Being the Bad Boy's Victim (38 page)

“Connor, we aren’t going to work out! Just leave me alone!” My body ached slightly as I moved around in my room.

“Bells, please, enlighten me as to why we won’t work out.” A playful smile danced across his lips as he casually stretched out on my bed. Although he was studying me intensely, it seem
ed
that he was completely oblivious
about
my frustration.

“Because!” I screeched and slammed my hand onto the desk, which made Connor’s eyes widen in shock. “Because you aren’t going to want me anymore once you find out
…”

“Find out what?” Connor asked curiously, sitting up.

My bottom lip quivered, which didn’t go unnoticed by Connor. He quickly stood up and made his way over to me, his hands cupping my face.

“L-Liam…” I trailed off slightly, my eyes filling with tears as Connor stiffened. “He r-raped m-m-me.”

His eyes clouded over and his jaw clenched. The tears began to fall down my face and small whimpers came out of my trembling lips.
Connor’s going to leave you now,
a voice whispered from within.

It seemed as if hours had gone by before he finally spoke.

“You think I’m going to leave you because you were raped?” he asked, his voice was hurt and quiet.

My heart was then painfully pounding in my chest and I couldn’t bring myself to speak. My throat was dry and I ached with the hurt. I never realized how crazy I was. Connor and I had something. And whether or not it was real was confirmed at that moment. The look that he gave me said it all—I had been wrong. He wouldn’t leave me over this. But then, I had just accused him of it.

“You honestly think I only wanted you because you were a virgin?” his voice rose slightly but was still very calm.

“N-no! I-I…” My jaw was hanging ajar and I frantically looked around, feeling myself start to sink.

He threaded his hands through his hair, looking away from me. “I really cared for you. I still do.” With that, he walked out of the room
.
A
soft click at the door told me
that
he had left… and I had screwed up.

“I can’t believe you took me here,” I hissed, looking around in horror. I stood in front of Connor’s, with a very excited Jess by my side.

“Oh, hush up, Bella! Connor isn’t coming home until tomorrow and you needed to get out of your house!” She knocked on the door while talking, acting as if everything was just fine and dandy.

It wasn’t.

“I had to get out of the house just so I could be taken to another one? Okay, yeah, because that makes sense.” My sarcastic, snippy side was coming out.

Jess turned to me, her eyes wide and a shocked look on her face.

“Bel——
”

“Babe!” The door flew open and within seconds, Jess was in James’ arms. Joyful laughter rang out between the couple, and I scowled. I wanted that. I mean, who wouldn’t?

James set Jess down, and turned to me. “Bella, it’s great to see you!” He reached out for me, but I flinched, causing him to withdraw his hands like he had been burned.

“Oh, I…”

“No, sorry, I
…
I’m still
just a little shaky,” I murmured, staring at the ground. I felt so uncomfortable being there. I wanted to smile and laugh like they did. I just wanted everything to go back to normal.

“Well, how about you come inside?”

I looked past James to see Matt standing in the kitchen, a grin spread across his face. I managed to come up with a pathetic excuse for a smile as I entered the house, while James was closing the door behind me. It was quite obvious how fake my smile was at that moment, but I appreciated the way they ignored that and continued to grin at me.

“So how are you?” Matt asked, once I sat down on a nearby chair, curling up in a comfortable manner.

“A little sore,” I admitted, “but the painkillers have been heavenly.” This caused the boys to laugh and Jess to smile brightly at me.

“Hey!” Matt shouted, making us all jump. “I just bought
Just Dance 4
! Who wants to play?”

We stared at him in silence before James took a step forward.

“Bring it, bitch.”

Jess laughed and clapped, watching the battle that was about to begin. Matt and James rushed forward, setting up the game quickly. Once they got to the song portion was when the bickering started.

“Fine. James, pick your poison,” Matt said, narrowing his eyes.

James rolled his eyes and placed a hand on his hip girlishly. I giggled and covered my mouth sheepishly with one hand. The boys turned to me, smiles slowly beginning to spread across their faces. I blushed and smiled back at them.

James looked back at the screen and grinned. “Oh, I have the perfect song.”

“What is
…?”

“It’s Britney, bitch!” James shouted.

Two minutes later, I was laughing my ass off, tears rolling down my face as Matt and James continued to shake their “goods.” Meanwhile, Jess was rolling on the ground from laughing so hard.

When the song was finally over, my face was as red as a tomato and tears were streaming down my face while Jess was face down on the carpet, shaking violently with each laugh.

“Would you look at that? Bella is laughing!” Matt was beaming down at me before sharing a look with James. Evil smirks began to appear on their faces, and they turned back to face me. My heart sped up at the sight of their wiggling fingers.

“Nooo! Don’t you dare!” I shrieked as they jumped me, their hands digging lightly into my sides, making me burst with loud uncontrollable laughter. Suddenly, I felt a rush of pain through my abdomen, and a gasp escaped my mouth.

“Bella?” Jess was up and by my side like a shot, pushing the two boys away as she did. “Are you okay, Bella?”

I shut my eyes tightly and clenched my hands into small fists. My breath was coming out in short puffs as Jess rubbed my arms with her hands. Thankfully, the pain was slowly fading then.

