Dig Your Grave (Skull Society #1)

Chapter 1

Taking one last look at the tiny room I’d existed in my whole life, I didn’t shed a single tear. Empty now, it looked even smaller. The brown paneling and cheap carpet would not be missed. But as I lugged the last heavy black trash bag full of my clothes out to our dependable minivan, chills ran over me. This would be the last time I’d see this cracker box of a house. The “For Sale” sign in the front yard wobbled in the wind, making its own music as I caught my long, mousy brown hair. Fighting the breeze, I said a silent goodbye to the town I grew up in. I wouldn’t miss it either. Not by a long shot.

Hanging out of the passenger side window, my mom sucked on her vape before bellowing, “Suede Sara Divore, you’re gonna make us late.”

Using my full name, she was just showing off in front of her new boyfriend, Rock, who was at the wheel, keeping the van running. Old metalhead was a stagehand for her favorite band. My mom, Ambrosia Whipple, had me young, dumped my dad and changed back to her maiden name ages ago. Since her daughter was off to college, her job was done. She’d be going on an adventure, touring the world with Rock. Staring at her lined face done up with the latest makeup trends, I felt it was the last time I’d see her as well.

Still no tears.

“Get in the van, princess,” Rock joked. “Your chariot awaits. Off to fairytale land.”

Slamming the door shut, I clicked my seatbelt and laughed along with them. But out the window, you couldn’t miss it. I stared at the mansion on the hill that looked down on the whole town. The owners of the gothic monstrosity, the Edenvane family just didn’t own this sleepy town. They founded Edenvane, a prestigious college impossible for someone like me to afford. They didn’t bestow a full ride on just anybody. Sure, I was poor enough, but the decision was merit based as well. I worked really hard to earn consideration for the scholarship through their lottery system.

On the two-hour drive to the city, I tried not to think about how I wouldn’t fit in at Edenvane. Instead, I scrolled my cracked iPhone checking messages from my new roommate, Toccarra. She didn’t come from money like most kids who went to Edenvane. Going by one name only, she was an influencer who made a small fortune in high school. As camera ready as ever, Toccarra was documenting her entire journey on Instagram.

Just outside the city, Edenvane stood in a dense forest separated by a peaceful river where their famous rowing team competed. I knew that much from the lush pamphlets, but pulling up to the palace like entrance sent me. The tall wrought-iron gates were wide open for move-in. Rumor had it that Albert Edenvane flew this castle over to Virginia, block by block, to add even more prestige to his grandfather’s college. After all, he wanted this school to stand above the ancient eight. Be the Oxford or Cambridge in the states.

Rock parked behind a bright yellow Lamborghini. I shit you not. Then another show stopping car pulled in and our Kia was in a supercar sandwich. It wouldn’t be the first time in my life I felt completely out of place as I stepped out on the pristine campus. Being more than a long shot, I hadn’t even visited so as not to get my hopes up. The scene left me dazed. It was like I’d stepped into a high-end Hogwarts.

You’re a pauper, Suede, I whispered to myself.

The girl approaching me with an iPad looked plainly dressed, but I could tell her clothes cost thousands. Quiet luxury was all the rage here. I’d done my research so I could spot it. Anxiety did that to me. I investigated the shit out of everything. Luckily for me, I didn’t show off brands because I had none.

“Are you lost?” she asked, looking me up and down.

“No, I promise, I belong here,” I said in a rush before realizing she only intended to give me directions to my dorm.

As I was busy signing in on her iPad, Mom and Rock unloaded my bags right onto the sidewalk.

“Honey, bye,” mom sang, pulling me into a hug.

Inhaling, I smelled her watermelon vape and hairspray. I wrapped my arms around her as she promised to text me every week. She was a good liar. I said I looked forward to it, knowing it’d never happen. Rock nodded bye, and they were gone before I realized they’d left me in the wrong spot.

“Watch out for the trash,” a guy muttered as he stepped over my bags.

Before I died of embarrassment, I slung on my backpack, messenger bag, and small suitcase and grabbed the yellow straps of the trash bags with both hands. It wasn’t much, but I planned to get the rest of what I needed at a Target run. Toccarra was driving, after all, and said we’d go first thing.

