speak to me, and the entire school hates me," I sobbed as he wrapped his strong arms around me.

  "Fuck this shit today. We don't need it,” he muttered, and I followed him, snivelling to myself pitifully.

  I had created this mess, yet I felt sorry for myself. I couldn’t help the way I felt about Cal.

  “Fancy skipping school, Raven?” he drawled as we reached his car, tossing my bag into the back casually. He stroked my hair out of my eyes as he gazed at me, his head tilted to the side. I wasn’t sure how we were this intense so quickly, but we were.

  “You’re a dangerous influence, Fallon,” I said, my breath catching as another sob threatened to rack my body.

  “Yeah, I am. You coming?”

  Was that even a serious question?

  Chapter Fourteen

  GRETCHEN

  As the car sped away from school, leaving everyone behind us, I relaxed into the seat feeling safe and happy beside Cal.

  No one agreed with us being together, but when I was with him, none of that mattered.

  Most girls would kill to be in my position, sitting in a car with Cal Fallon—full name usage and everything.

  His dirty blond hair was messy and pushed back away from his eyes, which looked slightly swollen and tired, but he was still the most attractive man I’ve ever seen.

  “Are you okay?” I asked, as he looked over at me, my stomach flipping as his lips pulled into a reassuring smile.

  “I’m alright, don’t worry about me.”

  He pulled off the main road into a deserted car park, near a crappy, local diner. I frowned as he cut the engine, turning towards me as he did.

  “What happened?” He murmured in a low tone, his gaze holding mine.

  He listened as I told him everything from start to finish, my eyes watering again when I remembered how angry Luke was.

  “Raven, if you ever left me, I would be fucking furious. If you left me for someone else, well...”

  The sentence hung in the air, the understanding between us unspoken. The insane connection we had came with a powerful form of jealousy that we felt on both parts; the fact he referred to me ‘leaving him’ despite us never having a conversation about us being official was a perfect example.

  “I wouldn’t,” I say firmly, knowing it was true.

  No one had ever made me feel this way before, and in such a short span of time.

  He tilted his head to look at me. I could never describe his eyes as plain green; they were too vibrant, too deep. Animated with emotion, swirling against the darkness of his pupils as he moved closer to me, his scent driving me wild.

  “No, you wouldn’t. You won’t ever want to leave me,” he pulled me into his arms as I moaned beneath his touch. “Are you mine yet?” he breathed into my neck, his lips against mine, softly at first, before I parted my lips, unleashing his inner demon. Unable to believe this creature wanted me as much as he did, I gasped against him as my tongue danced with his.

  “Yes,” I breathed with excitement as he groaned into my mouth, pressing my head to his as he deepened the kiss.

  When I kissed Cal, I lost all sense of rationality. Reality faded into the background, and it was just us, in our own world. But reality beckoned, as it always did.

  “Cal,” I pulled away from him reluctantly and stared into his eyes. “I need to go back to school. My parents will kill me if I don’t.”

  He nodded as he started the car, his brow furrowed. “Whatever you want,” he muttered, and my heart leapt into my throat.

  “Are you angry with me?” I asked, my chest tight with the thought of upsetting him.

  A puzzled expressio
n filled his face as he pulled out of the car park. “Why would I be mad at you?” he chuckled, turning back to gaze at me.

  A flush of embarrassment washed over my body as I muttered under my breath, “You know... for not....”

  “Fucking me in the seat of my car?” he finished my sentence, his eyebrows raised with amusement. “Not at all. It will be worth the wait, I know it,” His hand squeezes my thigh. “Let’s go face those fuckers.”

  When we got back, it was lunchtime, and a wave of nausea swept over me as we approached the entrance.

  Cal squeezed my hand as we walked into school, lifting our joined hands up to me. “Is this okay?” he checked, a playful smile on his lips, and I almost burst with happiness.

  “Yeah... although I don’t think Luke will....”

  Cal put a finger to my lips. “Fuck Luke.”

  We walked into the cafeteria together, and a hush fell instantly.

  My friends were sitting around our usual table, along with Luke.

  My heart was in my mouth as Cal and Luke made eye contact.

