“As long as he accepts things can’t go back to the way they were, we’ll be fine. He needs to let me move on.”
“Please.” She buzzes her lips. “We both know that’s not how this is going to go down. That boy is coming back here fully intending to claim his girl. There will be none of this friendship bullshit or moving on. You better stop lying to yourself and get ready. He’s coming for you, Saint.”
My mouth hangs open as my heart sinks into the pit of my stomach. She’s right, he isn’t going to make this easy on me. I’m so screwed.
Chapter Forty-Five
THATCHER
The crowd at Cory Johnson’s end of summer bash is insane. Or maybe I’ve spent too much time in quiet solitude over the past two months. Either way, I’m not feeling all these people. I’ve only been home for a couple hours, and I’m already right back in the thick of the bullshit. This is the last place I want to be. There’s only one person I care anything about seeing right now. If I can locate her in this fucking mess.
Some of the partygoers call out my name, and I throw up a peace sign as I continue to weave my way through. Nothing or no one is going to distract me from my mission. We’ve been apart long enough.
There’s still no sign of Violet in Cory’s kitchen, so I head for the backyard. She must be outside. It’s either that or upstairs. And if I find her alone with some asshole in one of these bedrooms, things are going to get very ugly.
It was surprising to get a text from Arwen saying she would be here with Violet tonight. Normally Arwen skips parties thrown by anyone on the football team. She avoids anywhere and anything that might involve Aidan Shaw.
On the other hand, he could be the exact reason Violet wanted to come to this party. She hadn’t responded to a single one of my letters. For all I know, she started seeing him again. I’d like to think Arwen would tell me something that important, but I can’t be sure these days.
It’s not going to matter anyway. She made me a promise, and I’m here to collect. Heaven help anyone who tries to stand in my way. Violet belongs with me. I just need the chance to remind her of that.
As I step outside, I hone in on her golden hair immediately. She’s leaning against the wall of the pool house, smiling and laughing as some jock jerk chats her up. My chest tightens, my fists balling at my sides as I charge in her direction.
Violet’s eyes widen the second she spots me, her blue eyes glued on me as if the dude she was talking to isn’t still standing there. The closer I get, the more everyone and everything else begins to fade into the background. As far as I’m concerned, it’s only the two of us.
The football player goes silent as I reach her, cursing before stepping away. Violet doesn’t move as I step closer, her breathing shallow. I’ve waited two months for this moment. Practiced all the things I wanted to say in my head. But now that she’s here, looking like an answered prayer, my brain can’t even process words. There’s only this uncontrollable need to hold her, touch her, kiss her.
Her throat bobs as I lean in, resting my left hand on the brick wall beside her head. “Fuck, I’ve missed you,” I whisper, brushing the hair away from her face before cupping her cheek.
She licks her lips, eyelashes fluttering as she sucks in a breath. “Thatcher, I—”
My mouth crashes into hers, cutting her off. She moans as she opens for me, her tongue eager as it meets mine. Kissing her again feels even better than I imagined. Even better than I remember.
My hands move to her waist, pulling her away from the wall and into me as her fingers dive into my hair. I needed this more than I even realized—to get lost in her this way.
Someone nearby shouts for us to get a room, breaking the spell, and Violet pushes me away. She pants as her eyes water, the pain behind them like a knife plunged into my heart.
“No. I can’t do this. I won’t.”
It feels as if someone has kicked the wind out of me. Before I have a chance to catch my breath, she’s running away, disappearing into the mob of partygoers. I follow her, nearly falling into the pool to avoid a couple drunk assholes as they stumble by. Once I get to the driveway, I scan the cars and people scattered in the front yard. My veins flood with adrenaline when I see her making a beeline for her car. I chase after her.
As she makes it to her car, I charge up behind her. She gasps as I grab her arm, spinning her around to face me before pinning her to the car with the weight of my body. We’re both breathing hard by the time she meets my gaze, her eyes flickering between lust, fear, and anger.
