8. Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight
D id you see the message? Joanna sat down beside me on a bench in the school grounds.
It was a nice day to have lunch outside. I wanted to get away from all the looks anyway. Everyone heard what went down at Andrew Reinharts house the night before. And yes, I got the message Joanna was talking about.
Cheryl Halstead put a mass message out to everyone in the school that those on the list whod made a bet on me had been declared cancelled. Which meant anyone seen associating with them would suffer the same fate. Shed made them pariahs in the school. I didnt know how long it would last, because they were the schools soccer team, but I appreciated the effort.
Warren told me he hadnt done that, but I had seen Hudson talking to her, so it must have been him.
The note was still in my bedroom when I eventually got back from the lake last night. Hudson was the only other person who had seen the names on that list.
Thinking of him sent a rush of nerves through me. I had study period coming up soon and we were meeting in the library. Id not had much chance to talk to him last night, in fact hed kept his distance. I hoped it was because Warren was around and not because he was having second thoughts.
Warren had taken everyone back up to the lake where wed had a huge party of our own. Id only drank a few beers, because it was still a school night. A few girls from Andrews party had come back with us and Id seen some questionable shit going on in the trees. I hadnt liked that these guys were desecrating our place and after an hour Warren realized that too and made everyone leave.
Outside of the guys, Joanna was my best friend and Id be lost without her. She reminded me of Katy Keene from Riverdale, with her shoulder length wavy black bob and black eyes. Pretty in a girl next door kind of way, she had started dating one of the guys from the Mathletes club a few months ago. Id been so jealous, but happy for her at the same time.
I cant believe you were there, she gushed on as she set out her packed lunch. She never ate cafeteria food. I heard it took the fire department almost an hour to put out all the fires.
Id heard that too. Luckily, the cars werent too close to the house so nothing except what Casper intended to burn was damaged.
Warren, Hudson and Casper had been called to the compound before school. Id not caught up with them yet to find out how pissed dad was. Warren wasnt worried though, didnt mean I wasnt fretting about them being in trouble.
Some of the soccer team guys, including Nick, were absent today but the others Id seen had moved around school with their heads down. There was a game on Monday night though so they couldnt be out too much. Andrew Reinhart had given me a look that would melt snow off the icecaps but I just glared back at him. No one would intimidate me.
We talked a little more about the incident before Joanna moved on to plans for her eighteenth birthday which was in a couple of weeks. Lunch passed quickly, as did fifth period and before I knew it, I was heading to the library.
My heart was pounding as I greeted a few kids who were already here studying. I made my way upstairs but hurried to the bathroom instead of going to the Physics section. Luckily I was alone, I had to wet my face to try to calm down. I dried it off with paper towels then stood looking at myself in the mirror. I was trembling slightly.
Its just Hudson, I whispered to my reflection. I knew this boy as well as I knew myself. Why was I so scared of him? Well, this. Not him. I knew he would never do anything to hurt me. Hed never lie to me. I steeled myself. I wanted this. I wanted him.
When I rounded the corner to the Physics department, he was already there, and my heart stopped. Id been as nervous that he wouldnt show. He had his back to me, holding up a book. He was wearing his leather jacket, it wasnt adorned with any patches or logos. It was snug over his shoulders and arms. His jeans were tight around his ass, a little flared by his ankles where there were scuffs and some tears.
He had on his standard brown boots with the laces untied. His blonde hair was a little longer than normal and swept back behind his ear on one side. I must have made a noise, okay maybe I squeaked, because he lowered the book and turned around.
His eyes moved up and down my body, back to my face and I felt my skin heat. He smirked at my obvious blush. I had dressed with Hudson in mind. I didnt often wear skirts, especially not black denim skirts that barely hit mid-thigh.
Id told myself it was warm, and Id had the car so didnt need to worry about being on a bike. I wore a white and grey striped t-shirt that pulled into a knot at the side of my waist and, like him, my biker boots. My hair was down, because it had to be, Id already had to reapply concealer before lunch.
He looked around the small section we were in. It was around a few random turns and corners in the back of the library and the shelves were densely packed, so it wasnt easy to see into.
Howd you find out about this place? he asked with an arched brow.
Looking for a physics book, obviously, I said.
How stupid of me, he chuckled. No one else comes up here?