As I walked through campus carrying everything I owned in the universe, I ignored all the stares. I was feeling minuscule when I spotted him. All six foot four, chiseled body and fascinating eyes of him. Anubis Edenvane, the bad guy from my high school days with his perfect hair and sexy jaw, was walking my way. My stomach did a cartwheel.

Never a cheerleader, I told it to settle the hell down.

A senior, this bad guy just happened to be the heir to this place. As much as he was always a bully, to me, to everyone, I’d always been kind to him in return. Tried to be nice. So, I tried to smile as much as I could as my arms strained with the weight of the bags. Not just because he was hot as fuck. Not because he sent a boy to the hospital and got away with it.

Anubis radiated a raw power that was more than intimidating. He had every right to be cocky and demanding. One day, he’d rule the world in one way or another. Be an elite player with riches and influence, most folks couldn’t imagine. Looking at him, dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, bearing his school’s name or not, it was obvious he felt more than comfortable in his golden skin. Relaxed in the world. I was envious as my nerves crawled up my fair skin like tiny spiders.

And yes, part of me knew if I’d ever acted like I hated him, I wouldn’t have won his family’s lottery.

“Suede, right?” His gorgeous face was all puckered. “Mrs. Crestwood’s class?”

“Yeah,” I uttered breathlessly, before chewing my lip.

Even though it’d been three years, he remembered me. Admittedly, part of being kind to him was so I’d disappear. So, I wasn’t on his radar. I was in his English class as a freshman. Anubis didn’t have the grades to get into a college like this, but rich kids found another way. But of course, he didn’t have to try hard since his great grandfather founded Edenvane.

“What are you doing…?” he asked.

“Oh, I won the lottery,” I started.

Towering over me, he smirked. “I know. I mean, where are you taking that trash?” he asked, all confused.

Sucking up my pride, I revealed, “My dorm. It’s clothes. Life hack,” I coolly explained with a laugh. “Want to give me a hand?”

“To Eden Hall,” he said, knowingly. It was the cheapest dorm, nicknamed the slums. The place housed scholarship students, and those who weren’t grandfathered in. After an incredulous look, Anubis swung my bags over his shoulder. “Who’s your hero?” With a wink, he led the way with ease. I watched his glorious backside before I caught up to him.

Anubis slowed down. On the way, we made the smallest of small talk.

“What’s your major?”

“Journalism,” I said with pride. But that meant nothing here. I could take any class I wanted to make up my degree. The university granted students that freedom.

“Right, you were the paper girl. I remember.”

“I delivered papers. Crestwood didn’t have a newspaper.” His family had it shut down. That’s how much power they wielded. So, I delivered what amounted to local junk mail.

“Yeah, that’s what I meant. Did you bring your bike?” he teased me.

I couldn’t believe he even brought it up. Remembering the time he passed me in his Porsche while I was on my bike in the rain, I shivered. Talk about an illustration of our statuses. He splashed me good. I thought it had been an accident. That was until I went to school the next day, and he told everyone he’d gotten me so wet last night.

He’d always been a bad guy, but that was when he became the bad guy in my story. He humiliated me. Especially after what had recently happened to me. What the whole town knew about me. And for him to suggest I was easy… I was so mad at him. But I ignored it. So, my bad guy was onto his next victim.

“No.” I sold my bike, like most of my stuff, but he didn’t need all the details.

Eden Hall impressed me once we made it there. Even the lowest housing option would feel luxurious compared to what I was used to. Pleased, I smiled big. I couldn’t help it as I thought about the big private room I’d have.

“We should tear down this dump.” Anubis’ eyes were slits as he took in the accommodations.

After all that, I expected him to bolt like my mom and Rock had. However, as I scanned in, he held my bags, waiting. Silently, we cut through the crowd to the elevator.

“Fourth floor,” I said.

Soon, Anubis was setting down my bags beside my bed. Running his hands through his hair, he corrected the damage the wind did. I was also patting my hair and straightening my clothes. After examining the room with a disapproving air, he went to the window to look out.

Turning, I stuck my bags in my closet.

“You have a view,” he announced.

“Of what?” I asked, joining him. I couldn’t help but notice our arms were touching. Staring out at the beautiful fall landscape, I crossed my arms to remedy it.

“Me. I’m heading to practice.” He pinched his shirt, pointing out his uniform.

“You’re on the Rowing team?”

