There’s a moment's silence, then Jase voices the obvious, “But she kissed you back. I mean, we all saw it. You were both pretty hot and heavy back there.”
“Jase,” Fallon chastises him.
“But he’s right,” I reply. Frustration bubbles to the surface because I can’t make sense of what happened. “I was only going to give Jade a peck, but … fuck … I have no idea what happened.”
“We’ll deal with it. I’m sure it will blow over,” Fallon tries to offer some hope.
“Nothing just blows over where Jade is concerned,” I mutter as I steer the car through the gates of Trinity. “And it won’t help to worry about it either. I’ll have to keep taking the blows as they come.”
Fallon is only quiet until the vehicle is parked, and we’re climbing out. “You shouldn’t have to take any blows. This has to stop. And that kiss didn’t come from nowhere. It’s obvious you both have feelings for each other.”
“Who knows,” I mutter as we walk toward the entrance of our dorm. “Lately, everything’s just fucking confusing.” I can’t bring myself to enter the building, and grumble, “I’m going to take a walk.”
“You want some company?” Jase asks.
I nod at him. “Thanks.”
“I’ll go check on Jade.” Fallon gives me a tight hug, then whispers, “I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’m here for you and will do everything I can to help you resolve things with Jade.”
“Thanks, Fallon.” I press a kiss to the top of her head and watch her go inside.
Jase and I turn toward the trail that runs into the woods behind the campus.
“How do you feel?” Jase asks.
I glance around at the lamps lighting up the pathway and throwing shadows on the trees and shrubs, then admit, “Confused. Fuck.” I let out an aggravated breath. “Actually, this whole situation is starting to piss me off.”
Jase lets out a sigh. “Yeah, I would’ve lost my shit months ago.”
“It’s been two fucking years,” I snap, letting all my frustration bubble to the surface as I open up to my best friend. “Two! God, how much more do I have to take?”
And now the damn kiss has gone and fucked even more with my mind.
“Honestly,” Jase shakes his head and gives me a somber look, “I would’ve given up a long time ago. I understand Jade’s grief for Brady, but it gives her no right to blame you.”
“And no matter how many times I tell her I had nothing to do with Brady’s death, she refuses to listen,” I grumble.
We reach the lookout point at the end of the trail and stare at the night sky.
Jase tucks his hands into the pockets of his pants as a frown forms on his forehead. “I don’t get it. You were always so close.” He nibbles at his bottom lip as he thinks, then murmurs, “Maybe Jade’s taking her pain out on you because deep down she feels you’re the strongest out of all of us.”
I consider Jase’s opinion on the matter but shake my head. “I don’t think so.”
The sounds of the night fill the silence between us, while memories of the past two years flash through my mind. Yeah, we used to be really close, but all the fights have caused a lot of damage to our relationship, and deep down, I know things will never be the same between Jade and me again.
“It’s fucking sad,” I admit to Jase. “Sometimes, I still can’t believe how bad things have gotten between us.”
“Not for lack of you trying.” Jase pulls his left hand out of his pocket and places it on my shoulder. “God knows you’ve tried, but Jade’s out for revenge. I have a feeling things will just keep getting worse.”
I cross my arms over my chest and lock eyes with my friend. “Yeah, I have the same feeling, but I’ve reached the end of my rope with her.”
“What are you going to do?” Jase glances out over the dark landscape.
“She wants revenge,” I murmur, and as Jase brings his gaze back to mine, I state, “I’ll make it so damn sweet she’ll be begging for more.”
If Jade hated me so much, then why did she kiss me back? Was it to play with me?
The thought only makes my anger grow because she’s fucked enough with my heart. I seriously can’t take more.
“You’re not going to back off?” he asks.
Deep in thought, I shake my head. “A man can only take so much before he’s had enough, and I reached my limit a while back. Jade started this war.”
Jase worries his bottom lip again, then whispers, “And you plan on finishing it.”
Nodding, I stare into the night. “It’s time to end things between Jade and me.”
Before, there’s nothing left of my heart.