Ive never seen anyone, I said, fidgeting a bit. I study here when I want quiet.
He glanced around again, leaning back against the shelf. How did you sleep? Last night was wild.
I nodded. Okay, when I eventually got him to calm down. Warren was like a live wire. Oh, what did dad say? I remembered they were all late in.
Hudson shrugged. Told us to be less conspicuous next time. In hindsight, blowing up cars at a councilmans house might have been a bit irresponsible. He said it with a straight face, but I could see the laughter in his eyes.
Did you get in trouble?
Not so much. He just told us we needed to work on how we retaliate on people.
I moved further into the space, so we were standing closer. Did Warren tell him about me?
Nope. He didnt ask why we did it.
My eyes rolled automatically. Any other father would want to know why the hell his kids thought it was a good idea to crash a party and blow cars up.
The fires might have burned hard but it was all contained. Casper knows how to handle that shit.
What a skill to have, I deadpanned.
Hudson nodded, his eyes dipping to my lips. I bit my lower lip and his eyes snapped back up to mine. He took a step closer to me. I held my breath as he touched my collarbone. He leaned into me.
Breathe, he whispered. I sucked in a breath, and he grinned.
Then he lowered his lips to mine. Although he took control, the kiss was gentle at first, like were reminding each other what this feels like. I gripped his hips as he put both hands around the side of my head, tilting me so he could go deeper, his tongue entering my mouth. I whimpered a little but leaned into him.
Hudson turned us so my back was to the bookshelf, and we made out for what felt like hours. His hands roamed up and down but stayed respectable, apart from squeezing my butt, which had me opening my eyes at first, but they swept shut quickly as I realized how good it felt.
Fuck, he pulled back after a while, his lips red and swollen. His hand trailed down my thigh and under the hem of the skirt. You shouldnt have worn this, he groaned.
Why? I asked brazenly.
Because I want to do this, his fingers moved up the skin of my thigh, goosebumps followed behind his touch.
His hand got dangerously close to my underwear, which were soaked as I anticipated his touch moving over them. But he didnt go there. I kept my eyes pinned to his as his hand circled around and he took the bare flesh of my butt in his hand. His eyes widened realizing I was wearing a thong.
A possessive look filled his gaze, and he kissed me again, his hand kneading my flesh hard as he thrust himself against me. My breath caught at the feel of him. God I wanted to touch him so bad.
Hudson leaned back a little but pressed his forehead against mine. Our eyes were locked tight on each other. It was like we both came to the realization at the same time, this was something more than just making out in the library. Its us. Best friends since we were five years old.
We knew everything about one another, he practically lived with us the amount of time he spent at our house. We wouldnt be doing this if we didnt think it was worth it. Because there would be trouble if anyone found out.
For a second I wondered about all the girls that have come before me. Hudson is way more experienced than I am. I wasnt ready to go further with Nick. Although this is different, Im still not sure how ready I am to go further full stop. I want him to touch me, I know that much. In fact, my body aches for him to touch me. I grip the front of his jacket.
If we do this, eventually well need to tell him.
I nodded.
But for now, he gave me a sweet kiss then pulled back again. I want you to myself. Do you think we can keep it from him?
Yes, I nodded again. I understood why he was asking the way he is. Warren is my twin. We tell each other everything. Well, mostly. He can read me like a book. It will be difficult to keep this from him. I dont question why he wants to keep this a secret. If we were normal kids, I was fairly sure Hudson would happily walk around letting everyone know I was his.
This was solely about my brother. In time, wed be able to tell him what was going on. Once we knew it really was more than curiosity. That we werent just experimenting on one another.
The bell rang marking the end of the period. Hudson let one hand fall to my hip, the other he kept threaded into my hair, his fingers teasing the nape of my neck as he stared into my eyes.
I dont know how Im going to do this?
What? I asked, momentarily panicking. How could he have changed his mind so quickly?
Keep my hands off you, he said with a smirk, reading me perfectly. The hand at my hip moved and he trailed it up my t-shirt, lightly stroking over my breast and my nipple peaked at the contact. His nostrils flared at that. Christ, he stepped back and adjusted himself making my eyes pop. He laughed at my expression. You need to work on your poker face Curtis.
I straightened my skirt and hair as he glanced to the exit. You should go first, I told him.
He gave me a look. Youll be late to your next class.
