Chapter 19
CHAPTER 19
Hudson
A loud bang jolted me awake. Heart pounding, I glanced down; Presley was still asleep, her face peaceful as she rested against my chest. Carefully, I slipped my arm out from under her, untangling our legs as I edged out of bed. Grabbing my boxers, I pulled them on and eased open her bedroom door.
The sound led me to the bathroom across the hall, where I found Neil leaning over the sink, his palms braced on the vanity, head hung low. He groaned softly, his face pale and drawn.
“Neil,” I said, voice low, stepping into the bathroom. “You okay?”
He let out a weak whine. “I feel like death.”
He dry-heaved, clutching the edge of the sink as he steadied himself. The sight of him, hunched and miserable, made me shake my head. “Still drunk?” I asked, studying his face.
Neil attempted a head shake, only to wince as if even that hurt. “Doesn’t feel like it. More like my brain got slammed with a baseball bat.”
I pulled open the medicine cabinet, grabbed the aspirin bottle, and shook two tablets into my hand. “Here, take these.”
He accepted them, swallowing the pills with a few sips from the faucet, then wiped his mouth with his t-shirt, eyes red-rimmed and bleary. He shot me a look, his expression equal parts annoyance and exhaustion.
“Neil,” I said firmly, “you can’t pull stunts like you did last night.”
He scowled, his voice dripping with a mix of defiance and arrogance. “Did Presley send you to lecture me?”
My jaw clenched at his tone, but I kept my voice steady. “Would you rather she tells your parents and let them deal with it?”
His gaze flicked to mine in the mirror, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. “No.”
I exhaled, folding my arms. “Look, those seniors? They’re using you, hazing you because you’re a freshman. You don’t need to try and keep up with them. Presley’s looking out for you, and now that I’m with her, I’ll be looking out for you, too.”
His eyes narrowed, a flicker of rebellion sparking. “I don’t need either of you watching over me.”
He shoved past me, heading back to his room. Not letting him off the hook, I followed, closing the door behind us to keep our voices from waking Presley.
“You’re fourteen, Neil,” I said, voice lowered but firm. “When I was fourteen, I worked every spare minute to help my mom. No dad around. Presley loves you, and I’m asking you to appreciate that.”
Neil rubbed his face, a grudging nod. “Yeah, I get it.”
I crossed my arms, pressing on. “Promise me you’ll stay away from those guys. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to kick Evan’s ass. And for the record,” I added with a slight smile, “think of me as your big brother.”
At that, Neil smirked, a glimmer of his usual spirit returning. “Fine. I’m never drinking again after this, anyway.”
“Good. Stick to kids your own age, all right? Football is almost done. Evan won’t be looking your way much longer.”
He grimaced. “But I’ve got baseball tryouts in the spring. Evan’s on the team, and I actually have a shot at varsity.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “Just don’t rush to grow up, okay? I had to, but you’ve got options.”
Neil hesitated, then nodded, his voice softer. “Yeah, I get it.”
“And if Evan gives you any more trouble, you come straight to me. Deal?”
He nodded again, then flashed me a sly grin. “You know, my parents wouldn’t like you sleeping over.”
I grinned back. “Well, that’s our little secret, right?”
Neil chuckled. “Guess we’re both good at keeping secrets.”
I stepped aside, watching as he headed to his room. With a quiet breath, I slipped back into Presley’s room and into bed. She stirred, placing a warm hand on my chest.
“That was a nice thing you did,” she murmured, her voice laced with sleep.
In the dark, I found her chin and gently cupped it, brushing my lips against hers.
“Pres?”
She mumbled something against my chest, her lips warm as she nuzzled closer, then surprised me with a playful bite on my pec.
I chuckled, fingers running along her arm. “I should go.”
“Why?” Her sleepy voice was laced with protest.
Cupping her chin, I kissed her slowly, savoring the morning like a continuation of last night. “Your parents will be home soon.”
She snorted softly. “Doubt it. Joel and Sylvia are their best friends.”
Reaching over to the nightstand, she grabbed her phone, swiping the screen before holding it out to me.
Should be home by this evening. Take care of Neil. Love you.
“They’re not coming back until tonight?”
“Exactly.” She met my gaze, a mischievous gleam lighting up her eyes. “So… what do you think we should do?”
