He watches me as I chew, a proud grin on his face. “Good?”
Without warning, he reaches out and wipes some icing from the corner of my lip with his thumb. When he pops it into his own mouth and licks it off, flames fan my entire body.
“I made the cream cheese icing from scratch,” he tells me, not even noticing the effect he’s had on me.
“Impressive.”
He shoves it in my face again and I take another big bite.
“I made calzones for dinner. And…I thought maybe we could watch that Snow White movie you’ve been begging me to watch, after we eat?”
I squeal with excitement. “You’re finally going to watch Mirror Mirror with me?”
“Is that seriously what it’s called?” He groans. “Ugh, fine. Yes, we can watch the dang movie. It is your birthday after all.”
“Yay!” I launch myself and wrap him into a hug before realizing it. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
He lets out a nervous chuckle, patting me on the back. “Yeah, all right. It’s just a movie. Not that big of a deal.”
But it is a big deal. It’s a huge deal. He just managed to turn the worst birthday ever into the best one.
I release him and sit back down. “You’re pretty great, Cole Masterson.”
He shakes his head, quickly getting up from the bed. “Come on, Princess. Let’s go eat. My mom’s waiting for us downstairs.”
Chapter Twenty
Present
GWEN
The chime of a text message rushes me out of the shower, my hands speedily drying on a towel before I wrap it around my body and then reach for my phone. When I see who the text is from, a heavy dread settles in my chest.
Satan: I heard a nasty rumor that Masterson is staying in your house.
My head spins as I stare at the message. This shouldn’t be a surprise. I should’ve seen it coming and done some damage control. It was definitely wishful thinking on my part, hoping no one would find out.
Things were bad enough after Cole showed up at Shane’s party back in May and everyone saw us talking. The exchange wasn’t friendly in the slightest, but I was still threatened—reminded of what would happen if I didn’t stay away from Cole. That’s when I knew this would never be over, that I’d never be able to tell Cole I’m Phantom Girl.
Me: You wouldn’t bother texting me if you thought it was only a rumor.
Satan: Smart girl.
I growl, fighting the urge to smash my phone into pieces. It’s not like it would stop this, though. My life has been controlled by blackmail for two years. Every move I do or don’t make, dictated. If I were simply trying to protect myself instead of Cole, this would’ve been over a long time ago.
Me: My parents are letting him stay here as a favor to his mom. It has nothing to do with me.
Satan: This conversation began so well. Let’s not start lying to each other now.
Me: It’s not a lie.
At least, I don’t think it is. I’ve considered the possibility that Cole’s stay at my house had everything to do with me. He’s very resourceful and persuasive when he wants to be. If he didn’t want to stay here, he would’ve found a way not to. And why would he want to stay in my home knowing I would be here if he hated me?
Unless that’s exactly why he wanted to stay here. To torture me.
Satan: Do I need to remind you of our agreement?
My jaw tics. I never agreed to anything. This was forced upon me. Refusing to break Cole’s heart would’ve meant destroying his world. I couldn’t do that to him.
Me: No. Nothing has changed. There’s nothing going on with Cole.
That’s definitely a lie. I may not be sure exactly what is happening between us, but it’s so much more than nothing. If it gets out that we slept together…
How many clicks of the trigger do you have left before this entire thing blows up on you, Gwen?
Satan: Make sure it stays that way.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
I go to my bedroom, pacing in there before I delete the messages, then I drop my phone on the bed like it’s on fire.
My heart thumps angrily in my chest, my mind scrambling for a solution. I’ve got to find a way to fix my mess. Satan needs to believe I’m staying away from Cole or…
God, I can’t even stomach finishing that thought.
There’s one way I could convince people nothing has changed with Cole. If they think I’m dating someone else, no one will question things with him. It feels a little wrong to use someone that way. And I’m not sure what Cole will do if he finds out. But I can’t see another way around this. I need to act fast.
My shaky hands pick my phone back up, scrolling to find my newest contact.
Me: Still want to catch a movie today?
Cory: Hell yes!
Guilt gnaws at my gut. Cory has been trying to get me to go on a date with him for years. This isn’t right. It’s cruel. He deserves better.
Me: What do you want to see?
Cory: Whatever you want, darlin. I won’t be able to focus on the movie with you next to me.
Ugh.
This is a bad idea.
Me: Let me look and see what’s playing.
I open my web browser and search Fandango. There’s a movie based off one of my favorite books I’ve been wanting to see. It’s totally a chick flick, but Cory did tell me to pick. And they have a show that starts at two, which is perfect.
Me: Until starts at two. Does that work for you?
Cory: Absolutely. What time should I pick you up?
Shit. That hadn’t even occurred to me. Cory can’t come here. I have no clue what Cole will be doing today. The last thing I need is for him to find out I’m going on a date with Cory.
Me: Actually. I’ll meet you out front. 1:30?
