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

by Melinda Terranova

  We arrive at a set of dark stained wooden doors. Luca knocks before opening them and ushering me through. Behind a large ornate desk sits Salvatore, his face is emotionless as he watches me walk towards him. I am taken to a seat opposite the Mob Boss and made to sit.

  “Welcome, my dear. I do hope these two brutes didn’t ruffle your feathers too much.” He eyes both assholes before looking at me again.

  “They aren’t exactly gentleman.” I scowl.

  Salvatore raises his eyebrows and a sly grin spreads across his lips. I see where Enzo gets his looks from, as well his intimidating nature. His father, although calm and collected, exudes authority.

  “No doubt, you are most probably wondering why you are here?” He folds the paper over in front of him.

  My heart thrums in my chest, I’m terrified and anxious but I try to stay calm and aware of my surrounding, taking in every detail I can without alerting them. “I am curious. I am unaware of doing anything to anger anyone.”

  “No, my dear Summer. You have not done a single thing. Your father on the other hand, he has made my life most difficult recently.” His eyebrows draw together.

  I stare at him in complete surprise. I open my mouth but no words come out.

  “You see, your father managed to go back on his word. Something I am not too fond of in the people I do business with.” He rubs his chin with his thumb, contemplating his next words. “Do you like it when people lie to you?”

  I blink a few times, trying to get my head around how my dad became mixed up with these people. “No, I don’t,” I answer truthfully.

  “We have that in common.”

  I watch him carefully, waiting for his next words. Silence spilling between us and I am well aware that the two assholes flank me, heightening my discomfort. I shift in my seat. It is unnerving to be sitting here with a man who, I’m sure, has more deaths to his name than my father has police in his force.

  Salvatore’s eyes regard me for a moment. “I have a request.”

  A request? More like a demand and if I don’t adhere, I’ll probably be another death on his list.

  “I would like you to be driven home by one of my personal drivers. A warning to your father, of sorts.” He stares at me, waiting for me to process his request.

  “That’s it?” I ask confused. How the fuck does he know I want to go back home?

  “Simple as that,” he confirms.

  “I have one request, if I am allowed?” I swallow my nerves.

  He raises his eyebrows and nods.

  “Tell these two gentleman to never lay a hand on me again.” I sit up straight and stare into his eyes, the fear in me making me want to run.

  “You heard the lady.” He looks at his nephews. “Do I have your word?”

  “Yes, uncle,” they both say in unison.

  My heart lurches in my chest and I hope to god I haven’t just started something these two assholes will finish.

  “My driver will take you back to your dorm room and drive you home.” He clasps his hands together on his desk. Conversation over.

  I stand slowly and follow the two assholes out the double doors. Dante hands me my bag and Luca glowers at me, most probably wanting to torture me.

  “Down this way.” Dante leads and Luca follows behind me.

  I am taken to the back of the villa where a blacked out Mercedes is waiting. Dante hands me my phone and opens the door, pretending to be a gentleman. “On your way, blondie.” He throws me a shit eating grin.

  I glance at Luca, who is examining his hands, plotting his next move. I climb into the car and the driver waits for me to buckle my seatbelt before he pulls out of the driveway and heads towards the front gates.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Summer

  We pull into my parent’s driveway and he instructs me to stay seated until he opens the door for me. I know it is orders from Salvatore, to ensure my dad knows exactly who has dropped me home. I try not to dwell on what exactly my dad has done to get in the Mob Boss’s bad books, I’ll just play the ignorant card for now. I watch my dad as I step out of the car, his face has turned ghastly white and his adams apple bobs up and down as he swallows his anger. My mom can’t contain her excitement and skips over to me, none the wiser of what is going on.

  “I’m so glad you’re home.” My mom gives me a tight squeeze before taking my bag from the driver. “Let’s get you inside.” She grins.

  My dad waits on the front porch and watches the car as it drives off.

  The sweet smell of cinnamon and apple fills the kitchen. My mom only bakes when she is stressed or when her and my dad have had a blow up.

  “So, have you contacted Ryan?” She hands me a muffin.

