The Bad Girl: A High School Bully Romance (Westbrook Three Book 2) Page 4

  Arwen seems thrown by the pushback, her eyes flaring and pink tinting her cheeks. She lets out a hissing breath and leans in, planting her hands on either side of my head. “It sounds like you’re saying the hunger in your stare was for me, but that can’t be right. I know you’re not that stupid.”

  My laughter causes her mask to slip again, her features softening with amused curiosity. “It’s not my intelligence in question here, it’s my sanity. You make me fucking crazy, Star.”

  She jolts back, standing straight again as her arms fall to her side. “Stop calling me that.”

  Star was the nickname I gave her right after we became friends. Until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn’t called her that since she broke my heart. It wasn’t intentional when I called her Star at Sal’s, but hearing it again definitely had an impact on her. There was a sadness and remorse in her eyes that I’d never seen before.

  “Why?” I challenge. “Does it make you uncomfortable? Do you not like being reminded that we were friends once? That I cared for you?”

  “Let it go, Shaw. Move on. It’s never going to happen.”

  “No?” I grin, lovingly brushing her hair away from her face. “Your kiss told a different story.”

  Arwen’s eyes darken as a storm brews inside of her, and there’s no shelter in sight. “You clearly misinterpreted the message.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I probably just need to hear it again.”

  She grits her teeth at me when I laugh. “If you want me to make you bleed again, all you have to do is ask.”

  Before I have a chance to respond, Cooper walks up with some of the guys from our team. My best friend hates Arwen for all the shit she’s given me over the years. My QB is loyal, but the rest of the team is merely following his lead. They’d all hook up with her in a heartbeat if given the chance.

  “Why don’t you go be a bitch somewhere else, Arwen?” Cooper says.

  I sigh, my jaw clenching as I suppress the need to call Cooper out for his choice of words. Arwen isn’t the type of girl that appreciates someone standing up for her. She prefers to be her own hero.

  Her head slowly turns in Cooper’s direction, an eerily bright smile on her face. “A little boy using big words. Do you really think that bothers me? Let me tell you something. Bitches get shit done.”

  Thankfully, Cooper is smart enough to keep his mouth shut this time. Arwen’s icy glare lands back on me before she walks away, flipping my friends off as she passes them by.

  “What the hell did she want?” Cooper demands.

  “Nothing.” I rub the back of my neck, watching her disappear before giving him my full attention. “Just making sure I heard the news about Violet and Thatcher.”

  My teammates all laugh at my expense. They love to bust my balls about my love life—or lack thereof. None of them understand why I’m so picky. It doesn’t bother them when girls use them, because they’re using the girls too.

  “Dude, you seriously have the worst taste in chicks,” Cory crows.

  “Like any of you douchebags do any better.”

  “At least we get our dicks wet.” Cooper smirks, shoving my shoulder. “You need to get laid and stop chasing after chicks like Violet St. James.”

  “Yeah, maybe. But I’d rather not dip my dick into a cesspool of disease, like you fuckers.”

  The guys all look at me then at one another, shrugging off my comment. They know I’m right. My teammates aren’t exactly known for using caution. They’ll sleep with just about anyone willing. It’s not like I’ve never had sex before. I’m simply more selective than most guys my age.

  Everyone disperses as the bell rings, except for Cooper, who walks by my side to class.

  “Are you going to tell me what was really going on with Arwen back there? She was looking at you like she wanted to rip you apart.”

  I laugh. “Yeah. I called her out on her bullshit, and she wasn’t very happy about it.”

  “All right, man.” He congratulates me with a pat on the back. “It’s about damn time.”

  The house smells heavenly, and my stomach growls as I sit my backpack down in the foyer. My mom calls out to me, and I follow her voice to the kitchen where she’s chopping vegetables for dinner. My dad has tried for years to get her to hire a cook and housekeeper, but she wasn’t born into money—unlike him—and insists on doing everything herself.

