Cruel Summer: A College Bully Romance (Verona Academy Book 1)

by Melinda Terranova

  His mouth twitches and all I can do is stare at him. At his beautiful menacing face. “Sorry,” I manage to stutter and stand there like an idiot, gawking at him.

  The two guys flanking him are just as intimidating, I recognize the tattooed one form earlier. Their dark eyes land on me and I swallow the anxiety creeping up my throat.

  “Get the fuck out of the way, blondie.” The tattooed one spits, his dark hair is styled to perfection. “Or would you like us to drag you into the bushes and show you what getting in the way does to you?”

  My mouth drops open and I cower at his words. My eyes dart to each of them, all three are tall, muscled, arrogant assholes. I feel like a wilting, fragile flower about to be bulldozed. Their hostile eyes scrutinizing, as they all stand and tower over me.

  I feel a firm hand wrap around my elbow, I gasp when my eyes snap back to the one in front of me and I am met with a furious gaze. A deep crease forms between his dark eyebrows before he clicks his tongue in disapproval and rakes his eyes over me. He yanks me closer so that I am pulled against his chest. “Stay the fuck out of my way, freshman,” he growls, biting each word off in anger. He lets out a fast breath before removing his hand from my elbow and stalks off toward the pool area with his sidekicks trailing after him.

  I scurry back inside completely mortified, hoping no one took any notice of our exchange. My cheeks are flushed and I can feel my heart racing in my chest.

  “You’re back!” Amber exclaims, clearly already affected by the alcohol. I notice a few more empty cups on the table.

  “What did I miss?” I sit heavily onto the stool, my mood clearly not the same as before I went outside.

  “Drinks, you missed drinks,” Amber laughs. “Here, drink mine.” She shoves her drink towards me.

  I look at the pink liquid in the cup and without a second thought I drink the entire contents in one go. The liquid burns my throat and I cough. “I think I need another.” If only to dull the ache I have in my chest after speaking to Ryan.

  “I’ll get this round.” Jake winks at me and high fives Stephan as he heads towards the makeshift bar in the kitchen.

  My eyes dart towards the lounge when I see a tall guy with a black t-shirt heading our way, I swallow a sigh of relief when I realize it’s not his royal asshole coming towards the kitchen. I shake my head at my reaction and concentrate on the conversation at the table.

  Our night continues in much the same pattern. Chatting, dancing and drinking. Until I start to feel a heaviness and cloudiness in my head, and the room starts to tilt on its axis. “I need to use the little girls room,” I announce.

  I slide off the bar stool and hold onto the table for support before I go in search of the toilet. The frat house is packed with students and I need to push through groups of them, which gets me either groped or sworn at. I find a hallway just off the main lounge and stagger my way toward the end, holding on to the wall as I go. The first door I come across is locked and as I make my way to the door at the end, I sense someone following me. I turn and just as I’m about to grab the handle, I come face to face with the two arrogant sidekicks. My heart stops in my chest and I’m too terrified to take my eyes off them.

  “Look who we have here, Dante.” The one with the tattoos up his arms chuckles.

  “Lost little blondie.” The one called Dante pouts as he takes another step in my direction.

  “I was looking for the bathroom.” My heart is in my throat.

  Dante prowls toward me, slowly and deliberately trying to intimidate me. “Here, let me help you.” He stops when his firm stomach is brushed up against my arm. He reaches around me, putting his hand on mine to open the door.

  I swallow the bile coming up my throat and snatch my hand away. I can’t escape, between the two of them there is no way I can make it down the hall and back to Amber.

  “Oops, this isn’t the bathroom.” Dante chuckles darkly as he steps forward and nudges me into the room.

  “Stop.” I push at his firm chest but it is hopeless. The one with the tattoos, is right behind Dante and they both move forward, herding me into the darkened room.

  Fear travels down my spine as the tattooed prick closes the door behind him. “Open the door, asshole.” I try to sound angry. I can just make out their whereabouts and watch as the tattooed one moves across the room and turns on a lamp.

  “Language, freshman,” Dante says in mock horror.

