Tormented Kings (Boys Of Kingston Academy #2)

Chapter 19

Sadie

Overall, this party has been amazing. Declan has stayed by my side for most of the night. And when I’m dancing with the girls, he’s not far away. He’s been my shadow, my silent protector. Maybe I’m crazy for being in love with the men I’ve only just started dating, but it’s different with them. What we have... it’s not typical.

“I’m going to pee,” I call out to Declan.

“Okay!” he shouts back over the music. “I’ll be right here.”

I’m feeling a little tipsy, but not enough that I should be worrying about being alone in this house on my own. Just to be sure, I go upstairs to use the bathroom, where it’s blocked off from the rest of the party guests.

Just to make sure, I stop by my room and dip my head inside to make sure Tina or someone else isn’t hooking up in my room.

Flicking the lights on, I find it empty and let out a sigh of relief.

“No crazy bitches getting down and dirty in your bed this time?”

Letting out a yell of surprise, I spin around to find Collin leaning against the wall across the hall behind me, a sexy, cocky brow raised in my direction.

“You fucking scared me,” I pant out, placing my hand over my heart. “What are you doing here?” I ask, stepping into the hallway.

“I thought about dressing up so no one could tell who I was, but I didn’t want to risk it,” he says, pushing off the wall and taking a step towards me. “But I’ve been watching you all night, Sunshine. You looked pretty good out on that dance floor, like pure sin,” he groans, eyes taking in my body. “It’s taking everything in me not to rip every man’s eyes out for daring to look at my girl.”

“Sunshine?” I ask, trying not to let just the mere presence of him get me all hot and bothered.

“Yeah. I’ve been doing some thinking, and I don’t think Lollipop works anymore, does it?” he asks, backing me up against the wall next to my bedroom door. “It suits the old Sadie. The younger Sadie. With all the crap going on in my life, I’ve found myself in a pretty dark place,” he murmurs. “Sleepless nights wondering how I’m going to fix everything, how I’m going to make it out alright. Endless hours of research and plotting, trying to find a way to end him. To make sure you're no longer at risk.”

My heart races at his words as his hand reaches up to cup my cheek. “There’s times I have no hope; I feel lost, like everything is so far out of reach and I’m not going to be able to find a way out of this darkness. All it takes is one look at you, Sadie. One smile, one laugh, and you light up that darkness with pure sunshine. That's what you are to me, Sadie. The sunshine in the darkness that consumes me. The reason to keep going, lighting the way to salvation.”

“Collin.” My head spins, so many different emotions flowing through me.

“Shhh,” he murmurs, leaning in to brush his lips against mine. “You don’t have to say anything to me. Just know you’re the Sunshine on my darkest days. I love you and will continue to until the day that I die.”

“Fucking hell, Collin,” I whimper, grabbing him by the back of the head to kiss him hard.

He moans against my lips, his hands lowering to my hips. He grips them roughly, grinding his stiff cock against my lower belly.

“You make me fucking insatiable. I can never get enough of you.”

I want him to fuck me so bad. But I’m not dressed for a quicky, and Declan will start to worry if I don’t get back to him soon.

But I want Collin. Really fucking bad. So, I decide to take what I want and slowly lower myself to my knees.

“Fuck, Sunshine. What are you doing?” Collin asks, voice strained.

I grin, looking up at him as my hands reach for his belt. “What do you think?” I ask, adding a little sass to my response.

“You naughty little thing,” he groans as I pull his cock free, wrapping my hand around the base. I give it a firm squeeze before stroking it a few times.

The lights in the hall are off, but the light from my bedroom door gives us some visibility, allowing me to see the drop of precum on the tip of his swollen head.

“Go on, Sadie, taste it,” Collin urges.

My tongue flicks out, lapping the salty substance off. Collin hisses, thrusting his hips forward. “Now take me into that dirty little mouth of yours and suck me down like a needy whore. My fucking whore.”

His words send a thrill running through me. I expected something like that from Preston, but hearing it come from Collin’s mouth sends a whole new wave of pleasure through me.

Wrapping my lips around the head of his cock, I tease him with my tongue. He groans, placing his forehead against his arm. “That's it, baby. Take it, take it all.”

