You Were Never Honest (The Never Series Book 2) Read online

  “What do you think this means?” she asks in a timid voice.

  “I think it’s a warning or maybe a promise, what they did was nothing more than a joke in their eyes. Bella if I’m right, what will they do when they’re being serious?” My resolve is weakening and there may as well be an earthquake taking place with the way my voice and hands are shaking.

  We’re just standing here, looking at each other she looks terrified and I know her fear is for me.

  Bella offers to go to the guys for me and let them know I’m running a little late, I have to go to the nurse. My wrist is throbbing, and it’s swelling, I know it’s not broken, please don’t be broken.

  Definitely not broken but it is sprained and it’s had to be wrapped up and I’m now sporting a sling. Yet again, I can’t do any of my extras because they involve both hands, I hate this. But not as much as I hate the guys waiting outside for me, they weren’t supposed to come over. Just wait or go without me and now they’ll be forced to hang around with me and I am not a happy bunny.

  “Who did this?” Amias asks, his voice is dark and menacing.

  “I don’t know, Chelsea tripped me and then some random girl decided to make it more fun,” I’m trying to come across as blasé about the whole thing, but they don’t like what they're hearing if the thunderous looks on their faces are anything to go by.

  “I guess we better find out who the mystery girl is then, what do you say Noah.” This comes from Amias with deadly intent, it’s terrifying and it isn’t even directed at me.

  “I agree completely Amias, but we can’t let this ruin Elijah’s fun. Unless, you’re not feeling up to it,” he says, cupping my face and Amias’ look just keeps on getting darker.

  “I’m happy just being with you guys, but I’m going to be getting my grump on. I’m fine with just going back to my room before our next class.” I say it on a sigh, but maybe it will be better for everyone if I leave them to it.

  They won’t hear of letting me stay on my own so we’re heading outside, I really do not want to be in any pictures but they get their guilt trips on and I’m soon posing with each of them.

  I hate to admit that I’m relieved when it’s time to return to classes and I can’t wait to get this day over with.

  Every day this week has been nothing but more and more Polaroid’s of my beaten body. Words scrawled across my door and locker and even contraceptive pill packets dropped on me when I’m sitting down. Oh yes it’s been a joyous seven days for sure.

  I’ve been throwing myself into my self defence program and I’m willingly running at 6am every morning, as well as going to the fitness centre four nights a week. I don’t want to get all big and burly but I can’t get the feeling out of my head that I need to stay in shape and ready for whatever they throw at me next.

  I’ve got Papa Roach filtering through my headphones as I run across a treadmill with a steep incline setting, before jumping on the rowing machine. I don’t want to think or dream so I’m trying to push myself beyond exhaustion. I can’t believe it’s my birthday tomorrow, maybe I should have told the guys but I don’t want anyone to make a big deal about it.

  Damn it, I don’t want to think. Why can’t I just shut off for five minutes, it's driving me to despair and if I have to look at one more photo of my nearly broken body, I think I may explode.

  A hand lands on my shoulder, my instincts kick in straight away and I seize their wrist. I get up and at the same time twist their arm up and bend their wrist until it’s behind their back.

  “Well blow me, what were you thinking?” I ask as I push Amias away and he stumbles before righting himself.

  “I did say your name plenty of times, it’s not my fault you're blasting music loud enough that I can hear every bloody word. What is going on with you? I know girls have an attitude ten miles long but this is ridiculous.” He’s spitting mad at me right now, and it’s ridiculous, he wants a fight, then he can have one.

  “Ever think that you may be my problem, because I think you’ll see that the other two find me a delight,” I shoot back and I really should not be excited by how much my words are affecting him; angering him.

  I really need to pay more attention when he’s around, I’m supposed to be able to stop him from getting close enough to throw me over his shoulder.

  “Put me down jackass, I will seriously make you pay for this,” I shout out as I smack my hand down on his back but it has no effect on him.