Shit, I spluttered.
Go, he slapped my ass as I passed him and my jaw dropped. Work on that face, he told me as he stepped back.
I headed out but turned back. Warren has a basketball game on Tuesday night.
Im aware, he said with a maddeningly charming grin.
Um, I bit my lip.
If you want to get to your next class, stop doing that, he told me with a lust laden look at my mouth, so I released the lip. There is a party at the compound Tuesday too, he added. One of the guys birthdays. Connor will be at it. Ballistic and Rosa too.
Meaning everyone we needed to keep this from is occupied that night. Good to know, I replied with a straight face.
Get the fuck out of here, he grinned, reaching for another book. If Im gonna be spending some time up here, I need to learn a little bit more about Physics.
We spent Tuesday night at Rosas house. If Id thought it was going to be x-rated I was wrong. We watched a movie, we made a pizza together and talked about things going on in school. It was only after we had eaten, and the second movie was over that we stared at each other, and the heat rose. We came together at the same time. Then Hudson took my hand, and we went up to his bedroom. Just in case, he said. Although he wasnt expecting them home.
This room was a lot nicer than the one at his dads house, the bed was large, and we were easily able to roll around, sometimes he tickled me, at one point he lost his shirt, then he helped me out of mine, but I kept everything else on. He didnt push me, but I did encourage him to slip his hand beneath my bra. He pinched and then sucked on my nipple and sparks had shot through my body at the touch, but he never went any further than that, even though his erection was obvious. Even if I wanted him to, he was respectful.
It was nearing ten and we were lying on our backs sideways across the bed, his head resting on my stomach, talking about his dad. He hadnt mentioned him for a while, not since he left for rehab.
Have you spoken to him?
The place doesnt allow communication with the outside world.
His eyes were closed as I ran my fingers through his hair. That makes sense. Gives him a chance to focus on himself and not outside influences.
Yeah, he sighed heavily.
Im sure that doesnt mean he isnt thinking about you, I added. He shrugged his shoulders. It broke my heart he thought his dad didnt care, but I wasnt going to say something I thought he wanted to hear. He wouldnt appreciate that. Do you think its going to help?
Hes quiet for so long, I wonder if hes fallen asleep. I hope so. Its all Ive got left. But he opened his eyes and turned his head on my stomach so he could see me. Mom is still dead. When he gets out, that wont change.
I shifted, jostling his head a little and turned so I was lying facing him but we were top to tail, my feet near the pillows, his at the end of the bed. It was weird looking at him upside down but I aligned our lips and kissed him softly.
He gave me a small grin. Very MJ of you.
And are you Spiderman? I laughed.
Nah, Im more like the Green Goblin.
I laughed but poked his shoulder. Youre not a villain. I wondered at the look on his face, like he didnt believe me. Whatever happens, you have people around who love and care for you. Dont forget that. He nodded slowly. I know its not the same as having your dad. I rolled on to my back. I wonder about our mom sometimes.
Yeah? I gave him a quick glance, his eyes were shut again. So I lay back and closed my eyes too.
For a while I blamed dad. I mean, hes a grumpy fucker and a criminal to boot. I wonder what kind of life she had with him. Whether he drove her away. But no matter what scenario I come up with, it all comes back to the fact she left without us. Even if I thought she had to get away, thinking shed come back for usits been fifteen years.
I dont think it had anything to do with your dad, or you. Her leaving and not getting in touch, is all on her Wave. Its about her issues. You were three, you didnt do anything wrong.
I blew out a heavy breath. I knew his words were true. I couldnt blame dad any more than I blame myself or Warren. He wont talk about her.
Your dad? he asked, rolling to his side propping himself up on his elbow. Hes a closed book, Wave. Not just about your mom. He has to be, being who he is.
I know, its just, sometimes I wish I trailed off.
He lightly ran his fingertips over my forehead and down my nose. What? he whispered.
Youre not the only one whos dad doesnt care.
That isnt true, he said, sitting up.
Of course he would defend King. Him, Warren and Connor all idolized my father. They dont see the side of him I do. They never will. Im not sure I have the mental capacity to argue about this now though. I dont want to ruin the night.
I get it, Hudson said, leaning over to lift me. He sat back and settled me across his lap. I looped my arms around his shoulders. He doesnt know how to show affection. You think I dont notice that? But hes not that kind of guy Wave. It might not seem like it but your dad loves you. Hes just pretty shit at relating to teenage girls.
