Being used to the city life is leaving me slightly jarred by the small town where everyone seems to know each other. Even though I grew up in the public eye, living in a city allowed me to disappear when I wanted it.
Solace is a luxury that’s hard to come by. Most people pay a lot of money for it. It seems Black Mountain has decided to offer it to me on a silver platter.
“Ara!” My name is screeched from behind me, causing me to spin on my heel. Marleigh, the girl from class, comes racing toward me. When we met in history, she seemed nice enough. I wasn’t expecting her to make good on her promise of being friends, but as she grins, racing toward me, I wonder if perhaps I was too quick to judge.
Her sleek, brown hair shimmers in the slowly dying sunlight. “I wanted to see if you’d be up for a party this weekend.” She’s panting breathlessly as she reaches me. “I spoke to a few friends, and it’s going to be epic.”
“I don’t know. Parties are not really my thing,” I lie, already feeling the anxious nerves twisting in my stomach. The last time I went out and got drunk, I ended up cuffed in a police station. I still can’t believe my actions got me caught, but then again, breaking into someone’s home to party it up as revenge isn’t the best thing I could’ve done. Only, nobody knew we’d picked the locks, that was our secret. Knowing that my name and face was most certainly recognizable in the city, I still went ahead, got drunk, and got caught.
“Oh, come on,” she coaxes. “You’re new here, and you need to meet people. It’s at this epic mansion on the outskirts of town. A hot tub, swimming pool, even a freaking home cinema.” She sounds so excited, and I wouldn’t want to let her down.
I don’t have to go overboard. And I doubt the kids here would be anything like the ones back home. However, I’m not sure Aunt Midge would be all too happy to have me racing out to party my first weekend in town.
I shrug slowly. “I can chat with my aunt. I’m living with her while I’m here.” Not a complete lie, more of an omission. I guess a party wouldn’t hurt. But I do need more information because I know Aunt Midge will be giving me the third degree the moment I mention it. “Whose house is it?”
“One of the guys who used to attend the academy, Alistor Barrington. He’s in college now, which means hot older guys,” she tells me with a cheeky wink. “Also, he has a best friend I’m almost sure will be perfect for you.” Her grin is dazzling as she bounces on her tiptoes with excitement shining in her eyes. I know I can’t refuse because it’s all sounding too good. “I think we both need to have some fun, and everyone will want to meet you. These parties are always the talk of the school for a week after. So, what do you say? Want to join me for a bit of destructive behavior for one night?”
“Let me see what the deal is back home with my aunt. I’m not promising anything. She’s strict.” Another lie. “But I will try my best to get her to allow me freedom for one night.” I can’t tell Marleigh just why I may not be able to come out, but for now, my excuse will have to do.
“You have to come, so even if she says no, I’ll visit and tell her how imperative it is for you to be there. I mean, it’s senior year and parties are what the next few months are made for.” She seems convinced, and to be honest, since my dad died three months ago, I haven’t been able to have fun. The closed casket funeral never allowed me to say goodbye. It may seem strange, but I needed to see his face, but my mother was adamant that I couldn’t. So, instead of saying goodbye, I was left with the emptiness of never being able to see him one last time.
Each time I think about that day, I fall to pieces. Perhaps this will be a good thing.
“Sounds good,” I tell Marleigh, who’s grinning like a fool.
“That’s my girl,” she responds, hooking her arm in mine and walking up the road with me as we head farther away from school.
But with every step, I can’t stop recalling his tall, broad frame. The way his shirt seemed to tease at the strong arms underneath. His muscled legs in dark slacks and his ass that looked like you could bounce a penny off it as he moved through the class.
The memory of his perfectly manicured hands with hints of veins peeking from the tanned skin. Strong, foreboding, but ultimately sexy. But it was also his stare as he watched me whenever he didn’t think I noticed. It pierced me right through my chest.
I have a crush.
Mr. Donati is forbidden.
I shouldn’t want him.
But my mind has a life of its own.
4
HIM
THE PRESENT
He’s smiling. She looks beautiful as she sits opposite him. I hate that his eyes are on her. I don’t like it one fucking bit. But then again, if she were looking at me like that, I’m not sure I could handle it.
My mind spins with all the possibilities. I smile when I see the shiver that trickles down her body. I want nothing more than to give her that myself. To feel her silken skin as I mar her creamy flesh.
The darkness has always swirled through me. I never liked women