  “Go for it little cub, I’m quaking in my boots,” he replies as we leave the fitness centre and he carries me around the corner.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “We need to have a little chat and I’d prefer it happen without your ‘boyfriends’ present,” disdain dripping from his tongue as he says the word boyfriends.

  We come to a stop by the old shed and I either go up and have it out with him or stand my ground, but my curiosity always seems to win these days.

  I climb up and I can hear his sharp inhale, oh yeah Lycra shorts are very figure hugging.

  I drop down on the other side of the wall and wait for him to join me, I don’t know where he’s planning on taking me.

  “Come on Henleigh, keep up if you can,” he says as he starts jogging away and I can easily keep pace with him.

  We run through the trees until we come to a beast of a tree and he starts climbing it, there’s a tree house, why?

  He goes inside and throws down a rope ladder, guess I’m going up.

  “Take a seat,” he says as I enter and find a pile of cushions spread around it.

  “What do you want Amias? Is all of this really necessary?” I shake my head, not that he can see it, I’m beyond done with this bullshit.

  “Well I’m optimistic that our conversation is going to end well, and I thought we could see in your birthday together,” he’s smirking as he says it and all I want to know is how he found out.

  “We all know little cub, your Dad told Elisa, and she wasn’t going to let her son forget to buy you a present. Not that you’d told any of us, why is that Henleigh?” He sounds amused, but I can hear the irritation fighting for control, he hates being in the dark. How ironic.

  “It’s not a big deal I’m only turning eighteen, now get on with whatever it is you feel we need to talk about,” I wonder if I continually sigh in an exaggerated way, will it get through to him and stop all this nonsense?

  “I know why you’re so pissy with me, I figured it out and I’ve tried to make it right but I talk myself out of it. I should have said this to you before,” he says this thickly and the hesitation is as clear as a sun shining down from a cloudless sky.

  My breathing has stopped, is he going to admit it? Is he going to tell me about Devon? I think I could let go of the hurt and anger if he’s upfront about it, maybe.

  “I want to try this sharing malarkey with you, but I’m hoping by the end of the year you’ll see I’m the only guy you need. Those guys are my friends but I’m in this to win. I want the chance to call you mine Henleigh, I just don’t want to see you kissing the others, a little too much for me,” he says and my face just... falls. I wasn’t expecting this and I don’t know what to say, do or even how to feel.

  “Ahh, that’s all you wanted to talk about?” I say, my tone as flat as a damn pancake, but I’m in a turmoil of his creation.

  “Oh, yeah I shouldn’t have presumed you’d still be interested in me. Okay, we’ll stay here and I’ll get your boyfriends to replace me,” he sounds so cold and distant.

  I hate that he’s hurting, but isn’t this what I wanted? No, I wanted him to suffer but to know the reason why. This is different and I won’t lie to him, omissions sure but not outright lies.

  “I am interested Amias, it’s just that I didn’t think you would be. You said yourself that you’re jealous and don’t share, why would I expect you to do something like this,” I say but I already know the answer, because he’s order bound.

  “Because it’s you, surely
you can see how twisted you’ve got me. When Harrison went to hospital you stayed with me and made sure I was okay, plus you don’t let anything keep you down. Your incredible Henleigh, I’ll break my own rules for you.” He’s trying to reach for me, but I’m stepping away, I can’t think straight when he’s touching me, holding me, making me love him more.

  He’s saying all the right things, if only I knew they weren’t built on deceit. I always knew Noah could break me but Amias, he could ruin me for good. Right now, I think I’d rather be broken, at least I’d heal again, eventually.

  “You can trust me Henleigh, I’m not the best guy around but I’ve got you. No one will hurt you again, not while I’m here.” So much conviction and his words flurry through me, turning into a snowstorm built up of so many feelings that I don’t know which one will be left standing when the storm finally settles.

  He’s coming closer and I want to pull away and move closer at the same time, I’m so confused. I can’t stop myself from wanting him even if it hurts, maybe I can enjoy it for just a little while. Who am I kidding, when I make him pay he won’t be the only one who’s hurting. I’m going to break my own heart just to teach him a lesson. Maybe I really don’t deserve any of these guys.

