Chapter 1: Meet Jesse and James

Welcome to the high school from hell. Of course, that isn’t literal, but it may as well be. Especially if you were me, Lyla Daniels, the freak. The freak with no parents, the outcast, the orphan.

You would think that my circumstances would give me sympathy points from others. That however isn’t the case. Highschool will always be a cliché. Especially when it came to the mean girl of Drover High, our designated Queen bee, who played the role spectacularly. I am referring to none other than Mandy Brooks, the closest reincarnation of Regina George that mother nature could concoct.

Just in the past two days, I’ve had my uniform dowsed in brown gravy from the cafeteria, my shorts had been cut to practically underwear, and my phone was mysteriously missing and upon it’s return the word LOSER was written across it in big bold letters.

“Hey girlie!” my best friend Denise Boykin, a.k.a Dee, slung her arm around my shoulders and strolled with me toward the bus. The fact that I didn’t have a car contributed to my title as the biggest loser the world has ever seen.

“You know you don’t have to ride with me. We both know your only committing social suicide being seen with me.” I sighed tiredly.

“Oh, come on! You and I both know you can’t find juicier gossip than you do on the bus. It’s like social gold! It’s how Mandy earned her golden tiara.” Dee smirked.

I shook my head. I would do anything to be invisible and avoid the constant belittling I received every day. And if one person contributing to my torture wasn’t enough, Mandy also roped Miles into it, the golden boy and heart throb that sadly I’ve always had a lame crush on.

Dee and I boarded the school’s transportation vehicle and slumped in our seats, preparing for the hour-long ride till we reached my home.

“Mom! I’m home!” I called as soon as Dee and I stepped through the front door. The smell of my foster mother’s delicious lasagna floated through the air and made my stomach grumble.

“Your stomach sounds like it’s going to eat me.” Dee giggled, dropping her book bag onto the floor next to the door. I followed suit and then we entered the kitchen.

“Hey girls. How was school?” Rebekah chirped.

Dee and I exchanged a look and mom arched her brow curiously.

“What happened?” She crossed her arms and waited for us to explain.

“Well, I need a new pair of gym shorts and a phone case.” I groaned, showing her the back of my phone. My foster mom pursed her lips and sighed.

“That girl really needs to be taught a lesson. Are you sure you don’t want me to talk to the principal or her parents? She said, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“So that she can rub it in my face that she has parents that she can complain to, and I don’t? I snapped.

The minute the words left my mouth Rebekah flinched. She has been my mother since I went into foster care at the age of 6. She has had my back since then.

I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her.

“You know that’s not what I mean. You’re my mother, you will always be my mother, but people with small brains like Mandy don’t understand that family isn’t always blood. I do, but she doesn’t.” I said into her shoulder, my voice was muffled but I had no doubt she heard.

“I know honey.” She pulled me back and held me at arm’s length.

“Let’s not worry about the brat. Let’s enjoy some pasta.” Mom blessed me with her gentlest smile.

After dinner, Dee and I retreated to my bedroom. We worked on our homework for an hour and finished almost all of it. We had one paper left that wasn’t due till Tuesday.

“TGIF” Dee giggled.

“Speaking of what are we doing this weekend?” I asked, changing into my pajama pants and camisole.

“Well... I know it isn’t your thing, but I got you this.” Dee said, handling me a small square that was laminated. I looked it over and my mouth fell open.

“What the hell Dee? What could we possibly need a fake idea for!” I squeaked.

Dee flashed me her mischievous smile. The one she was famous for.

“We, my dear, are going to the Moon tomorrow.” Dee clapped with excitement.

I, however, didn’t think it was so great. I wasn’t the sort of girl that broke rules, or even snuck out. I got straight a’s and had a perfect attendance. So, going to one of the most frequented clubs was not something I would consider fun. I was shaking my head, refusing.

“Come on Lyla live a little. Plus, your almost 18 anyways so what’s the big deal? It’s just a few months that was added to the ID not five. Aren’t you curious? I’ve heard everyone talking about the Moon. They said the HOTTEST guy’s you could imagine frequent there. Come on just this once and I will never ask you to break a rule again.” Dee pleaded with her large blue eyes, and I caved. I couldn’t help it.

“Ok... but, you’re going to have to dress me I’d have no idea what to wear and I’ve never done my makeup before so you’re going to have to help me.”

Dee squealed and bulldozed me with her giant bear hug.

The next day I was hiding in the bathroom while Dee banged on the door trying to get me to come out. I refused. She put me in a shirt and called it a dress!

“If you don’t get your gorgeous butt out here, I’ll break the door down!” Dee yelled, slamming her fists into the door every few seconds.

“Are you kidding? I’m a minute away from being naked!”

“No, you aren’t. You have legs big whoop! Get your ass out here!”

