Table of Contents
Title Page
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Dear Readers,
About the Author
Excerpt of Poppy J. Anderson's 'Let's Kiss and Make Up'
Rough
Daunting Temptation
Drucie Anne Taylor
Copyright © 2014 Drucie Anne Taylor
Translation © Claudia Rapp
Edited by Anna Paffrath
Layout: Drucie Anne Taylor
Cover design by © D-Design Cover Art using several motifs of: © Ina.Pandora & © Jam86 (bigstockphoto.com)
Kontakt: [email protected]
http://drucieannetaylor.com
This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual living or dad, businesses, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
If you would like to know more about me, feel free to visit me on Facebook.
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First published in German in March 2014 as
'Rough: Raue Versuchung'
The Coral Gables series unfolds the love stories of a group of friends. Though characters may reappear, each book can stand alone, and be read on its own.
And while there is a real town of that name south of
Miami, the Coral Gables I describe exists only in my imagination.
The next book is about Avery, Delsin's and Camille's best friend.
Chapter 1
"Rough! Rough! Rough!" the crowd around the half pipe barks, while I try to follow the numerous jumps and figures the two skaters deliver. This is one battle in a larger competition. Delsin Rough is the undisputed champ on campus, and probably everywhere else in his life, too. He's a frat boy, a fact that I personally can’t stomach, but if you think that's what you need to succeed, well, by all means, go for it. My name is Camille Brooks and I am nineteen years old. I am still a freshman, but have almost finished my first year, majoring in biology and chemistry. The summer break is not far off and I look forward to being back home.
Delsin Rough is, as his name indicates, a rough and tough guy. He is tall, usually wears a baseball cap and seems to like grunge music, because that is exactly what he dresses like. His father is some pro skater who is famous enough to lend his name to computer games. The ideal boyfriend for all the girls on campus, because he is filthy rich and thus has no need of a college degree, but to me, he's just as much of a poser as all the other frat boys. He is a member of some fraternity at the University of Miami, which the students usually refer to as 'the U'. How come I know all of that? Well, people talk about him a lot. He's every bleach-blonde's crush, and makes every smart person gag. I include myself in the second category. I don't know why I even bother listening to all those stories about him. It's probably my best friend Hailey's fault, who ended up on the back seat of his car with him, and has studiously avoided his presence ever since. Thalia, who shares an apartment with Hailey and me, has also gone through the Delsin Rough experience.
I cannot count the times I have stumbled upon some guy's clothes in our living-room, just because the two of them think it is mandatory that they chalk up a high score of sins during their college years. God, that makes me sound like a total prude, which I assure you I am not.
"Hey, Sweets," Avery calls over. Once we got to know each other a little better, he and I have become good friends.
"Hey, bubble butt," I grin back at him, before turning again to the two contestants on their boards.
"Rough! Rough! Rough!" It really does sound like the barking of a pack of dogs!
"Man, look at the jerk showing off again," Avery says with a smirk when he starts watching Delsin's antics with me. I should add that Avery and Delsin are best friends, which ought to make me his enemy, too, but I am able and willing to discriminate between pal and moron.
"Does he ever do anything else?" I ask in an irritated voice.
That is also Hailey's fault. She dragged me here, only to leave with some guy I recognize from a few of my classes. Nathaniel or something, not that it matters.
"Come on, Camille, don't be so hard on him. He simply enjoys his life," Avery chides me for my griping.
"Well, so do I, but that doesn't mean I act like a harem girl or some oriental sheik," I snap.
Avery starts laughing. He practically shakes with it. "That's a good one. I think I will call him that from now on."
I giggle. "Go ahead and do it. And don't forget to mention it came from the bottom of my heart."
"You really cannot stand him," he states, not for the first time.
"I really cannot. He screwed both my best friends and then dropped them as if they had … what do you always say? Butt cooties? Yeah, I know only small boys are said to have those, but the whole thing was very shitty of him," I insist.
"Rough! Rough! Rough!" Now the rapt audience is cheering and making goo-goo eyes at the jerk. He's the university's shining star, while I am a little twinkle. And just for the record, I like being a twinkle and don't want to change my status, not at all.
"Are they finally done here?" I ask, annoyed.
"Looks like it. Come on," he says and grabs my hand. Then he pulls me through the throng, all the way to the edge of the half pipe, where Delsin was performing his act just seconds before. We have barely reached the spot when he approaches us.
"Hey, pal. Howzit? Who's the doll you're holding hands with?" Delsin greets Avery.
"The doll has a name,” I pipe up sharply before Avery gets the chance to answer.
Dark green eyes look into my brown ones. "And what would that be?”
"That, on the other hand, is none of your business. All you have to remember is that I am not a doll!” I rant at him.
Delsin raises his hands in defense. "Whoa! No need to flex your claws, kitty-cat.”
Avery is smirking again. "And this is my friend Camille.”
I roll my eyes. "Well, great,” I murmur.