  He pulls me into him and we fall back until I’m spread over his body. My head is only mere inches above his and he wastes no time in cupping the back of my head and drawing my mouth over his. Amias is not a gentle kisser, when he kisses it’s an all-consuming, fire scorching brand upon you. It leaves you breathless, muddled and your lips will be swollen and bruised long after it’s done. He awakens so much within me, it’s scary and exciting all at once.

  I shift so I’m lying at his side and he follows my movement, not letting our lips break apart even for a second. I won’t go all the way with him, even if my body is humming with need. I won’t lose it with someone I can’t trust and won’t allow myself to fall any deeper for. But we are kissing as midnight hits and I turn eighteen, if this is how it starts, how will it end?

  Waking up to three faces staring at me, how am I not supposed to freak out? The guys are laughing uncontrollably and I’m trying to make sure nothing can be seen under my duvet. I wasn’t exactly expecting company or a wakeup call seeing as it’s a bloody Saturday. Yes, I’m sure I was meant to do something, but I’m taking a day off from worry and responsibilities.

  Elijah flips down on the bed next to me, tightening the duvet and threatening to pull it off me.

  “Can you guys sod off so I can at least make myself halfway decent?” I sigh exasperatedly, holding my covers down and over me.

  “Ooh how indecent are you?” he asks, wagging his brows and acting as though he’s going to peek a look.

  “Enough to leave you speechless, so get out and come back in when I open the door,” my tone is more husky than I intended but the scorching look he rewards me with makes me feel like I’m standing in the Sahara.

  They leave my room and I’m jumping out of my bed and rethinking my lace knickers and see through cami. Hang on, why should I? It’s my room they can knock and wait in the future.

  I refuse to overdress for this, it’s just another day. So, what if I’m a year older, I’m a day older seven days a week where’s the celebration for that?

  Jeans, a Papa Roach tank top and my trainers. There sorted. I plait my hair quickly before letting it hang over my left shoulder and put on eyeliner and a bit of mascara. And I’m done, as if it takes every girl thirty minutes to get ready, eight minutes read it and weep.

  “Okay boys, now you can come in,” I sway with a sweep of my hand as I open the door and smirk at them.

  Two of them look at Amias and he grinds his teeth before nodding and I’m swept up in Elijah’s arms before he drops a lingering kiss with just a touch of tongue.

  “Happy birthday baby, you will pay for not telling me yourself,” he says, before I’m suddenly in Noah’s arms and he’s twirling me around.

  I lean my forehead against his and we’re just staring into each other’s eyes, his are sparkling and they don’t look as tired today.

  “Happy birthday my Leighbear and I completely agree with Elijah, you should have told us,” his scolding tone conflicts with the affectionate look he’s sending my way. Maybe I should at least pretend to be thoroughly scolded, for him.

  “I’m not bothered by birthdays but I’d happily celebrate yours,” I reply before pressing my mouth to his and it’s agonisingly and beautifully slow. More a teasing of lips that makes my stomach pool with warmth.

  I slide down his body before turning to Amias, it’s sweet that they made sure he’d be okay with them kissing me, but they shouldn’t have to check.

  “I know this is hard for you, but you can’t dictate when they can and cannot kiss me, my warrior,” my eyes are narrow and my hand is poised on my hip as I look up at him, he needs to realise it can’t work like this.

  “I know, just give me this please. I’m trying, but this is the first day for me I need to catch up a little,” he says as I push myself flush against him and give him a bruising kiss of my own.

  I know I’m shocking him, he’s just standing here before I’m slammed against the wall and his body is holding mine prisoner. I can feel him everywhere and I know this is a claiming and I should be pissed off by it, but it’s just too damn good!

  “Great, now I’m horny,” I break away to look over his shoulder at Elijah, I can’t believe he just said that.

  “Don’t be so crude,” says Noah as he slaps him across the back of the head.