His cock is thick, so it’s a bit of a stretch to take him into my mouth, but I do my best to loosen my jaw and slide him all the way to the back of my throat.

“Fuck, yes, just like that. Such a good girl. So fucking good,” he moans, thrusting forward. He hits the back of my throat, but I don’t gag because I don't have a gag reflex. I wonder if the guys like that or not? Do they enjoy the sounds of a girl choking on their cock? I mean, I choke on it anyway. Because fucking hell, they’re all so big.

Collin grabs a handful of my hair, holding my head still. “I’m going to fuck this pretty face of yours, Sadie,” he murmurs, chest heaving. “I’m going to make you cry, make you fucking drool for me. I’m going to mess up that makeup of yours and make you go back out to that party, letting everyone know exactly what we did.”

I moan against his length, thighs coming together as my clit pulses with need.

Collin starts to fuck my mouth relentlessly, these sexy little masculine sounds leaving his lips. His cock slides in and out, deep-throating me every time. I might not gag, but my eyes start to water instantly.

“So good,” he grunts. “So fucking good. Take it, Sadie, take my fucking cock like a good girl.”

Drool starts to drip down my chin with every thrust of his hips.

I’m so damn turned on, my pussy is demanding attention. My hand moves to my pussy, but between the tightness of this body suit and the fishnets, there's no way I can get my fingers inside to pleasure myself with this damn costume on.

I whine in frustration around his cock, shifting and trying to rub my thighs together for any bit of friction I can get. But it does nothing.

“Is my girl needy?” Collin groans as he buries his cock all the way down my throat, holding it there before pulling out. “Do you want to cum too?”

Nodding my head, I moan yes around his cock, my nostrils flaring as I breathe through my nose.

He adjusts himself. “Straddle my foot, Sunshine. Grind that needy pussy against my boot and make yourself cum.”

Holy fucking shit. Is he serious right now?

“Come on, Sunshine. Be a good girl and do as you’re told,” he growls.

A shiver wracks my core, from the tips of my toes all the way up to the top of my head. Why does this turn me on?

Fuck it. I do as I’m told, straddling his foot. He’s still able to fuck my mouth in this position as I grip his thigh. Bringing myself down on his boot, I gasp at the pressure against my clit.

“Now give my boot a good shining, fuck yourself against it until it’s dripping in your juices, baby.”

Dear god, this man’s mouth. His brother's mouth. Both of them are going to kill me with their dirty words one day.

But not today because right now, all I want is this orgasm I’m beyond desperate for and his cum down my throat.

Giving a hesitant roll of my hips, I’m surprised to find it feels better than I thought it would.

I can’t believe I’m about to do this, to get off by rubbing myself against this man’s boot.

But the way he looks down at me in awe, with so much love and adoration... all I want to do is please him.

So I start to work my clit against his boot and moan shamelessly around his cock.

“So fucking beautiful,” he groans. “God, Sadie, you really are fucking perfect. That’s it, baby, work those hips.

I keep my eyes on him, locked together as he slows his pace while I find my rhythm.

God, this feels so fucking good as I work my hips, getting to the pace I need.

My body is burning with pleasure; the pressure and tempo have me on the edge of perfection. As if he knows I need this so damn bad, he keeps his thrusts slow and deep.

As I work myself up against his boot, my nails digging into his thigh, and he murmurs all the right, praising words.

“Such a good girl. You’re doing so good, baby.”

As the pressure builds and the pleasure grows, my thrusts start to grow more frantic. I’m close, chasing my release. I need it. I’ll cry if I lose this feeling.

Collin starts to pick up his pace again, making me choke on his cock. “You fucking love it, don’t you?” he chuckles. “God, you're so perfect. Look at you, crying so sweetly for me.” He reaches down to brush the tears away from the corner of my eyes. But I already know my makeup is ruined. “Cum, Sadie. Drip that greedy cunt all over my boot.”

I whimper, my orgasm so close, so fucking close. Closing my eyes, I concentrate on bringing myself over the edge.