I grinned, about to pull her close again, when a knock on the door interrupted us. Presley quickly tucked the blanket around her almost-bare body, her irritation visible.
“What?”
“Can I come in?” Neil’s voice sounded from the other side.
“Yeah,” she muttered.
Neil stepped into the room, fully dressed in his Asterdale football sweats. Presley frowned, sitting up but keeping the blanket clutched around her chest.
“Where the hell are you going?” she growled.
He scuffed his sneaker against the floor, looking both embarrassed and defensive. “I have a game this afternoon. Did you forget? We have a light practice this morning.”
I bit down on my bottom lip, gauging his pale face and the way he held his head, as if it hurt just to keep his eyes open. “I think you should skip today. You’re not going to play, anyway.”
Neil’s shoulders slumped, his gaze dropping, and I instantly regretted the harshness. He was trying so hard to fit in, to be a part of the team, and I could see the hope deflating in his expression.
“I should go, though. It’s only a few more games, and…” His voice trailed off.
“You don’t want them thinking they got the best of you, right?” I said, finishing off his sentence.
He nodded slowly. “Yeah. I know I was stupid last night.”
“How do you feel?” I asked, noting his ashen face and the dark circles under his eyes.
He rubbed at his temples. “I have a headache.”
Presley sat up straighter, still holding the blanket around her. “Stay home, Neil. You’ve got a hangover, for god’s sake.”
His jaw tightened. “But if I don’t go, I’ll look like a coward.”
She sighed, but I backed her up. “Presley’s right, Neil. You can’t practice like this. You need water, rest—forget about Evan and the team.”
Neil exhaled, frustration radiating from him. “If you don’t want to drive me, just say so.”
Presley’s patience finally snapped. “It’s not that, Neil! You look like hell. Go back to bed and sleep it off.”
His eyes flashed, anger and hurt mingling. “You’re such a bitch!” He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
I pushed the covers off, swinging my legs over the edge, ready to follow, but Presley caught my arm.
“Don’t,” she murmured. “He’s upset. He’ll calm down.”
I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. “Let me at least go close his door.”
She nodded, and I rose, padding quietly into the hallway, where Neil’s door hung ajar. Inside, he was curled up on the bed, his back to the door, arms wrapped around himself. I closed his door gently, a silent promise to check in later, and returned to Presley, slipping back under the covers. She pressed a soft kiss to my shoulder, grounding me.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”
I wrapped my arm around her, letting her warmth settle over me. “Anytime.”
I didn’t see Presley until lunch, and by the time I got there, I was already late—just in time for the fireworks.
The slap she unleashed cracked through the nearly silent lunchroom, freezing everyone mid-bite. She was shouting as Reagan tried to push her back from Evan, who stood there rubbing his cheek, his face twisted with rage.
“You filthy, dirty cunt,” Evan spat, voice low and venomous. “Don’t you ever touch me again!”
Presley’s eyes blazed, and she swung wildly over Reagan’s shoulder, her hand aiming for any part of Evan she could reach. “You’re a piece of shit!” she shrieked, shoving Reagan aside.
I hurried forward, but by the time I reached them, she’d barreled into Evan, knocking him off balance. They both crashed to the floor, limbs tangled, and Evan scrambled to roll on top of her. Without thinking, I lunged, grabbing the collar of his rugby shirt and hauling him off her. He thrashed in my grip, but I didn’t let go.
“Say one more word about her,” I shouted, voice sharp with warning, “and I’ll knock your teeth down your throat.”
A hand clamped onto my shoulder, yanking me back—it was Ray Edmonds, an old friend from before I moved. He held me firm, muttering for me to calm down. I shook him off, eyes still on Evan.
Presley got to her feet, her face flushed, and hands balled into fists as she moved to stand by Reagan. Her voice was shaking with rage. “How could you do that?” she demanded.
Evan opened his mouth, but before he could answer, the cafeteria monitors were on us, rounding us up and herding us toward the Dean’s office. I slipped my hand into Presley’s as we walked, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“You should’ve waited,” I whispered to her.
Her jaw was clenched, her lips pressed tight as she walked, her body tense with unspent anger. I could feel her hand trembling slightly in mine. Up ahead, Evan cast a smug glance back, his arm wrapped possessively around Reagan’s shoulders. She looked uncomfortable, but I knew it was the betrayal in Presley’s eyes that stung her the most.
