Surviving Amber Springs: A Stand-Alone Contemporary Romance Read online

  Stars explode behind my eyes, and pain radiates across my skull and shoots up my spine. I curl onto my side, and a little whimper escapes my lips.

  “Fuck. Shit. Crap.” A shadow looms over me as the sound of additional footfall reaches my ears. I’m having trouble focusing, so when a guy crouches down in front of me, I’m seeing three of him. All I can distinguish is that this guy is big. Massive shoulders, powerful thighs, and rippling biceps. “Are you okay?” he asks, sounding concerned.

  “Don’t ask stupid questions,” another male voice says. “She’s clearly not okay. She’s probably got a concussion or something.” He bends over me too, and the first signs of self-preservation set in.

  “Get away from me,” I rasp, forcing myself to sit up and scooting back a little. My head spins, and I don’t feel too hot, but I’ve got to get a handle on the situation. Despite my knowledge of self-defense, if any of these guys make a move, I doubt I’ll be able to engage any protective technique. “Leave me alone, or I’ll scream.”

  “Back the fuck up,” another guy says, his voice carrying authority. “You’re crowding her.”

  The two guys straighten up, and the skinnier one of the two extends his hand toward me, offering to help me up. “We don’t mean you any harm. You’re safe with us. I promise.”

  My vision is becoming clearer, and I look up at him, examining his face to see what it tells me. It’s hard to make out his exact features in this dim light, but he looks genuine. Still, I don’t trust people for a reason. Especially teenage boys who are random strangers. Ignoring him, I grab my cell from my back pocket, almost crying when I see the cracked, black screen. Dad will go apeshit when he realizes I’ve broken my cell. I’ll be lucky if there’s money for a new one. I attempt to stand, and the ground sways around me, or at least that’s the way it seems.

  “Careful.” The skinny guy tentatively takes my arm, helping to steady me as I straighten up.

  “Don’t touch me!” But even as I say it, I clutch onto his arm to stop myself from falling.

  “Let us help. You’re hurt, and you might need to see a doctor.”

  A laugh bursts free of my mouth before I can stop it, and the three guys look at one another and then at me like I’m cray-cray. “My dad’s a doctor. I just need to get home,” I explain.

  “No offense, sweetheart, but we’re not letting you leave by yourself, so either we escort you home or you let us take you across the road to get checked out.” His tone brokers no argument.

  “What’s across the road?” I ask, looking over his shoulder at the other two guys, hanging back in the shadows. “And why should I trust you? I don’t know any of you.”

  He shoots me a blinding smile, and now that my vision has properly corrected itself, I can see him more clearly. He’s cute with messy dark hair that falls into mischievous eyes, a strong, smooth jawline, and a gorgeous mouth. As I cling to his arm, I realize he’s not all that skinny either. He’s not as bulked up as the first guy, but he’s no skinny dude—he’s lean but strong.

  “You’re new to town, right?”

  I narrow my eyes. “How can you tell?” Do I have newbie written on my forehead or something? I mean, I know Kentsville only has a population of fifteen thousand, less than half the size of Amber Springs, but still.

  “We know everyone who goes to Kentsville High, and, trust me, there’s no way we would’ve missed you.” He waggles his brows, grinning flirtatiously, and my mouth hangs open.

  “Are you seriously hitting on me right now?” I remove my hand from his arm, putting a little distance between us.

  “Skeet. Quit this shit and let’s go,” the taller of the trio says, taking a step forward. This guy is well over six foot and seriously hot with dark hair, styled long on top and shorn at the sides, and a chiseled jawline you could cut glass with. Unlike his two friends, he has a thin layer of stubble on his chin and cheeks. He pins me with a look that seems to penetrate skin deep. My mouth turns dry, and I almost cower under his intense stare.

  “Axel, I’m trying to put the girl at ease,” Skeet says. “Just give me a minute.”

  The other guy, the one who hit me with the ball, rolls his eyes, sending me an amused grin. My eyes almost bug out of my head at the sheer size of him. He’s practically got boulders for shoulders and biceps so big they’re straining the sleeves of his thin jacket. His dark blond hair reminds me of Ethan’s, and the usual pang slices across my chest.

