Bullies Love and Lies

by liberty freer

  “Figured you’d like all the girly crap.” He shrugs. “Got her a bunch of lotion,” he tells Arden.

  Arden smiles and winks at me. I want to roll my eyes, but I plaster on a smile.

  I plop down at the bar, sitting next to Ryan as Arden pulls a pink sheet cake from the fridge to set on the bar top. Happy Birthday, Emma is written in big purple letters, and the whole cake is covered in gold glitter. It’s the girliest cake I’ve ever seen.

  “Thank you, Arden. This is too much,” I say, and I mean it. I can’t remember the last time someone got me a cake. If the situation here wasn’t so volatile, I’d probably cry happy tears for this cake. I almost feel like hugging him, and I never initiate hugs—ever.

  “You’re very welcome,” Arden says over his shoulder as he grabs plates from the cabinet.

  Ryan’s seething. I can see and feel it. I wonder if Arden can feel how thick the air is.

  Arden holds up a kitchen knife. “Who wants a big—Hold that thought.” Pulling the ringing phone from his pocket, he smiles. “Be back in a sec. I have to take this call.”

  “No worries, Dad. I won’t let Emma eat all the cake.” Ryan laughs.

  Arden chuckles. “Be right back.”

  I laugh too because I’m picturing myself smashing the cake in Ryan’s face. Arden hurries into the dining room, and Ryan and I glare at each other.

  “I thought you wanted me to leave?” I hiss.

  He rolls his eyes. “I do.”

  “Then why did you trap me here?”

  Ryan's eyebrows narrow. “You're not trapped.”

  “I could have gone to jail from the cocaine you planted in the car.”

  “I didn't plant it.”

  I ignore his lie. “The judge ordered me to stay here, at your house, and finish school. Your plan backfired.” My throat feels tight, and I have to try really hard not to cry.

  “Shit,” Ryan whispers under his breath.

  “What?” Brent hisses. “Did she say she has to live here?”

  “I can't believe you did this.” I can’t hide how my voice shakes. “Why are you pretending to like me? Why not tell Arden how much you hate me?”

  Ryan clenches his jaw. “I’ve fucking tried to warn him, but you’re in his head. When he looks at you, he sees an innocent girl. He can’t see what you are. Even when you’re caught with coke. Unbelievable.”

  “Sorry about that,” Arden says, walking back into the room. “I swear I get a hundred calls a day, but this was an old friend with good news.” He cuts and then passes us each a slice of cake before sitting down with his plate. “It was my friend Richard. He runs Sudbury High, and called to say you’ll be ready to start this Friday. You can pull up the school website to check it out.”

  Ryan’s spoon hits the counter with a loud clang. “Wait, she’s going to Sudbury High? Are you serious?”

  I think this is the first time I’ve seen him look at his dad with pure rage. I sit up a little straighter. Ryan might show Arden who he really is.

  “It’s part of the agreement with the judge,” Arden says.

  “The agreement says she has to attend private school?” Ryan asks with a clenched jaw.

  Arden sighs. “Just school, but Emma thought private school would be a better fit for her.”

  “And why is there an agreement? You could have gotten her completely out of it if you wanted to,” Ryan snaps.

  “Ryan,” Arden says, frowning. “Things are different. Emma’s situation is different.”

  “I see,” Ryan says, focusing back on his cake.

  I can feel the anger coming off him in waves. His fist is clenched in his lap, knuckles turning white. Oh, shit. Here it comes. Arden’s going to see Ryan’s monster.

  “Ryan?” Arden says, tilting his head to the side, looking concerned.

  Ryan looks up from his plate, forcing a smile. “I get it, Dad. I really do. No worries.”

  “Great, I knew you would, Son.” Arden carries his plate to the sink, glancing over his shoulder. “I need to head out. My bags are already in the car. You’ll be okay, Emma?”

  What happened? Ryan’s still angry. That was the fakest smile ever. How does Arden not see that? I clear my throat. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Are you sure? You have my number if you need anything.”

  “Please, don’t worry about me,” I say.

  “But that’s all he seems to do,” Ryan whispers under his breath.

  “I’ll see you kids Thursday. Ryan, you and Brent look after Emma,” Arden says.

