“Hu——”

  “Bellatrix Annaliese Brown! Where the hell are you?” Jessica’s shrill voice screamed straight into my ear.

  “Owww,” I complained, holding the phone far away from my ear. I glanced at the clock, it’s 10:37 am. Stupid Jessica, interrupting my beauty sleep.

  “Jess, did it ever occur to you that I was at the doctors?” I asked, trying to sound stern and somewhat annoyed. There was a slight pause before she spoke.

  “I, well… um… I’m sorry.”

  “Meh, it’s okay, I was not actually at the doctors. Just didn’t want to go to school today,” I said, curling up in the warmth of my blanket.

  “Bella!”

  I muffled the rest of Jessica’s screams by pressing my phone into my pillow. When I thought I had waited long enough, I put the phone to my ear again.

  “… and so I was like, ‘Bella’s sooo not preggers.’ But you know, word spreads quickly at Wilson,” she finished saying.

  “Yeah, I know. Wait…what?” I shrieked, her sentence finally sinking in.

  “Bella! Were you not lis——”

  “Jess. What the fuck did you just say about me being pregnant?” I asked, fear sinking into me.

  “I… said… you… weren’t…” she said slowly, as if she was talking to a four-year-old.

  I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

  “Jess, who’s been telling people that I’m pregnant?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. There was a pause. And just before I could ask if she was still there, she spoke again.

  “I was walking towards AP U.S. History, and there were a bunch of people talking, and I heard them say ‘pregnant’. So, of course, I started listening—fine, eavesdropping—and then they were all like ‘Connor said she was okay in bed, but a bit too easy.’ And then another girl was all like, ‘She skipped school today because they didn’t use a condom and she’s now preggers.’ And then I was all like, ‘Bella’s sooo not preggers.’ But Bella, what the fuck really happened?”

  I felt my temper flare as I tried to calm myself down.

  “Bella, you there?” Jessica asked, sounding worried.

  “Listen, I’ll explain later,” I said, getting off my bed.

  “What do you mean ‘later’?” she asked, confused.

  “I mean that I’m coming to school. It’s time Connor gets put in his place,” I said, hanging up.

  Watch out, Connor! Actually, forget that. You are fucked, asshole!

  I tossed all my stuff on my bed, packing everything neatly. I glanced at my closet. Now, for the hardest part—picking out my outfit.

  Surprisingly, I’ve never been one to stress about what to wear. But like before, I had a motive. So this outfit had to be absolutely perfect.

  Yes, I had decided to get my revenge on Connor. The problem was I just didn’t know how. The way I saw it, I had two options:

  1. Call Connor out and insult him repeatedly until he maybe regret the shit he had put me through.

  2. Go along with his act. Then, start a huge rumor that I got an STD from him. That’ll keep the girls away. The idea was to get Connor to crack under the dry spell and admit we didn’t have sex.

  But how do I know we didn’t have sex? Simple. I had missed it before, but I realized, I wasn’t sore at all. I mean, for someone as popular in bed as Connor, he must be pretty big. Anyways, I didn’t feel a single thing—not even a slight bit of pain. Therefore, there’s no way I could have slept with him. Trust me, I would have remembered.

  I sighed and checked the clock—11:45 am. I quickly went to my closet, trying to pick out the perfect outfit. In case you were wondering, I chose number two. Why? Well, I knew I would have a better chance of getting revenge with it. And I had a feeling that Connor would just make everything much worse if I tried to outrightly tear him down. No, no! That would just be setting myself up. By choosing option two, I knew I had a chance—a chance to get my revenge on Connor.

  12:10 pm

  I stood outside of the loud lunchroom. It was now or never. I looked at my reflection in the glass. Damn, Bella! I smirked at my reflection. I chose to wear everything that would make up the perfect schoolgirl outfit. Then, I just toned it down a bit, but kept the slutty look. I took a couple of deep breaths before I entered the lunchroom. And the second I walked in, everything went silent.

  Just kidding.

