“I’ve got volleyball. At least I can pretend the ball is his head.”
They both laugh at me before waving me off as they head in the opposite direction to their classes.
At least in the gym with the girls, I know I’m safe from bumping into him. It’s only been a day and I’m putting more thought into my every step than I have in my entire time here at Rosewood High.
We haven’t shared another class yet, but I know it’s only a matter of time before I walk into a classroom and find him there waiting for me.
“You okay?” Stella asks me as she holds the locker room door open for me.
“Yeah,” I mutter, but my voice is obviously lacking its usual spark.
“We missed you at Ace’s last night.”
“I had a ton of homework to do.”
“Riiight.”
“What’s that supposed to mean.”
“Harley, I’m not an idiot. I’ve heard the rumors.”
“Of course you have,” I breathe. “No, he didn’t kill anyone, or even threaten to kill anyone.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean that. I meant that the two of you have history.”
My head snaps up so fast I’m surprised it doesn’t roll off my neck. “W-what? What’s being said?”
“Nothing much but the way you’re suddenly avoiding the team, him. It’s been noticed and people are jumping to conclusions.”
“The squad, you mean?” We all know what a bunch of gossiping bitches the seniors are. If they don’t have a cock between their lips then they’re spreading around some bullshit.
“There’s nothing between us.”
“You all grew up together though, right? And you are avoiding him?”
“Yes, yes. Stella, I—” Another group of girls come stumbling into the locker room, chatting and laughing away as they pass us. Stella waits, her eyes trained on me. “Kyle was Zayn’s best friend until we all moved here. We grew up together, and I was there the night he was… he was arrested. That’s all you need to know.”
“Sure thing, Harley.”
“Stella, I—”
“It’s fine, Harley. I get it. But if you want to talk, I’m here, okay? I’ve been to a lot of schools over the years, I’ve seen a lot of shit. You need an unbiased opinion. I’m here.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
She nods at me and we begin getting changed.
“So, you ready for cheer to start up again next week?” she asks me, thankfully steering the conversation to something I’m happier talking about.
“Yes. I never thought I’d say it after all those crazy hours before nationals, but I miss it.”
“Auditions are going to be brutal though, aren’t they? Chelsea is such a perfectionist.”
“Yep. But I get it, she wants to leave a good squad behind her. We’ve got big shoes to fill.”
“That we do.”
I feel a little better after expelling some of my pent-up energy during volleyball. I hadn’t realized how much stopping all my exercise quite so abruptly after nationals had affected me. As I get dressed, ready to head home, I tell myself that I’m going to reset my alarm for the morning and go for a run before school. Hopefully a bit of fresh morning air will also help clear my head.
“Harley,” Mr. Wilson shouts the second he spots me in the hallway.
I just about manage to bite back my groan of frustration as I make my way over.
“Yes, sir?” I say politely.
“I thought you’d want to know that I’ve matched you up with a tutor. I’ve handed over all your contact details and I’ll leave it up to the two of you to arrange your sessions. I trust you not to let me down, Harley. You know how vital it is that you get those grades up.”
My heart sinks at his words. A part of me had hoped he might forget and I could continue burying my head in the sand with my quickly declining math grades.
“I’ll do my best, sir.”
“Any issues, you know where I am.”
“Great.”
“I’ll look forward to your next test results.”
“Well, that makes one of us,” I mutter to myself as I walk away and resume the journey toward my locker.
Pulling the door open, I poke my head inside and just about resist the need to scream out my frustration. My eyes land on the photos of Ruby, Poppy, and me that are pinned to the back and a smile curls at my lips.
I’m sifting through my books, pulling out the ones I need for the night when my cell buzzes in my back pocket.
Unknown: Congrats, tutor girl. Looks like you’re stuck with me now! First session starts in an hour…
Another message comes through with an address.
I know Mr. Wilson said he was going to leave it up to us to organize but I kind of assumed it would happen in the library at least.
I tap my finger against the side of my cell as I try to decide what to reply with. I want to say that I’m not interested and hope that whoever’s at the other end will be glad to get out of it.
Harley: Who is this?
Unknown: Your new tutor. Come meet me and find out…
Some movement at the other end of the hallway startles me and I find most of the football team, my brother and Kyle included, joking around as they emerge from the locker room where they must have just finished a conditioning session.
“Alright, sis?” Zayn calls when he spots me.
I nod at him but I don’t return his delight at seeing me. I’m still annoyed with him for how he’s accepted Kyle back into his life, which in turn annoys me even more because he has every right to.
My skin tingles as Kyle runs his eyes down my body, his lips curled in disgust as he does so.
In a moment of defiance, I lift my hand and flip him off.
I’m not in the mood for his bullshit. Especially now that I have to spend my night doing fucking math with some nerd.
His eyes widen at my move before he shakes his head at me.
I roll my eyes in their direction as they make their way down the hallway toward the parking lot and then probably Ace’s. Good thing that’s not where I’m going.
I grab what I need, before following where they disappeared a few minutes ago.