  Ryan nods. “We’ll be fine, Dad.”

  “No worries, Mr. A,” Brent says.

  My stomach turns as Arden leaves. I pick at the cake, hating that I’m wasting it.

  “I can’t believe you’re taking more of Mr. A’s money,” Brent says. “Private school?”

  I turn to face him and Ryan. “You know this isn’t my fault.” My face flushes with heats because I hate confrontation. “There is no way in hell I’m going to the same school as you guys.”

  Ryan jumps up, sending his chair toppling over with a loud crack. “You fuckin’ narcissist. If you would have never come here…” Ryan scrunches up his nose. “Why are you such a little slut? My dad’s not going to fall for you.”

  I grimace. “Gross. I would hope not, freak.”

  “Dad’s gone. When’s everyone getting here?” Sully asks, stepping into the kitchen.

  Ryan grinds his teeth. “Seven, and guess what, Sully? Dad’s paying for Emma to go to Sudbury High.”

  “What?” Sully’s gaze shifts to me.

  “Sully begged Dad to let him go there. I think that’s the only thing Sully ever asked for. Dad refused to pay for it.”

  My face turns bright red. I peek up at Sully.

  “She must give some good head for Mr. A to dish out all this money on her,” Brent says.

  “Shut the fuck up,” Sully snaps. “There’s no way he’s fucking her.”

  I drop my chin, my hair moving to block my face. I need to get out of here. I move toward the living room, but Ryan darts in front of me, blocking the exit.

  Ryan laughs. “Did you offer yourself to Jerry too?”

  “Why are you so mean to me? I didn’t do anything to you.” I ball my hands into fists at my side.

  “Now you’re lying to yourself. You’re messing with my family, and I won’t tolerate that.” He steps to the side so I can escape to my room.

  ***

  As I browse the school’s website, it doesn’t look like I’ll need a uniform. I had assumed all private schools required them. The school’s motto is The Freedom to Learn on Their Own Terms. There are pictures of kids sculpting pottery, painting, playing outside, serving lunch, cooking, and lying in the grass. I look at the price and cringe. That’s a lot of money.

  I ditch the laptop to flip through the channels on the TV for an hour, and then the thumping music followed by the sound of people begins. Figures they’d throw a party; they seem like that type, the popular kind. At least Ryan does.

  I slip out of my jeans and into pajama shorts. As soon as I crawl into bed, my bedroom door, that was undoubtedly locked because I triple checked, opens. My eyes widen at the cluster of boys in my doorway. Ryan’s front and center with that evil smirk on his face.

  I tense as he creeps next to my bed.

  Still smirking, he leans down. “Don’t think about telling my dad about the party, or next time I’ll let the guys in to have their way with you. They all know you’re willing to do anything for money,” he whispers next to my ear. “Sleep tight.” He lifts his middle finger in the air, and then he and his posse leave.

  Chapter 9.5

  RYAN

  “And you’re sure she isn’t going to tell Mr. A?” Brent’s paranoid ass asks me again.

  “I told you I took care of it.” I tip my beer back and watch Sully fucking sulk on the couch. He’s ignoring the college sophomore who’s been trying to get his attention all night. She’s fucking hot.

/>   He’s been acting like a little bitch since he found out Dads got another clinger. I fucked up with the drugs, making it nearly impossible for the tramp to leave. Unless Dad made up the probation bullshit to keep her here. That seems out of character for him, but when it comes to her, he’s not acting like himself. I’ve never seen him lie or be as evasive like he has the past few days.

  Brent leans against the door to the basement, blocking the “do not enter” sign. “Don’t you think that’s weird? Why hasn’t she told Mr. A anything?”

  “She told him I planted the coke.”

  “She blurted out a suspicion, but she hasn’t pushed it.”

  I roll my eyes. “Same reason the others don’t. It’s not part of the plan. She can’t wiggle her way into his bed if she isn’t getting along with his kids.” I scoff. “I guess she doesn’t realize how much she has him wrapped around her finger already.”

  Brent frowns. “I don’t know.”

  “Ryan,” Ally squeals, throwing her arms around my neck. She smells like roses and beer as she plants a wet kiss on my lips.

  I squeeze her firm ass. “Let me hang with the guys for a little bit.”