  Sure, some people stopped talking and a lot stared, but it was not like everyone had stopped what they were doing to look at me. Then, I scanned the lunchroom until I spotted him.

  Perfect. He was sitting with James and Matt at their usual booth.

  Showtime!

  “Connor!” I squealed as loudly and high-pitched as I could. Everyone was definitely watching me then. I pranced my way to him, giggling and flapping my arms around like a typical girly girl.

  “Bella?”

  I stopped and gave a cute wave to Jess and the girls, still giggling. “Guysss, I’m going to sit with my boo!” I shrieked, making my way to Connor.

  “Boo! That was amazing!” I squealed, hopping onto his lap, fiddling with the hair at the back of his head.

  “Bella?” Connor asked, shocked.

  Matt and James were staring at me, their jaws dropped.

  “That’s right! Connor Michaels is mine!” I said, standing up to face everybody. “Back off, bitches!”

  I saw Anna from the corner of my eye trying to stifle her laughter. I held back a grin, only she knew what I was doing. Not because I told her, but because Anna was a genius. Which reminded me then, I needed her advice on something.

  “What are you doing?” Connor hissed, pulling me back.

  “Boo! That hurts!” I said loudly, twisting around to face him. “But don’t worry, I like it rough. You know that.”

  Connor’s eyes narrowed and he grabbed my arm, yanking me out of the booth. I giggled and twirled my hair as he dragged me out of the cafeteria.

  “Connor, where are we…?”

  He slammed the doors close, pushing me onto one of the lockers nearby. Thankfully, no one was in the hallway, which meant no weird-ass rumors would be spread.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Connor snarled, looking beyond angry.

  “What do you mean, boo?” I asked innocently, batting my eyelashes flirtatiously.

  “Cut the act, Bella,” Connor ordered, pressing his body harder into mine, making it hard to move at all.

  I looked around, making sure that there wasn’t anyone there.

  “Okay, Connor,” I said, dropping the girly girl act. “You caught me,” I muttered, venom dripping in my tone.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Connor asked, impatience threading through his voice.

  I raised an eyebrow. How stupid can this guy be? “I’m going along with the little rumor you started,” Realization crossed Connor’s face and I rolled my eyes. Finally!

  “How did you know?” he asked, still pressed to me.

  I squirmed a little, noting the smirk that appeared on Connor’s face while he was watching me.

  “I just do,” I snapped, attempting to push him away at the same time.

  He laughed when I gave up.

  Come on! It was like trying to move a wall.

  “So are you going to tell people the truth?” I asked.

  “Hmmm.” He leaned into me, every inch of my body was now touching his. “Nope.”

  “What?” I asked, surprised.

  “I think I’m going to let everybody think we did it,” he said, smirking.

  I held in my anger, and decided it was time to pull out the “cockblocker.”

  “Then, I think I’m going to tell everyone about the STD you gave me,” I said, smirking.

  Connor’s eyes widened, then narrowed. Anger was evident on his face. Hell, he looked dangerous. Then my breathing grew ragged as he leaned down, pressing his lips to mine. Since I had absolutely no chance of getting away, I decided I would be a bitch and keep my mouth closed, refusing entrance. I
could tell Connor was growing impatient as he tried everything to get me to open up. Well, apparently not everything… yet.

  Soon enough, I felt his hand slide underneath my skirt, resting on the side of my butt. I managed to keep my mouth closed as he squeezed my butt. My heart was about to burst as his hand slid over my crotch, resting right underneath. Come on, Bella, stay strong! And I would have held on, too. But then I felt his hand slide into my underwear, causing me to open my mouth so I could scream. He was able to expertly let his tongue slip into my mouth before I could manage to, however, causing my struggles to become more intense. Unfortunately, Connor wasn’t about to budge, so I was left with no other choice.

  “Ow! Bella! What the hell?” Connor yelled, his tongue now bright red where I bit it.

  Yes, I just bit Connor Michaels’ tongue. YOLO!

  I took his distraction to my advantage, and pushed him away, scampering to the cafeteria. Just before I made it to the door, I felt myself being pulled backwards. I let out a yelp of surprise as Connor pushed me into the wall.