  Ethan whispered something to Luke, and I couldn’t help but notice the hurt in his eyes.

  I pulled Cal towards an empty table away from them, but his resistance alarmed me.

  “Cal,” I whispered desperately. “Please...” I tugged at his arm, trying to stop the staring competition he seemed to be in with Luke.

  Luke stood up as Ethan tried to pull him back down unsuccessfully.

  Rosie stood, making her way over to us, glaring at Cal with clear dislike.

  “Gretchen, why don’t you guys leave? It’s raw for Luke right now...”

  My stomach clenched at my stupidity.

  How could I even think this wouldn’t end in a cockfight?

  I stand to leave, whilst Cal remained seated, tugging me back down beside him.

  “Why? She’s apologized. She can’t help how she feels,” his voice was low and strong, but Rosie scowled at him, prepared to do battle.

  “Because it’s courtesy, Cal. Less than twenty-four hours ago Gretchen was his girlfriend, or did that slip your memory?”

  He fixed his eyes on her, a stony expression on his face. “I thought you were Gretchen’s best friend; I didn’t realize you were the president of Luke’s fan club.”

  Her eyes widened; her mouth open in shock as I groaned.

  “Cal,” I muttered, shooting him an exasperated look “Rosie, I’m sorry, we should go...”

  Rosie folded her arms and shook her head, walking back to the table wordlessly.

  Why is she being so loyal to Luke suddenly?

  I didn’t voice this in front of Cal, as he would probably waste no time in telling her exactly what a shit friend she was, without caring for our history.

  Luke glared at us, Ethan and now Finn sat on either side of him as they watched us with grim expressions on their faces.

  “Cal, please...” I pleaded with him, not knowing what he was capable of.

  I didn’t want Luke to antagonise him in any way, no matter how wronged he felt.

  Cal finally turns and looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “He’ll see it, eventually. He may as well get used to it,” he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it, my stomach filled with butterflies as his gaze swept over me. “But if you want to go, we’ll go.”

  I nodded, relieved.

  He swung his legs out from his seat, my hand still in his as he gestured for me to lead the way towards the exit.

  “Cal.” Luke’s voice boomed through the cafeteria.

  My body froze in response, my hand gripping Cal’s as he turned slowly to face him.

  “Luke?”

  The entire school held its breath; I, for one, was most definitely holding mine.

  Luke rose to his feet before folding his arms and nodding at me. “You’re welcome to her. She’s frigid as fuck.”

  His words cut through me like a knife.

  Cal didn’t blink as he tilted his head to the side, studying Luke pitifully.

  Rosie’s hand flew to her mouth as she stood up in my defence, her eyes flashing. “Luke, you can’t say that!”

  Luke put his hands in the air, ignoring her. “I’m a single guy now, girls. Let the games begin,” he smirked at me directly, sitting back down as a few whoops rise around the cafeteria. “Good luck, cuz. You will need it.”

  Cal turned to me, cupping my face so I was looking into his eyes. “Listen to me, he’s hurting and behaving like a fucking prick because he has lost you. If you want me to deal with him, I will. But I think the fact he hasn’t got you anymore is punishment enough. I really don’t mind punching him in the mouth though, the disrespectful little bastard.”

  Cal turned his head sideways towards Luke, who taunted him by opening his hands out in a beckoning gesture.

  I shook my head as he put his arm around me, guiding me out of the cafeteria.

  Rosie ran up behind us, her hand on my arm as I whirled around to face her. “Hey, Gretch, wait up.”

  Cal rolled his eyes and pulled out a cigarette as he leaned against a locker, a bored expression on his face.

  “Can we have a minute?” Rosie hissed as he stiffened.

  “Rose,” I exclaimed, already exhausted with their hostility.

  Cal looked into my eyes, kissing me tenderly. “I’ll be outside.”

  I watched him leave longingly before I turned to Rosie, my eyes narrowed. “Rose, don’t be mad with him, we can’t help how we feel—“

  She shook her head, interrupting me. “Listen to me. There are rumours—nasty rumours. You need to be careful.”

