Malik (Carter Brother Series Book 1)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  “What does it say?’’ I ask taking a step closer.

  “Nothing,’’ he says scrunching it up. Oh hell no. Before he can pocket it, I snatch it away from him my eyes quickly raking over the words.

  Heard you like the smell of fish, after all, I heard that’s what your fanny smells like.

  I can’t help it, laughter bubbles from up inside me, making me choke from laughing that hard.

  “You okay?’’ Myles asks softly patting my back.

  “Fucking lovely,’’ I grit out. “I can’t wait to have fish and chips tonight though. This has me craving it,’’ I tell him dryly, talking loud enough for the girls to hear.

  The bell rings alerting us that registration is about to start. Myles grabs the bag with the dead fish and adds the naked picture before tying the bag into a knot.

  “I’m going to go get rid of this before registration,’’ he says looking at the bag in disgust and unsure on what to do with it.

  “That’s fine, I can do that if you want me to,’’ I tell him pointing to the bag. “After all, it’s my present. Plus, I really liked that picture, I thought I looked hot,’’ I tease, hoping he doesn’t see my blush.

  He laughs shaking his head at me before his face turns serious, “Are you okay? I mean, after last night?’’

  Embarrassed I take a look around the hall making sure no one can overhear us, but most of the students have already left and headed to class.

  “Yeah,’’ I whisper. “I better go. Thank you for stopping by to help me.’’

  “Anytime Harlow. Hey, do you want to grab lunch together? Granddad made a packed lunch with enough food to feed me and a few other people,’’ he laughs. “Malik mentioned you didn’t like the school dinners, so you can share mine if you’d like.’’

  The mention of Malik’s name sends a shiver down my spine and causes my belly to flip. Not even going to bother trying to describe the feeling of him talking about me to his brother.

  I had fallen asleep last night not long into the movie, so I’m unsure on when he left exactly. I haven’t seen him yet this morning and I’m nervous as hell about seeing him. I wonder if he’ll speak to me? Or if he will ignore me, laughing with his friends about my outburst and what a freak I am? Just thinking about it makes me want to puke and it has nothing to do with the smell still lingering from the bag Myles is holding.

  “Yeah, I’d love to. Meet you in the hall?’’

  “Good, I’ll see you later,’’ he grins before rushing off.

  I’m five minutes late by the time I hit my registration class. Denny is sitting in the same place as yesterday, so I make my way over to her. I don’t get far when Mr. Rogers calls my name.

  “Everything okay Harlow? You’re late, but I’m sure I saw you arrive in school a while ago,’’ he says, making everyone’s head turn in my direction.

  “I got held up by my locker. There was an incident,’’ I tell him, not wanting to meet his eyes or anyone else’s.

  “Seems fishy to me sir,’’ Davis shouts, making the class erupt with laughter. My cheeks redden as I take my seat next to Denny, ignoring the look she gives me as I sit down.

  “I take it the rumour is true? They put a dead fish in your locker,’’ she grumbles.

  “Yeah, but you’ve forgotten the flattering picture of me they stuck up in there too,’’ I tell her dryly.

  “Huh?’’

  I sigh feeling deflated, “They stuck a picture of a pornstar in my locker with my face photo cropped onto the head. It’s really artistic and better than the goon who spelled whore on my locker wrong yesterday. I give an extra point for enthusiasm though.’’

  “Someone did what?’’ she says sounding half pissed and half amused.

  “Yeah,’’ I chuckle. “They stuck a piece of paper up on my locker with the letters H-O-R-E in capitals, don’t worry, I corrected their mistake by adding the W for them,’’ I wink, trying not to show how hurt it all made me feel. Especially given the fact I’m still a virgin and would take some serious doing on my part to become a whore.

  “Fucking knobheads, I swear. They act like they’re still in nursery for fuck sake.’’

  “That would explain the spelling,’’ I agree.

  She laughs, bumping her shoulder into mine making me relax a little. Something about Denny does that to you. I don’t know if it’s her outgoing personality or that she’s so outspoken and honest, but I find myself liking her, the more I get to know her.

