Heart of Stone ~ Book 1 Read online

  I’m going to throw up!

  I run over to the toilet and I stay there until my stomach is empty and when the room stops spinning, I climb into the shower and try to wash the remnants of the dream away. I think about Stone holding me in his arms the way he had at school and I feel calmer.

  Why the hell am I imagining Stone hugging me?

  I have officially lost my mind!

  Chapter Fourteen — Devlin

  Dahlia hasn’t been to school for the past two days, not since she told me about her dad. I’m wondering if our interaction has made her want to avoid me. I know it was a little out of character for us, but she seemed okay when she left.

  I popped into the burger joint her mom works at last night, introducing myself as Dahlia’s friend. I’d over heard Dahlia talking to Beth about her mom working there and since she looks like an older, brunette version of Dahlia it wasn’t hard to figure out who her mom was. It’s not exactly as if Dahlia and I are close, I don’t even know where she lives, so I can’t just drop by and check on her.

  I had hoped her mom would tell me something, but she didn’t, not much anyway, just that ‘she’s feeling a little under the weather.’ I didn’t want to seem rude though, so I didn’t push. I figured I’d get some answers from Beth instead. So, that’s what I intend to do.

  I follow Darrius to our table at lunch. Beth’s sitting with us since Dahlia isn’t in and I’m kind of hoping that they’ll both sit with us when she comes back.

  “Where’s Dahlia?” I ask as I bite into my burger and Beth looks at me with round eyes, her mouth in an ‘O.’ Okay, so me asking where Dahlia is probably sets off alarm bells but I need to know.

  “She’s at home. I don’t think she’s doing great to be honest” Beth says swirling a straw in her drink.

  “Why-what-happened-is-she-okay?” I ask so rushed that I practically trip over my own damn tongue.

  “Careful there Stone people might start to think you have a heart” Darrius laughs.

  “Shut up” I say slapping the back of his head.

  Beth watches me curiously for a few seconds before she continues. “She said she’s sick, but I don’t believe her. I spoke to her on the phone and she sounds really down. Kinda shaken but I don’t know why.”

  I shouldn’t have asked about her dad.

  “Have you seen her?” I press.

  “No but I was going to call in tonight on my way home.” I nod and carry on eating trying to act like I’m not concerned about Dahlia, but I think everyone’s already made their minds up that I do.

  I manage to make it through the rest of the day without completely obsessing over Dahlia. I’m distracted but that’s nothing new. All that’s new is the fact that it’s her distracting me rather than Deano. I need a distraction from my distraction, so I’ve decided to head down to the pier. It always seems to help bring back a little focus. It’s one of my favorite places in this crappy town.

  It’s not a long walk to the beach from my house but I take my car anyway. When I get there, I kick off my shoes and walk the short distance over the sand and down to the waters edge. I let the water wash over my feet. It’s cold and brings some temporary relief to the chaos in my head. I close my eyes and listen, the sounds of nature pulling the tension from my shoulders.

  After a few minutes I begin to make my way slowly across the wet sand and start heading for the pier at the far side of the beach. It’s more secluded there surprisingly and I like it there the most. It’s my peace in the chaos.

  Chapter Fifteen — Dahlia

  I haven’t been able to face school, so I’ve stayed home for a couple of days. My nightmare shook me up quite a bit and I don’t want people seeing me like that. Beth’s called a few times to see how I am, and I told her I was sick, I don’t think she believed me though. She even asked if it had anything to do with what Stone had said to me at the party.

  She came by the house after school today, but I didn’t answer the door. I have no idea how to explain this to her. I’m not ready to tell people about my dad. It’s not the kind of thing you want people knowing. To be fair a lot of people around here have relatives who are in prison, but I didn’t grow up here, so it doesn’t make it any easier to talk about.

  I know Beth won’t judge me but it’s hard to talk about it. I wanted a fresh start and that includes keeping certain things private. I know I have to go back to school, but I needed this time to work through things.

  I was starting to feel a little claustrophobic being cooped up in the house, so I decided to take a walk down to the beach. It’s a nice night, it’s cool with a light breeze and there aren’t too many people around. I pick a spot by the pier and watch as the ocean laps against the sand. The sounds sooth me and the smell of the sea air helps to clear my head.

  It’s not much of a beach. It’s small and kind of dirty looking. The pier itself looks like it’s seen better days too; it looks as though a light wind could blow it over but it’s peaceful and I’m alone in that peace.

  “Hey.” I turn to find Stone staring down at me, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

  Of course he would have to interrupt my peace!

  The breeze is blowing his hair into his face and it makes him look even hotter than he usually does. I blush at my thoughts and I realize I’ve been staring way too long.

  “What are you doing here Stone”? I grumble.

  “It’s a public beach D.”

  “Don’t call me that!” I snap in disgust and he looks at me with surprise.

  “Sorry, I didn’t realize a letter was offensive” he says throwing up his hands in mock defense.

  “Well it is. Don’t ever call me that again.” I pull my legs to my chest and rest my cheek on my knee.

  “Jeez, you’re a bit touchy today, aren’t you?”