  My parents are polar opposites. My mom was working in her parents’ shop on Lanai when she met my father, who was there vacationing with some friends. At the time, he’d never worked a day in his life. She tells me he was a different man then, laidback and carefree. Maybe that’s how he managed to win her heart and convince her to move to the mainland.

  “Aloha ‘oe, take a seat. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

  The unease in her tone causes my muscles to tense, but I take a seat at the kitchen island. No doubt this has something to do with my father. She’s been trying to smooth things over with him for weeks, but the old man is stubborn. He refuses to bend, and I refuse to break.

  “Your makuakāne and I are going out of town next week, and I think it would be nice if you came with us.”

  “What? Why? School isn’t out yet. I don’t think I should skip.”

  My mother gives me a knowing look, her lips pressed with disapproval. We both know my objection to the trip isn’t about missing school. At this point, we aren’t even learning anything. My grades are locked in place for the year. Still, anything is better than spending a week with my dad, pretending nothing is wrong.

  “You aren’t going to miss anything at school. We haven’t taken a hoʻomaha ʻohana for years. It will be good for all of us to have some time together. Especially you and your makuakāne. You two will never be able to settle this thing between you if you don’t talk.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding,” I scoff, earning a stern look from my mom. “He’s a grown man throwing a tantrum. I can’t deal with him when he acts like this.”

  “He’s not the only paakiki man in this house,” she says, waving a carrot at me like it’s a wand. “Believe it or not, your makuakāne only wants the best for you.”

  “Well, we clearly have very different ideas on what’s best.” I grab one of the carrots she’s already cleaned and peeled, taking a bite of it before I continue. “I don’t want a life of suits and ties, sitting in board meetings all the time. Money isn’t important to me.”

  “Spoken like someone who’s never had to struggle a day in his life,” she retorts, raking the vegetables into the pan. “Look, keikikāne, I think it’s commendable that you want to build a life on your own. But you truly have no idea how hard that can be. Your makuakāne is trying to save you from the real world.”

  “And I just want to prove I’m strong enough to handle it on my own.”

  She sighs, her eyes saying what she won’t—that she agrees with me. “Your makuakāne will come around. But you need to meet him halfway. I think if you come on this trip and give him a chance to show you a different side of his ʻoihana—”

  “Wait, you want me to go with you on a business trip?” I come to my feet, shaking my head. “What’s the point? It’s not like he’ll have time for me anyway.”

  “Yes, he will. We’re just going to South Carolina to check out a hotel your father is planning to invest in. It will be more of a leisure trip than anything. Patrick Sullyvan wants to show your makuakāne around.”

  I plop back down on the stool, suddenly a lot more interested in this trip. “Patrick Sullyvan? As in Arwen’s father?”

  She nods, her lips curving into a smile. “That’s the one.”

  “Is she going?”

  “As a matter of fact, she is. But—”

  “I’ll go.”

  Her brow creases as she studies me, the spoon in her hand stilling. “Are you and Arwen na hoaaloha again?”

  “Not exactly…” Pretty sure she still hates my guts, and friendship is the furthest thing from her mind. But I’m
not about to tell my mom that. “This could be a great opportunity to try to mend fences with her though.”

  “Listen to me, Aidan Keahi Shaw,” she says, the spoon leaving her pot as she points it at me. “Don’t you go stirring up trouble while we’re in South Carolina. You’re already on thin ice with your makuakāne. He will not be very forgiving if you embarrass him.”

  The smile on my face expands from ear-to-ear as I hold up my hands. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Momma.”

  This is going to be interesting. Time alone with Arwen. Away from Westbrook and all the bullshit here. Maybe I’ll finally get some answers.

  Chapter Seven

  Present

  ARWEN

  My eyes close and I breathe in the distinct scent of the sea, listening to its roar. It’s official: crashing waves are the most peaceful sound in the world. I’m not big on the whole sun, surf, and sand life, but a girl could get used to hearing this every day.