  “Let me out of here and no one will get in trouble.” I cross my arms and glare at Dante who is a few inches away from me still.

  “We don’t get in trouble, you silly bitch.” Dante shakes his head at me.

  “What do you want?” My fear is being overrun by my anger.

  “To let you know who runs the show at Verona.” The tattooed one saunters over to stand behind me.

  I feel trapped and the anxiety bubbles in my chest. I roll my eyes to try hide that I’m not shitting bricks. “Seriously.”

  Irritation flashes in Dante’s almost black eyes. “Luca, this little freshman needs to be educated on Verona etiquette.”

  “If you lay one hand on me, my dad will have your ass in jail before you leave this room.” I stand my ground.

  They both burst into laughter and it sends my blood boiling.

  “Daddy dearest can’t save you here, sweetheart.” Dante glares at me, daring me to rebut.

  “So, what are you going to do now? Who’s going to save you?” Luca steps forward until his chest is against my back.

  My eyes widen at the sudden contact and I gasp for air. This isn’t happening. I want to cry and vomit at the same time. I look up at Dante for any sign of guilt or uncertainty, but all I see is vicious hatred.

  “You will tread carefully in this academy. We run Verona and you will play by our rules. Our father’s own this entire town. Do you understand? Your daddy can’t get you out of this.” Dante glares at me, excitement dances in his eyes.

  “I get it. I will be invisible,” I whisper, the fear getting the better of me.

  “Good girl. Now on your knees.” Dante looks at the floor.

  “What?” I look at him, horrified. His request slightly sobering me up.

  “Get on your fucking knees,” he spits.

  Luca’s bony fingers dig into my shoulders and he pushes me down, he is too strong for me to withstand the pressure and I land on my knees, sharp pain shooting up both my thighs. A cry escapes my lips and this seems to excite them more. “Please don’t.” I shake my head causing the room to spin.

  “Aww how cute, she’s begging on her knees.” Dante tilts his head sideways as his hands start to unbutton his jeans.

  Tears of humiliation bubble beneath me but I hold them back, I won’t give these two assholes the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

  “Are you ready, blondie?” Dante’s voice is laced with vicious hatred. He pulls his hard cock out of his boxers and massages the head.

  I close my eyes hoping this is just a nightmare but when something smooth and warm comes in contact with my lips, I gasp in shock.

  “Don’t be scared, open your mouth wider.” Dante presses the tip to my mouth again.

  I bite down on my lips and hope it’s enough to stop him. Before he can press into me again, the door bursts open and I am thankful for the intrusion but completely mortified to be seen on my knees in front of two guys. My heart sinks when I see the third asshole enter, his eyes take in the scene before him and he hesitates before slamming the door.

  “What the fuck is going on here?” He looks at me, then at his two sidekicks.

  “Just showing the freshman who runs this place.” Dante smiles down at me.

  His royal asshole strides towards me, takes my arm and hauls me to my feet. “Stay clear of her from now on. Understand?” His tone is vicious.

  “You’re no fun.” Dante sneers before raking his eyes over me. He taps Luca on the arm. “Let’s go find some real fun.” He buttons up his jeans and they stroll to the door, slamming it as they
exit.

  His eyes are alarmed. “Did they hurt you?” He touches my arm and I flinch away from him.

  I look down at the floor, humiliation coloring my face. “No, they didn’t.”

  “They won’t come near you again.”

  I glare at him then, the humiliation is gone and I am pissed. “Right. Don’t worry I won’t tell my dad about this incident. But if it happens again, I don’t give a fuck who you all think you are, you will pay,” I spit before storming out of the room.

  I’m so wound up I forget I need to pee and head straight for the bar where I grab whatever is already made and drink two drinks one after the other. The alcohol burns my throat. I make my way back to Amber and the two guys, happy to forget about my near attack and promise myself to never think about it again.

  “Summer,” Amber slurs and drapes her arms around me. “I missed you.”