“Going somewhere, baby doll?”
She lets out a whimper as I run my thumb over the racing pulse in her neck, my dick twitching as I lean in to place a kiss there.
“I’m leaving,” she pants. Her body presses into mine as I continue kissing and suckling her neck. “Please let me go.”
My head snaps up at her request, my chest tight as I grip her hips. She shudders as I grind into her center, her eyelids drooping with arousal. “That’s never going to happen, Saint.”
“Oh, God…” she murmurs, her eyes falling shut as she licks her lips.
Right as I’m about to lean in to taste them again, she shoves me away and scurries to get inside her car. I reach for the door, trying to keep her from closing it, but a hand lands on my shoulder and jerks me back as she slams it. My head whips around, my fist ready to deliver a blow to the asshole keeping me from Violet, until I see Cole.
My heart squeezes in my chest. Cole is my oldest friend. I’m pretty sure we’ve never gone this long without seeing or speaking to each other. It sucked not having my best friend. I hated every second of it. But right now, he’s not my best friend—he’s the person standing in my way.
“Let her go, man. This is not the place.”
Growling, I push his hand off my shoulder and turn back to Violet. Only to be met with the taillights of her Lincoln as she pulls away.
“What the hell, Cole?” I twirl back to him. “You’re radio silent all summer long, and now you’re keeping me away from Saint.”
“Calm down, drama queen,” he chuckles, waiting for some stragglers to pass by before continuing. “First of all, your lies got me into a lot of hot water with Violet. I had every right to be ticked off about it. Second, I’m not keeping you away from her, I’m trying to stop you from making another mistake. She sent me a text asking me to run interference. You went in hot, and it was a commendable move, but she’s not ready for all that. If you go chasing after her now, you’re only going to dig yourself into a deeper hole. Give her a second to breathe.”
“Are you shitting me right now?” I snarl. “I’ve been away from her for two months. No way am I giving her more time. I’m going after my girl.”
Turning on my heel, I head for my car, and Cole follows right beside me. If I wasn’t so glad to be back with my friend, I’d tell him to fuck off.
“So, what’s the plan, Romeo?” he mocks. “’Cause your last one didn’t go so well.”
My jaw ticks as I hit unlock on my key fob, sneering at him as I come to a stop next to the driver’s side door. “It was going perfectly fine until you showed up.”
He laughs from the other side of my car, resting his arms on the hood. “No, it wasn’t. Come on. Let’s go somewhere to have a drink and talk. It will give her some time to process while we reevaluate the plan to get your girl back. If she thinks you aren’t chasing her, she might slow down long enough for you to catch her.”
I rub at the tension in my shoulders, considering everything he said. As much as I want to go after her, I know he’s not wrong. And I have missed the asshole like crazy. It would be nice to catch up.
“Fine,” I relent with a sigh. “What about Arwen? We can’t leave her here alone.”
An odd expression passes over his features as he scratches at his jaw, a nervous bubble of laughter flowing out of him. “Yeah…she’s…uh, busy.”
“With someone at this party?” I question, quirking an eyebrow. It was strange e
nough that Arwen would even attend this party. I can’t imagine her hooking up with anyone in attendance. “How much have I missed while I was away?”
“Oh man…you have no idea. I’ll tell you all about it, let’s get the hell out of here first.”
Chapter Forty-Six
VIOLET
My bed is covered in bags from different department stores filled with new clothes for senior year. It’s funny, I never thought I would be one of those girls who found retail therapy helpful, but I’m feeling much better than I had when I woke up this morning.
Seeing Thatcher last night was even harder than I expected. When I saw him walking toward me, my mind went blank. All I could think was how much I missed him. He looked at me like he’d been in cold darkness for two months and I was the sun. And dear lord, I’d almost forgotten how good he smells.