JADE
I’ve been lucky so far and haven’t seen Hunter this morning. When Kao opens the door for Miss Sebastian, I let out the breath I’ve been holding, knowing I can relax while she’s around. Hunter won’t try to talk to me in front of my godmother, and I’m so not ready to face him after the kiss. I’m still trying to figure out why I kissed him back.
“My angel-children,” Miss Sebastian practically croons as she first hugs Kao, then Noah and Mila. When she gets to me, I school my face, so none of my worries show. Miss Sebastian is like a dog with a bone when she catches whiff that one of us might have a problem.
“How was everyone’s first week?” she asks. We all ramble an answer, then she says, “Show me around this bedazzled monstrosity of a campus, then we can go eat something.”
Mila glances down at the glittering purple heels Miss Sebastian is wearing. “Did you bring a comfortable pair of shoes for all the walking?”
Miss Sebastian looks down at her feet, then frowns at Mila. “These are comfortable.”
My eyebrow pops up, and I mumble, “Yeah, I’d probably break something if I had to wear shoes like that.”
“No pain, no gain,” Miss Sebastian quips. “Also, the mother of all fashion will curse my bedazzled ass if I stomped around in anything less than perfect shoes.”
Miss Sebastian’s clothing is extravagant and glittering, and it only adds to her larger than life personality. My dad and Kao’s father helped Miss Sebastian go for a sex reassignment surgery before I was born. To me, she’s always just been Mamma G, my larger than life fairy godmother.
I let Mila and Kao do most of the talking as we show Miss Sebastian around campus. When we reach the gym, a broad smile stretches across her face. “Abs for days.”
“Hunter!” Hearing Melinda’s screech, all our heads whip in their direction.
Seeing Hunter sends a sudden tremble through my body, and it doesn’t help that he looks way too hot after being at the gym. There’s still beads of sweat glistening on his skin… and his muscles… sigh… all the hotness in the world wrapped in a neat bow of deceit.
The same emotions I felt last night when we kissed hit me full force, and I quickly turn my head away from the group before someone sees it written all over my face. I can only hope it’s temporary insanity brought on by the shock of having Hunter’s mouth on mine.
Melinda stalks up to Hunter and shoves her pointer finger in his face. “You still owe Jessica an apology for last week.”
“Oh, dear, who’s the fashion disaster?” Miss Sebastian asks.
“She’s a royal pain in my butt,” I mutter under my breath.
Mila glares at Melinda and her three friends. “They’re our nemeses.”
My eyes dart to Mila as she walks over to where Hunter is staring at Melinda with an aggravated expression.
Melinda notices Mila first, and sneers, “Oh, look. Another one of your dogs that you can’t keep on a leash.”
“Say what now?” Miss Sebastian’s perfectly manicured eyebrows almost disappear into her hairline, and then she darts forward.
Fallon, you’re missing out on the showdown.
A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as our godmother stops next to Mila.
“Did you just call my angel-baby a dog?” Miss Sebastian gives Melinda an incredulous look.
Melinda’s lips pull down as her eyes sweep over Miss Sebastian then she turns her gaze to Mila. “How did you get into this prestige academy with a drag queen for a godmother?”
Her question burns over me, and anger explodes through me. With my eyes burning on Melinda, I stalk over to her, and just before I reach her, I pull back my arm. When my fist connects with her jaw, the feeling isn’t nearly satisfying enough.
Melinda staggers backward, her eyes wide with shock. She’s still gasping for air, her eyes brimming with tears when Hunter closes in on her. He crowds her personal space, a thunderous look tightening his features. “Pack your bags and get off my campus. You have one hour.”
“What?” Melinda shrieks. “Jade just hit me, and I have to leave? That’s unfair!”
“We do not tolerate discrimination in any form,” Hunter bites the words out. “You have one hour, then I’ll have you escorted off the grounds.”
Two red spots bloom on Melinda’s cheeks as the first tear rolls down her face. “My father won’t be happy!”
Hunter looks up to the heavens as if he’s praying for patience. “I don’t care what your father thinks.” Making a show of looking at his watch, his eyes snap back to Melinda. “You now have fifty-five minutes.”