"Camille, this is Delsin Rough,” he introduces his friend, whom I have managed to avoid successfully so far.
"Nice to meet you, Camille. I don't think I'll offer you my hand. I have a feeling you'll rip it off my arm instead of shaking it,” Delsin grins.
I have a mind to sock him. I am repelled by his self-assured air and this attitude that signals he thinks himself the most irresistible guy who ever walked the earth. "Don't worry, I won't rip out your 'spirit fingers'. Wouldn't want to keep the sheik from pleasuring his harem,” I shoot back and look at Avery. "I'm out of here. Hailey left with some guy anyway, so there's no need for me to hang around and put up with this crap.”
"All right, Sweets. Will I see you later?” Avery asks.
I feel the heat rising in my face unbidden. "Um … If you want to.”
Delsin laughs. "Hell, look at you lovebirds!”
&nbs
p; Before I even think about it, I make a fist and sock him in the arm. "Shut up, stupid.”
Wide-eyed with surprise, Avery stares at me. Then he grabs me by the arm and pulls me away from Delsin. "Okay, I get it. You really cannot stand him, but there's no need to beat up my best friend,” he smirks.
"Oh, he deserves more than a beating. How about some tarring and feathering,” I grumble.
"I know, but I've known him since we were kids, and … Keep calm, Camille. It's totally unlike you to be so easily miffed.”
I sigh. "I'm sorry?” I say, feigning innocence.
Avery flashes his gleaming white teeth in a broad smile. His dark blue eyes sparkle, and then he hugs me softly. "You're a cute one, Sweetie Tweetie. I'll pick you up tonight. We're going to a fraternity party, so make sure to glam up.”
I hug him close for a moment and then let go. "Okay. What time?”
"I'll drop by around eight.”
I smile at him. "Fine, see you at eight.”
He wears his black hair a little too long. It flutters in the sudden wind, while his eyes seem to sparkle again. Avery is a great catch, but I have promised myself I would never fall for a womanizer – though Avery can be counted among the down-to-earth, the diligent – for they are never yours alone. This may sound stupid, but I imagine a nerdy guy for me. Not some scruffy hardcore gamer, but a smart mind with a handsome face, albeit not so pretty as to attract scores of whimpering girls.
"See you tonight, Sweets.” Avery leans down and kisses me lightly on the forehead. "Looking forward to it.”
I wink at him and then force my way through the crowd of Barbies gone wild, who all want a piece of Delsin.
"Rough is the champion, Rough is the champion!” a few of his fellow frat boys holler as I weave my way through their ranks. They stink of beer, and I can't help but ask myself whether they are going to drink until the party starts and then fall asleep immediately, or whether they'll manage to take a break in between.
Whatever. I am eager to go home now, and seeing that it's going to take me an hour to get there, I will have to take a shower right when I arrive. Four hours till eight. I ought to freshen up and make some time to study before I get ready and glam up, as Avery called it.
***
I finally reach my car, an old Ford Mustang. It's a real muscle car, and I simply love it. My stepdad gave it to me for my 16th birthday.
After I have opened the convertible top of my red Mustang, I get in and start the engine. I don't have the slightest clue what to wear. Maybe the little red halter-neck dress? It highlights my legs nicely and looks damn hot. A few weeks ago, Avery picked it out for me on a shopping trip, and I haven't had the opportunity to show it off yet.
Yes, the red dress will look good with the black heels.
Chapter 2
It's almost eight. I pace the apartment nervously, if you can call it pacing on high heels. Hailey and Thalia have been hoarding some bottles of beer, and I swiped one, drinking it to loosen up a bit. There is a knock on the door. I turn around too fast, tripping and falling headlong to the floor. "Shit," I curse while scrambling back into an upright position. I only hope my hairdo hasn't suffered. Okay, I didn't try anything extravagant, but I would like my long hair to stay the way I combed it. Another knock. "Alright, alright, I'm on the way," I yell and hobble to the door.
For a moment I wonder why my friends aren't here, but it does not matter really. I finally open the door. "Hi, Avery," I smile, and he pulls me into an embrace.
"Sweetie Tweetie, you're looking damn hot in that," he greets me and lets me go. I twirl before his appreciative eyes.
"Only for you," I giggle.
He leans in and kisses me on the cheek. "And you also smell heavenly, as usual," he adds.
"Thanks," I answer softly. Then I take a closer look at him. "You look hot too, in your, um … usual outfit." Is this some sort of joke? I wonder silently. Why did he tell me to dress up then? He wears washed-out, used-look jeans, white sneakers and a black pinstripe shirt. Not bad, but that is the way he dresses for his classes, too.
"I would look different if Delsin's broad hadn't thrown up on my outfit," he growls.
I guffaw. "Sorry, but that sounds as if I'm not the only one who wants to vomit when she sees him."
Avery joins in my laughter. "You can be a mean little bitch, you know that?"
I nod with a pompous expression. "Yep." Then I offer him a mischievous grin.