  She runs her hand over my zipper, making my dick spring to life. “Hurry up. I want you.” She smiles at me before bouncing away.

  I roll my eyes. She doesn’t want me. She wants the status of being my girl, but like the ones before her, she will never be mine.

  Brent chuckles. “Max is going to be pissed you’re banging his girl.”

  I snort. “She’s just giving me head. Max doesn’t give a fuck. He’s banging Mila on the regular.”

  Brent laughs. “Damn.”

  “Hey, Ryan.”

  Shelly’s voice floats from behind. It’s the perfect combination of raspy and sweet. Just her damn voice is enough to make me rock hard. She should be a phone sex operator.

  Plastering on a smile, I lazily turn around. “Hey, Shells. How’s it going?” I let my gaze run over her black skinny jeans and tight-fitting pink top. “Looking good.” She looks more than good. She’s hot as fuck. Her thighs are thick and her ass round. She was the biggest tomboy growing up but has finally started to quit hiding her figure.

  Her neck and cheeks tint pink. “Thanks.”

  She plays shy well. “Have you thought about my offer?” I ask.

  Her pink cheeks turn scarlet, and she shakes her head. “I don’t think…” Her mouth opens and closes a few times before she bites her plump bottom lip.

  I’ve offered her a night with me and Silex, knowing she won’t take it. She thinks playing the innocent and faithful girl will get me to fall for her.

  Women are naturally conniving. It must be part of their genetic makeup. Rarely, it can be conditioned out of them. There have been a few who had potential, but I’m not willing to risk it. I run my fingers down her cheek and then tuck a piece of golden-brown hair behind her ear.

  She normally wears her hair up, but it’s down, hanging in soft waves, the ends brushing against that plump ass. I’d love to take her from behind, gripping her hair in my fist. “Shells, I think you’d have a lot of fun playing with us. Let me know when you change your mind.”

  “I think I’ve made it obvious...” Green eyes study my face, and then she sighs. “I know I don’t come on strong like the others, but I like you, Ryan. Maybe we could go to dinner sometime?”

  I almost laugh in her face. Dinner? I don’t do dates. “Have a nice night, Shelly,” I say dismissing her.

  She frowns but doesn’t say anything else before walking away.

  Brent nods toward Sully. “What’s his problem?”

  Sully’s scrolling on his phone, the hot chick long gone. “He hates the clingers as much as I do.” I lift my chin. “Come on. Let’s get him drunk.” I make a quick detour to the kitchen to grab a bottle of whiskey and then head toward my brother.

  Chapter 10

  Hours. It takes hours for the house to quiet. Just as I’m about to fall asleep, someone’s pounding on my door. “Dammit,” I groan. I just want to sleep!

  “Emma, let me in. Hurry up.”

  The panic in Sully’s voice has me scrambling out of bed, ready to throw the door open for him, but I stop myself. He is on Ryan’s side. I crack the door open an inch. The hall is dark, making it impossible to see him. “What?” It comes out a little too harsh, but whatever, because I am mad at him.

  A heavy thud hits the door, and then it flies open. Sully bulldozes past me, stumbling over to the bed where he face-plants onto the mattress. His upper half is on the bed, and his lower half hangs off the side.

  “What the hell?” I hiss, shutting the door in case Ryan walks by. I hurry over to the nightstand and click the lamp on, creating a soft glow.

  Sully scoots higher up so that he’s fully on the bed now.

  Holy shit.

  His jeans must have been loose because they’ve slipped down; half his butt is on display. There’s a boy’s butt in my bed. It looks so firm. I should turn around and give him privacy. I should do that, but I can’t stop staring.

  “Why?” he groans. “You were supposed to be for me. Mine.” He looks up at me with red glossy eyes. “Fuck. You’re so beautiful. Why did you have to be another Monica?”

  “What are you talking about, Sully?” I ask, still staring at his ass.

  He shoots up, grabbing me around the waist and hauling me into bed with him. “Why are you doing this?” he whispers against my neck.

  My body hums, making me squirm. His warm breath on my neck causes my nipples to harden. He moves his leg to rest between mine. That makes everything so much worse in a really good way. “Sully…” I try wiggling out from underneath him. The thought of Ryan catching us like this has me working triple time, and I don’t stop until my muscles are weak and I’m out of breath.