Melinda’s eyes dart over the crowd that has formed around us, then they’re back on Hunter with burning rage. “You can’t expel me, Hunter. Trinity Academy doesn’t belong to you.”
“Oh, but he can,” Jase’s voice sounds up, and then he appears through the crowd. Placing his hand on Hunter’s shoulder, he leans against him, then settles a bored look on Melinda. “Have you forgotten who his father is?”
“So, what if he’s Mason Chargill’s son? He’s just the president.”
I wrap my arm around Miss Sebastian's waist and hug her to my side. What Melinda said was cruel, and I really hope Hunter forces her off the campus. We’ll have one less bitch to deal with then.
Hunter surprises me as he lets out a dark chuckle that makes goosebumps ripple over my skin. The sound is both hot and dangerous.
“Have you forgotten what my father did to the Weinstocks?” His eyes are icy, a clear sign that he’s about to lose his temper. “I’m my father’s son, and I won’t hesitate to do the same to you.”
“This is getting out of hand,” Miss Sebastian says, hurt staining her always cheerful voice. “It’s okay, Hunter.”
Hunter’s eyes snap to Miss Sebastian. “No!” Lifting his hand, he pinches the bridge of his nose and takes a couple of deep breaths. “Sorry, Miss Sebastian. I didn’t mean to snap at you.” Glaring at Melinda again, he growls, “You now have forty-five minutes.”
Melinda’s eyes dart over everyone. “I’ll be back with my father, and you’ll pay for degrading me in front of the student body.”
I watch her walk away before I turn to Miss Sebastian. “Are you okay?”
She gives me a smile. “Yeah, she didn’t say anything I haven’t heard before.”
Shaking my head, I wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly. “She’s just a mean person. You always look beautiful.”
“What Jade said.” Jase moves to her side and wraps his arm around her. “You’re a MILF.”
Miss Sebastian’s eyes grow huge before she bursts out laughing. “Mother of fashion!”
Embarrassment colors Jase’s face a shade of pink, then he quickly tries to rectify himself. “I didn’t mean it literally. I just meant you’re beautiful and most probably star in a lot of men's fantasies.”
“Not any better,” Mila cries.
I begin to laugh and struggle to say, “Jase has a one-track mind.”
When Miss Sebastian catches her breath, she flutters her eyelashes at Jase. “I never knew you had the hots for me, my chunk of hunk, but I’m a married woman.”
Jase lets out a chuckle, knowing she’s only teasing him. “I’m never going to live this moment down.”
“Nope.” Mila shakes her head at him with a warm smile and a proud look on her face. “But, you meant well.”
My eyes dart to Jase, and I watch as Mila’s words wash over him. His eyes are glued to her, and for a moment, I swear I can see love shining from them before he clears his throat and mutters, “I have to be somewhere.”
My gaze follows Jase until Hunter’s harsh voice gets my attention. “Are you waiting for something?”
I follow the direction of his cold eyes and see Jessica and her remaining two friends quickly shake their heads before they scatter into the dispersing crowd.
Miss Sebastian places her hand on my arm, and asks, “Is your hand okay? You gave her quite the punch. I thought her legs were going to fly right over her head.”
I glance down at my knuckles and wiggle my fingers. “I’m fine. Tough as nails.” I grin at my favorite person. “One punch wasn’t enough, though. I should’ve removed some of her teeth.”
“Aww, my little violent baby girl. You warm my heart,” Miss Sebastian croons.
“I’m hungry, let’s go eat,” Kao says.
“Yes! Yummy food.”
Miss Sebastian links her arm with his, and I watch them walk away before I look back to Hunter. He stood up for Miss Sebastian in a heartbeat, and it reminds me of the old Hunter who used to be my friend.
“Thank you for defending Mamma G,” I mumble awkwardly, then I dart after my friends to catch up with them.
Chapter 10
HUNTER
After an eventful couple of days, I’m looking forward to spending a quiet day with my family. Jase, Hana, Fallon, and I are heading to Fallon’s house for a BBQ. When Jase pulls up the driveway, I see my parents' car, where it’s parked behind Uncle Lake’s.