When it hits me, I struggle to breathe in air, to cry out, something, but I can’t. Collin curses, his thrusts grow choppy.

“That’s it, baby. Fuck, look at you. So fucking hot. Such a good girl. So fucking good.”

I sob around his cock in pure fucking ecstasy. It shouldn’t feel this good; it’s a fucking boot for fuck’s sake.

But it does, it feels so good. And the more I work my hips, the harder I cum and the more I feel my juices soak through my costume and onto his boot. It’s not enough to coat it like he told me to, but it’s something.

Collin curses and without warning, he cums.

His cock pulses in my mouth, thick ropes of hot salty cum shoot down my throat. I swallow around his length, trying hard to get it all, which makes him groan loudly.

“Damn it, Sadie,” he gasps in a ragged breath as he pulls his cock free.

I take in a few deep breaths of my own. My jaw is killing me, my eyes are blurry with tears, and I have cum and drool dripping down my chin.

Collin tucks his cock away, chest heaving. He takes a step back, letting his boot slide out from under me before crouching down in front of me.

“You’re such a good fucking girl, Sadie,” he praises, gripping my chin. His eyes take in my face, and he smirks. “Ruined.”

Then he does yet another thing that surprises me tonight and licks his cum off my lips and chin.

“Now, be a good girl and get back to the party,” he murmurs tauntingly before kissing my lips.

He helps me rise on my shaky legs, pressing another kiss to my lips. My eyes flutter closed as I sigh contentedly, but then he’s gone, and I’m left standing there, wondering if this was some kind of fever dream, and I drank more than I thought.

“What the hell just happened?” I blink, a little stunned, while my body still hums from the orgasm. The girls can never know this. I’m starting to get worried about just how much I’m willing to do with these guys. And how much I love it.

Shaking my head, I remember why I’m here and go to the bathroom. After I’m done, I look in the mirror and laugh. Well, I was right. My makeup is fucked.

But, honestly, it’s kind of hot. Grinning, I shrug my shoulders and leave.

“There you are,” Declan says when I join him back at the party. “I was starting to get worried—” He blinks at me a few times, eyes widening. “Ahh, are you okay? Were you crying?”

“Nope.” I giggle. Yup, those drinks are really hitting me now. Or maybe I’m just in a really good mood because as weird as what just happened was, it was also one of the hottest things I could have ever imagined doing. “Well, kind of.” I grin wider. “No kissing me until I can brush my teeth, though.”

His cheeks heat as he gets where I’m going with this. “Ahh.” He nods his head with a chuckle. “Took a little detour?” I just grin and nod as I grab a mini hot dog and pop it into my mouth. All that work made me hungry. “G?” he asks. I shake my head. “P?” His brow furrows and I raise a brow. “Ah, C?”

I nod again. “He’s here. Somewhere. Staying out of sight.”

“Couldn’t stay away from you, could he?” Declan laughs.

“I miss him.” I chew on my lip. “I’m glad he surprised me.”

“I bet you are.” Declan grins.”

“Stop.” I laugh, slapping at his arm.

“Sadie!” Emma shouts. “Come dance with me.”

“Go dance. I’m going to get some air.” Declan nods his head towards Emma on the dance floor.

Preston

Coming to this damn Halloween party was a big mistake. We shouldn’t be here. It’s a bad fucking idea.

My father blew up my phone, leaving some not-so-nice messages, pretty much ordering me to take Tina out because I guess her father had been bitching again and complaining that I haven’t been spending enough time with his daughter.

Does that man not know how most of these arranged marriages work? Most of the time, we don’t even see our fiancéees until the day of the wedding and only after for social gatherings and to reproduce. I know that's how my father is with my mother. That’s how it was with my grandparents on both sides, and how is it with most of these old fucking ruthless bastards.

Honestly, I think that’s why most of these men in our society are the way they are. No love, lonely, trying to fill this empty void by pissing money away, fucking as many women as they can get their dicks in, and sitting around with other pathetic fuckers and trash-talking the world.

In a drunken moment, I told him to get fucked, but I quickly regretted it. He proceeded to tell me exactly where Sadie was at that current moment in time, making it very clear he had eyes on her, and if I didn’t do as I was told, something bad was going to happen.