  I take her drink and drink the entire contents in one go. “I missed you more.” I fake grin at her. I stumble as I take a seat on the bar stool and Jake steadies me by grabbing my arm. “I’m fine.” I wave him off. “Actually, I think I might go back to our dorm room,” I slur my words as I fail to stand back up and grip the table for support.

  “Aww Summer, you party pooper,” Amber whines.

  “You don’t have to come with me, I’ll be fine walking back. It might sober me up a little,” I garble my words.

  “Are you sure?” Amber drapes her arm around Stephan and winks at me.

  “One hundred percent sure.” I wink back. Who am I to stand in the way of their fun.

  “I can walk you back to your dorm and then come back to the party,” Jake pipes up.

  “No, I’ll be fine.” I stand and sway as the room spins around me.

  “Yes, you take care of my friend Jakey.” Amber pushes him in the arm.

  “Come on Summer.” Jake grabs me around the waist and holds me tight against him.

  I am thankful for the support as I doubt I could stay upright in the state I am in. We walk slowly through the house, mostly because I keep losing my footing and stumble over things that I am sure aren’t even there. As we make it past the other party guests on the front lawn, Jake’s hand seems to ride further up until his thumb gently rubs the side of my breast. I push at his hand to stop him.

  “Hey, you’ll fall if you do that,” Jake whispers into my ear. The stench of alcohol on his breath makes me nauseous.

  “I can walk by myself, thanks.” I push at him again but it’s useless. I’m too drunk and he’s too strong.

  We barely make it to the corner of the block when I hear footsteps behind us.

  “Get your fucking hands off her,” a deep voice growls from behind us.

  Jake spins us on the spot, about to mouth off when he is stopped in his tracks. He takes a step backwards but doesn’t dare speak. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust in the dark, the haziness of my brain doesn’t register who is standing a few feet away from us.

  “Are you deaf?”

  Jake’s hand drops from my waist and he backs up another step, the sudden movement causes me to sway but I manage to steady myself. I squint at the stranger and gasp, those damned molten dark eyes. I take in his lopsided hair that sits over his forehead and I can’t help but notice how dangerously sexy he is.

  “Learn some fucking manners dipshit. When a lady says no, she means it.” His royal asshole takes a menacing step forward, his proximity to me is dizzying and I can’t do anything but stare up at him. “Leave,” he growls, without taking his eyes off me.

  I blink a few times to clear my head and watch Jake’s retreating figure scurry back to the frat house. I hold out my arms to steady the ground beneath me and the last thing I hear is his royal asshole curse under his breath.

  Chapter Two

  Enzo

  Same old fucking shit, different fucking day. Only now I can’t get her out of my head. Seeing her on her knees, the fear in her features as Dante and Luca taunted her, made my blood boil and my dick stand to attention.

  Fuck.

  My father always told me never get your feelings mixed up with business. Always think with your head and not with your dick. Well too fucking late all mighty father of mine. What the dick wants, the dick gets.

  I glance around the room hoping to spot her but all I see are the made men mingling with each other and forming bonds that hopefully will save their lives down the line. I am getting fed up with the same old initiation parties we have to throw. The new recruits are getting on my nerves, thinking they’re something special, when in reality they’re only here for one thing. To do the dirty work.

  “What’s up with you, asshole?” Dante slaps me on the back making me nearly spill my drink.

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” I sip my whiskey and watch two frat girls eye us as they sashay past.

  “How you liking the fresh meat this year?” Dante winks at one of the girls.

  “They’re getting sloppy.” I drink the rest of my drink in one go, enjoying the burn in my throat.

  “They’re young, they’ll soon learn.”

  “They fucking better. Where’s Luca?” I glance around the room. There are stupid freshman everywhere. Who the fuck let in this many fucking freshman?

  “Getting his dick sucked in the bathroom. Want me to go get him?”

  “No, let him finish. I’m going to get another drink.” I stride through the crowd and head to the kitchen. I don’t understand why we need to make an appearance at these gatherings, no one gives a shit about traditions like these anymore. Traditions that should have died out long ago with our forefathers. I grab the bottle of whiskey I stashed in the bread bin earlier tonight and pour myself another drink. None of these youngsters would appreciate a vintage whiskey if the bottle hit them in the face.