  “I only just stepped through the front door.” I take a bite, the sweetness of the muffin melts on my tongue.

  “What do you want to do tomorrow?” She beams, ignoring me.

  “I don’t know? I’m thinking of catching up with some of my friends from school.” I shrug, I haven’t thought that far ahead. All I know is I want to be as far away from Verona Academy, and the three assholes, as physically possible.

  “Let’s get breakfast at Jaymin’s Diner and then you can catch up with your friends.” She sips her coffee, eyeing me hopefully.

  “Okay.” I nod and grab my muffin to retreat into my old room.

  I flop on the bed and stare at the glow in the dark stars on the ceiling. My phone vibrates and I take it out of my bag.

  “I hear you’re back at home.” Ryan texts me.

  I sigh. “News travels fast.” I text back.

  “Want to go to Jaymin’s? The crew will be there.” His reply is instant.

  I check the time and it’s just past six. “Can you pick me up? I really don’t feel like getting dropped off in the cop mobile.” It was one of my hates growing up, being chauffeured around in my dad’s work car.

  “Be there in ten.” Ryan texts back.

  I jump up and change into some clean jeans and a top I borrowed from Amber. I slide on my ballet flats, run the brush though my hair and am just about to exit my room when I hear the loud rumble of Ryan’s Camaro. A little flutter of butterflies stirs in my belly, a feeling I was not expecting. I race to the kitchen but am too late, Ryan is already walking through the front door like nothing has changed. All through high school, Ryan came and went as he pleased, never needing to knock.

  “Hi, Mrs Richards.” He grins at my smug mom. She stands leaning against the sofa, a wide ‘I knew it’ grin plastered on her face.

  “Well if it isn’t my favourite quarterback. Come here and give me a big hug.” She extends her hands and embraces him before holding him at arms-length. “Don’t stay away for so long next time, okay?”

  “Yes mam.” He grins in return before looking at me. “Ready?”

  “Yep.” I grab my bag and lead the way. “Bye mom.”

  “Don’t stay out too late,” she chuckles as we exit through the door.

  I climb in the passenger seat and the smell of leather mixed with Ryan’s cologne brings back memories of a simpler time. I watch as Ryan climbs in and starts up his pride and joy.

  “Just like old times.” Ryan winks at me.

  I roll my eyes in response and he takes off out of the driveway. My nerves edge their way into my stomach, I haven’t seen my friends from school for months. I follow a step behind Ryan as we approach the table where they have gathered.

  “Summer!” Cade shouts as he jumps up to give me a bear hug and swing me around. “You came home to see me.” He grins and places me back on my feet.

  “I did. Only for you Cade.” I take my usual seat at our table.

  “I’m so glad your back. Please don’t leave me with these Neanderthals again.” Emma laughs as she wraps an arm around my neck and squeezes me into her.

  “I’m only home for a couple of days,” I confess.

  “You’re such a traitor, going to that preppy academy with the rich kids.” Banks joins in.

>   “Hey, I didn’t really have a choice in the matter. Have you met my dad?” I screw up my face in disgust.

  Ryan joins us and places my drink in front of me before sitting down.

  “Thanks.” I smile at him.

  “So, are you two love birds back together?” Banks points at us.

  Ryan grabs a handful of fries and throws them at him.

  “I’ll take that as it’s complicated.” He raises his eyebrows and picks one of the fries off his shirt to eat it.

  “Summer is going to Rome at the end of the week.” Ryan looks at me then, his eyes are searching mine for reassurance that we are okay.

  “Fuck yes. Can I enrol at your preppy academy too?” Cade high fives me.

  “It’s for my Italian Renaissance class. The professor is obsessed with art.” I shrug, like it’s no big deal.

  “I love Rome. You have to eat all the gelato you can.” Emma chimes in.

  “I don’t think we will have much spare time while we are over there. It’s a research trip, for the final assessment.”

  Emma pouts at me. “Promise one a day.”

  “Promise,” I giggle at her.