  I wrap my arms around my waist, my gaze bouncing between the three of them. I should be terrified, in the pitch-dark, in an unknown town, with three hulking strangers surrounding me, but I’m not, and I can’t wrap my head around that. Perhaps my instincts are better now, and I’m sensing these guys are sincere when they say they mean me no harm.

  “I’m Skeet Taylor,” the cute one says, pointing at himself before turning to his buddies. “That sullen bastard is Axel Thorp,” he adds, jerking his finger at the hot one, “and the idiot who threw a ball without checking is Heath Gilchrist. We’ve lived in Kentsville our whole lives, and most everyone knows who we are. Feel free to text a friend our names. That way, if anything happens to you, they know where to come looking.” He shoots me a lazy smile before winking.

  “Awesome,” Heath says, strolling to his buddy’s side. “I’m sure she’s really at ease now.”

  “I’m standing right here. You don’t need to speak about me in third person.”

  “You’re right, and I’m sorry.” Heath drags a hand through his hair, messing up his careful styling. “About the ball in the face. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here this time of night.”

  “Apology accepted.” A shiver works its way through my body, and I untie my hoodie and put it on, zipping it up to my chin.

  “Here,” Heath says, removing his jacket. “Put this on. That hoodie won’t keep you warm. Judging from your accent and the way you’re dressed, I’m guessing you’re not used to the cold winters in Maryland.”

  “No, I’m not, and I didn’t stop to think before I went running.” But that doesn’t mean I’m taking some stranger’s jacket, so I shove it back at him, pretending I don’t see the confusion crossing his face.

  “You like to run?” Skeet asks me, but his eyes automatically lock on Axel’s.

  I nod. “It helps keep me sane.”

  What the fuck, Blaire? Why the hell did I admit that?

  Skeet looks contemplative as he eyeballs Axel. “I think we might have just discovered your female alter ego,” he quips, and I arch a brow.

  “Don’t.” Axel growls the word. “Come on. I’m freezing my ass off out here.” He turns and walks away, shoving his hands in the pocket of his skinny jeans and pulling the collar up on his weather-beaten black leather jacket.

  “Don’t let his broody exterior chase you away,” Skeet says, offering me his arm. “Axel’s got his demons, but he’s a good guy.”

  “One of the best,” Heath agrees.

  “Where are we going?” I ask, brushing Skeet’s arm away.

  “Axel’s brother Griffin manages the bar on the corner,” Heath starts explaining as we walk. “And he lets us hang out in the back room to play pool. We can stay there until you feel well enough to go home.”

  “Honestly, I’m feeling much better now,” I lie.

  “Yeah, I’m so not buying that.” Skeet walks protectively by my side as he sends me a disbelieving look.

  “Are you always this … persuasive?”

  He chuckles. “You really don’t want to know.” His eyes twinkle with mirth as he smiles at me. “I can be extremely persuasive when I see something or someone I like.”

  My cheeks heat at his obvious meaning, and I’m glad it’s dark and they can’t see. It’s been a long time since anyone flirted with me, and it feels nice. Normal.

  “I bet you say that to all the girls,” I retort, letting him steer me out t
he main entrance of the park.

  “Only the ones I deem worthy.”

  “Wow. Healthy ego right there.”

  “You’ve seriously no clue. Don’t encourage that shit,” Heath says, smirking.

  We cross the road together, and Skeet stops at the door to the bar, his hand resting on the wall. “Before we go in, I think we should at least know your name.”

  My name.

  It should be simple. As easy as breathing. Just let the words flow off my tongue.

  But it’s not simple. It’s as complicated as it can be. Besides, my name doesn’t define who I am anymore. I lost my identity the day my brother died. In more ways than one.

  I’m conscious of both guys watching me with abject curiosity written all over their faces. I’ve got to get better at this or my true identity won’t stay hidden for long. I plaster a fake smile on my face. “It’s Blaire. Blaire Adams.”