I groaned, plunking my head on the door. I turned around stealing another glance at my appearance for the night. I wasn't a toothpick, I was curvy in just the right way, so she decided to put me in a curve hugging spaghetti strapped dress that barely reached my thighs. It was blood red with lace covering the plunging back. I guess it could have been worse. But until she did my makeup I wasn’t going to decide.

Dee forced me into the chair in front of my dresser mirror and told me to close my eyes. About ten minutes later she commanded me to open them. The beauty I saw in the mirror was model material. The black mascara made my lashes so long that they kissed my cheeks. The black liner made my green eyes pop like bright emeralds. My thick lips looked pouty and full and were stained the same color as my dress. She let my hair hang naturally down my back in its dark auburn waves.

“Wow...” Dee breathed.

“I… I don’t know how to feel about this.” I murmured awkwardly.

“Girl you are hot! The guys are going to have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves.” She winked.

I grinned, for once excited about what may lie ahead for tonight.

Dee exited the bathroom looking like every man’s wet dream. She had a black strapless dress that made her milky complexion seem as if it were glowing. Her bright red ringlets were pulled into a messy bun and a few tendrils curled against her temples and ears.

“Ready to go?” She shot me her mega watt smile that made men swoon in her presence.

I nodded, grabbing my matching lace red purse and followed her out the door.

There was no way we were going to get in. The line to enter the club covered at least two blocks. Occasionally some magazine worthy girls would walk up to the bouncer, and he’d lift the velvet rope. Dee obviously thought we would have the same luck.

I fidgeted nervously as we waited behind a long-legged brunette with creamy milk chocolate skin. She turned around, giving Dee and I a once over. She arched a perfectly curved brow at us.

“Have you girls been here before?” She asked.

“No, we haven’t. This would be our first time.” Dee answered, returning the girls appraisal.

“Damn, your hot!” Dee said grinning.

“Naomi” She stuck her hand out with a confident smile curling her lips.

“I’m Dee, this is Lyla. It’s nice to meet you.” Dee said basically fan Girling.

Naomi turned back to the bouncer and gestured for us to stand with her.

“Tio, these are my girls. They’re with me.”

That was all she had to utter. Tio lifted the rope and ushered the three of us inside.

The inside of the club was beyond amazing. It was dark with pops of colors throughout and clear tables and chairs at the back of the club to hang out. There was a beaded curtain with a neon sign that stated that specific area was for VIP only. Naomi led us right toward that particular area.

As soon as we stepped through the beads my mouth dropped open. The most gorgeous guy I had ever seen was sitting on a black leather couch. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as a girl with a shaved head was tattooing his back. Oh yeah, did I mention he was shirtless? He was staring at the floor just waiting for the artist to be done with his new art piece. His hair was dark enough to be considered black and his shoulders were nice and muscular. I could see the sharp angle of his jaw and it made my stomach flutter.

“Jesse these are my new friends.” Naomi said with a promiscuous smile.

Jesse raised his face and my mouth went dry. He had the most beautiful, melted gold eyes. His face looked like it had been carved by the hands of an angel. His eyes locked with mine and my knee’s felt weak. His lip curled with a sinful edge.

“Do your friends have names?” He asked, arching a perfect brow.

Naomi nudged me forward, obviously catching the look Jesse had shot me.

“This is Lyla. The delectable redhead behind her is Dee.” Naomi said in almost a purr.

Just then another young man entered the VIP room and he flung himself beside Jesse and propped his feet on the table. His eyes went from me, to Dee, to Naomi. He smirked, seemingly amused by the awkward tension in the air.

“This place is amazeballs” Dee couldn’t hold herself together anymore. She was almost hopping with excitement. Naomi shot her a sweet smile. She seemed to have a soft spot for my best friend.

“I have some business to attend to. Why don’t you ladies take a seat.” Naomi glanced toward the two chairs on the left side of the leather sofa.

I nodded curtly, ignoring the burning sensation of Jesse’s eyes. Dee sprinted Infront of me, grabbing the seat that was closest to the couch.

“My name is James.” The other young man said, introducing himself. He looked just as dangerous as the dark-headed boy. His hair was down to his chin and his tan skin almost glowed with how flawless it was. Dee was completely absorbed with him. But he didn’t pique my interest the way his dark headed friend did. I felt so nervous and out of place I didn’t know what to do with myself.

Jesse gave James a look and James must have known what he wanted. He got out of his seat and offered a hand to Dee.

“Want to dance?” James stood in front of Dee with a panty dropping smile. Dee grinned brilliantly.

“I’d love to.”

And with that my best friend completely forgot that I existed. Jesse scooted down the sofa to where he was closer to me than he was before. He waved his tattoo artist away.

“I’ll call you later to finish.” He said over his shoulder before he looked at me again. The artist obviously didn’t need any encouragement to leave. She scurried away as quickly as she could.

I swallowed. What could this Adonis want with me?