  I sip my drink in silence, taking in the laughter and rowdiness of my friends. It’s as though no time has passed and I’ve slotted back into the group without effort. We share stories of the past couple of months, I leave out the assholes and their torment. I find out that Emma and Banks have started dating and Cade has his eye on one of his professors. I tell them all about Amber and Cade decides he is coming to visit to meet her. The night wears on and I start to yawn, causing the group to tease me.

  “I’ll drive you home.” Ryan winks at me.

  “See you later lovers,” Banks teases as we get up to leave.

  I shoot him a warning look, which makes him laugh and he gives me a thumbs up.

  Ryan gives him the finger.

  “I’ll text you.” Emma waves bye.

  “See you all soon.” I blow them a kiss.

  Ryan follows a few steps behind as we walk to his car, he hesitates as though he wants to tell me something, before he changes his mind and turns mid stride to head to the driver’s side. We both climb in without speaking. He starts the car and drives out of the parking lot, his focus on the road.

  “Have you thought about what I asked you?” He doesn’t look at me when he speaks.

  “What did you ask me?”

  He blows out a sharp breath, frustration evident in his profile. He takes a quick glance at me and returns his eyes to the road. “If we can try again?”

  My heart sinks and I instantly think of Enzo. “I don’t know?” I tell him truthfully. Why am I holding out for a guy I should not, and cannot be with? Enzo hasn’t contacted me since sleeping with me, he disappears without warning and he’s cruel as sin. And here sits this sweet boy, begging to get back together with me. I look at Ryan then, his shoulders slumped as he pulls into my driveway.

  “You don’t know?” He turns the car off.

  “No.”

  “Can I see you again before you leave?” His eyes glass over.

  I smile at him, trying to lighten his mood. “Yes, most definitely.

  I open the door to get out but Ryan grabs my hand stopping me. “Tomorrow?” His voice is hopeful.

  “Yes.” I nod and escape the confines of the car. I wave good bye as he tears down the road, the roar of his car can be heard when he turns the corner at the end of the street.

  He is pissed.

  ...

  I sit at the table for breakfast, eating my cereal. My dad enters the kitchen in his uniform and I watch him as he makes his cup of coffee. The dark circles under his eyes more noticeable than before I left for college.

  “Tell Ryan he needs to drive safely.” My dad winks at me.

  I roll my eyes. Ryan has evaded numerous traffic infringements thanks to my dad. “He will never learn.” I shake my head.

  “Did you have a nice night with your friends?”

  “I did, surprisingly. I thought it would be awkward since I moved away, but it wasn’t.”

  “I’m glad, sweetheart. How is Verona treating you?” He eyes me speculatively.

  I don’t know how to answer him. Do I tell him the asshole Mafia cousins are tormenting me. He probably already knows I’m somehow connected to them thanks to the escort home yesterday. Why hasn’t he asked me about the driver yet I wonder?

  “That well? Lost for words.” He winks and straightens his collar.

  “It’s alright. The classes are interesting and my room-mate is the sweetest.” I have a spoonful of cereal to stop myself talking.

  “Please be careful, sweetheart. That town is not the safest.” He drinks the rest of his coffee before kissing me on the head and heading out the door to work.

  I place my bowl in the sink and head for a shower, so I’m ready before my mom gets home from her yoga class. Once I emerge from the shower, with a towel wrapped around my head, I hear someone honking a horn out the front. I groan in frustration, my mom probably thinks I’m ready and is waiting impatiently in the driveway for me. I storm out the front door to see a shiny red convertible Mustang in the driveway. I stop in my tracks when I see Ryan behind the wheel. He steps out with a huge grin plastered on his gorgeous face.

  “Did you trade in your car?” I look at him, mouth agape.

  “No, this is your early birthday present.” He holds the keys towards me.

  “What? How?” I rush towards him and throw my arms around his neck.

  “If I remember correctly, it’s your birthday next week?” He hugs me back.

  “You’re insane.” I let go of him and admire the new car.

  “Only a little.” He hands me the keys. “Take it for a spin.”

  “Are you serious? You bought me a car?”

  “It’s nothing.” He shrugs.

