Rebel's Love (Cape Cove Book 1), page 2
She stands with confidence, and she cuts her eyes over to me for a moment. I see something flash in them. Nervousness maybe? Just what I wanted, her to look at me so I could see the color of those orbs. Blue, not just the regular blue most people have, though. No, hers are a deep sapphire blue with hints of violet. Fucking beautiful. Everything about this girl is beautiful. Let the trouble begin.
“I’m Merick…” The sound of her voice has an electrical feeling charging through not only my dick but also my entire body. She continues, “Hastings.” Hastings? Her last name is fucking Hastings! In an instant, I no longer feel that electrical current. I feel like I have been doused in a bath of ice water. My hearing fades in and out, and I take a few deep breaths to try and calm the pure rage coursing through me. “I wouldn’t say my summer was exciting considering I moved here.”
Gripping the edge of my desk with white knuckles, I snap through clenched teeth, “From where?”
She sneers at me, “Havana Hills.” My body instantly turns to a block of ice, and I’m frozen. I can’t fucking breathe. I need to get out of here, but I can’t. I’m stuck.
Everyone begins whispering, and Maddox shouts, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a Double H princess gracing our presence.” My best friend’s voice pulls me out of the panic that was setting in. The Double H is what we call the rich kids who live an hour away from our small town. Those punks think they’re better than us.
“You slumming it now, huh?” I tease, but my eyes are mere slits with a blazing inferno directed only at her.
She matches my glare, not backing down. “Shut up.”
“That’s enough!” Mrs. Jules hollers over everyone’s talking, and the new girl sits back down.
The bell rings, and I quickly grab my shit and storm out of class and into the hall. I can’t leave fast enough.
Maddox catches up to me. “You have a new conquest, my dude?”
I grin wickedly. “More like a shiny new toy that I’m going to fucking destroy.” He laughs as we bump fists once more and walk our separate ways. Maddox hates Havana Hills as much as I do, but my reasons are personal to me.
Instead of going home after school like I’m supposed to do, I pull into Maddox’s driveway and park my truck. We jump out and head inside his house and to his room, where he plops down on his bed while I take a seat in his swiveling desk chair.
“So…the new girl?” he asks while lighting up the half-smoked blunt he had in the ashtray.
My jaw clenches. “What about her?”
He takes a hit and then passes it to me. “She’s pretty hot.” He leans up and opens his window before falling back down. “Like hotter than any girls around here.”
I lie, “Didn’t notice.” I noticed. I noticed too much about her and the way my body reacted at the sight of her, but I can’t think about that. Not now that I know her last name is Hastings, and she’s from Havana Hills.
“Sure, you didn’t,” he cackles, knowing I lied. “Why do you think she moved here? People in Havana Hills don’t move to Cape Cove.”
And people with the last name Hastings deserve the karma bestowed upon them. It’s time for my revenge, and she’s in my playground now. My eyes stay focused on the smoke rolling out of my mouth. “Don’t care.”
He snatches the blunt and takes another hit. “Aren’t you a little curious? I didn’t see you mess with her anymore after first period, and she was in a few of our other classes.” He watches the smoke flow into the air while he tries to make rings.
Slouching in the chair, I move from side to side, letting the weed relax me. “I don’t care about the new girl. I don’t give a fuck why she moved here. I have a plan. Now, stop fucking talking about her before you ruin my high.”
His lips tilt up. “Nope, you don’t care at all.” Maddox is the only one who can read me like an open book. He knows I give a shit, but what he doesn’t know is why. He thinks it’s because I want her pussy, and yet, it is more than that. No worries, Maddox. I’m going slide my dick in Merick Hastings, and then I’m going to shatter her. Just not in a pleasurable way.
My phone dings with a new text.
Bane: Fight at The Coves next weekend. You want in?
Me: How much?
Bane: 5gs
Five thousand fucking dollars for a fight. Fuck! I have it stashed away, but damn, that’s a lot to risk. This is my way out of this hellhole, though. The more cash I stack, the quicker I get away from Cape Cove.