  “So what about the rumour about you dating Max Carter?’’ she whispers so no one else can hear.

  “What?’’ I say louder than I intended it to be.

  “Yeah, I heard you two are doing it etc and more,’’ she says like it’s no big deal.

  My eyes widen in shock when I look at her, really wishing Max was in this classroom right now instead of his brother, who I just happen to turn my head to look at. He’s laughing with the lad sitting next to him about something and half of me starts to worry it’s about me. I just wish I could have spoken to him before I fell asleep last night about keeping what he knows to himself. Although, like I said before, I’m pretty sure he will and I don’t think it will be because he’s scared of Gram’s wrath.

  “Harlow Evans,’’ the teacher calls making me jump.

  I tell him yeah before turning my attention back to Denny. I’m seriously going to have to get used to my name being called out in class.

  “Nothing is going on. He’s a fucking idiot though. Honestly, there is nothing and never will be anything going on with us. I ended up bumping into him, literally, when school ended yesterday and he showed me up by being his charming self,’’ I say sarcastically.

  “I can imagine; he’s something else isn’t he? Mason, his older brother’s the same though, but there’s just something about Mason I can’t resist. I’d never turn him down, as much as it would pain me to be rejected the next day, I’d do anything to be with him for one night. I honestly believe we’re meant to be together,’’ she says dreamily.

  “Got a crush huh?’’ I grin, making her snap back to reality.

  “Shit, sorry, my thoughts run away with me when I think of that fine specimen. I’ve just never felt about anyone the way I do him, it’s bizarre,’’ she says, her eyes glazed over with lust which makes me chuckle.

  “I’ve yet to meet him, but I like Myles. Oh, which reminds me, I’ve told him I’d sit by him at lunch if you want to join us?’’

  “Do I want to join you? Fuck yes. He isn’t Mason, but Myles is so sweet, clever and has every girl drooling all over him. I also like the fact he’s discreet about who he fucks, unlike his brothers.’’

  “Wow, you’re blunt.’’

  “I know I follow my mother like that. I’m not always like this, trust me. You should see me when I’m all flustered,’’ she chuckles.

  “I’ll take your word for it,’’ I giggle.

  “What do you have first period?’’ she asks me.

  “Double art,’’ I say feeling excited. It’s my favourite lesson aside from English. They are the only two lessons I can always find myself getting lost in, blocking out the outside world like it doesn’t even exist. My mom used to complain it was like talking to a brick wall whenever I was doing either.

  “Oh bummer,’’ she frowns sympathetically.

  “I love art, it’s the only lesson I excel in.’’

  “Really?’’

  “Yeah,’’ I shrug.

  We remain silent for the rest of registration, both left to our own thoughts. My eyes keep flickering over to Malik whenever I think I feel eyes on me, but every time I look towards him he’s busy talking to his friend. It’s when I turn to see him talking to a blonde girl. I think her name is Sally and my stomach turns. I can’t see the way he’s looking at her with his back to me, but the girl keeps giggling obnoxiously loud, annoying the shit out of me. At one point I thought the glass in the window was going to crack because of her high pitch screeching.

  I
snort loudly when she giggles slapping him on the shoulder and end up gaining Denny’s attention.

  “He’s been doing that all lesson?’’ Denny whispers, her voice laced with something that sounds a bit bitter or maybe it’s resentment, but it grabs my attention, so I turn to her. When I do she’s glaring at something, but it’s not something in this room, but something she’s remembering.

  “Who?’’ I ask, my belly fluttering at the thought of Malik staring at me.

  “Don’t know why you’re surprised. After yesterday I wouldn’t be surprised if it was him who vandalised your locker.’’

  “What?’’ I gasp. The thought had never even crossed my mind. Why would Malik do that to my locker? Is he jealous or something because of the scene his brother caused yesterday? Nah, someone like Malik doesn’t do jealous. Do they?