I head home to freshen up, seeing as I had no plans to see anyone after school, I didn’t bother showering after volleyball and whoever my tutor is will probably appreciate me doing that before gracing them with my sweaty presence.
Mom’s home when I get there, but as usual she’s locked in her office. We haven’t spoken since yesterday afternoon. I think she’s giving me time to cool off, but right now, I don’t feel like forgiving her any time soon. Keeping that from me was wrong, even if she did believe she had until Monday for him to start at school.
I take a quick shower, blow out my hair and pull on a clean shirt and Rosewood High hoodie. Not really feeling like making an effort, I brush a little mascara on my lashes and rub some balm onto my lips.
Checking myself in the mirror, I give my hair one last brush through with my fingers and grab my bag. The red is starting to grow out, I really need to get my roots done but I can’t help feeling that it’s time for a change. Pink, maybe. I feel like I need to make a statement. Show that his appearance doesn’t affect me one bit—which of course is a big fat lie because in reality I’ve spent every moment since I discovered his arrival looking over my shoulder.
I plug the random address into my GPS and follow the directions. I know the area but I have no idea which street it is.
The street is lined with cars when I drive down it. I spot the house but have to park a ways down and walk up to it. All the houses are slightly run-down bungalows but it’s not a bad area.
The driveway is empty when I walk up to the porch and there’s no sign of anyone being home.
I look around, worried that I’ve got the wrong house but the number is clear on the mailbox by the sidewalk so I continue forward, pulling my bag up higher on my shoulder nervously.
The
steps creak, probably announcing my arrival the second I stand on them.
I pull the screen open and knock on the door.
Silence.
I knock again.
“Hello?” I call when there is still no answer.
Blowing out a frustrated breath that this has all been one big waste of my time, I’m about to turn around to leave when I sense someone behind me.
“Surprise, Kitten.”
5
Kyle
I press the length of my body against her back and I can’t fight the smile that curls at my lips as a shudder rips through her.
I couldn’t believe my luck when Mr. Wilson passed me her details as my new tutee.
I didn’t get a say in taking part in the tutoring program. Bea had already signed me up. It was one of the things—aside from football—that I enjoyed the most during my time at Harrow Creek. I’d been tutoring freshman throughout my junior year. The boy I’d been matched with was keen to learn and soaked up everything I said. It made me feel like I was useful and actually giving something back to the shitpit that was that school.
“K-Kyle?” she breathes as if she can’t really believe this is happening right now.
“I was wondering when you’d build up the courage to talk to me. I guess fate took care of that for me, huh?” My nose brushes against the shell of her ear and she trembles once again.
“I’m not scared of you, Kyle.”
“And that might be your biggest mistake yet, Kitten.”
“Stop calling me that,” she hisses.
“Why? You like it, remember. The way you purred that night.”
“Stop it,” she snaps. “Just stop it.”
Stepping forward, I force her to move with me as I reach out and twist the handle.
With my hand on her waist and her back still to my front, I push her inside and close the door behind us.
Before she has a chance to think, I spin her around and slam her back against the wall. She gasps in shock, her eyes going wide and her lips parting.
“You’ve been avoiding me, Kitten.” I rest my forearms against the wall on either side of her head, caging her in. “And I don’t like it.”
“C-can you blame me? You’re not exactly welcoming.”
Her eyes hold mine, trying to appear confident but I hear the slight quiver in her voice.
“And to think, I was looking forward to us… reconnecting.”
“Whatever you want to do to me, Kyle. Just get it over with.”
A humorless chuckle rumbles up my throat.
“What makes you think I want to do anything?”
She growls at me, the sound makes my cock threaten to go full mast. I fucking love her attempt at defiance. It’s so sexy.
The house is in silence as we stare at each other, the only noise that can be heard is that of her increased breathing.
A smile pulls at one side of my mouth knowing that my proximity affects her.
The vibrating of a cell catches my attention, I know it’s not mine as it’s in my pocket.
Dropping one arm, I slip it behind her and run my palm down her back until I cup her ass, finding exactly what I wanted.
“Kyle, what are you—”
“I think I’ll take this. You have previous history after all.” Pulling her cell from her pocket, I drop it into mine for safe keeping. “No one is coming to your rescue this time, Kitten.” I drop my lips to her ear. “Even if you scream.” She swallows nervously, a quiet whimper passing her lips.
Pulling back, I look her dead in the eyes.
“I think you lied to me earlier.”
She shakes her head.
Lifting my hand, I brush my knuckles down her cheek. Her skin is warm and soft, exactly as I remember. Tucking my fingers under her jaw, I tilt her head up.
“W-what are you doing?” she stutters as I study her.
She looks exactly the same. Her eyes are dark, mysterious and immediately draw me in, her golden skin looks good enough to eat and I know from the sweet scent coming from her that she’ll taste fucking divine too. Her lips are full, begging to be kissed and when she sucks the bottom one into her mouth and bites down on it, my urge to claim it as my own almost gets the better of me.