Me: I’m in.
I stay at Maddox’s until I think my parents are in bed. I walk into the house, and to my surprise, dad turns the lamp on. “You were supposed to come home after school and do your chores.”
Pulling the hair tie out of my hair, I shake my head. “Yeah, sorry. I got caught up at Maddox’s. I’ll do them in the morning.”
He crosses his arms over his chest, his scowl showing his disappointment. “You need to be more responsible, Axel. If something happens to me, what happens to this place? What happens to your mom? She can’t take care of this place by herself.”
My lip curls. “I’m sorry I don’t fall at your feet like an obedient slave or that I’m not hanging onto your every word or the perfect A student anymore. I’m sorry I fucked up the future you wanted. I’m sorry, Dad, that I’m nothing but a fuck up.” I push past him, my footfalls thundering through the quiet house.
“Son,” I hear him calling while I race to my room.
“I said I would do them in the morning.” I reach the stairs and climb them two at a time. I slam my door shut and fall against it, taking a few deep breaths. Today has been exhausting, and I’m done. I sit on the edge of my bed and remove my boots before lying down and staring up at the ceiling. Flashes of the new girl play in my mind like a movie. Her big blue eyes, her pouty lips, her sexy glare, her tanned skin. Then the movie turns to horror, and Abigail invades my mind, making anger and hate engulf me.
CHAPTER 2
MERICK
I sit in an empty seat for second-period chemistry. I hate this school, and I especially hate that boy who tried to embarrass me yesterday. What was his name? I can’t even remember. Why would he do that? Why would he try to humiliate me like that? Oh, right, because the people in Cape Cove are hideous scum.
I hated that stupid flannel shirt he wore and the muscles I could clearly see outlined in the sleeves, not to mention the protruding veins on his tanned forearms. I hate the way his light brown hair was pulled back in a stupid man bun. I hate those light brown eyes of his that made me think of the best-tasting latte. I hate the way his tongue slides along his bottom lip, wetting it.
But what I hate most is the way my body reacts to the way he looks at me. The way my heart palpates and my pulse pounds a little harder because I’ve never had anyone look at me the way he does. Not even Matt. I feel this electrical current sending waves from the tips of my toes to the crown of my head. It’s like every part of me is alive after being lifeless. I’ve never felt something close to that before. Sure, Matt gives me little flutters, but compared to being shocked by electricity…there is no comparison.
Ugh! Why is my body sweating as if it’s a hundred degrees in this room just thinking about that boy? Why do I feel this ache between my legs that is causing them to tighten together to give me some relief? I wipe my hand across my forehead and push back those thoughts.
Ever since his little stunt yesterday, I’ve heard the whispering and seen the stares others have given me. I don’t care. I’m strong. I’m not weak, and I won’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break. Behind my closed bedroom door is a different story altogether. All I’ve done since we moved here three weeks ago is cry. Thankfully, I still have London and Britney and Matt. I think back to the night before I left. It seems like a lifetime ago, even though it’s only been three weeks.
Britney stands on one side of me, London on the other, and I drape my arms over their shoulders. “I’m going to miss you two so much.” I blink back the tears that are fighting to fall. Staring out at the waves rolling in the water, I let this moment sink into my heart.
London lays her head on my shoulder. “We’re going to miss you, too.”
Britney adds, “We’ll talk every day, and we have weekends.” I close my eyes. I want to believe them, but I know it’s going to change. We’ll be living separate lives, and we’ll grow apart. An hour away may not be far for some, but to me, it is. To me, it’s the distance across this ocean, and I can’t see land on the other side.
The crystal-clear water splashes against my feet, and I move my toes feeling the sand between them. “Best friends forever.”
“Best friends forever,” they echo.
Matt walks up behind us. Placing his hand against my lower back, he takes Britney’s place beside me when she moves over. “Ready to go?”
No.