  “Yeah, I read somewhere last night on Facebook he’s got it bad for you. You need to be careful with him Harlow. I know you’re new here, and in a repulsive way he is kind of good looking, but he’s dangerous. Promise me that you’ll stay away from him?’’ she says worriedly. The seriousness in her voice stops me from making a witty remark, but I don’t get warning bells when I look at Malik, or when I’m near him. It just doesn’t make sense to me why she feels this way towards him. Yeah he seems kinda broody and has that ‘don’t mess with me’ aura about him, but I wouldn’t go as far as saying he was dangerous. Not the lad who held me last night while I had a breakdown or the person who kept me company while my Gram’s went next door to eat.

  What’s scary is that to me Malik isn’t repulsive in any way, he’s a freaking God. I’ve never met anyone as hot as him; even movie stars have nothing on him. Hell, I don’t think there’s a kid in this school that could even measure up to his good looks.

  “Are we talking about the same person because he’s drop dead gorgeous and seems like a real nice guy under all that broody crap he has going on,’’ I ask looking at her. Her eyes go wide with disbelief, like she can’t believe I could even think it, which has me more confused than I was to begin with.

  “Are you freaking serious Harlow? Davis has been glaring over here for the past half an hour staring daggers into your head. I’m sure if he could throw a dagger at your head he would too. Did you not listen to a word I said to you about him yesterday?’’ she hisses.

  “Davis?’’ I ask wide eyed, looking over my shoulder to his seat. He is in fact shooting daggers at me, his face morphing into pure rage when my eyes lock with his. A cold shiver runs through me and I look away from him. “I thought you were on about someone else,’’ I rush out wanting her to know I’d never have a good thing to say about that boy.

  “Oh thank God for that. You had me seriously freaking worried then. Wait, who were you on about?’’ she asks eyeing me suspiciously.

  I can’t help that my eyes wander over to Malik to find him still talking to the bimbo across from him. I grit my teeth together for reasons I can’t fathom.

  Shit, I’m jealous!

  I hardly know him and yet here I am acting like I’ve got some sort of claim to him.

  When I don’t answer Denny, she gives me a curious look before looking over my shoulder to where I was looking. She must click on about who I was looking at because her eyes go wide with surprise, looking between me and Malik.

  Leaning towards me she whispers near my ear so no one else can eavesdrop, “I wouldn’t bother Harlow. Trying to please someone like him is like trying to please a gay bloke in the bedroom, it’s never going to happen. You’d have more chance of catching the eye of a gay man to be honest. Malik doesn’t date anyone. I’ve heard about him hooking up with girls, but none from this school, despite what I said yesterday about him I’ve never actually seen him with a girl from this school.’’

  Too shocked to answer, I’m relieved when the bell rings for the first lesson. Not wanting her to see my flaming red face, I grab my stuff before waving bye over my shoulder, just wanting to get the hell out of there fast.

  I’m the first one to arrive to the art room. The teacher greeted me happily; glad to have me in her class. According to what she was saying my old school sent some of my work over for them to look at which I am grateful for. Grayson High are strict on who they let take their art program for a G.C.S.E., as many pupils think it’s an easy ride when it’s not.

  Since no one else has arrived, I choose a seat at the back nearest the windows. I love being able to look outside when I’m working or to find some sort of inspiration. This is the perfect spot for me as I get to see outside and what all the other students are doing. Watching people when they don’t know they’re being watched fascinates me and not in a creepy stalker kind of way, but in a way where you get to see the person for who they really are. Every day people put on a facade, only showing you what they want you to see. It’s like my mom always said, a smile can mean a thousand words, but it also hides a thousand problems.

  When only a few students arrive my face must show confusion because the teacher walks over to me explaining.

  “We only let a selected amount take this class. Most students thought of it as an easy class to pass, a few stick figures and they’re done. So a few years ago we did an exam for when they first start high school, picking out the talented and who takes it seriously. Most people we pick don’t even pick the class, but it saves time wasters coming in and disrupting the kids who actually want to learn and take it seriously.’’

  Once she explains she walks over to the whiteboard gaining everyone’s attention. While the teacher writes on the board I take in the other students in the class, not recognising any from the day before. There are only a few work benches available and I’m the only one with a table to myself, at least, that’s what I think until the door flies open and Malik walks in looking out of breath and kind of annoyed.

