In Ruins: A Dark High School Bully Romance (A Black Falls High Novel Book 1)

I wrapped my arms around my body pillow as I settled in bed Saturday night, eager to watch the latest episode of my favorite series. I’d been waiting all week for it to release and had no intentions of moving from my spot even if my house burst into flames. I’d finished the song I’d been working on, making sure to tuck it away deep into my folder labeled for a science class I no longer took. I didn’t know why I kept writing songs. They’d never see the light of day once they reached that folder at the bottom of my desk drawer.

The opening credits had just ended when my doorbell went off.

“Nooo,” I groaned, squeezing my eyes closed in frustration. Sighing, I sat up, waiting to see if whoever it was would go away. A moment later, the bell rang again, followed by a loud knocking. Jamie was away at the anniversary party for her aunt and uncle, so I knew it wasn’t her.

Dread filled my belly when I glanced at my alarm clock and saw that it was 8 P.M..

Another ring from the doorbell and another loud pound on the door. Cole. He said he’d be here. Judging by how loud he was getting with my front door, I’d have to explain the dents in it to my parents if I didn’t get off my ass and answer it.

I wasn’t ready to go to an elite crew party in more ways than one. My hair was in a messy ponytail, and I was in my pajamas—shorty-shorts and a white tank top. Knowing better than to keep him waiting any longer for fear of further damage to our front door, I made my way downstairs and tugged the door open.

“What the hell do you want?” I snapped at him.

He cocked his head at me, his eyes narrowed.

“Why the hell aren’t you dressed? I said I’d be here at eight.”

“If memory serves me, and I’m sure it does, I said I wasn’t going.”

“And if memory serves me, I told you that you were.”

I folded my arms over my chest and stared him down. He was on my turf now.

“Despite whatever clever little plan you guys have, I’m not your property. I’m not going. Now get the hell out of here.”

Instead of backing away and going to his car, Cole took a menacing step forward.

“You forget your place. I don’t mind reminding you, though.”

I let out a squeak of surprise as he charged forward and lifted me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing, slamming my front door closed behind him.

“Put me down, asshole!” I shouted, struggling against his firm hold. I pounded my fists into his back, but it was like smashing against a brick wall for all the good it did me. He responded by clapping my ass cheek, causing me to howl and writhe.

“If you think that hurt, wait until we get to your room,” he growled, taking the stairs two at a time.

His words twisted my tummy into knots of anticipation.

“Which room?” he demanded when we reached the top of the stairs. When I didn’t answer, he clapped my ass again. “You answer me when I ask you a question.”

“Second door on the left,” I hissed through gritted teeth.

He moved toward my room with ease. Once inside, he tossed me onto my bed. I bounced twice, my ass sore from his hand. He hadn’t stopped. He went to my bedroom window and tugged the curtains open before coming back to me and sinking to the mattress. I scooted away from him, scared of what was happening.

“Come here.”

I shook my head.

“Rosalie,” his deep voice was a dangerous snarl. “I’ll tell you once more. Come. Here. If you don’t, you’ll be one very sorry girl.”

Fear coursed through me at the way he was staring at me, so I scooted over to him.

“Stand up in front of me.”

I hesitated for a moment before the dark look in his eyes had me stumbling to my feet. He reached out and moved me, so I was in front of him. His hands were on my waist, holding me in place, so if I wanted to bolt, I couldn’t.

“Do you know how fucking beautiful you are?”

“What?” My voice shook as I frowned down at him, confused at the turn of events.

His fingers threatened the edge of my waistband, sending tingles rocketing through me.

“You heard me.” He chuckled softly. “Why are you so surprised?”

My breath hitched in my chest as his warm lips pressed to the bare slit on my abdomen between my tank top and shorts. A tingle raced through my belly before settling in the warm spot between my legs.

“I want you to get ready and come out.”

“Cole, I—”

He was on his feet, looming over me before I could finish my sentence, both hands cradling my face.

“You don’t know me well yet, but what I want, I get.”

“You don’t know me well either,” I answered in a throaty whisper, trying to get my wits about me. “But I don’t take orders from you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Rosebud. You know why?” he murmured, thumbing my bottom lip. My breath caught in my throat as I stared up at the impossibly beautiful creature before me.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Why?” I rasped, curiosity flooding every fiber of my being.

“Because. Falling in line and doing what I tell you excites you. I can see it in your eyes. You need someone to take charge and pull you out of your comfort zone.”

I scoffed at him, my heart slamming against my chest.

Was he wrong?

“I’m not like the other girls you mess around with,” I answered in a shaky voice. “I know what you’re about, Cole. And I’m not so hard up that I need you to try to fix the things you think are wrong with me.”

“What gave you the idea I think there’s anything wrong with you?” He cocked his head at me.

Damn. He was a smooth talker. No wonder women fell at his feet. I couldn’t be one of them, though.

“You know how everyone feels about me—”

“No offense, Rosebud, but I don’t give a shit how everyone feels about you. I only care about how I feel.” He moved away from me and went to my closet. I watched in silence as he rummaged around inside it before pulling out a jean skirt and tank top.

“Put these on. I want you to wear them tonight.”

I started to protest, but he pressed his finger against my lips before leaning down, his warm breath on my face.

“Do what you’re told, Rosebud. Enjoy being mine.” I stiffened as he brushed his lips against mine. He didn’t close his eyes. He watched my every movement like a hungry predator before pulling away and pushing the garments into my arms.

“Get dressed. We’re going to have some fun,”

I nodded, my heart jumping in my chest.

This was absolutely insane. The last thing I’d expected was to be doing what Cole told me to do. I turned, noting his soft chuckle, my face heating to a million degrees.

I said a silent prayer that this wasn’t some screwed up joke. As I turned to go to my bathroom, I saw Fox staring at me through his window.

Please don’t let him have seen Cole kiss me!

The look on his face though told me all I needed to know.

He’d seen everything.