Being backed into a corner, I reluctantly agreed. I called up Tina and asked her if she wanted to go out to eat and a movie, two things that involved hardly any talking. Something I could suffer through if I really tried.

She said no because everyone was going to Halloween parties, and she wanted to go too. I turned it down fast, but then she hit me with the ‘don’t make me tell my daddy’ card.

It’s like she cracked the code, now knowing how to get what she wants from me now, and she has me by the fucking balls. The smug look she gets when she knows I can’t say no makes me want to strangle her. She just doesn’t know why she has this power, and I won’t tell her. I won’t let her know my feelings towards Sadie. That would be a fucking disaster.

I ended up shoving my fist into the wall of the room I’d been staying in, but I agreed.

And, of course, of all parties, she picked Grayson’s. It was an argument I didn’t want to have, so here we are. I thought we could just slip in and not be seen. With all the people there, we could have easily blended into the crowd.

I was a fucking fool to even think that because this is Tina. She always wants to be the center of attention, and she’s a drama queen. I should have known she would find Sadie and try to fuck with her.

The betrayal in both Sadie and Declan’s eyes fucking hurt more than I liked. Then Sadie’s verbal lashing from the amusement park came crashing back, and I needed to get drunk.

So here I am, on beer number... who knows and quickly getting shit-faced while trying to avoid Tina. It’s the only way I can get through this party without wanting to lose my fucking mind.

I propped myself up against the wall where I could watch Sadie dance, but I lost track of her when I went to grab another drink. Scanning the room for her, I see Tina coming my way. But fuck this shit. I make my way through people in the opposite direction of Tina’s path, bobbing, weaving, and ducking to lose her. Luckily, someone stopped her, so I take the opportunity to dip out the side exit.

As soon as I’m outside, I let out a breath of relief.

“Crazy in there, huh?”

My head snaps to the side to see Declan sitting on a porch swing.

God, he looks so fucking sexy in that Milo Thatch costume that it should be illegal. It’s too painful to look at him.

“You okay?” Declan asks, frowning.

“Yeah, sorry.” I shake my head, the alcohol making my head foggy.

“What are you doing out here?”

“Needed to get away from the she-witch,” I sigh, moving to sit next to him. “You?”

“Came out for some air while Sadie danced with her friends, but the guys in the back got a little too rowdy. Needed some space.”

I nod my head in understanding, taking a seat beside him before looking up at the sky and smiling at the stars.

“What are you doing here with her, Preston?” Declan asks, voice a soft whisper.

“I have to be,” I sigh heavily as I look down at him. “If I don’t, she’s going to tell her dad. Her dad tells mine, and I get to be a human punching bag.” I give him a half grin, but he doesn’t see any humor in the situation. He frowns disapprovingly.

“It’s not funny, Preston. What he does to you, it’s fucked up. It’s not right. You don’t deserve it.”

Yet, I feel like I do, that I deserve every hit he throws my way.

Sitting here next to him, I stare at him—maybe a little too much, and it’s probably creeping him out. He holds my gaze, and fuck, I just want to lean over and kiss him, to kiss the frown away, to make him mine.

“Wanna know something?” I ask, my brain yelling at my mouth to shut the fuck up.

“Sure?”

“You’re fucking sexy.” I bite my lip, letting my eyes roam his face again.

His eyes widen. “W-what?”

“Oh, yeah,” I laugh. “So fucking sexy, my cock is almost always hard when I’m around you. Same with Sadie. Damn thing doesn’t seem to know what it wants, so why not both of you.”

He goes to open his mouth, but I stop him, leaning in so close our faces are less than an inch apart. I lower my voice, and my words come out husky. “Do you know how many times I’ve touched myself to the thought of you being down on your knees...” His breathing picks up, pupils dilating as I bring my fingers up to brush against his lips. “With these lips wrapped around my cock. Me calling you a good fucking boy as you suck me off.”

Wanting to touch any part of him I can, I scoot closer and place my hand high up on his thigh. He gasps, licking his lips before whispering, “Preston.”