  “Sorry Miss, my brother needed to lend a pen off me,’’ he tells her. I’m most certain he’s lying from his body language. Don’t ask me why, I hardly know him, but something tells me that neither of his brothers would need a pen that bad; they could have just asked someone or used it as an excuse not to write any work down. The excuse part meant for Max.

  “Take a seat please Malik,’’ she smiles.

  My body freezes when I realise he has to come sit down next to me for the next two periods. Oh God, I have to do this twice a week with him sitting so close to me. I have double art on a Friday afternoon too.

  This is going to be torture.

  “Hey,’’ he says when he sits down next to me, his tone sounding off.

  My face is already flushed when he takes his seat next to me. I’m too scared to look at him as I grab my pencils and pad from my bag. I prefer using my own stationary when I’m drawing and by the looks of it, so does Malik when I notice him taking out his own pad and pencil case too.

  “Hey,’’ I whisper back once I realise I haven’t said anything it return.

  “You okay?’’ he asks softly making me look over to him. Does he mean am I okay about having a panic attack last night or just in general?

  “Yeah, you?’’

  “Good babe. So, Myles said you had some shit done to your locker, do you know who did it?’’ He asks with an odd edge to his voice.

  “Nope. I had ‘WHORE’ written on it last night so it could be anyone. Your pain in the ass brother Max didn’t help matters when he manhandled me in the hallway.’’

  “He’s just overly friendly,’’ he winces, but then chuckles. “I’ll tell him to back off, but once he hears what someone did to your locker he’s going to be pissed.’’

  “Why?’’ I wonder out loud, praying like hell it’s not because he likes me.

  “Because no one is going to mess with you from now on, that’s why. I told him last night not to give you anymore shit, but I’ll make sure he understands. I was in the hallway yesterday,’’ he tells me rolling his eyes and I feel my face heat again. Damn my red cheeks. “But you’re like family now, and no one messes with our fa
mily,’’ he shrugs like it’s no big deal, but for some reason I feel like it is. For Malik anyway. He doesn’t seem like the person to just let anyone in.

  “I…um…thanks I guess.’’

  “No problem.’’

  Just then the teacher grabs the class’s attention, so I turn and focus on her and not on the hot lad next to me. One that smells really fucking good. He’s wearing his spicy cologne, but the smell of him being freshly showered lingers in the air.

  “Okay, we have a new student with us for the rest of the school year, so I would like you all to meet Harlow Evans,’’ She says, everyone turning their attention my way. I give them a tentative wave before focusing my attention back to the teacher. “I have some good news for you all. An art gallery in town has given us a chance to work with them for a charity event that they are throwing in a few months. Take a look at the person next to you; get to know them, because for the next few weeks you’ll be working closely with them. The theme that the gallery has asked us to concentrate on is emotion. They want you to be able to create a piece of work that shows an emotion in great detail. How you express that emotion on paper is up to you. Each of you will get to choose an emotion of your own choice, and then will combine the two together working as a team. The gallery will be auctioning off all pieces of art for the charity event, but the winner of their choice will be given a chance at a summer internship for their gallery. Does anyone have any questions?’’

  “What if we win, but don’t want the internship? That doesn’t seem fair to a person who wants it,’’ a voice from a chubby kid sitting in the front says.

  “Ahh yes, I did ask about this one myself. Some of you will be going off to college to take art, but I also know some of you don’t wish to take it further. They have said to make it fair that the winners, if they decline, can pick another student to take their place. Same goes if only one of you decline. This is the first year they’ve offered an internship at the gallery and it will look good on your college application forms to have as experience,’’ she says, smiling widely at us. “So, for today’s lesson, I want you to pick an emotion, make notes of certain things that remind you of that emotion. Once the emotion has been chosen you won’t be able to go back and change it, so make sure it’s one you want to stick with. I’ll expect your chosen emotion by Friday’s lesson. The storage room is open for anyone who wants any supplies, get started,’’ she says dismissing us.