  “Connor, what are you…?” I froze when I felt Connor’s lips on my neck, sucking softly. I held back a moan as the sucking became stronger and more persistent. What? It felt really good! Then, the realization hit me. Angrily, I shoved Connor away, glaring at him. He just evilly grinned at me, advancing on me so that once again, I was pressed up against the wall. He leaned in closer, if that was even possible, his spearmint breath fanning across my face. My breathing got caught in my throat as he lowered his mouth to my ear.

  “You can deny liking me, wanting me. But let’s face it, you’re like the rest. You’re one of those good girls who secretly, but so desperately, wants to change me. All girls want to be the one who makes the bad boy change. Deluding themselves that he’ll change for them. So you can go around acting like you don’t care about me. Go ahead, Bella, do that. But let me tell you this though, I enjoy a good chase, and that’s exactly what you are. Because, Bella, I get what I want, and I want you.”

  My heart stopped beating. I was frozen, rooted to the spot. I didn’t even react when Connor wrapped an arm around my waist, dragging me into the lunchroom.

  “Will everyone shut the fuck up for a second?” Connor asked, all eyes were on us the second he spoke.

  Reality started to seep in as everyone stopped talking. But I was still frozen in horror as Connor started speaking.

  “Everybody, I have a confession. Bella and I did not have sex,” he paused as gasps and whispers filled the room, “… yet.”

  My eyes widened and I began struggling to get away from him.

  “That’s right, everyone. Bella and her virginity, they’re all mine. I want her and I will have her.” Connor looked around, waiting for anyone to speak out—to challenge him.

  I frowned and glared at him. “You don’t own me,” I spat out angrily, attempting to shove him away.

  Connor let out a short laugh.

  “I’m afraid I do,” he said.

  Whispers filled the room once more and I couldn’t help but feel like a confused idiot.

  “She has the mark!” one girl whispered. Then, all her friends gasped and pointed at me.

  I frowned and turned to Connor, who was now smirking once more.

  “Everyone, take a good look,” Connor announced, wrapping his arms around me as he pulled my hair away from my neck.

  And then some more gasps and damn whispers erupted. It was all getting really annoying.

  “James,” Connor called out.

  James gave a short wave from the booth as everyone turned to stare at him.

  “What happens when I mark a girl?”

  I watched as Matt chuckled and James let out a small laugh before speaking.

  “You get them in bed. No matter what.”

  I looked around me—at all the expressions of shame on all the girls’ faces. For some reason, I felt a rush of confidence from seeing them all like that.

  “Good luck!” I said, smiling at Connor.

  “Yeah, I… wait, what?” Connor asked, surprised.

  “Good luck,” I said with a shrug. “I don’t care how many girls you’ve slept with. I don’t care how good you are. It’s going to take a hell of a lot of luck to get me to sleep with you.”

  It was now Connor’s turn to stare in amazement. I smiled as everyone began whispering—for my benefit, this time. I leaned in and stood on my tippy toes to reach his ear.

  “Game on, bad boy,” I said with a daring grin. I took that moment to make my dramatic exit, leaving everything and everyone behind me.

  Connor

  My heart skipped a beat as she stood on her tippy toes, bringing her mouth to my ear.

  “Game on, bad boy.”

  She left the lunchroom at that—leaving me completely and utterly shocked. That was what got to me about Bella. She wasn’t like the other girls. No, sirree! There was just something about her that couldn’t make me stop thinking of her. And that was a big deal. I had never thought twice about a girl before. But with Bella, it was like she was living in my head.

  I brushed off the shock and went to sit back with James and Matt, who like everyone else, were now staring at me with wide eyes.

  “What?” I asked, annoyed.

  They looked at each other before Matt decided to speak. “Dude, you are in for a challenge,” he said, almost as if he didn’t think I would win.

  “Matt, she said, ‘Game on.’ Only, someone forgot to say the rules,” I said with a smug grin.