That goes straight to my cock. My eyelids lower as I continue to paint him a picture of one of my favorite fantasies. “Or how tight your ass would be, strangling my cock as I pounded into you. I’d love all the noises you make, like your sweet sobs as I fuck you so damn good you cum with my name on your lips.”

His breathing becomes erratic, eyes wide, needy, and... wanting.

I should stop. I’m saying too much, not thinking of the words coming out of my mouth. But none of them are lies.

“I want you, Declan. I’ve wanted you for so fucking long. Laying in bed while watching you sleep and wanting nothing more than to kiss you is pure fucking torture. I’m so close to you and not able to touch you.” And then I bridge the gap, grasping the back of his head to kiss him.

Declan moans against my mouth, one hand grabbing onto my arm that’s holding his head and the other gripping the fabric between his hand and my chest.

I run my tongue against his lips, begging him to open up for me. He does, and I don’t waste time slipping my tongue in and over his.

The kiss is mind-blowing... life-changing. He tastes like heaven and hell all rolled into one. Sweet and sinful. The reason behind all of my success and my ultimate downfall.

“I want you to be mine so fucking bad,” I snarl, panting as I rip my mouth from his long enough to talk before crashing them together again.

We kiss sloppily, but it’s fucking everything. It’s turning my world upside down as I realize that I’m not only attracted to him, but I think... I think I may be in love with him.

Two people each own half of my heart, with none of it left for myself.

He moans my name, snapping me back to reality.

What am I doing? This can’t be happening. No. Not right now. Not to him. I’m too fucked up in the head. He deserves better. They both do. I’m toxic; I’ll poison any light they have created inside me.

I pull away, chest heaving as I stare at him with wild eyes.

His eyes flutter open, blinking up at me with flushed cheeks and swollen lips. He looks fucking gorgeous, but then I do what I always do and fuck everything up.

“This was a mistake.”

His face falls. “W–what?”

I stand, shaking my head as I run my hands through my hair. I wish he could be mine, but that’s not reality. I want him more than anything, but I’ll only end up ruining him. I want to make him happy, but what if all I do is bring him pain? I’m not worthy. I don't deserve him. I don’t deserve to be anyone. I destroy everything I touch. There are too many thoughts swimming around inside my head, and it’s making me spiral.

When I look back at Dec, the devastation on his face confirms every bad thought and will forever be burned into my soul. I feel like I’m going to be sick.

“I need to go.” I turn around and stumble into the backyard, my heart fucking shattering as I go.

“Preston!” he calls out, voice full of agony, but I ignore him and keep walking, lumbering my way through the backyard as the world around me sways.

“Preston!” he shouts, but this time with more anger.

The sounds around me muddle my brain. It’s all too much, too loud.

Someone grabs my shoulder, whipping me around.

I only manage to catch Declan’s angry, devastated face before his fist comes flying towards my face.

I stagger back, pain splintering across my cheek. Tripping over my feet, I fall onto my ass. Declan jumps on top of me, letting out a pained sound as he hits me again.

That’s it, baby, hit me. Make it hurt. I deserve it. I deserve it all.

Sadie

I’m dripping with sweat after only dancing for a bit, so I tell Emma, “Hey, I could use some air.”

“Yeah, same.” She nods her head and looks behind her, where Brent has been dancing. “Wanna go outside?”

He nods, and we all make our way through the crowd and out to the backyard.

We hear “Fight, fight, fight” being chanted as soon as we step outside.

“What the hell?” Emma mutters. “Of course, some assholes would be fighting. Can’t even enjoy a Halloween party.”

We follow the chanting, pushing our way through the little circle that’s formed.

But when I see who is fighting, my stomach drops. “Fuck you!” Declan spits, swinging his fist down and hitting Preston in the face. “I fucking hate you!”

“Stop!” I shout, jumping forward, but Emma holds me back. Preston isn’t even hitting Declan back. He just lays there, letting Declan kick his ass. “Let me go.” I glare at my best friend, and she does. “Declan! Declan, stop!”

I pull him off, his chest heaving, eyes wild. He stumbles to his feet, and I go to reach for him, but he flinches away. “You're pathetic. Nothing but excuses. Be a fucking man, Preston!” he sneers before spinning around and taking off.