“What is someone like you doing in my club?” He hissed.

I blanched. Gone was his flirtatious look and his heart stopping smile. He looked menacing and enraged by my presence.

“My friend wanted me to come. I’m sorry I didn’t know that it would be a problem.” I sneered. Yeah, the guy terrified me but I wasn’t going to be talked to like I meant nothing.

A small flicker of surprise flashed across his bewitching eyes.

“I’ll let it go for tonight. But don’t ever come back. It’s not a safe place for innocent little girls.” He growled.

His growl made the hair on my arms stick up. What on earth is wrong with this guy? I thought about it for a moment then smiled.

“On one condition.”

That brow of his raised again and his mouth twitched like he was holding back a smile.

“What’s that, princess.” He said the words sourly.

“Dance with me.” I blurted.

My eyes widened at my boldness. Where exactly did that come from? I felt the heat rush to my cheeks. Oh well. The damage was done, now I just had to wait for his refusal and then I can run out of there with my tail between my legs.

“Ok.” He said softly.

My mouth popped open. I was not expecting him to accept. I stood up and dusted the imaginary dust off my dress.

“Well come on then.” I batted my lashes, cringing internally at my strange behavior.

I didn’t look to see if he was following me, I just walked. When I reached the dance floor the music surrounded every empty space of the building. As if I was under some sort of spell I started slowly dancing, moving my hips seductively and my hands traced over my breasts, my stomach and to my right hip.

Suddenly, I felt a scorching hot body stand behind me. I don’t know how I knew, but I knew that it was Jesse. He placed one hand on my hip, and the other on my stomach, flattening my back to his front. He moved with my body, perfectly matching my moves. I felt a new heat build inside of me. It started low in my belly and slowly moved upward. I felt his hot breath on my neck and the minty smell coming from his breath made my stomach dip. I grinded with him, we both moved so sensually you’d think we had been doing this for ages.

“You’re a great dancer.” He murmured in my ear. Goosebumps spread over every inch of my skin.

I felt feverish. I wanted him everywhere, I wanted more. But I knew that was crazy. So, I just settled for the sensual bump and grind of our bodies.

Suddenly, he whirled me around so that our fronts were touching. Every inch, my chest to his chest, my hips to his hips. His lips grazed my cheek. His uneven breathing matched mine.

“Come home with me.” He pleaded, pulling back to look straight into my eyes. My eyes widened a fraction. In my mind I said no, there’s no way I’m going home with a stranger. But what came out of my mouth was completely different.

“Yes.” Popped out of my lips in almost a moan.

I could have sworn his eyes took on a strange glow, but the illumination vanished just as quickly as it had appeared. He linked his fingers between mine and pulled me toward the exist. I decided to shoot Dee a text. I knew she wouldn’t see it till later but for some reason my brain had taken a vacation and only my body moved. My thoughts were muddled and filled with lustful thoughts. I didn’t care if she saw the text or not.

We stood Infront of a nice black car with extremely tinted windows. He opened the door for me, and I slipped into the passenger seat. I let out a whoosh of air that I didn’t realize I was holding. Was I really going to do this? What had possessed me?

Jesse slid into the driver seat. His eyes searched mine for a moment and he must have liked what he saw because that devilish smirk touched his lips again. He started the car and we were off.

We pulled up to a large two story house. Jesse got out and opened the door for me, he at least had some manners. He tucked my arm around his and lead me up the walkway. It took him barely a second to fish the key out of his pocket.

As soon as we walked inside Jesse spun around and pushed me into the front door, pinning my hands above my head and invading my personal space.

“Are you sure? Once we start, I’m not stopping.” He warned. His eyes burned like a fire of desire.

I nodded slowly, my eyes falling to his full lips. I unconsciously, licked my lips tasting the air between us. Maybe I should have told him this was my first time. But, I didn’t really care. I just wanted him. It’s not like I was saving myself for anyone special. I just hadn’t been this attracted to anyone. The kind of attraction that took your breath away and made your head spin. But, he.. He did that to me.

Next thing I knew his lips crashed into mine. His tongue danced along mine, his hands made their way to my hair. I was intoxicated. I felt drunk on the euphoria this man injected into my veins like a drug.

His fingers skimmed the tender skin of my neck and agonizingly slowly, his fingers slowly trailed down my shoulders, then to my breast, then lower and lower until he reached the hem of my dress. His thumb gently caressed the top of my thigh, sending a wave of heat up my leg and into my center.

We kissed for only minutes, but it felt like hours. It was so natural and primal. By far the craziest thing I had ever done.

He broke our kiss, his breaths shuddering. He squeezed his eyes shut; he seemed as if he were trying to regain his control.

“Come.” He whispered roughly.

I followed behind him down the hallway then into the room at the very end.