  I catch a glimpse of her blonde hair and my dick twitches in response. Holy mother of fuck, if just the sight of her has me this wound up, what will happen when I get my hands on her? I move away from the kitchen, I need to put distance between us. I make my way back to Dante, whiskey in hand. He has found himself a little plaything and being the prick that I am, I decide to ruin his night. If I’m not getting pussy, then by god, neither is he.

  “I smell skank.” I glare at the stupid freshman and watch as her eyes bug out of her head. She looks to Dante for help. Sorry sweetheart, he isn’t going to defend you. “Shoo.” I sneer and watch her scurry away.

  “Where are your manners?” Dante laughs.

  “I never had any to begin with.” I shrug.

  “Fuck man, she was a sure thing.” Dante sips his drink.

  “Let’s bet on how much longer it will take for Luca to blow his load.”

  “I’ll bet you five minutes,” Dante replies.

  “I say two.”

  “What are we betting?” Dante eyes me, his boredom not going unnoticed.

  “Who watches over Amber tonight.”

  “Why the fuck is she here, anyway?” Dante’s eyes form into slits. “She knows these parties are not for her to attend.”

  “I win.” I indicate with my head towards the hallway. “There’s our man.”

  “Fuck off. I take back my bet,” Dante whines like a bitch.

  “Too late.”

  “You couldn’t take a little longer could you, asshole.” Dante slaps Luca in the back of the head before striding towards the backyard.

  “What’s his problem?” Luca rubs the back of his head.

  “He has to watch over Amber tonight.” I grin, enjoying myself a little more now that I can go home if I like.

  “Who let her come tonight?” Luca shakes his head.

  “Who knows? Just make sure Dante watches over her.” I eye my drink in my hand.

  A cute brunette in a tiny dress sidles up to our bar table and sips her stupid juvenile drink. Who the actual fuck chooses to drink a pink cocktail? “Are you lost?” I dismiss her.

  “No.” She grins at us. “My friends dared me to come say hi.”

&
nbsp; I arch an eyebrow. “I dare you to fuck off.” I swallow what’s left of my drink. “I’m out of here.” I slap Luca on the shoulder. The stupid brunette stands there watching us.

  My wild guess is she is trying to stake her claim on the popularity ladder. Be seen talking to one of us cousins and automatically the rest of the sheep think you’re in and nothing or no one can fuck with you. Our reputation of being merciless and brutal is common knowledge, but very rarely spoken about. The sheep avoid us if they know what’s good for them. Everyone at Verona knows not to fuck with us.

  “Already? It’s only early.” Luca turns to face me.

  “I’ve had my fill of loud music for this week. Check on Dante and Amber.” I turn on my heel and beeline for the exit before someone else decides they need to irritate me with small talk.

  I stalk past all the drunk freshman sprawled on the front lawn and make my way towards my car, when the blonde catches my eye. I watch her carefully as she struggles to walk, clearly intoxicated. I tear my gaze from her to the fucking prick with his arm snuggly wrapped around her. My jaw twitches at the sight of him whisper in her ear, it takes all my self-control not to hunt him down and rip his fucking arms off. The noise from the party fades into the distance as my eyes zero in on the two of them.

  Her long legs covered with thigh high boots and her tiny waist peeking through the gap between her tight skirt and top makes my dick harden. The fuck is wrong with me? The fact that she is off limits makes my need to ruin her, even more desirable. I watch as she tries to push the fucking prick away from her and that has me seeing red. As much of a cruel and vicious asshole I am, I don’t tolerate women being preyed upon. I suck in a fast breath and before I can stop myself, I stalk towards them. “Get your fucking hands off her.”

  The handsy prick has the balls to turn around and think about mouthing off but when he realizes who has stopped them in their tracks, he remembers his place. Lucky, or I wouldn’t mind knocking his fucking perfect row of teeth out. My eye twitches in irritation when his arm stays in place around her tiny waist. I don’t think so, fucker. “Are you fucking deaf?”