It was twisted. The whole agreement had been a mess from the start. Presley wanted Evan, and I wanted Presley. But the way things had turned out… I had to tell her the truth before it all blew up in my face. I couldn’t lose her, not after everything.
We sat in the small, stuffy vestibule outside the Dean’s office, the silence thick and tense. Evan leaned forward, eyes locked on Presley, a sneer creeping across his face.
“Fucking slut,” he muttered under his breath.
I clenched my fists. “Call her that again, and I’ll end you,” I growled, my voice low but deadly.
Presley laughed sharply, her eyes flashing with defiance. “It’s the best he can do,” she said, her voice dripping with scorn. “Shaming me has always been his favorite pastime.”
She turned to Reagan, her gaze icy. “You should get out while you can. He isn’t worth it.”
Evan snickered, unfazed, and grabbed himself crudely. “At least she’s not scared to handle my snake,” he sneered.
I barked out a laugh. “Funny, because I heard it’s more of a worm.”
Evan’s face went crimson, and his arm slipped off Reagan’s shoulders as he leaned forward, muscles coiling. I tensed, ready for him to make a move, but then the Dean’s door creaked open, and Mr. Gilmore stepped out, a deep frown etched onto his face.
“Mr. Evert,” he said, pointing a finger directly at me. “I’m growing tired of seeing you in my office. You’re first.”
He held the door open, his bushy gray eyebrows drawn into a scowl that promised trouble.
I didn’t tell my mother. Two days—just two days of suspension. It was becoming a habit, and I’d already promised her I wouldn’t get suspended again. I untied my boots, kicked them off, and stretched out on my bed, too tired to think. I was drifting off when I heard Presley’s soft footsteps.
She bounded onto the bed, shaking me fully awake. “My parents are going to kill me,” she groaned.
“Why?” I asked, cracking an eye open. “It’s senior year. Don’t tell them.”
She nestled her face near my ear. “Won’t work. Neil knows, and my dad plays golf with Mr. Gilmore.”
I chuckled. “You’re toast.”
She traced the curve of my ear with her tongue, her voice sulky. “My mom’s probably going to make me scrub every inch of the house. She’s out at some charity thing tomorrow, though.”
I rolled her on top of me, feeling the warmth of her body settle against mine. “Let’s pay Evan a little visit tomorrow.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You looking for trouble?”
“Let’s just say he deserves it,” I growled, a smirk playing on my lips.
Presley’s legs slid along my hips as she tucked her head under my chin. “Reagan mentioned in gym class that Evan’s parents are out of town. He’ll be alone.”
Our eyes met, her gaze glinting with the same mischief I felt building. “He’ll be at school tomorrow,” she said, laughing softly. “He got morning detention.”
I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Think you can get away?”
She grinned. “As long as my parents aren’t home. I’ll have to slip out the back, though—the garage cam will catch me. Pick me up on Maple Street?”
My hands slid down to cup her hips, pulling her close. “What do I get if I do?”
She shifted, her hips pressing down, and I felt my body respond instantly. Her breath hitched, and she closed her eyes, moving against me with just enough pressure to make me groan.
“This feels so good,” she whispered, her voice barely above a sigh.
“It’d feel better if I was inside you,” I murmured, my own voice rough.
She didn’t answer, just kept moving, letting her head fall back as her breathing quickened. I could feel her need building with every subtle shift. When she whispered, “I’m close… so close,” I didn’t hesitate. I rolled her onto her back, slipping her yoga pants down just enough to expose her. Her skin was warm, inviting, and I moved my mouth to her, tasting the heat and slickness.
Her fingers twisted in my hair, tugging hard as I pressed my tongue against her sensitive spot. “More,” she moaned, her hips pressing up to meet me.
I eased her pants down her thighs and slid two fingers inside her, working her steadily. Her back arched, her body yielding as I circled my thumb over her clit. She whispered my name, voice breaking.
“Hudson…”
Her body tensed and trembled, and I stayed with her, drawing every ounce of her release until she relaxed, melting beneath me. I moved up, hovering over her, the words escaping before I could stop them.
“Pres… I need you. Say yes.”
Her lips curved in a faint smile. “Yes…”