  Matt and James’ eyes widened even more, and then they stared at me with admiration.

  Poor little Bella. She didn’t even know what she just started.

  Chapter 08

  Bella

  The rest of the day was uneventful. I had to spend the rest of my time catching up with all the classes I had missed. Thankfully, Jess was able to help me with everything during Study Hall.

  Unfortunately, I got sick on Saturday, so I spent the rest of the weekend in bed. Yeah, living life to its fullest.

  Monday morning

  “Bella! Wake up! I’m leaving!” my mum screamed, causing me to jolt awake. I flung myself out of the bed when I saw the clock. It was 7:35 am. I sprinted towards my closet, grabbing a pair of shorts and a graphic t-shirt before quickly changing.

  “Mum?” I called out as I hurried downstairs. Silence. I panicked and grabbed all my stuff, flinging the front door open. I froze at the scene that greeted me.

  Connor Michaels was talking to my mum. She stood up from the porch swing when she saw me, so did Connor.

  “Pumpkin, I’ve got to get to work early. But Connor here, came by to say he’s going to give you a ride!” my mum exclaimed like it was the best thing in the world. I felt the panic set in as she gave me a quick hug before walking to her car and driving away.

  I stared at her car as she turned at the corner, leaving me alone with Connor. Then, I jumped as an arm slid around me, pulling me into a hard, muscled body.

  “I’m about to give you the ride of your life,” Connor whispered huskily into my ear as he buried his face in my neck and put his arms around me.

  I frowned and tried to pull away despite the warm, comforting hug he was giving me.

  “Connor, let go,” I mumbled. I felt his chest rumble against my back as he let out a low chuckle.

  “Fine, but only because we have to get to school soon,” Connor said, turning me around so that I was now facing him. His eyes trailed down to my lips as he pushed my hair back, tucking it behind my ear.

  “Let’s go,” I snapped, scowling at him as I turned, trudging down the walkway. Halfway down, I paused and looked around.

  “Connor, where’s your car? All I see is a m—” My eyes widened at my sudden realization. I opened and closed my mouth, speechless, looking like a fish out of water.

  “Well, what are you waiting for?” Connor asked, walking past me and towards his “vehicle of death.”

  “No way in hell,” I said, turning th
e opposite direction and starting to walk to school.

  “Bella,” Connor called out. “You might as well turn around now. You don’t want me carrying you back here, do you?”

  I turned around angrily and scowled at him, crossing my arms defiantly. He wouldn’t dare. I turned back and continued to walk, only to be yanked backwards and thrown over Connor’s shoulder.

  I let out an annoyed huff as Connor placed me back on the ground. He was smiling at me smugly. I was about to turn away when a helmet was shoved onto my head. Then, Connor pulled his helmet on, sat down on his motorcycle, and looked back at me. I adjusted my bag so that it was securely fastened on my shoulder and wouldn’t fly off. Resignedly, I took a deep breath before straddling the seat behind Connor.

  “You may want to hold on,” Connor said as he started the engine. As if! I would rather…

  Ten minutes later

  “Bella, you can let go now,” Connor said for the third time. I wouldn’t budge. My eyes remained squeezed shut, and my arms and legs were so tightly wound around Connor that I had lost feeling in them. I heard Connor let out an exasperated sigh.

  “Man, what have you gotten yourself into?” Despite the fact that my eyes were sealed shut, it wasn’t hard to guess who had spoken—Matt.

  “Can you get her off of me?” Connor asked impatiently.

  I heard Matt’s chuckle before the sound of footsteps came towards me. Then, I felt my arms, as well as my legs, being pried off of Connor. My helmet was pulled off, and for the first time in a while, I opened my eyes. I cautiously looked around.

  “I suppose you don’t like motorcycles?” James asked, now standing by Connor, who was putting his helmet away.

  I glared at him and fixed my book bag, turning to leave.

  “The best part was when she pressed her body to mine, her boobs felt amazing on my back,” Connor said loudly, causing Matt and James to laugh, and me to fling curse words at him all the way to my locker.

 
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