A large king-size bed with red silk sheets came into view. I took a moment to think about what I was doing but nothing seemed as important to me as this. Everything else was faded to the background.

He turned around to face me, a wicked smile curled his lips.

“Strip for me.” He almost commanded.

I took a shaky breath, then reached my hands behind my back and unzipped my dress. The red fabric fell into a heap at my feet, leaving my black lace bra and panties the only things to cover my essential parts. It wasn’t lost on me that I still had my heels on.

His eyes did that glowing thing again and I could have sworn I saw him swallow. The first sign of nervousness I had seen on his face.

I was about to bend and remove them but he shook his head and tsked. He grabbed my hand and led me to his bed. Sitting me down on the edge.

“I’ll take care of those. You just watch.” He said, staring straight into my eyes.

That was the first time a strange electric current sizzled between us. The sense of something starting or the acknowledgement that this night might mean something more than I meant for it to. He slowly unlatched my heels, pulling them off almost reverently. He threw them behind him. Then his hands slowly moved from my feet up to my thighs. For someone with such strong hands, they were so gentle and sure. They sent tingles up and down my spine. If just his touch could do that.. I didn’t know I was going to survive the rest of the night. His hands slowly traveled up my legs to my thighs, tenderly kissing my skin as if I were an angel he was worshipping.

His hands slid over my thighs, over my hips, slowly up my stomach, mean while he was slowly kissing and sucking my neck until I was laid back on his bed. He kissed me feverishly, desperately, like I was water and he had been stranded in a desert for months.

“I’ll make this good for you.” He breathed into my neck after he was done assaulting my lips. I nodded. I thought I would be anxious or terrified but all I felt was desperation. I wanted him more than I had ever wanted anything in my whole life.

His lips traveled lower and lower until they reached right below my belly button. He removed my underwear and after that I was lost. I was totally and completely destroyed and repaired. His tongue was made for sin, his groans were like music that struck an inner cord that unraveled me in the most intimate way. His fingers were the instrument of my destruction. I had never felt anything like it, something that brought me so close to the edge and then caused me to tumble off over and over again.

Once I was passed the stage of begging he finally reappeared above me. Holding his weight with his corded muscled arms, his eyes looked so deep into me I could have sworn our souls linked. When it came to the final moment the pain took my breath, I jolted, but his talented fingers soothed the uncomfort expertly. We joined together in a way that was so intimate, yet so primal and natural. It was the best moment of my life. I almost wished it wouldn’t end but as soon as I shattered into a million pieces, he followed right behind. He growled my name, and I whispered his.

He flopped down beside me, breathing as rapidly as I was. I sighed, trying to debate if I should grab my clothes and go. His breath evened out and before I could say thank you or goodbye, or it was nice knowing you, he was out cold.

I threw my hand over my mouth trying to contain the giggle threatening to escape my lips. I slowly slid off of the bed as softly and quietly as I could. I grabbed my clothes and shut the door quietly behind me. I slipped into my dress quickly then called Dee as soon as I walked out of the front door.

“What the hell Lala! Where the hell are you?” Dee screeched into the phone, causing me to pull it away from my ear.

“I’ll send you the address just try to hurry please.”

Dee sighed.

“Okay.”

Ten minutes later Dee pulled up and I hopped into the seat like my butt was on fire. I waited for her to back out of the drive but she didn’t. She just sat there.

I glanced at her and the expression she wore would have had me laughing but she looked like she didn’t know whether to ring my neck or give me a high five.

“You are going to tell me everything once we get back to your house. You better be glad I told your mom we were going to a late movie or she would be having a heart attack.” She grumbled annoyed.

“I’ll tell you everything I promise, just please go.” I pleaded.

The minute we got to my room, Dee yanked me down beside her on my bed.

“Spill.” She commanded, crossing her arms expectantly.

I told her everything except for a few details that I wanted to keep to myself. By the time I was done her eyes were the size of saucers.

“I can’t believe you did it!” She exclaimed. I slammed my hand onto her mouth and gave her a death glare. Once I thought she wouldn’t wake Rebekah up I removed my hand.

“I know. But, it was so worth it.” I blushed.

Dee smiled knowingly. Unlike me it wasn’t her first rodeo and as usual she had me cringing with all the vivid pictures she was painting for me with her details of her night with the super-hot James.

“Of course it was just a one-night fling but it was the best I’ve ever had!” She gushed.

“Really? I would definitely do a replay with Jesse, but I know his type. He’s a once and done type of guy. I knew what I was getting into.” I said, getting up and rummaging through my drawers for my pjs. I threw a night gown at Dee and slid into my silk shorts and camisole.

“Mhmm..” She said, but her expression told me I didn’t fool her. She knew that tonight meant more to me but she also knew that Jesse and James were not boyfriend material. But she exchanged numbers with James just in case he wanted a repeat.

We climbed into bed and chatted until we fell asleep.