  “So, what’s the plan?” I ask and I’m met with three very suspicious looking grins. Oh no, what have they got planned?

  Outside passes for the weekend, it’s crazy but I’m so happy. Roxie is coming with Declan and Bella and Mikaela are coming as well. Mattias couldn’t get a pass and no one has mentioned Leah, but I’m sure I’ll catch up with her when we get back.

  I still don’t understand the looks but I’m quickly forgetting about them as we sit in a cute little cafe and have a full English fry up. It’s heaven on a plate, nothing is better in the morning than this.

  “So, what’s the plan for today?” I ask and after the girls have finished shooting the guys glares, Roxie finally starts telling me.

  “Well some of us will be giving you presents while the rest of us will take you shopping seeing as we were only told last minute that today is in fact your birthday.” She really knows how to instil a lot of attitude in a short sentence. “These guys gave us no warning, so we were not prepared, then we have a little surprise in store before clubbing this evening. See, two-day passes so we don’t go back to school absolutely trollied. It’s going to be so much fun.” She is beyond giddy and I’m loving it even if it is a bit much for me.

  “Hang on, are we all eighteen?” I ask, and I know for a fact that we aren’t.

  “Amias and Elijah are, the rest of us will be sporting fakes, but they are top quality. Don’t worry birthday girl, this is a day of fun,” she says with a wink, please let it be fun I could really do with some of that right now.

  “So, after breakfast Bella, Mikaela and I will take you shopping to buy you your gifts and two outfits. Don’t even ask why you need two as it will spoil the surprise, then we’ll meet back up with these guys and move on to the next fun filled activity.”

  Roxie is buzzing and I can’t help but remember that I know very little about these people, it’s not bad but it does make me feel like a crappy friend. Shouldn’t I know why this is making her so excitable, is this normal for her or is there a deeper meaning behind it?

  Shopping isn’t really my thing, I tend to order most of my stuff online. But it’s not too bad, we’re going around a few clothes shops at the moment and there seems to be a theme going on. They keep giving me dresses to try half are short either knee length or mid-thigh and the other half are below the knee or fall to my ankles. I’m not going to question it, I’ve never really had girlfriends before so I’m just going to enjoy
the experience.

  The one thing I have noticed, if they don’t like it, then it’s gone. My choices pretty much get vetoed straight off the bat if it doesn’t meet up to their standards. I really like this one though, please don’t put this in the no pile. It’s a bright red dress with a black lace overlay and a pleated skirt. It has a scoop neckline that gives a generous amount of cleavage whilst still being decent and it falls to my knee. I’m in love, it really is that simple and how can I not jump up and down when they agree that it’s a winner.

  “Now for dress two, try this,” Bella says as she thrusts a dress at me and waits for me to hand her the winning dress.

  The next one isn’t a bad runner up, it’s a silver maxi dress that hugs my curves and the neckline falls just above my breast line. It has spaghetti straps and the hem line has flowers created in golden glitter. I feel pretty and it suits me, but I have to pick the red one.

  “The red one Bella, but I do really like this one,” I say as I pass it over the sip to the dressing room before putting my clothes back on.

  Coming out she hands me a bag before giving me a delicate hug and telling me happy birthday, she brought me both dresses and I want to shake and kiss her at the same time.

  Roxie is next and once I tell her my shoe size, there’s no stopping her, apparently she thinks I don’t need a say in this one so we’re browsing a second hand book store whilst she hounds the shoe shops.

  “I know it’s not a dress or anything, but I thought you might like this. Happy birthday Leigh,” comes from Mikaela as she hands me over an item wrapped in tissue paper.

  I take it out to find a bookmark made up of the pictures the guys took with me, shame about the sling but I love it nonetheless and there’s even a book. How can I not laugh at the description it’s a Rh book Boss by Scarlett Ross, I’m already in love with the cover and description; it can’t get more fitting to my life right now. I’ve never even read a Rh book before, but I’m eager to get started. I’m squealing as I throw my arms around her and she laughs shyly as I give her one last squeeze before releasing her.