  I clench my jaw and dig my nails into my legs. “Look pretty boy, I’m done with you being a jerk, so why don’t you take a long walk off that pier over there and leave me the hell alone.”

  “Not gonna happen. You see whether you like it or not I’m part of your life now. My friends are your friends so deal with it.”

  “Stone, I appreciate what you done the other day when you found out about my dad and everything, but I’m really not in the mood for your bullshit right now.”

  He looks at me for a moment and then sits in the sand beside me.

  “He called you D, didn’t he?” he asks softly.

  “Yes” I bite.

  “I’m sorry. I won’t call you that again. I’ll stick with hellhound. Suits you more anyway” he smiles nudging me with his shoulder. I snarl but there’s a hint of a smile in there. “I’ve missed you at school” he says with a gentle smile.

  “Really? You missed me?” I ask in disbelief.

  “Yeah. Who else can I fight with who won’t run off crying like a bitch?”

  “You’re such an ass Stone” I say shaking my head.

  “I know. Would you want me any other way though?”

  “I don’t want you any way. Except maybe in a torture chamber.”

  “Oooo kinky.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me, and I laugh. “That’s better. You’re not as ugly when you smile” he teases.

  “I wish I could say the same for you.”

  “Come here.” He puts his arm around my shoulder and instinctively I cuddle in. “I know you’ve had a shitty couple of days, and I thought you could use a hug. Is this okay?” I nod but I don’t speak. As much as I hate Devlin Stone, he really does give good hugs and I really do need one right now.

  Chapter Sixteen — Devlin

  It’s starting to become a habit me hugging this girl, but hell if I’m complaining. Judging by the conversation at lunch today no one else knows about her dad so if I’m the only one who can help her through this then I will. We can resume fighting when she’s feeling herself again.

  She stays in my arms for a while and we silently watch as the ocean does its thing. She seems mesmerized by it and I’m just as equally me
smerized by her. I love that she loves the ocean as much as I do. When she catches me staring at her she moves away, and I feel far too cold without her.

  “Are you feeling better?” I ask trying to mask the fact that I’m missing the feel of her in my arms.

  “Yeah. Thanks for staying with me.”

  “No problem. You helped distract me from my stuff anyway” I say before realizing she was what I had needed a distraction from in the first place.

  “Really? What’s going on with you?” I can’t tell her that she was the problem, so my mind goes to the issue I’m facing with Deano. I don’t particularly want to talk about it but considering she’s letting herself be vulnerable in front of me I decide it’s only fair to be honest.

  “You know those guys my dad knows that I told you about?” I begin hesitantly.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, they want me to fight but I don’t want to. My dad owed them money a while ago and I agreed to a few fights to pay off his debt but when they realized how good a fighter I am and that people were betting big money on me, they wanted me to stay. I told them no, so they made a deal that if I won that race at The Circuit the other night, they’d let me go. I didn’t win as you know and now, they’re hounding me. They’re dangerous people and if I go against them, they’ll probably kill me.” She looks worried and it squeezes hard at my chest.

  “So you will be fighting?” she chokes.

  “I have no choice” I reply, looking into her eyes like I owe her an explanation.

  “Well, just be careful okay.”

  “I’ll try” I laugh humorlessly. “They’re dirty fighters, I won’t walk out unscathed.”

  She shudders and then stands to her feet. “I should get back. I need to make dinner for my mom getting home.”

  “Is she at work?”

  “Yeah. She never stops. All I can do to help out is cook and clean. We lost everything when we moved here so she’s working two jobs. I swear it’s slowly killing her. Me making dinner lightens her load a little.”

  “I’ll drive you” I say getting to my feet.

  “No that’s okay, it’s not far.”

  “Come on, I won’t take no for an answer” I say placing my hand on her back and gently leading her off the beach.

  She follows me to my car and slips into the passenger seat beside me. For some reason her being in my car seems more intimate than her being in my arms. I suppose it’s because it’s a closed in space, whereas when I was holding her it was in a big open space.

  We’re at her apartment in no time and when she climbs out, I follow.

  “Can I help with anything?” I offer, not exactly sure what it is that I can even help her with.

  “It’s dinner Stone, I’m sure I can manage.”

  “I didn’t say you can’t manage. Just maybe someone needs to help lighten your load a little too.”

  “Thank you, but I’m fine, really.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you at school tomorrow then?” I ask hopefully.

  “Yeah. I can’t afford to miss another day.”

  I watch her into the house and then climb back into my car. It might seem like I want to help Dahlia or want to stay with her longer but really, I just don’t want to go home. I hate going back there.

  Chapter Seventeen — Dahlia

  “What do you mean he’s out?” my mom asks furiously. I hadn’t noticed the car outside when Stone and I pulled up.

  I’m so glad I didn’t let him in.

  I look between my mom and the smartly dressed woman sitting opposite her in the living room.

  “Mom” I ask cautiously. “What’s going on?”

  “Dahlia come sit down” my mom says patting the spot beside her on the couch.

  “I think I’d like to stand.”

  “Okay then.” She pauses as she tries to decide how to proceed and it feels like an age passes before she opens her mouth to speak again. “Your dad has been released.” She almost gags as she says it.