“The Edenvane Crew.” Smiling, he cocked his head as if he was getting ready to brag. But he didn’t utter a word. His lips flattened as his eyes locked onto mine and wouldn’t let go.

His pupils erupted in green and brown circles. They were witch eyes, my mom always said. They were magical, alright. I had them too, but I wasn’t so in love with mine.

“You always looked great in green.” Anubis’ eyes descended.

Glancing down at my dress, I remembered I’d worn something conservative. A green button up dress with petite white flowers paired with a white cardigan. I thought I’d look the part. Compared to the other girls here, I was lame.

Anubis reached out and touched my upper arm, the scar. I flinched. He’d heard what happened to me. Everyone in town had.

Did he remember?

Leaning in, he whispered, his breath on my neck, “I’m captain. I can be late.”

My chest became tight. “Why?”

His lips found my ear. “If you want to repay me,” he purred.

Out of nowhere, he was in my face. His hot lips brushed mine. That’s when it all went to hell. Overwhelmed, I freaked and shoved him away. My fist connected to his chest, hard.

The memories flooded back. The black hoods. The hands holding me down. The threats as I cried out. The laughter as I punched the guy in the chest. The knife he sliced me with. The man on top of me, sticking his hand down my pants.

The past took over…

“Oh, your pussy feels like Suede,” a muffled voice came as he invaded my most private parts.

My face felt too hot, like it was a zit about to bust. I couldn’t breathe. Opening my eyes, I found Anubis was holding me tight. I drooled onto his shirt like a mental patient. Fuck. Once I gained my composure, I realized he was cupping the back of my head. The bad guy shushed me, calming me.

Maybe Anubis had changed?

My heart pulsed against my chest as if it would burst out. Quickly, I stepped away. I blushed in embarrassment. Thankfully, he didn’t ask what that was all about. He probably thought I was some poor tortured soul, but that was far from the truth. Yes, his advances triggered a tragic memory. But there was more. I was hot. And not just flustered and sweating from nearly blacking out.

Back then, in the alley. I’d been riding my bike when the men caught me. Fearing they would gang rape me, I did the only thing I could. I fought and lost, so I embraced it. Therefore, I practically blacked out. And somehow, when I came too, I was getting off. Afterwards, I was thankful that was all that was done. It was not like I enjoyed getting finger raped by some masked man.

The cops told me I was lucky. I could have been killed. My mom said I was lucky too. I could have been completely sullied. Apart from the orgasm, the group didn’t harm me. I recognized the sick nature of my coping mechanism. But I was a sexual being. After that, I became a lonely creature, too afraid, too embarrassed to date anyone. So, it was completely sick that I remembered what happened, both with paralyzing dread and with unexplained longing. An immense pleasure rumbled in my belly, recalling the orgasm stolen from me that night. Because it was the only such pleasure I’d ever had.

Breathing heavily, I apologized to Anubis.

He fixed his clothes, and I noticed the wet spot on his chest. My eyes lowered to his thin shorts. The outline of his erect cock was right there, as if it was saying hello. Fuck, it moved. My mouth fell open. I averted my gaze, looking up. Our eyes met again.

Anubis’ lips quivered as he realized what I’d been looking at. Running his hand down his body, he clutched the rod in his shorts, making the outline clearer. “Do you want some of this?”

Seriously considering it, I gulped.

“If you had the nerve, Suede, you’d lock that door. I’ll fuck you on that bare mattress behind you. I’ll have your ass sticking to the plastic. I’ll have to cover your mouth so no one can hear your screams.”

Holy shit, I turned away to stare out the window again.

Fairytale was right. I couldn’t believe I was here. Not only did I have an amazing opportunity before me, right away, I had the chance to lose my virginity to Anubis Edenvane. But I knew him. He was a bad guy. I wasn’t about to do anything to mess up my dreams. If I had learned anything in high school, it was to stay out of this bad guy’s line of sight. Anubis left a long line of victims in his rearview, ex-girlfriends, ex-friends. Hell, he almost killed his best friend and wasn’t so much as questioned about it.

The guy was poison in a tempting wrapper.

Anubis touched my shoulder. I thought he was going to ask if I was alright, before he leaned his enormous package into my backside. “If you change your mind. You know where to find me.” He pointed toward the river.

Toccarra’s shrill voice rang through the hall. Saved by the influencer.

“Later then,” he said as he ducked out of the room.