It did me in when he said he missed me. It was his KO hit, and I was a goner. Then the bastard kissed me, and I lost all control. If someone hadn’t called us out, I’m not sure I would’ve been able to stop. My body has been taut with need for two months, the craving for him unbearably strong.
That’s why I ran away from him as fast as my feet would carry me. I knew he’d follow me, though. Thank God for Cole showing up when he did. I had been about two seconds away from completely caving. It was hard to focus on anything other than the throbbing between my thighs while his body was pressed into mine, his husky voice rippling through me.
I was sure he’d start blowing up my phone the second I left the party, but there had been nothing. When I woke this morning to find he still hadn’t tried to reach me, I knew I’d need something to keep myself occupied today.
That’s how I ended up wasting the day away at the mall with Arwen, spending a big chunk of the money I’d earned working different events at her father’s hotel over the summer. On the bright side, I have a new wardrobe. And I’d been too busy to obsess over Thatcher.
It’s a different story now that I’m back home, though.
Sighing, I push some of the bags aside and plop down on my bed. If I’m being honest, I hadn’t expected Thatcher to give up so easily, and I’m not entirely sure how to feel about it. I know it’s for the best, but I want him to fucking fight for me. Doesn’t he at least owe me that much?
As soon as my head hits the pillow, my mother calls for me from the other room. Groaning, I get up and begrudgingly head her way. When I walk into the living room, my stomach drops.
Thatcher’s lips curl as I take him in, my abdomen clenching as my eyes trail over his perfectly tasseled hair, white tee, and black jeans. The hot need in my belly mixes with my fury, fanning heat throughout my body as my eyes land on the bouquet of violet colored roses in his hand.
My heart flutters in my chest, urging me to give Thatcher a chance, but my brain reminds me of the hurt he caused me.
My mother squeals with excitement, clearly not noticing my stiff posture or scowling face. “Isn’t he the sweetest? He just got back in town and called to ask if he could come over to surprise you.”
“Oh, I’m definitely surprised,” I grit out as Thatcher moves toward me.
At the time, it didn’t seem like a good idea to tell my parents about everything that happened with Thatcher. They still believe the lie he told me, that he’d simply been away working all summer.
“Hi there, Saint.” Thatcher smirks, offering me the flowers. When I take them from him, he leans in, giving me a kiss on the cheek before whispering in my ear. “Miss me?”
I school my features as he stands straight again, resisting the urge to shoot daggers at him. With no clue what to do or say, my gaze floats awkwardly around the room, Mom, Dad, and even Austin watching me expectantly.
I’m not entirely sure why I hadn’t told my parents the truth about Thatcher or why I’m not coming clean now. That’s a lie. I do know. There’s a big part of me that wants everything to go back to the way it was. As hurt and angry as I am, he’s still the boy I love. The only boy I’ve ever loved.
“Well,” mom says, clearing her throat as she steps up to take the flowers from me. “Why don’t I put these beautiful roses in some water for you and let the two of you catch up a little before dinner.”
She gives my dad a pointed look with a tilt of her head, and he jumps up from the couch, then grabs Austin. “Come on, little man. Let’s go get cleaned up for dinner.”
“What the hell are you doing?” I hiss the second we’re alone.
“I don’t know what you mean.” My eyes narrow as he steps closer, not amused or fooled by his innocent act. “I’m here to see my girlfriend.”
My traitorous heart sets flight again, but I huff out a laugh. “Girlfriend?”
“Yeah…” His voice is playful and husky, his scent overwhelming me as closes the gap between us. “Maybe you know her. She’s a petite little blonde with big, round, crystal blue eyes.”
“You might want to double check your resources, Rebel.” I place a hand on his chest to keep him for getting any closer. “’Cause I heard she stopped being your girlfriend the moment she found out you’re a liar.”
His face falls at my words, and my gut twists at the sorrow behind his mask. “Nice callback, Saint. The line worked better for me, though,” he sneers once it’s back in place.