I’m so confused, so pissed off. “What the fuck was that?!” I yell down at Preston. He grunts, rolling over and getting to his feet.

“Nothing,” he mutters, wiping the blood off his face. “Nothing I didn’t deserve.”

“What did you do?” I ask in a low, angry voice as I get in his face.

He gives me a bloody grin. “I fucked up. Like I always do. It’s what I do best, Kitten.” He laughs before backing up and taking off away from the house.

“What’s going on?” Emma asks while I stare at Preston’s receding back as he disappears into the dark.

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I need to go find Declan.”

What did Preston do that made Declan so upset? I’ve never seen him like this. Declan is always so kind, sweet, and pretty quiet for the most part. I’ve never heard him yell, let alone raise his fists to anyone.

The pained look in his eyes as he stared down at Preston... I need to find him.

“What a show,” Tina’s voice has every ounce of control I have left at this moment, ready to snap.

Trying to ignore her, I move to step around her, but she gets in my way. I just need to get in the fucking house and find Declan. “Wonder what they’re fighting over. Can’t be you,” she laughs.

“I don’t have time for your shit tonight, Tina,” I snap. “Let me fucking pass.”

“Oh, she’s got a mouth on her,” Tina laughs tauntingly. “What’s the matter, Sadie? The truth too much to handle? When are you going to end this little fantasy you’ve made up in your head? The guys are done with their deal between all of you. It’s time to drift back into the background where you belong. Because it’s starting to get a little pathetic.”

The way she sounds, so condescending and mocking. I’m done. Fuck this bitch.

Seething, I glare at her as I pull my fist back and swing it right into her stupid face.

She lets out a shriek, her eyes widening as her hands fly to her face. “You stupid bitch!” she screams, but the words come out muffled. “I’m going to kill you.”

“You know what, Tina? How about you go kill yourself,” I yell back, chest heaving. I’m not proud of my words. I’d never want someone to take their own life, but she told me those same words more than once.

I push past her, making her stumble into the side of the house as I make my way in. My hand is throbbing. I’m on edge. I’m so damn worked up that tears sting my eyes. I don’t know what's going on anymore. How did this night go from amazing to a fucking shit show?

Can’t I ever just have fun without everything going to hell?

There's a ringing in my ears as I search the crowd, but I can’t find Declan. My head is pounding, and I need to get out of here. It’s too much, and I think I'm having a panic attack.

Once I’m back upstairs, I close my eyes and lean against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm myself down.

“Do you like scary movies?” a mechanical voice sounds next to me. I jump, a scream getting lodged in my throat. I only manage to get a brief look at the person dressed up as Ghostface before I react, kneeing them in the balls.

“Oh fuck!” he groans, dropping to his knees.

“Who the fuck are you?!” I shriek.

“It’s me.” Grayson pulls off the mask. “Fucking hell, Sadie.”

My face drops. “Oh god,” I gasp, my hands flying to my mouth. “I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” I get to my knees next to my boyfriend, who I just possibly took the ability to make babies from. “I didn’t know it was you. You scared me.”

“Clearly,” he groans, rolling over onto his side. “Shit. That really fucking hurt.”

He’s in so much pain, but the whole situation has laughter bubbling up inside of me. That—plus everything that’s happened in the last thirty minutes—crashes in on me at once. “I’m sorry, baby.” Tears spill down my cheeks. “I didn’t mean it. Please don’t hate me.”

“Hate you?” he grunts, moving to sit up. “Fuck, Pretty Girl. Don’t cry. I’m okay. Really. I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.” I cry harder, dropping to my ass. “I hurt you.”

“I’m fine.” He pulls me into his lap, wincing but doing it anyway. “Shhh.” He tries to hold me, but the wings get in the way.

“Take them off,” I gasp for air, feeling smothered by them.

He helps me remove them, tossing them to the ground beside us before bringing me back into his arms. “Breathe, Pretty Girl. It’s okay. What’s wrong? What’s going on? I saw you come up here, and I followed. I’ve been looking for you. I feel bad for not seeing you all night. These parties always tend to get wild, and I need to make sure I’m on top of things so people aren’t causing any damage.”