I lift my eyes to meet his green ones and reach up to cup his cheek. “Tell me this won’t change anything between us.”
He runs his fingers through his short dark brown hair. “Of course, it won’t.”
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I ask, “Kiss me?” He doesn’t like to show affection unless we’re alone, and I shouldn’t have to ask my boyfriend to kiss me, but that’s how it is with Matt. It’s what I’ve learned to deal with, and who wouldn’t when you have the most popular boy, the same one every girl wants.
He leans in, giving me nothing more than a peck on the lips. It’s over as quickly as it began. “It’s time to go.” He leaves me standing in the water, cold and with a sinking feeling that this is it for us.
God, Matt. I miss him so much. I miss my best friends. I miss my school. I miss my house. My beautiful house. It was two levels with five bedrooms and four bathrooms and had a movie room and weight room in the basement. We had a three-car garage, a pool, and a tennis court in the backyard. A pool house had the same white stucco and brown roof that the main house did.
I had a balcony off my bedroom that looked out over the acres of green grass, and in the distance, I could see Cloud’s stable and watch her run. My bedroom was the size of a small apartment with a walk-in closet that rivaled a Kardashian’s. Now, I’m stuck in a tiny two-bedroom, one-bath rental house that doesn’t have a dining room, let alone a yard or a garage.
The quiet kid sitting next to me has been steadily taking notes all period until the bell finally rings. I could barely pay attention, but I wouldn’t really need to anyway. I have already learned about the structure and properties of matter. I’m learning that Havana Hills classes were more advanced than here at Cape Cove. Of course, the kids at Havana Hills are expected to go on to be lawyers and doctors or get into politics. Whereas here, I’m not even sure if any of these students have goals after high school. This year will be a breeze for me as far as classes are concerned, but with what’s his name, not so much.
My third period passes by in a blur. I’m grateful that he wasn’t in first period today, nor do I have to see him before lunch, which is where I’m standing in line now. At my old school, you had multiple choices of what you wanted to eat for lunch, all gourmet food from an outstanding five-star chef. I usually opted for sushi and a bottle of water. But here…I grimace when I’m handed a tray with some kind of concoction that consists of noodles, meat, cheese, and red sauce slopped onto it. It looks like lasagna, but I’m not positive. Suddenly, I’m not hungry, so I don’t take anything else and wait until it’s my turn to hand the lunch lady my card.
I glance around the cafeteria, looking at all the other students sitting at tables, talking and laughing with their friends. Just like yesterday, I’ve never felt so out of place. I’m the outcast, and I don’t belong here. A few of them stare at me and begin whispering to each other. I find an empty table in the corner and rush to it.
Sitting here alone, I fiddle with my fork, pushing the disgusting slop around on the tray. I have never felt this isolated. I try to push back the tears that are pooling in my eyes, but it’s difficult. I need my girls. Pulling my phone out of my bag, I send a message in our group chat.
Me: I miss you.
London: We miss you too. How’s your second day going?
Me: Awful! And this food is the most disgusting food I have ever seen. It doesn’t even look edible.
Britney: Gross! We’re having sushi.
Way to rub it in, bestie. Rolling my eyes, I hate that I’m feeling jealous of them. Britney wouldn’t purposely try to hurt me. We’ve never had to care what we said to each other before. Why would they change on my account? Why would she even think that what they’re having for lunch would be hurtful? She could at least consider I’m not there and how it’s a living hell here for me, though. Does that make me selfish? Maybe. I sigh. I hate that I’m even having these mixed feelings about them and Matt.
London: Has anyone talked to you yet?
Me: No. One more day and it’ll be the weekend. What’s the plan? I’ll see if my dad can drop me off at your house London.
London: Sounds good.
Me: Yay! I can’t wait to see everyone. How’s Matt doing?
London: Have you talked to him?
Me: Barely.
Britney: He’s just busy. You know how it is. See you this weekend.