A predatory smile tugs at his lips, and I gasp as his hands land on my hips. “If your parents weren’t here, I would gladly show you my sources. They’ve been very reliable in the past.”
Tiny electric waves shoot from his hands into my body, and my breathing grows heavier as I fight against the pull.
“Well, things change.” My words have more certainty behind them than I feel, not even a hint of my resolve crumbling.
His eyes darken as he presses his body into mine, the kind of fire behind them that used to make me afraid of him. Now, it’s causing my center to pulse. “Not this. Not us.”
“Thatcher.” He quickly releases me as Mom pokes her head out of the kitchen, and I shake the lustful fog from my head. “You’re staying for dinner, right?”
A victorious grin spreads across his face as he answers. “I would love to. Thank you, Josie.”
My mother’s gaze slides to me, and I plaster a smile on my face, hoping she can’t see my real emotions fighting to break free. “You got yourself a keeper, Vi,” she gushes. “And on your first try, like your momma.”
Thatcher winks at me, and my jaw clenches. “Yep.”
“All right, you two love birds, come in here and help me set the table.”
As she disappears again, I cut my eyes, ready to tell him where he can stick it. But he takes my hand in his, lacing our fingers together and making my heart do funny things as we walk into the kitchen.
I wanted him to fight for me; I should’ve known he wouldn’t fight fair.
Chapter Forty-Seven
THATCHER
Violet slams her front door, then charges down the porch steps, looking at me like she wants to tear me apart and eat me for breakfast. It’s the same kind of hate-filled lust I used to see on her face all the time—back then, before she was mine. I loved it. Craved it even. But now, it makes my chest ache to think any part of her could be capable of hating me.
“I don’t have time for your bullshit this morning, Rebel. And I’m in no mood for it either. It’s the first day of school, and I don’t want to be late.”
“Good morning to you too, Saint,” I chirp, forcing her to stop as I step into her path. “Getting you to school is why I’m here.” I move to the passenger side of my car, opening the door and gesturing for her to get inside. “So, if you don’t want to be late, I suggest you get in.”
“Um, let me think about that.” She tilts her head, tapping her perched lips with her pointer finger before smacking them. “Nope. I’ll be driving myself to school. Thanks anyway.”
“Well, I’m not moving my car until you’re in it. Being stubborn and rude is only going to make you late on your first day. Totally your call, baby dol
l.”
Smoke is practically pouring out of her ears, but she gets in the car, yanking the door out of my hands and slamming it when I try to close it for her. It’s okay. I can handle mad. I deserve it. But she doesn’t get a choice here. We’re going to work this shit out if it kills us.
She crosses her arms as I slip into the driver’s seat, refusing to even look at me as I start up the car and head toward the school. If it weren’t for “You” by Greta Isaac filtering through the speakers, the car would be silent. I can’t stand it. I had enough silence the past two months to last me a lifetime.
She grumbles as I turn the music down, like she’s gearing up for a fight, and I chuckle. The last thing I want to do is argue with her, but maybe that’s what she needs.
“How long are we going to keep playing this game?”
She turns toward me, her eyes blazing as I meet them before focusing on the road again. “Screw you, Thatcher,” she snaps. “You’re the only one playing games. Per usual. It’s not my fault you were naive enough to think you could come back home and pick things up right where we left off. You fucked up. It’s not that simple.”
My grip tightens as on the steering wheel. “I never said it was. I’m trying to make up for my mistakes, but you’ve got to give me the chance.”
She clicks her tongue, and I watch out of the corner of my eye as she shakes her head in disgust. “Why should I? I’m not so sure you can fix this. Maybe it’s too late. Maybe I’m realizing you were right all along. You don’t deserve me.”
Well, fuck me. If she was looking to hurt me, she accomplished her goal. That blow hit me square in the chest, causing my heart to seize before taking a freefall into my stomach.
When the Saint Falls: a high school bully romance (Westbrook three Book 1) Page 20