“Remembering that night.” My voice is deep as I think back. Lust and anger colliding and sending me into a head spin. “Remembering how you felt on my lap, how you ground down on me.” I lower my face to hers so my lips brush the corner of her mouth. “How desperate you were for me to touch you.”
I trail my fingertips up her bare leg, her skin breaks out in goose bumps and she shudders when I get to the hem of her skirt.
“Or aren’t I enough? Should I get Gray on the phone, see if he wants to come join the party?” It’s a low blow and I know it hits exactly as I intended as her body stiffens beneath me.
“Fuck you, Kyle. FUCK YOU,” she screams, her arm flying out like she’s about to slap me but I’m quicker.
I pin her arm against the wall above her head.
My chest heaves as my anger swells.
“That’s what you like though, isn’t it? Two of us. Two of us touching you. Two of us making you lose your goddamn mind.” My hand snakes up her body, squeezing her small breast through her hoodie as I go before wrapping my fingers around her throat. A move I remember Gray doing that night and how wild her eyes were.
“Get the hell off me,” she growls.
“Kane should be home soon.” Total lie, once again I have no fucking clue where he is. “Maybe he’d like a turn.”
Her teeth grind as her eyes hold mine.
“Such a shame we never got to finish what we started that night, huh?”
Her eyes scan my face and a smile curls at her lips. “Did the boys in juvie finish you off? Bet they loved you. The nerd with the glasses who’ll bend to their every whim. I bet the wolves fucking loved you, pretty boy,” she spits.
I get right in her face, our noses touching, our breath mingling.
“You need to watch your fucking mouth,” I warn.
“And you need to watch your fucking hands.”
Before I’ve had a chance to even register her words, pain radiates out from my groin and I drop to my knees.
“You fucking bitch,” I squeal, cupping my junk and my eyes water.
“Whoops,” she says innocently, looking down on me with accomplishment in her eyes. “But look how easy you go down.” She drops to her haunches in front of me and runs her eyes over my body. “Tell me, Ky. Just how many other boys got their chance with you inside, huh?”
“Jealous?” I ask, the pain finally starting to lessen so I can attempt to stand.
“Of them fucking you over?” She thinks for a minute. “I think I’ve already done that.”
I straighten to full height, and at six-foot-two, that’s a hell of a lot taller than her. We stand chest to chest with me staring down at her, rage barely contained behind my eyes as all the things I want to do to her play out like a movie in my head. Yet despite seeing all that, she doesn’t back down. Not one little bit.
Stupid, girl. Stupid, stupid girl.
As we stand in silence waiting for who’ll break first, an engine rumbles to a stop outside. I’d recognize it a mile away and a smile pulls at my lips.
“Ah, perfect timing, looks like our playmate has arrived.”
Harley’s throat flexes as she swallows nervously.
“You know Kane has always had a thing for Hunter girls. I’m sure he won’t mind that you’re the wrong one.”
She takes a huge step back, her eyes wide in fear.
“Run, Kitten, and I’ll tell Mr. Wilson you refused my support and that will be the easiest bit of what I’ll do to you. You owe me, Kitten. So I suggest you do as you’re told from here on out.”
She looks back at the door when Kane’s boots hit the porch.
“Let’s get the party started then, shall we?”
We’re still staring at each other when Kane pulls the front
door open and steps inside.
“Ky—Harley?” I don’t look up at him, my eyes are trained on her but I know if I did, I’d find his brows drawn together in concern. He specifically told me to stay away from her and yet here she is standing in the middle of our new little home.
I knew giving her this address was a risk. But there was no fucking way that we were having our first meeting in the library while surrounded by other kids.
Her need to be polite, finally wins out because she rips her gaze from me and turns toward Kane.
“Hey,” she squeaks. “Good to see you again.”
Kane’s eyes shoot to me and narrow in suspicion.
“Is… everything alright here?”
“Yeah, everything is great. You wouldn’t believe who I got paired up with to tutor. It’s like fate or something.”
“Or bad fucking karma,” Harley mutters under her breath.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” He takes a step closer, looking between the two of us.
“Of course. It’s great to reconnect after all this time. Isn’t that right, Kitten?” I run my hand down her spine until it lands on her ass and I squeeze hard.
“Yeah,” she blurts as the pain hits her. “It’s great. Making up for lost time.”
“O-okay. Shouldn’t you have books out or something.”
“Thought we’d have a little catch up first, isn’t that right, Har?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll just grab a drink and get out of your hair.” Kane continues to look between the two of us but he must not see anything of great concern because as soon as he pulls a can of soda from the refrigerator he disappears down to his room.
I know there’s no love lost between him and the two Hunter girls. After everything he’s been through with Letty and then Harley getting me locked up, I’m surprised he’s allowing her to stay in the house.
The second his bedroom door closes, I take a step toward the table.
“Get your shit out.”
“W-what?” she asks, frozen on the spot I just left her in.
“Grab your bag and get your shit out. Where are we starting?”
LEGEND: A Dark High School Bully Romance (Rosewood High Book 7) Page 5