I hold my phone up, getting ready to snap a picture of the food to show them, but someone plops their butt down on the table next to my tray. Black boots, crossed ankles, loose-fitting jeans, a white T-shirt, and flannel. Oh, how those jeans hang loose on his legs. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I am not going to think about him like that! I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see him at all today or at least not have him mess with me since he wasn’t in first period. I thought maybe if I didn’t have to see him, my thoughts wouldn’t drift to where they definitely don’t need to be. I have a boyfriend, and I need to think about him.
His arms are crossed over his chest, a devious smile playing on his lips. Ugh, those muscles are even bigger when his arms are crossed. “What’s wrong? The Double H princess too good to eat our food?”
The lunchroom grows quiet. Glancing around the cafeteria, I see everyone staring at us. I grit my teeth but don’t engage.
He leans closer, his voice lowering to a menacing whisper for only me to hear. “No one wants you here, Princess. Go back to where you came from.” In a swift movement, he tips my tray and knocks it into my lap before I have a chance to scramble out of the way.
I jump from my seat. “You psycho! Leave me alone!” Grabbing my bag, I run out of there with bellowing laughter taunting me. I push the bathroom door open and lock myself in one of the stalls. Tears cascade down my cheeks while I grab some toilet paper and try to clean the mess off my clothes. It’s no use. My clothes are ruined.
All I’m doing is smearing the red stain more over my white shorts, and I throw the toilet paper away. It looks like I started my period, and even though everyone saw what happened, I know they will tease me. Maybe I can stay in here until the bell rings, then I’ll sneak out of the building and go home. Why is he doing this to me? Why is he being mean when he doesn’t even know me? I sit on the toilet contemplating what I’m going to do and how I’m going to get out of here without anyone seeing me.
Minutes later, the bathroom door opens, and someone says, “Hello?”
I stay quiet.
“Are you okay?” she questions and quickly continues, “My name is Samantha, but everyone calls me Sammi. That’s Sammi with an I, not a Y. I saw what happened in there. Axel can be a douchebag along with his best friend Maddox and their whole clique. I’m sorry everyone is being mean to you. I know how that can be. I bet it’s different here than in Havana Hills. I only know you’re from there because people have been talking. Did you get the food off your clothes? The sauce from the lasagna will probably stain, but I brought you some clothes to change into. I had an extra set in my locker. They aren’t expensive or anything like yours, but at least they won’t have a red blob on them. That’s if you would like to wear them.”
Slowly, I open the stall and hesitantly step out. Wiping my cheeks, I smile kindly. I accept the clothes and tell her, “Thank you. You talk a lot.” Sammi is a pretty girl. She’s petite with curly auburn hair and hazel eyes and is the same height as me at five foot five.
She laughs. “I know I do. It’s one of my great qualities.”
That makes me laugh. “Why are you being nice to me?”
One side of her lips tilts up, and she shrugs her shoulder. “Because everyone needs a friend, and right now, you have none here. So, I’m going to be your friend. You can’t hide in here all day. Go back into the stall, change, and I will introduce you to my friends. You can sit with us at lunch from now on. Whatever you do, don’t let Axel think he’s won.”
Her shorts are a couple sizes too big, and so is the shirt, but it will do. I walk out of the stall and throw my clothes in the trash. There is no way I would be able to get that stain out, and I don’t want my mom to ask questions. If she questions me after I get home, I’ll just say I forgot gym clothes and needed some.
We walk out of the bathroom and return to the cafeteria. She takes me to a table where two other girls and a guy are sitting. “Everybody, this is Merick.” She points to a girl who is wearing glasses and has black hair that has been cut into a pixie style. “That’s Danielle, but we call her Dani. She’s new here, too.” She points to the other girl with long, ash blonde hair and bright green eyes. “That’s Brinley, but we call her Brin.” She leaves the guy with his nails painted black for last. “That’s Fisher.” His hair is dyed black with frosted blond tips. He’s wearing black eyeliner and a few silver rings.