  “He was released early on good behavior” the woman opposite my mom adds. “He’s not to approach either of you, however that doesn’t mean he won’t try.”

  “When did they release him?” I ask numbly.

  “Yesterday” the woman replies.

  “Yesterday?” my mom screeches. “So why are we only finding out about this now?”

  I’m completely numb. Their words become hazy and muffled as I struggle to control my breathing. I stumble back against the wall and press my hand to my chest. I can’t focus properly, and I slide down to the floor, tears streaming down my cheeks.

  “Breathe sweety” I hear my mom saying, but she sounds far away. I nod absently following her lead as she breathes in and out slowly until I start feeling the world around me again. “This is unacceptable” she says over her shoulder to the woman. I still have no idea who she is.

  “There is support available and you’re to call the police straight away if he contacts either of you.” She passes my mom some papers and then leaves throwing me a sympathetic smile as she passes.

  When she’s gone my mom locks up all the doors and windows and does a full security sweep of the house. When she’s satisfied we’re safe, she pulls me into a hug. We sleep in the same bed, neither us doing much sleeping. Every sound has us jumping. After hours of tossing and turning I roll over in frustration and shove my head under my pillow groaning.

  I need stone.

  ∞∞∞

  I march into school angrily the next day. I don’t even register Beth as I pass her.

  “What’s going on?” she asks as she runs to keep up with me, but I don’t answer. I search around but I cant find him.

  “Where is he?”

  “Who?” Beth asks confused.

  “Stone” I say as if it should be obvious that I want to see him.

  “He’s in the cafeteria. Why, what’s he done?” I don’t answer, but my raised voice has drawn quite a bit of attention.

  I bound into the cafeteria with a hoard of people following behind me ready for me to go in for the kill. When he sees me he immediately adopts his usual arrogant stance (whilst sitting) and he looks angry. He must realize that I’m not here about him though because something softens in his gaze and he looks concerned.

  “What happened?” he asks a little softer than usual.

  “He’s out” I say trying to swallow down the fear in my voice. He instantly jumps to his feet and takes my face in his hands. People are exchanging curious glances and I see Caleb grinning out the corner of my eye.

  “Look at me” Stone says gently, and I do. Those eyes that are usually hard and cold are full of worry and promise. “He won’t get to you. I promise you that Dahlia.”

  “I’m scared” I admit quietly so only he hears.

  “I know. I’m here, I won’t let him near you.” I nod and he leans in to whisper. “Now say something snarky. You’re making me look soft.” I feel him smile against my ear. “Hellhound.”

  “Did you just call me a dog?” I snap and he shrugs. “You really are an ass Stone!”

  I march off throwing him scowl and he smirks back. It’s for show and we both know it, but the crowd is appeased, and Stone’s rep is intact. Heaven forbid anyone should think he actually has a human side.

  Chapter Eighteen — Devlin

  I’m a little surprised that Dahlia just marched up to me in the cafeteria. I noticed the crowd following her first, which instantly had me ready to bring her down, but when I looked in her eyes, she looked scared. I knew something had happened and I knew I wasn’t going to like it.

  Without even thinking I got all touchy feely with her and I knew people would start talking about it. I wasn’t wrong. She’s barely left, and Caleb has already started with his usual spiel.

  “So have you made a move yet?”

  “Is that all you think about Caleb?”

  “When are you gonna grow some balls and tell her you want her Stone?” He does have a point. I hate the girl but there�
�s a very thin line between love and hate and that line has become very blurred recently.

  “If you don’t hurry up and tell her I might just have to take you out of the game” Darrius interjects. I swing round to look at him and he smirks back.

  “If you even think about trying anything, I’ll knock you out of the game permanently” I warn. I’m not even joking, and he knows it.

  “Maybe she doesn’t like Stone. Did you guys even consider that?” Lacy adds her two scents.

  “She likes Stone. It’s obvious” Caleb argues.

  “Hey, I’m just saying, maybe she doesn’t even like guys” Lacy grins. “Even she does, maybe she won’t after I’m finished with her.” She sticks out her studded tongue and waggles her eyebrows.

  “Oh yeah?” Darrius laughs. “And how are you planning on convincing her?”

  Dirty fucker.

  Lacy happily explains how she plans on convincing Dahlia to cross over to her side. I don’t shut that down because let’s face it, what guy doesn’t like to hear a girl on girl story, even if it is fictitious but as fascinating as Lacy’s fantasies are I’m too worried about Dahlia to really take it in. She came to me for help in front of everyone, which means this is bad. She must be extremely scared for her to come to me. I know I told her to, and I know no one else knows about it but still.

  I’m not sure what to do exactly other than to watch her but just thinking about that makes me feel like a damn creeper. It’s not like I’ve ever had to do this sort of thing before, so I don’t exactly have previous experience to refer back to.

  I manage to catch up with her later and I give her my number just in case her dad turns up when I’m not around, but I doubt she’ll ever use it. Then again, she did come to me already, so maybe she will. I know I could just stick with the phone number but because of how shook up she’s been it’s made me sick with worry. The thought of him finding her and hurting her and me not being around to protect her is driving me crazy.