In Ruins: A Dark High School Bully Romance (A Black Falls High Novel Book 1)

“Be good, hon.” Mom wrapped me in a quick hug outside their SUV later that night.

Dad ruffled my hair like he did when I was a kid. “Call us if you need anything.”

“I will. Love you, guys.” I watched as they got into their SUV and fastened their seatbelts. Mom waved to me as they backed out of the driveway. They were leaving for a week. I watched them until they disappeared down the street before moving to go into the house. I stopped when I realized Fox was standing by his car, staring at me.

Ducking my head, I made for the front door. I’d almost reached it when he caught my elbow.

“Where are your parents going?”

I looked up and pulled away from him. “None of your damn business.”

He grabbed my hand as I reached for the door, halting its journey to freedom.

“I asked you a question.”

“And I gave you an answer,” I snapped, tugging my hand from his grip. “Go home, Fox.”

He pushed me against the brick of the house, making me wince. My heart thrashed in my chest as he stared down at me, his chest heaving.

“Don’t forget who you’re talking to, Rosie.”

“Likewise, asshole.”

He widened his eyes at me. “I always knew there was a bit of fire in you. Maybe we can bring it out.”

“Since we’re on the subject of we.” I scowled as I peered up into his blue eyes. “Tell your band of goons to leave me alone.”

“No.”

“No?” I snorted at him. “I’m serious, Fox. I don’t want any part of whatever you’re planning. I’m hurt enough by people in school. Don’t add to it. At the rate I’m going, it’ll cost me thousands of dollars in therapy to get rid of my anxiety and self-loathing.”

His gaze softened as he looked down at me, his demeanor changing. The ice melted away, and for a moment, I was staring up at my old best friend.

“I don’t want you to hurt, Rosie.” He brushed his knuckles against my cheek. “I’ve never wanted you to hurt.”

His confession had my heart clenching in my chest.

“Then why did you leave me?”

It was the wrong thing to say. His eyes hardened, his lip turning up into a sneer.

“I have to go.” But he didn’t move. He continued to stare down at me, the sneer falling away, leaving parted lips behind.

“Then why are you still here?” I whispered.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

“I don’t know.” His eyes swept over my face. He reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“I used to dream of you,” his words were a soft whisper.

“What?” I furrowed my brows at his admission.

He licked his lips. “I imagined what it would be like to run my fingers through your hair. I always wanted to. The color. The curls. They always fascinated me.”

I didn’t understand what I was doing or why I was doing it. I reached behind me with a shaking hand and pulled the rubber band out of my hair, letting the wild, red curls cascade around me. His breath hitched as he took in how I looked.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen your hair down.”

I nodded. It was true. If my hair wasn’t in pigtails, ponytails, or a long braid, then it was in a tight bun. I never let it down. It went to my waist in a tangle of thick, red waves.

He reached out with a shaky hand and ran his fingers through my hair, a look of awe taking over his features. I closed my eyes, breathing slowly as he raked his fingers through my hair.

I kept my eyes closed after his touch disappeared. I wanted to log away the memory of how his fingers felt running through my hair. In that moment, he was the boy I once knew. I opened my eyes, expecting to see him peering down at me. Instead, all I saw was his back as he walked with his head down across his lawn, his hands stuffed deep into his jean pockets.

He didn’t look back.

Some things never changed.