“Bella, please open your eyes
.
”
H
er voice was quiet and I eventually did as she said. Worried eyes were studying my face and my lips parted as I took deep, soothing breaths.

“We’re so sorry! Is there anything you need? Can we help? We’re really
…”
the boys mumbled in unison.

“Water,” I said softly as I pulled my arms away from Jess and settled them across my chest.

James rushed to the kitchen, grabbing a cup and filling it with water. Then he rushed over to me and placed it in my shaky hands.

“Bell, you okay?” Jess asked again.

“Y-yeah,” I said, taking another sip. “My ribs are still a little sore, I guess.” Guilty looks replaced the worried ones, and I immediately felt bad about making them feel that way.

“No, guys, it’s fine. I am fine,” I insisted, standing up in an attempt to prove to them that I was okay.

“Actually,” Matt said, standing up, “you have a little something on your shirt.” His finger pointed downwards, and I dropped my head slowly, only to have his finger flick upwards.

“Wha——
”
My eyes widened as everyone began laughing again, including me.

“You jerk!” I cried out, still laughing. I began swatting at Matt and he took off, running to the kitchen while laughing. I was about to run after him when I heard whispering behind me. Turning around, I noticed that James and Jess were talking about something.

“What’s going on?”

They both looked at me at the same time, both blushing a deep shade of red.

“You guys are hiding something!” My voice went an octave higher
,
and I pointed at them excitedly. Whipping around, I was about to tell Matt, only to see him mouthing something to them.

“What is going on?” I asked, crossing my arms and narrowing my eyes.

“Oh… well… uh
…”
James purposefully trailed off, looking away.

“You guys!” I whined, stomping my foot in a childish manner.

Amusement just flashed through their eyes, annoying me even more.

“Fine. If you guys won’t tell me what’s going on…
”
I paused, glaring at them all, “then I’ll just leave.” I made my way over to the door, stopping just before it. “Really? Nothing?”

They were now grinning and I growled in annoyance.

I flung open the door while still glaring at them all. “Fine then! Bye, guys! Guess I’ll just be… umph!” My body collided with a hard wall, and I bounced backwards. But strong, muscular arms caught me, pulling me into a warm chest.

My eyes had shut in anticipation of the fall, and knowing full well who was holding me, I planned on never opening them again.

“You’ll just be what?” A deep, mocking voice filled the silence, and I opened my eyes involuntarily.

“Connor.” My voice was soft, and a deep blush rose to my cheeks. I heard James and Jess squeal in excitement and I rolled my eyes, though I was smiling. Matt clapped loudly and walked beside us.

“Now, do you see why we couldn’t tell you what was going on?” Even though Matt was talking right next to me, I couldn’t rip my eyes off of Connor.

He looked great, better than great! His dark hair had been trimmed slightly and he had a nice tan. His eyes were bright
,
and a perfect smile stretched across his face.

“Earth to Bella?” Matt teased.

I tore my eyes away from Connor and blushed even more. His booming laughter rang throughout the house, and I couldn
’
t stop myself from wrapping my arms around his muscled body, pulling him closer by the second.

“I missed you too, Bells,” Connor whispered quietly to me, rubbing my back comfortingly.

I snuggled my head into his chest while he ran his hands through my hair. I heard Jess say something, followed by retreating footsteps. After a couple of minutes, I pulled away, looking straight into his eyes. I bit my lip gently and opened my mouth, ready to say something.

“Wait,” he said gently, “let’s at least get inside before we talk.”

I nodded and grabbed his hand, causing him to chuckle and grin. Once inside, I sat on the couch, next to Connor. After taking a deep, relaxing breath, I turned to him.

“How’s your grandma?” I asked quietly, avoiding his eyes.

“She’s good, much better now,” he said softly.

I nodded and bit my lip nervously again, knowing full well that I was about to crack.

“I’m so sorry.” My voice cracked and I took a painful swallow, trying to hold back the tears. Before I could say anything else, I was pulled onto his lap and into a warm embrace.

“Shhh… Shhh…” he murmured, rocking me back and forth.

The tears fell freely now and I rested my head on the crook of his neck while I cried. He whispered sweet nothings in my ear while he stroked my head and cradled me in his arms. When my cries began to cease, I found the strength to pull away and stand.

“Bells…”

“Why are you being l-like this?” I asked, breathing raggedly.

Confusion flashed across his face before an understanding look replaced it.

“Bells, what you said hurt me, but you have gone through hell and back. And you know what? It’s insane how much I care about you. Even if you really don’t want me, I’m not going to give up.” He was now standing, his hands outstretched towards me.

“I want you,” I said, clearly. “I was pushing you away for no reason, and I’m so sorry.”

“What was that?” Connor asked, taking a step forward, a smile slowly appearing on his lips.

“I want you,” I said it louder this time, an answering grin gracing my lips.

“I’m sorry, one more time?” Connor asked, taking another step closer so that he was right in front of me.

I rolled my eyes playfully and stood on my toes. “I want you!” I shouted, my voice croaking due to the volume.

He grinned at me and leaned down slightly, but
he
paused before he could make contact and asked, “Can I pick you up or are you still sore?”