Cory: Can’t wait, gorgeous.
Oh, Jesus. If Cole only knew the lengths I’ve gone in order to protect him. This is going to be a nightmare, but it’ll be totally worth it if it gets Satan off my back.
The clock on my dashboard tells me it’s about quarter after one when I park my car outside of the theater. I still have fifteen minutes until I’m supposed to meet Cory, but I’m always early for everything. I’d sooner stay home before showing up late.
The place doesn’t seem to be too crowded. Normally I’d be thrilled not having to deal with a packed theater. But the larger the number of people here, the better my chances would be that someone from school would see me with Cory and report back to Satan.
The summer sun is relentless as I make my way over to the bench by the front entrance. I’m burning up in shorts and a crop top now, but I’ll be freezing while we watch the movie. If it were up to me, I’d be wearing sweats and a baggy T-shirt. But if I really want to sell the idea that I’m on a date with Cory, I need to look the part.
I pull my phone from my back pocket before taking a seat, sighing at the time. Seventeen after.
Thirteen minutes in this heat will melt me for sure. I open my text messages and shoot Cory a quick text, hoping to speed him along.
Me: I’m here.
As soon as it’s sent, a shadow falls over me. My gaze flickers up expecting to find Cory, but lands on a furious looking Cole instead.
My heart struggles with the weight of my fear, my wide eyes greedily taking him in. “Cole?”
His lips curl into a menacing grin. “Hello, Princess.”
I survey the area around us as I stand. This is not good. All it will take is for one of Satan’s henchmen to see me with Cole.
“What are you doing here?” I ask in a hissing whisper.
This can’t be a coincidence. He must’ve followed me here. But why? And how? He wasn’t even at the house when I left.
His dark laughter echoes around us, sending an icy chill through me. “Funny. I was about to ask you the same thing.”
My hand lands on my hip. “Given I haven’t heard from you in days, it didn’t occur to me that you cared.”
S
ure. Antagonize the beast, Gwen. Great idea.
Cole’s nostrils flare as he grabs my arm, jerking me closer. “It isn’t wise to test my patience right now.”
His threatening words draw my attention to his lips, and I forget about everything else for a moment, my mouth feeling a gravitational pull toward his.
The trance is broken as people begin to file outside, and panic floods my veins. I tug my arm free from his hold and take off, my feet only carrying me a few steps before he catches up with me.
He pushes me against the brick wall, planting his hands around me like a cage. “You can’t run from me, Princess.”
Unfortunately, the theater is more packed than I initially thought. People exit in droves around us, their laughter and conversations making me jittery. I tilt my head down, using my hair to shield my face. But it’s all in vain. Cole won’t go unnoticed. He’s in the spotlight no matter where he goes in this town.
“Please,” I plead. “You shouldn’t be here, Cole. If someone sees—”
“Let them fucking see,” he sneers. “They can take a god damn picture for all I care.” He tucks my hair behind my ear, lifting my chin until our eyes lock. “You’re mine. Or did you already forget? Maybe you need a reminder right here and now. Then people will damn sure have something to look at.”
His threat causes my abdomen to quake, my breathing labored as his other hand clutches my hip.
“You don’t understand,” I start. “This isn’t what you think.”
His eyes darken as they narrow, and I jump when his hand slams into the brick wall by my head.
“Oh, it’s exactly what I think,” he seethes. “I’m well aware of your movie date with Cory.”
Guilt knots in my gut. It was never my intention for him to find out, but he doesn’t have any right to be mad about it either. Lord only knows what he’s been doing all week. Or who he’s been doing it with.
“If you care so much, maybe you should stop abandoning me all the time. You never know who might pick up what you left behind.”
He chuckles, his head falling as it shakes. When it lifts again there’s a condescending smirk on his face. “So, that’s what this is about? You’re throwing a fit because I didn’t give you enough attention? Didn’t anyone ever tell you to be careful what you wish for? You have my full attention now.”
“Screw you, Cole.” I shove his shoulder. “Just fucking go. I’m not doing this with you right now. Cory will be here any minute.”
“Yeah, that’s not fucking happening.” He takes my hand in his, tugging me toward the parking lot with him.
His grip tightens when I try to free myself. “What the hell are you doing? Let me go.”
“Afraid I can’t do that,” he chirps. “You’re coming with me. You’ll just have to text your boyfriend and cancel your plans.”
Son of a bitch.
Of all the times for him to pull some shit like this. I’m so screwed. There’s nothing I can do. Fighting him will only bring more attention to us. “You’re un-fucking-believable,” I mumble.
We get to my car and he holds out his hand. “Keys,” he demands.
“No. I’m not giving you my keys. And I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“You can either give them to me or I can retrieve them myself. You’re call, Princess.” His tone is a warning. There will be an even bigger scene if I don’t relent.
“Fine,” I huff, digging them from my front pocket. “Here. Take them.”