  My dad did a good job finding this hotel. The ocean view from the balcony of my room is stunning. The entire hotel is freaking gorgeous. Last night, we went on a walk down the long pier that extends far into the water. Then he took me on a tour of the on-site bars, restaurants, and the pools, all surrounded by palm trees. I never thought this would be my scene, but I’m really digging it here.

  My phone dings again, pulling my attention from the serene setting in front of me. It’s another text message from my dad, telling me he’s heading downstairs for breakfast. With a sigh, I slip my phone into my pocket and reluctantly step back inside my hotel room, closing the sliding glass door behind me. Giving myself one last look in the mirror, I pull my hair up into a messy bun.

  It feels good to be away from the pressures of Westbrook High. I look like a total slob in my baggy cutoff shorts and slouchy tank top with my bikini top peeking out, not a stitch of makeup on my face. But I don’t care. I feel free here, fully intent on enjoying every second of it.

  There’s a pep in my step as I head to the hotel restaurant. This trip couldn’t have come at a better time. I needed an escape, especially with Aidan watching me every time we were in the same room together. It’s been nearly two weeks since I screwed up and kissed him. And he’s becoming increasingly aggressive. It’s a serious problem for me.

  Denying my feelings for him is so much easier when he’s too afraid to even look at me. I’ve been pushing him away for years—treating him as if he never meant anything to me, watching the light of hope dim in his eyes. But since that kiss, it’s been shining bright again. When he met my stare in the hallway last week, I saw the boy I fell in love with.

  “You make me fucking crazy, Star.”

  Screw you and your stupid fucking nickname, Aidan Shaw. Screw you for making me feel all these feelings. Screw you for knowing more about me than you should. Screw you for knowing me in ways no one else does.

  My father spots me as soon as I enter the restaurant, waving me over to the tables at the back of the room by the windows. Once I reach him, I realize there aren’t any empty tables and we won’t be dining alone. I guess I can’t expect to have him to myself all week. This is a business trip for him, after all. But, if I’d known, I could’ve dressed the part.

  He gives me a tight squeeze, whispering in my ear how beautiful I look, before turning to introduce me to his investors. Plastering a smile on my face, I lift my gaze to greet them, and my stomach drops when I see who’s on the other side of the table.

  Aidan is sitting between his parents with a toothy smile on his face. He isn’t surprised to see me. Which means he came here knowing I’d be here too.

  Son of a bitch.

  “Arwen, you know Aidan. And I’m sure you remember Declan and Alani Shaw as well.”

  I drag my stare from Aidan, removing the daggers before focusing on his mother. She’s such a beauty, same gorgeous skin tone and perfect teeth as her son. Alani’s genes are solely responsible for the Hawaiian god-like good looks he possesses. Aidan gets his sense of style from her too, those bold colors and prints matching their vibrant personalities.

  “Aloha, Arwen. It’s so nice to see you again, ipo.”

  His mother is also known for throwing out random Hawaiian words—another one of her endearing qualities. After being around her enough times, I even started to recognize most of the words and phrases. It’s strange to hear her call me sweetheart again, a loving smile on her face. She has to know the two of us aren’t friends anymore.

  “Hello, Mrs. Shaw.”

  Aidan’s father is clearly not as pleased to see me as his wife is, frowning as he looks down at the menu in front of him. He’s never cared much for me. Never believed I was good enough for his son. And he’s not wrong. But it’s not because of the way I dress or who I choose to date. It has nothing to do with the company I keep or the parties I attend.

  Aidan’s heart is made of pure gold, and mine is black as coal.

  My father pulls out a chair for me, placing me right across from Aidan, whose stare heats my body as I take a seat, refusing to acknowledge him.

  The table goes quiet as we all look over the menu, my father and Declan talking business once we’ve all ordered. I keep my focus on the view outside the window to my right, ignoring the feeling of Aidan’s eyes on me. By the time the food arrives, I’m ready to hike back to Tennessee to get away from him.

  And screw you for ruining this trip for me.

