Crashing Hearts (Pine Valley College #2)

1. Skylar

CHAPTER 1

SKYLAR

A s I stomp down the steps after an annoyed Bones, I can’t help but grin. I pull a pack of cigarettes from my striped racing jacket, then I light one up and blow smoke as he turns. Striding over, he covers the distance between us, and like normal, my heart begins to pound when he’s close. He’s just a few inches below my six-foot-five frame and covered head to toe in tattoos. Ink crawls across his exposed hands and neck, and I ache to move closer and explore them. His bright amber eyes narrow on mine and his cheeks tighten. I know he hides two dimples there, and they drive me crazy. The sides of his hair were recently faded, giving him a dangerous look while also showcasing the ink there, with the rest of his brown hair swept artfully back. Bones is a fucking masterpiece, and he knows it. He carries himself with power, his cold expression warning everyone away. It’s not my fault that turns me on rather than scares me like he wants.

Grabbing the cig I’m holding, he slams it to the ground and grinds it under his expensive leather shoes, all while glaring at me. “You have some damsel in distress syndrome in a delinquent body. Stop getting arrested,” he warns me, pointing an inked finger at me. I have the insane urge to lean forward and suck it, but he would probably punch me.

I’d like it, but I don’t think he would.

I lean in and drop my voice, watching his eyes narrow further. I can never quite tell if he hates me or wants me, but I don’t think he even knows. “Why? It’s the only time I see you.”

He pushes me back, annoyance contorting his usually calm face. Maybe that’s why I do it. I love riling him up and cracking his careful control.

“I won’t show up next time,” he says as he turns and starts to walk away.

“Yes, you will!” I call, both of us knowing he’s a liar. He might not want to see me, but Bones won’t ever let anyone down, and he’s friends with both Alek and Evan, so he won’t let me rot inside. He’ll come and get me out, which is why I keep getting arrested.

Hell, maybe he really does like me.

I can live in that delusion.

He flips me off over his shoulder, his perfectly manicured nails glistening in the light. I still don’t know how he’s going to be a lawyer. He’s a walking conundrum, one I want to pick apart and understand.

He’s different and exciting, and I want him.

Despite his insistence and ability to avoid me, since we saw each other last at Alek’s, I haven’t given up. I know what I want, and it’s him for a night or two.

Bones will be mine.

I’m going to unravel his careful control and reveal the animal that lives underneath.

I watch him walk away, my smirk only growing. He will be my boy—he just doesn’t know it yet.

My phone rings, and I glance down. “Sanjay,” I greet even as my eyes find Bones again, tracking his movements like the predator I am.

“Yo, are you coming for a drink?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there in ten.” I turn away from Bones’s retreating form and head toward where I’m needed and wanted.

“I’m just so bored,” I complain for the hundredth time to Sanjay and the people around us. They aren’t exactly on the right side of the law, which is ironic since I’m still thinking of that lawyer boy. Dim lights flash around us, and the music is fast and thumping. Everybody is partying like dawn will never come. “I’ve raced everybody on the streets. It’s not even a challenge anymore. There’s nothing else for me to do except?—”

“Drink.” Sanjay smirks. “And drink you have been.”

He isn’t wrong. I’ve been out every night. Alek said I’m wasting my life, even though he seemed worried. I told him not to be. I’m just enjoying my youth, something he should understand. Hell, we almost died a few months ago, so I think I’m allowed to spend some time celebrating being alive, right?

I stare down at my empty glass and wonder what the fuck I’m doing.

“Another?” a husky voice whispers in my ear. I barely remember his name, and I’ll forget his face tomorrow.

He’s not the one I want, but he’ll do for tonight. I force my head up and see a flirty smile on his face, but I feel exhausted.

“Sure thing.” I hand over my glass and let him ply me with alcohol until I’m numb and don’t feel dread and hopelessness.