  “Rumours? Started by Luke probably,” I huffed, my arms crossed.

  “He is his family, Gretchen. He wouldn’t spread rumours about Cal, you know how much he values family. Despite the stunt Cal has pulled, Luke isn’t like that,” she hugged me tightly. “I love you Gretch, but please be careful.”

  She turned and strolled back to the cafeteria as I stared after her.

  My mind reeled as I pushed the doors open to find Cal.

  What rumours? Who’d started them?

  I realized I knew nothing about Cal really, other than when I was with him everything felt right.

  But was that enough?

  Chapter Fifteen

  GRETCHEN

  I had a relatively uneventful afternoon, avoiding Luke and his buddies.

  I made my way to the exit, my heart soaring when I saw Cal waiting for me.

  He stared into the distance; his jaw clenched.

  I stopped to study him, the crowds of bodies pushing past me as I do.

  The wind blew his hair into his eyes, his hand lifting to push it away with irritation as his gaze fell on me. His lips curled into his trademark grin, and my stomach somersaulted beneath his heated gaze.

  I skipped over to him, unable to keep away from him any longer.

  His hands slid around my waist, his smoky lips against mine.

  “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” I murmured against him as he chuckled. A shiver ran down my body when he replied huskily.

  “You are worth waiting for,” he breathed into my neck.

  My entire body was screaming for him, in every capacity.

  “So, what are we doing tonight?” I asked in between kisses.

  A smile played at his lips when he moved back. “I can think of a few things,” he winked as he kissed my forehead softly, his hands on my ass as I gulped nervously.

  If his touch made me feel like this whilst I was clothed—

  I silenced the thought before I lost it there and then.

  “We need to work on our presentation...” I reminded him weakly as his arm circled my waist, bringing me close enough to feel his hot breath on my face.

  “Ah, yes, therapy. Come to mine now and we will work on our...presentation,” he smirked, and I silenced him with my lips on his.

  I’m intoxicated on happiness.

  What Luke had said earlier was hurtful, but I also knew Cal was right;
he was hurting.

  I followed Cal to his car, stopping when I found Luke sitting on the bonnet.

  My stomach dropped as Cal released my hand, addressing Luke with his sharp tone.

  “Get the fuck off my car.”

  Luke slid down, standing squarely in front of Cal. “See, I thought we were sharing things, cuz,” he spat, his eyes blazing. “Cars. Blood. My girlfriend.”

  I reached for Cal, feeling his body tense as he replied.

  “She’s not your girlfriend,” he corrected him, and I close my eyes.

  “Oh, but you’re fucking her?” Luke growled, shoving Cal in the chest.

  “Luke, stop—”

  Luke ignored me, shoving Cal again.

  Cal’s eyes narrowed; his fists clenched at his sides. “I don’t want to hurt you, Luke,” he warned through gritted teeth.

  Luke stepped closer, goading him again. “No? You should’ve thought about that before you touched my girl, you bastard.” He swung his fist out suddenly, striking Cal’s face.

  I shrieked, trying to drag Luke away, but he pushed me onto the floor, his eyes black with rage. “This is all your fucking fault. You could’ve said no, seeing as it’s all you ever fucking said to me,” he hissed.

  I scrambled backwards, the gravel beneath my hands cutting into my skin. Luke’s gaze dragged over me before a sadistic smirk formed on his face.

  “Did she tell you we kissed yesterday? Twice actually,” he sneered, turning to Cal.

  “Luke, don’t!” I gasped, confusion passing over Cal’s face as he registered what Luke was saying.

  I clambered to my feet and stood closer to Cal, pointing my trembling finger at Luke. “That’s bullshit, and you know it, Luke. You kissed me and I kissed you back out of habit, I stopped straight away. It was you that forced yourself on me the second time after I had said no.”

  I cried then. Hot, fat tears slid down my cheeks as Luke glared at me.

  How had it come to this?

  Cal grabbed Luke by the throat then and slammed him onto the bonnet of his car.

  “I asked you nicely. She doesn’t want you. She wants me. She is mine. Get that into your fucking skull. If you ever touch her again, I will kill you and no one will find you. Do you understand me?”