“It’s okay.” I press my cheek to his chest, eyes closed as I take a deep breath. His scent settles me, my racing heart starting to slow and my tears coming to a stop.

“No, it’s not. Because clearly, something happened. I should have been there to keep you safe,” he growls.

“I wasn’t in any danger,” I murmur. “I went outside to get some air with Emma and found Declan and Preston in a fistfight. Both of them took off before I could find out what’s going on. Then I went to look for Declan, because this isn’t like him, and I’m worried.” I pull back to look at him.

Grayson cups my face. “Yeah, that doesn’t sound like Dec at all.”

I nod. “On my way in, Tina felt the need to open her stupid mouth,” I grumble.

“Why the fuck did Preston bring that bitch here?” Grayson complains.

“I don’t know. But she thought she would remind me that my deal with you three is over, and I should go back to being a nobody where I belong.”

“Don’t listen to her, Sadie. She’s just a pathetic bully.”

“I know. So, I punched her in the face.” I grimace.

His eyes widen before he lets out a laugh. “Fuck, I wish I was there to see that.”

“I think I broke her nose too. There was a lot of blood.”

“Yup, I totally wish I was there to see that.” He grins.

But I groan. “She’s not going to just let it go. I just made everything worse.”

“No, you didn’t. Because she’s not going to do shit to you, Sadie. Not with us around.”

“But that's the thing. You're not around. We’re not allowed to be seen together.” I feel like crying again.

“Says who? So what if everyone thinks we’re friends? We are friends, even if we’re dating.” He kisses me.

“I just want to find Declan and make sure he’s okay.” I close my eyes. “I’m over tonight.”

“And so am I.” Grayson helps me to my feet. “Let’s go shut this party down.”

“You don’t have to. Go, have fun.”

“Nope. Not without you. I’m over this party anyways.” He grabs my hand and pulls me to the stairs. “Wait here.” He kisses my cheek before jogging down the stairs. A minute later, all the lights in the house go on, and the music stops. “Party’s over! You know the rules. No fighting. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. Get out.”

There’s a chorus of groans as people start to leave.

Once the house is empty, I join Grayson downstairs. “I’ll help you look.” It doesn’t take long, and we end up finding Declan sitting near the duck pond. “I’ll give you two some time alone.”

“Thanks.”

Declan looks up when he hears me coming. “Hey, you.” I take a seat on the bench next to him. “Declan, what happened?”

He sighs, looking out at the pond, the moonlight shining off the water. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Okay,” I say slowly. “But are you okay?”

“No,” his voice breaks. He turns to me with tears in his eyes. “When I was outside—the guys were being too much, all drunk and stuff—so I went to the side of the house to sit on the porch swing. After a bit, Preston found me. And well, he said some things, kissed me, then told me it was a mistake and took off. I ran after him, got in his face, and well... I let my hurt and anger get the better of me.”

“He what?!” My eyes widen. What the fuck? What is wrong with Preston? After the talk I had with him, I didn’t think he would go and do something stupid like this. I’m going to kick his ass the next time I see him. I get being so messed up from the bullshit in your life that it messes with you mentally and emotionally. But it doesn’t give him the right to mess with other people's minds or emotions.

“Sadie, please.” He shakes his head. “I don’t want to think or talk about it anymore tonight, okay?”

“Okay.” I nod, accepting his answer, even though everything inside me screams at me to ask more. “What can I do to make you feel better?”

“Stay with me tonight?” he asks, face so vulnerable.

“Of course,” I agree with a soft smile, heart hurting for my man. I just want to make everything better. I’m going to kill Preston when I find out more about what happened. “Let’s go get you cleaned up, and we can sleep in my room.”

“Okay,” he says softly.

Once we’re both cleaned up and ready for bed, Declan holds me so tight I can feel the hurt coming off him in waves.

Whatever is going on with Preston, he needs to deal with it before he drags everyone down with him. There’s making the best out of what you’re given or letting it tear you down. I never thought of him as being a coward. But that's what it’s looking like.