  Blaire Simpson died in Amber Springs Academy the same day Ethan Simpson did.

  Chapter Two

  “Follow me,” Axel says the instant we step inside the cozy bar. It’s surprisingly modern on the inside with leather-backed chairs and stools clustered around shiny walnut tables. Lighting is low, and music thumps from speakers dotted around the room. There is only standing room left, and it’s clear the bar is a popular spot. Axel doesn’t wait for a reply, spinning on his heel and walking through a side door.

  “Friendly, isn’t he?” Heath says, failing to hide his smirk.

  “He’s cool. I understand guarded better than most.” And there I go again. Spewing the truth when my survival rests on me living a lie.

  “Shit, Blaire,” Skeet exclaims when we step into the brightly lit back room. The space is small with a large pool table occupying most of the real estate in the room. A battered brown leather couch rests against the wall in front of a small wall-mounted TV screen. “That’s gonna bruise bad.” I flinch when he touches my cheek without invitation, and he instantly retracts his hand. “Sorry. Boundary issues sometimes.”

  “Try all the time,” Heath supplies, tossing his jacket on the corner of the table. “Have a seat, Blaire.”

  I maneuver around them, dropping down onto the couch in grateful relief.

  “Take these,” Axel says, not making eye contact with me as he drops a couple pills in my palm. “For the pain.” He raises his eyes as he hands me a bottle of water, and I have to work hard to stifle my gasp. He has the most piercing silvery-blue eyes I’ve ever seen. And my impression of him back at the park did not do him justice. Didn’t do any of them justice, I realize as I quickly glance at Heath and Skeet too.

  Holy hotness. These three are gorgeous. Each uniquely so. Skeet’s messy, long hair curls around his ears and the nape of his neck, only begging to be touched. And cute is too simple of a word to describe how adorably good-looking he is with his striking green eyes and flirtatious smile.

  Heath looks even bigger under the glare of this light, and his biceps are well-defined under the tight long-sleeved Henley he’s wearing. He has a preppy all-American boy look about him, and I’m betting the girls at Kentsville High are all up in his space.

  There’s no denying Axel has the bad boy rebel look down pat. Now that he’s lost the leather jacket, I can see he’s ripped in all the right places too. He’s not as bulky as Heath but bigger than Skeet. With his eyebrow piercing and the tats creeping up the side of his neck, he emits a dangerous vibe that is intoxicating.

  All three are clearly hazardous to my health. But it’s good to know my hormones are still working. And that I’m capable of attraction to the male race.

  After Cam dumped me— unceremoniously and without any hesitation—I doubted I’d ever feel anything for any guy again. Cam failed me when I needed him most, breaking my heart apart all over again. Ethan would be so disappointed in him if he were still here.

  “Liking what you see, Blaire?” Axel asks, dragging me out of my head. He narrows his eyes at me, and his gaze holds a challenge.

  I could try to talk my way out of it, but I don’t want to tell any more lies if I can help it. Where I can be truthful, I want to be honest. “As a matter of fact, yes. You guys are seriously hot.”

  Heath throws back his head, howling with laughter. Axel’s gaze sharpens on me, and a muscle clenches in his jaw, but apart from that, he’s a blank canvas, giving nothing away. Skeet props his butt against the pool table, grinning at me like it’s his birthday and Christmas combined. “I knew there was a reason I liked you. And I think fate put you in our path today.”

  Heath groans. “Dude, you sound like a total pussy when you start spouting all that fate crap.”

  Skeet shrugs, not flummoxed in the slightest. “Do I look like I care?”

  “Take the pills,” Axel commands in a voice that says he means business.

  “How can I be sure it’s not rohypnol you’re giving me?”

  Axel plants his large hands on the couch on either side of me before leaning into my face. I’m not sure if he means to be deliberately aggressive, but it’s intimidating as fuck all the same. His warm breath coasts over my face as he stares impassively at me. “Because if I wanted to fuck you, it’d be consensual. I don’t have to drug any girl for sex.”