"And I like that," he adds with a wink. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, just gotta get my purse." I run back into the living room, slip into my tight denim jacket and sling the strap of my purse over my shoulder. With a few teetering steps, I am back at Avery's side. "Here I am."
"Great. Let's go." He nods his head to the side, down the flight of stairs, and I lock the door behind me. We leave the building and stroll over to the frat house. Most of the inhabitants are athletes, the most popular guys on campus, but also the worst womanizers. Avery is different. He's one-of-a-kind, he does not sleep around. He once told me that he was not interested in breaking as many hearts as possible; he'd rather focus on his studies. Of course I second that attitude.
"Delsin was rather speechless after your little outbreak," he suddenly says while we are still walking along the road.
I utter a soft laugh. "Well … I didn't want to put up with his crap. And someone ought to tell him that he isn't as irresistible as he thinks."
"I think you're the only one who feels that way."
"I don't care. I'm not the least bit impressed by him, and I want him to know that," I reply.
"You know that you are going to be his personal challenge for this term now, don't you?" Avery asks.
I stop and stare at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He shifts his weight uncomfortably. "Well, Delsin was impressed by you, but you dislike him … He cannot cope with that. He simply wants you to like him."
"What?" I ask with amusement. "Behind all that bravado, he suddenly is a lonely guy who pines for the right girl?"
"I guess so, yeah."
"Come on, Ave! You know exactly what your best friend is like."
"True, but I won't tell my best girl friend, because I know she doesn't like him," he grins.
I roll my eyes in amusement. "Alright. I guess I've got to watch out he doesn't get close to me then."
"Which brings me to my next point ... He'll be out alone tonight because Cay puked on him. That means he's probably going to tag along with us," he informs me as we reach the frat house. I don't live that far away from the frat house, which is why we walked there at all.
"Can't wait for that," I sigh.
"Please just ignore him when he goes on your nerves. Okay?"
With a laugh, I mimic a soldier's salute. "Aye, sir."
Avery leads me into the building. Loud music is blaring. "Party seems to be in full swing," he yells above the thumping bass.
I nod with knitted eyebrows. "Sounds like it."
Avery steers me into the kitchen, where the music isn't quite as loud. "What do you want to drink?"
"Maybe a beer?" I venture.
"Right. A beer for the lady. Now don't run away," he says good-humoredly.
"I'd never," I smile and sit down on a stool.
Avery leaves me sitting in the midst of a bunch of flirting and drinking students.
"Camille!" Tayo squeals and throws her arms around my neck. She is in some of my classes and she is a member of any fraternity for women.
"Hi, Tayo," I greet her back and hug her briefly. She smells of alcohol and cheap perfume. We rarely speak, so I am surprised by this sudden outburst of affection.
"How are you? You look hot," she says.
"Fine. Thanks. How are you?"
She nods. Her black curls dance around her chocolate-colored shoulders. Tayo is freaking beautiful.
Then she says: "I'll head on over there. Tristan is waiting for me somewhere in that bunch of people."
; "Okay. You two have fun."
Tristan is her boyfriend, another frat boy and also part of Avery's gang. He is a good guy.
"Thanks. You too," Tayo says and dances away.
I smile as I watch her, and I wonder where Avery is. The keg can't be that far away.
"You're a lot prettier when you smile," someone whispers into my ear.
I start to smile, and then I turn my head. My smile freezes when I see Delsin Rough standing next to me. "I only smile for people I like."
The corner of his mouth twitches. "Maybe I will get you to like me a tiny little bit, and then you're going to smile for me," he grins.
I roll my eyes. "Maybe, but my guess is hell freezes over before that's going to happen." I wink at him.
"Aaaaah, Camille, don't break my heart. Admit it, deep inside ..."
I raise one skeptical eyebrow.
"Alright. I was wrong to assume that someone like you would have second thoughts about it," he says with a shrug that makes me grin a little.
I immediately cover my mouth with my hand.
"There! I did it!" he laughs.
"You caught me unprepared," I counter.
"Aright ... what do I get if I can make you laugh again? Your phone number?"
"Okay."
"And I can try any way I want?" he asks.
"No tickling," I say. I am extremely ticklish, and if he knew that I would be lost, because Delsin would surely take advantage of my weakness.
"So jokes are fine?"
I heave a sigh of annoyance. "My god, Delsin. Just try your luck and we will see."
He raises his arms in defense, much like earlier this afternoon. "Don't show your claws, kitty. A joke it is. I must warn you, though. All the jokes I know are bad."
"Oh god, I cannot wait to hear them," I mutter and hope that Avery is on his way back to my side.
"Oh, by the way, are you thirsty?" Delsin asks.
"A little, but Avery is already getting me a beer," I explain.
He hands me his plastic cup, and I take it. "Thank you, Delsin."
"You're welcome. But don't drink it all."
Rough: Daunting Temptation (Coral Gables Series Book 1) Page 1