“Looks like our parents are all here,” Jase states as he brings his vehicle to a stop.
“I hope they’ve started grilling the steaks,” Hana says as we climb out. “I’m starving.”
“That’s if your father hasn’t eaten it all already,” Fallon teases.
When we walk into the house, we hear Uncle Lake’s laughter, and then he screams, “Save me, Falcon.”
“Don’t hide behind Falcon,” Dad shouts before I hear him laughing. “Hold still, you little shit.”
Walking into the living room, I burst out laughing when I see Dad’s straddling Uncle Lake and beating him with one of the scattered pillows. “I see nothing has changed,” I say as I quickly greet my aunts.
Sitting down between Mom and my little sister, Aria, I throw my arms around their shoulders. Chuckling, Mom shakes her head, then says, “They’ll never stop horsing around.”
“And you all want to know why I like beating up, Hunter,” Aria teases.
I ruffle her hair because I know my little sister hates it. “I let you beat on me so I can see if you can protect yourself.”
Playfully sticking her tongue out at me, she taunts, “Excuses, excuses.”
Dad finally gets up and drops the pillow on Uncle Lake, who’s trying to catch his breath. Dad locks eyes with me and gestures with his head for me to follow him.
I join him out on the veranda and wait to hear what he wants to talk about.
For a moment, Dad just stares at me, then he asks, “Did Melinda Roberts deserve to be kicked off campus?”
“Damn,” I let out a whistle, “I didn’t expect them to call you so quickly.” Dad tilts his head and lifts an expectant eyebrow, which has me explaining, “She insulted Miss Sebastian, calling her a drag queen. I think the punishment fits the crime.”
Dad’s eyes narrow. “She did what?” A second later, he holds up his hand. “No, don’t repeat it.” Stalking to the glass doors, he yells, “Julian, come here quickly.”
Uncle Julian comes out with a tumbler in his hand. “You called?”
“You can tell Roberts to go fuck himself. His daughter insulted Miss Sebastian in the worst way. She can be lucky she only got expelled. I should get Preston to hack their bank accounts and close them.”
I let out a chuckle because that would b
e awesome. Preston is Dad’s assistant, and he’s badass when it comes to all things computer-related. He’s also the person who cleans up after me whenever I get in trouble. Not that it happens a lot, but it offers me peace of mind knowing he’s there.
Uncle Julian takes a sip of whiskey, then states, “Then it’s solved. I’ll have Stephanie advise him to back down.”
Uncle Julian heads back inside, and when I look at Dad, I see the pride shining from his eyes. “I’m glad to hear you stood up for her. She’s a dear family friend.”
“It’s the least I could do.” Throwing my arm around his shoulders, I joke, “But not half as badass as what you would’ve done.”
Dad lets out a chuckle, then says, “Let’s get this fire started before your Uncle Lake starts complaining that he’s starving.”
Dad’s way of getting the fire going is to pour us each some whiskey while I light the wood. He pulls two chairs closer, and as we take a seat with our tumblers, the rest of the gang joins us outside.
Laughter continually fills the air, and it acts as a soothing balm to my battered heart after all the conflict I had to face this past week.
“Let’s play a game,” Jase says as he jumps up from his chair.
“My fucking heart,” Dad yells, almost dropping his whiskey.
“He has a bad habit of doing that,” I mutter.
Uncle Lake chuckles, then asks, “Which game did you have in mind?”
“Volleyball?” Jase asks. “We can play parents against the kids?”
“I’ve already used all my energy to fight off, Mason,” Uncle Lake complains.
“Chicken,” Jase mumbles under his breath, and it has Uncle Falcon and my Dad looking at him with raised eyebrows.
“Is that a dare?” Dad asks.
“Yep.” Jase looks way too confident for my liking. My dad and his friends grew up on the beach, surfing and being more active than we’ve ever been.
“Let’s do this.” Uncle Falcon gets up and rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt.
“You’re going to play in a suit?” I ask, hoping for an excuse to get out of the game.
Coldhearted Heir (The Heirs Book 1) Page 8