  Somewhere in the middle of my meal, I give in and lift my gaze to the asshole sitting across the table. His lips move with mischief as he chews, and I bite down on my own to keep the smile off my face. But when he winks at me, I kick him hard in the shin.

  The bastard is counting on me being on my best behavior in front of our parents. He knows I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize this for my dad. But he is sorely mistaken if he thinks there won’t be retaliation. He knows me well enough to know I won’t take this lying down.

  “So,” Aidan begins, clearing his throat as the table gives him their attention, “I was thinking, it might be a good idea for you guys to get the business out of the way today. There’s this great little town up the road called Sullivan’s Island that Arwen and I can explore while you guys are occupied. Then we can all meet up back here for dinner tonight.”

  My dad nods with enthusiasm at Aidan’s proposal, while I contemplate how bad it would be if I were to reach across the table and stab him with my fork. “Thank you, Aidan. That’s an excellent idea.”

  I’m going to murder him before this trip is over.

  Chapter Eight

  13 years old

  ARWEN

  My eyes scan the small diner Aidan’s dragged me to, my pulse racing as I take it all in. Sal’s Shake Shack is apparently the cool Friday night hangout. It’s packed. Mostly with kids our age, all of them continuously looking over here.

  Not wanting him to know how nervous I feel, I feign boredom as I meet his gaze.

  “Are you going to eat your burger before it gets cold?” Aidan asks around a mouthful of chili fries.

  My lips twists with disgust. “Gross, dude. Don’t talk with your mouth full. It isn’t exactly helping my appetite.”

  He laughs, that stupid charming smile spreading across his face before his mouth opens wide, revealing the contents inside.

  I throw one of my fries, hitting him right in the forehead. “How the hell did I let you talk me into coming here with you?”

  He shrugs, taking a sip of his Dr. Pepper to wash down his food. “You can’t keep hanging out at the graveyard every day. Like it or not, you’re going to be interacting with the living when school starts. You might as well start now.”

  My stomach churns at the thought of starting a new school in the fall. I wasn’t exactly the most popular girl at my school back in Denver, but at least I knew everyone. We’d all grown up together. I had plenty of time to learn who was friendly and who to stay away from. Starting over is going to suck.

  “Why? Wouldn’t it be better to savor the ti
me I have left?”

  He shakes his head as I reluctantly pick up my burger and take a bite. Aidan wasn’t exaggerating; it really is the best burger I’ve ever tasted. Not that I would admit as much to him.

  “You’re never going to make any friends with that attitude,” he teases.

  My nose scrunches, my head wobbling side-to-side mockingly. “Who says I want to make friends? Right now, I’m thinking I could use one less, not more.”

  The musical sound of his laughter flows through the air again, and I take another bite of my burger, ignoring the tingly sensation inside. We’ve been talking and hanging out for weeks now, and I haven’t been able to shake this odd crush on him.

  “That’s no way to talk to your best friend.”

  “Only and best aren’t the same thing, Aidan,” I quip.

  “Sure, they are. And as your best friend, I think you should come see a movie with me tomorrow.”

  My throat swells with nervous energy as I swallow, putting the burger back on my plate. First, he asked me to have dinner with him. Now, he wants to go see a movie. I’ve never actually been on a date before, but I know these are definitely date-like activities. It’s starting to feel like maybe he’s getting the wrong impression. The last thing I want is him thinking we’re dating.

  “Look, Aidan, I don’t think—”

  “What?” he scoffs. “You don’t like movies either? Fine. What do you enjoy? We can do whatever you want. Do you like roller skating? Or we could—”

  “Aidan, stop,” I plead, holding my hand up.

  His head tilts as he studies me, his brow creasing into a deep V. “What? Are you allergic to fun or something?”

  My eyelids fall as I take in a deep breath, but they pop open again as I let out a sigh. Aidan’s gorgeous sage eyes sparkle with amusement while he waits for me to answer, curiosity dancing in his features. Only, I’m not sure what to say. Aidan may be my only friend here, but I barely know him. It seems a little soon to be telling him my secrets.