  “You can’t just buy me a car. We aren’t even together anymore.”

  His face falls for an instant, but he quickly recovers himself and plasters a cheeky grin across his gorgeous face. “That’s just a minor detail. Let’s take it for a drive.” He scoots around the car and jumps in the passenger seat.

  “I’ll just go finish getting ready and text my mom,” I call out as I run back inside.

  I run a brush through my damp hair and quickly put on some make-up before grabbing my bag and heading back outside. I admire the car I know I cannot accept. I climb in behind the wheel and adjust the mirrors and seat.

  “Where to, chauffer?”

  “How about we take her out on the open road, see what she can do?” I grin like an idiot, excitement taking over me.

  We end up at a small roadside truck stop and decide to order lunch. I watch Ryan as he interacts with the lady behind the counter, how he is so gentle and carefree, not a bad bone in his body. I compare him to Enzo and his asshole cousins. They are a world apart in every damn way. I smile as he approaches the table and he gives me panty melting wink.

  “How good does she go?” He beams. He’s such a petrol head.

  “She goes alright. I need to name her.” I admire the car.

  “So you’re going to keep her?” He taps his fingers on the wooden table.

  I stare at the car and know I should make him take it back, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings or get his hopes up.

  “I know we’re just friends. Summer, look at me.” His voice is quiet.

  I turn to look him in the eyes, I see a myriad of emotions brush over his features, the most prominent being regret.

  “This car is not a bribe. I had it in the plans long before I turned into a fucking idiot and broke up with you. Please accept it as a gift. Nothing else.” He grabs a hold of my hand and squeezes it gently.

  I stare at him for a moment before breaking eye contact. “I can’t thank you enough, you don’t know what this means to me?” My heart aches with gratitude. “I will keep her and name her Betty.” I gaze back into his eyes, a genuine smile appearing on his face.


  “Betty?” He raises an eyebrow.

  “Remember in junior high when we went on the farm field trip? I fell in love with that cow called Betty.”

  He laughs then, a laugh that comes from deep within his belly. “How could I forget. You tried to convince the teacher to let you bring her home.”

  “I did, didn’t I?” I giggle, the memories warming my heart.

  Our buzzer sounds alerting us our food is ready. Ryan jumps up, obviously needing to distance himself from our trip down memory lane, and returns with our burgers and wedges.

  “Yum, it looks so good.” I drool.

  “I haven’t had a burger in weeks.” He eyes his food like a hungry, rabid animal.

  I raise my eyebrow at him.

  “Coach has us on a strict diet. What he doesn’t know, won’t kill him?” Ryan picks up his giant burger and takes a slow bite, savouring every flavor.

  We head back to Ryan’s place in the late afternoon, after spending the day at some rockpools and a forest walk we discovered. The day goes too quickly, and much to my surprise, I wish it wouldn’t end. Being at home and spending the day with Ryan has me thinking I need to transfer universities. This is where I belong, in my home town, where I seemed to have left my broken heart. He turns to me as we sit in the car out the front of his place.

  “Are you going to come up?” His voice cracks.

  “No, I think I better not.” Heat washes over my chest, with thoughts of what would happen if I did go upstairs with him.

  “See you tomorrow.” Ryan climbs out of the car and heads towards his apartment without a backwards glance.

  I head back to my parent’s place, thinking of all the ways to tell them Ryan bought me a car.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Summer

  “He’s not here,” I say for the tenth time. Why in the hell is Dante calling me? And how the fuck did he get my number? His voice cuts through my thoughts.

  “I’m not fucking lying.” I clench my teeth in frustration. “Why would he be here, with me?”

  Dante shouts a few profanities before hanging up. I stare at my phone screen, tempted to text Enzo. I don’t bother. If he wanted to talk, he would have contacted me by now. I push all thoughts of him to the back of my mind, I won’t give him the satisfaction of taking ownership of my thoughts. Not today. I continue to browse for a dress for a party Emma has insisted I attend with her tonight. After spending all day yesterday with my mom, shopping and lunching, I am keen for some time to let my hair down before I leave for Rome.