  Sully’s dead weight and breathing deeply. I’m so tired, so I let my eyes close for a few seconds at a time. I don’t want to fall asleep, because that will somehow make this situation worse.

  But it’s hard to keep my eyes open when they feel so heavy.

  ***

  Bright light streams in from the window, and the alarm clock on my nightstand says it's almost noon. Sully’s rolling away from me, looking pissed off and... disgusted? His eyes are puffy and bloodshot.

  Damn. I had secretly hoped that last night meant we’d go back to… back to whatever we were before Ryan.

  He quickly stands. “What the fuck? How’d I get here?” He runs his hands down his face and then jabs a finger in my direction. “You’re trying to bag my dad and me? That’s fucking sick.”

  “I’m not. R… whatever Ryan’s saying isn’t true.”

  “Bullshit. Ryan wouldn’t lie about this.”

  Sitting up and brushing hair away from my face, I narrow my eyes. “You’re saying he actually thinks I’m trying to… get with Arden?” I shake my head. “I’m not. I swear, Sully. I’m not. Why does Ryan think that? What did I do to make him believe that?”

  There’s a long pause. Sully’s brows dip low like he’s deep in thought, and then he says, “Why are you here?”

  I swallow. I don’t want to lie to him. “I needed help. Arden... he helps people, right? He helped you and Brent.”

  “Why’s he being so closed off about you? He won’t answer any of our questions. He keeps saying that you’re a friend’s daughter from Ohio. I’ve never heard about this friend, and he won’t say any more.”

  Not knowing what to say, I pick at the comforter and shrug.

  “When he took me in, the transition was... different.” He frowns. “I went straight into counseling and a sport. Same thing three years ago when he took Brent in.”

  “Three years ago?” I mumble. “I’m only here because I needed a safe place to live. I swear, Sully. And when I bumped into you at the mall, that was real. I didn’t know you lived here.”

  He groans. “Fuck, I want to believe all that.” He takes in the room. “Why didn’t you bring your stuff? R
yan said our dad paid for everything you bought at the mall.”

  “I had to leave quickly. I feel bad that I had to use Arden’s money, but he didn’t want me to get a job, and now with the stupid drug thing…”

  Crossing his arms, Sully studies my face, making me uncomfortable but hopeful because he isn’t storming out of the room. “You’re telling the truth, right? If I find out you’re lying”—he grinds his teeth—“you’ll regret it. And that is a threat. You don’t fuck with my family.”

  I can see that he means what he says. “I’m not lying.”

  “Fuck.” He squeezes his eyes shut for a moment. “I need you to swear it, Emma. We all have some trust issues here. I want to trust you. Swear that you’re only here because you had no other choice.” He clenches his teeth, making his strong jawline even more defined.

  I look him in the eyes. “I swear it, Sully. I swear on my life.”

  Believe me. Kiss me. Oh my God. I’m ridiculous. I square my shoulders, hoping I’m giving a neutral expression and not a desperate one, and who the fuck am I kidding? He’s Ryan and Brent’s brother. They hate me, and I hate Ryan. Sully and I can’t ever be more because of that.

  He glares at me like he’s debating what to say next. After what seems like forever, he walks out the door.

  I stare at the empty space, thinking I should get up and shower, when he storms back into the room.

  “Want breakfast?”

  “Breakfast?” I ask like I’ve never heard the word before.

  “Yeah, was gonna make breakfast. Want some?” His tone is gruff and short.

  “Sure, breakfast. I like breakfast.” I fight a smile as I follow him out the door.

  He stays a few paces ahead and doesn’t speak, but this is a good start. The house is quiet, empty, and trashed. Cans and bottles of beer cover every hard surface. Several empty pizza boxes lie discarded on the living room floor, the loveseat is completely tipped over, and the air smells bad, stale.

  “Damn. Must have been fun. I don’t remember much.” He rubs his eye. “How’d I get into your room?”

  “You knocked on the door, and when I opened it, you sorta climbed into my bed and went to sleep.” I blush. “You pulled me down with you.” I look away from him. “I tried to get up, but you were out cold and too heavy to move.”