Im his daughter, I muttered. He doesnt even make the effort. He used to
Let you paint pictures in his office, his lips curled up. He still kicked you out when there was club business. Youre older now, you understand what goes on there and, as much as you might not believe it, hes protecting you.
He sensed me moving and his arms tightened.
Dont pull away from me, he said gently. Im not like him.
But you will be. I dont say the words, but he can hear them anyway. Maybe letting my heart get involved with Hudson wasnt the right thing to do. It was bad enough knowing my friends were joining the club and a part of them would always be shut off to me. How could I cope knowing my heart was shut out too.
I wouldnt be sat here with you, risking life and limb if I didnt mean it, Wave, he kissed my shoulder, his eyes moving over my breasts, still only covered by the thin white cotton and lace bra. He hardened beneath me. Shit, even when things are heavy my dick wants to get involved.
I let out a nervous laugh. He caught my chin and kissed me. It was hot and he didnt hold back but when he stopped, he stared hard at me.
Despite what you might think, he told me, pausing for a moment. Ive never
Never what?
Youd be my first too, Wave.
It took me a second to realize what he meant. My mouth dropped open and he shook his head with a small laugh, pushing my chin up. How could that be? Id seen him with girls, seen him disappearing at parties. Shit, Id been so damn jealous, but Id shut it down because I had no right to be jealous. Until now. But hes saying there was nothing to be jealous off.
Hard to believe, I know, he gave a cocky grin.
Are you serious?
Im glad I waited, was how he responded. Meaning he was glad he waited for me? That made me suddenly feel warm all over. I dont intend to push you until youre ready, he added. We can go as slow as we need to. But, youre the only girl I want.
I wrapped my arms around him, and he hugged me against him. I couldnt believe Hudson Kelley, bad boy biker, the guy all the girls in school lusted over, hadnt gone all the way. He was here, promising it was me he wanted to do that with. This was a pretty heavy conversation for our first date? I wasnt going to deny it made me feel twenty feet tall knowing hed be mine.
He looked at the clock and said he should get me home. He reached over for his phone and checked the texts that had been coming in for the past fifteen minutes. I noticed Warrens name.
He wants me to head to the compound for the party, he said as I clambered off him and reached for my top. I paused and looked back at him as he texted, my heart dropping a little. Told him not tonight, he said, dropping the phone back on his bedside table. Gonna make sure you get home okay then Im gonna come back here and jack off all night.
Hudson, I slapped his arm in shock, but he just grinned back at me. Then my cheeks flushed at the thought of that. I almost asked if I could watch.
All in good time, he jumped off the bed and chased me to the door. He was faster than me, but Id never admit I still let him catch me. I laughed as he kissed me all over my face and neck, his eyes lingering on the hickey, which was fading a lot given I was using Arnica cream as often as I could. Gonna give you more of those.
No, I snapped.
Where no one can see them, he stroked a hand on the underside of my breast, then one on the inside of my thigh.
Fuck, I whispered before I could stop myself.
The thought of his hot mouth in those places made me pulse again. I pulled him to me and we kissed for another five minutes, until he physically pushed away and turned to grab his clothes. He didnt speak as he dressed then hurried me out of the door.
Downstairs by the front door, he kissed me quickly on the forehead. He didnt need to take me home because Id come in my car.
Sunday, he said. Tell Warren youre going out with Joanna. Get her to cover for you. Ill meet you out by the Wantage Library. Were going for a ride on my bike.
I got a thrill at the sound of that. I was too turned on to speak. I wished I didnt have to leave. I wished I was brave enough to turn him around and go back upstairs. But he was right about waiting. As much as I wanted him to be the first, I wasnt ready for it yet. It would be him though, I knew that without a doubt.
This might be new, but Id had feelings for Hudson Kelley for a long time. Knowing he reciprocated them was a heady feeling. I agreed and got into the car. He stayed on the steps watching until he could no longer see the car.
I text him when I got home safe, and he wished me goodnight and said he couldnt wait for Sunday. The house was empty, Warren at the party and dad staying at the compound tonight.
It was okay though because I didnt need my brother overhearing what I did to myself in the shower as I thought about Hudsons body all over mine.