  I swallow the bile flooding my mouth and work hard to keep a cool composure. After my heart rate has calmed down, I’m able to assess this more logically. I don’t need to know Axel to believe him. I just do, and I bet girls are crawling all over his moody, sexy ass.

  I spot the packet of pills on the armrest of the couch, and it’s a familiar brand, which erases any last doubt. Making a production out of taking the pills, I slowly open my mouth and drop them in before carefully bringing the bottle of water to my mouth, suctioning my lips around the top and gently tipping the contents into my mouth. I maintain close eye contact with Axel the entire time.

  Skeet chuckles. “Where the hell have you been all my life?”

  Axel straightens up, reinstating distance between us, while I send Skeet a flirty smile, relaxing for the first time in hours. “Hiding?” I tease.

  Oh, the irony.

  “Please tell me you’re sticking around town?” Skeet asks, sinking into the couch beside me.

  “I’ve just moved here with my parents, and yes, we’re not planning on moving anytime soon.” Although that will totally depend on whether our secret remains a secret.

  “Cool.” His smile is genuine, and I find myself smiling back at him. For the first time in months, I’m smiling.

  It’s almost miraculous.

  “If you’re done hitting on her, I need to attend to that bruise.” Axel glares at his friend, but Skeet shrugs good-naturedly.

  “Work your magic, bruh.”

  Axel crouches in front of me, and his face softens a smidgeon. “May I?” He gestures at the small medical kit resting on his knee.

  I’m surprised he’s asking permission. He looks like the type of guy who just takes what he wants, but I’m not ungrateful. I nod. “Thank you.”

  He probes my injured cheek with gentle fingers, sending fiery tingles all over my skin. My heart careens around my chest like an out-of-control race car when his fingers move up, and he carefully examines my forehead, pressing soft fingers into my skull at the hairline. “Does any of that hurt?”

  I have to smother my snort of hilarity and clamp my lips shut to avoid telling him the only place I hurt is between the apex of my thighs. I shake my head instead, working hard to maintain a nonchalant expression on my face.

  “I don’t think there’s any permanent damage. You’ll probably just have one hell of a headache until the pills kick in.”

  “How can you tell?”

  My question is greeted with silence until Skeet breaks it. “Let’s just say Axel likes to fight, and he’s had more than his fair share of knocks to the head.” Axel shoots Skeet a dea
dly look that instantly mutes him.

  “Well, okay, and thanks.” I stand.

  “Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Axel’s eyes narrow to slits.

  “Home. It’s late, and my parents have probably discovered I’ve snuck out by now.”

  “Text them,” Axel snaps. “You’re not leaving until the medication has kicked in, and then Heath’ll drive you home.”

  I fold my arms across my average-sized chest, glaring at him. “I’m perfectly capable of walking home.”

  “Not happening, sweetheart.” Skeet pulls me back down beside him. “It’s not safe to go roaming these streets at night, and none of us would sleep tonight if we didn’t make sure you got home safely. There’s no point arguing with us. Trust me.”

  “Okay.” I roll my eyes as I relent, but I’m secretly pleased. It’s been a while since I’ve had anyone I could count on, and it can’t hurt to make some friends before school starts on Monday. We’ve arrived just in time for the start of winter semester which is better than starting midway through where my appearance would be more noticeable.

  “Want to shoot some pool?” Heath asks, quirking a brow.

  My grin is sly as I nod. “Sure. I haven’t kicked anyone’s ass at pool in a long time.”

  Skeet slaps a hand on his thigh, grinning as he tilts my face toward him. “Hot, feisty, and you know how to play pool. Can I get on one knee now?”

  I shake my head, but I can’t contain my grin. “Is he always this full on?” I shoot the question in Heath’s direction.

  “It depends on the company, but in your case, I’d say yeah.”

  I jump up, wincing a little as a dart of pain shoots through my skull. “Who’s up first?” My gaze bounces between them as my smile spreads.

  I whip their asses, one a time, and by the time I’ve wiped the floor with Axel, I can’t keep the smug grin off my face.