He reaches for the keys, taking my entire hand instead. I gasp as he yanks me closer. Then his lips are on mine, his tongue demanding as it seeks out mine. I melt into him, forgetting all the reasons why kissing Cole in public is a horrible idea.
By the time he pulls away, I’m in a fog of desire.
He smirks. The bastard knows exactly what he does to me.
When he opens the passenger side door, I get in without resisting. Then I notice Cory walking toward the theater with a big smile on his face, and reality slaps me in the face.
Fear balloons in my chest as we drive away, and I say a silent prayer that Satan doesn’t find out what happened today.
Chapter Twenty-One
Present
COLE
Gwen is sleeping peacefully, her pretty face angelic in the glow of the sunlight streaming in through her bedroom window. I’m careful rolling out of bed, listening for any hitch in her even breathing. She doesn’t stir, so I allow myself one last look before I leave her and tiptoe down the hall.
She was furious when I showed up and forced her to leave with me yesterday. But more than that, she seemed scared. The question was of what or whom.
When I saw the first text messages from Cory, I found it amusing. She blew him off without even blinking. Which is why it was so surprising to see her messages to him yesterday morning.
It’s understandable for her to be pissed at me about dodging her after we had sex, but my head was a mess. I’m falling hard and fast all over again, but that doesn’t mean I trust her yet. Still, it didn’t make any sense for her to go on a date with another guy.
It’s clear she’s not into Cory, anyway. He’s been after her for years. That’s the only reason I didn’t skip work and keep her from even leaving the house. But the closer the time came for her date, the more anxious I became. The whole situation wasn’t sitting right with me.
Camille was surprised when I asked to leave, saying there was something urgent that needed my attention. My work record is impeccable. I’ve never called out once, regardless of how hungover or tired I might’ve been; and that was with knowing I could get away with it. She let me go with a promise I’d return to finish my shift and make up for the time missed.
After I dropped Gwen here, I took her car and headed back to work, so she couldn’t try to take off again. She blasted my phone with angry text messages, calling me every name in the book. Despite her protest, it seemed apparent part of her was relieved she didn’t have to go through with the date.
It doesn’t make any sense. There has to be something I’m missing.
I lock myself inside the guestroom and head straight for my laptop. Gwen has several text message notifications, and I click on the ones from Cory first. She sent him a message on the way home from the theater, with a lame excuse about Mia having an emergency. The guy definitely isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but even he should’ve seen through that bullshit.
Cory: Goodnight, gorgeous.
A goodnight text? Seriously? This dude is so thirsty. If I was sure Gwen hadn’t seen Cory’s messages come through last night, I would delete them.
Cory: I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Ugh. I almost forgot I have to deal with him and this stupid fucking party tonight.
Cory: Maybe we can sneak off by ourselves at some point to make up for the date we missed yesterday.
My jaw tics.
Try it asshole, I dare you.
There’s a flood of messages from Mia as well. The way she is with Gwen makes me wonder if all girls are this nosy and involved with their friends’ business. Arwen and Violet certainly don’t act this way.
Mia: Admit it. You love when he goes all caveman on you.
Caveman? I suppose my behavior can be a little…primal sometimes when it comes to Gwen.
Mia: Damn, bitch. Are you getting laid?
Mia: I so hate you right now.
Mia: You better be able to walk tomorrow.
Mia: And don’t you dare end up sleeping all day! We have things to do. There’s a party to get ready for.
Mia: I don’t care how dick dizzy you are. We’re sticking to the plan.
I laugh. Her best friend is a little crazy, but I like that about Mia. It’s nice to know she’s been saying good things about me when it comes to that department. Gwen wasn’t getting dick dizzy last night, though. She was already asleep by the time I got back from work. Per usual, I quickly snuck into her room and slept with my arms around her.
&n
bsp; When I get to the last batch of messages, unease settles in my gut. The contact is saved as Satan.
The messages are pictures of us outside the movie theater yesterday. One where I have her pinned to the wall. And one of me kissing her in the parking lot.
What the fuck?
Gwen’s concern about someone seeing us together doesn’t seem like mere paranoia anymore. Who the hell took these creepy ass photos? Are these meant as a threat?
Adrenaline courses through me, my heart pumping speedily. The devil is clearly up to no good, and Gwen’s in his crosshairs.
“You don’t understand…this isn’t what you think.”
She was trying to tell me there was more going on, but I was too worked up to hear her. This could be it. The missing piece of the puzzle. Figuring out who sent these and what they want with her might give me a clear view of the full picture. Maybe I’ll finally understand what the hell is going on.
There aren’t any other messages or calls from this contact. Nothing to indicate who they might be. Luckily that can’t stop someone like me from finding the information.
All it takes is a quick copy and paste of the number from her contacts. In a matter of seconds, I’ve got the bastard’s name.
The Princess and The Jester: A High School Bully Romance (Westbrook Three Book 3) Page 11
