Falcondell: The Devil's Son (13 page)

Chapter 29

We stay at the Ridge for most of the day. Hunger soon takes over and Ash takes us to Violet’s to eat. As we walk inside she looks over and rushing towards me hugs me saying, “Oh thank goodness. I was worried that I wouldn’t see you again.” Pulling back she looks at Ash with a stern expression. “I don’t know how you did it but whatever you said to them obviously worked. Don’t think you can fool me though and I will be watching you and if you put a foot wrong with this girl then you will have me to answer to. I don’t care who your father or uncle is, understand?” To my surprise Ash laughs and then reaching over hugs Violet to him. “Don’t worry Violet, there’s nobody that scares me more than you, I promise that I will behave myself.” Looking completely flustered and now extremely red Violet punches him on the arm. “Yes well flattery won’t work with me either. Come on you two; let’s get you something to eat before you waste away.”

Ash pulls me into a booth next to him and we sit squashed together as we choose what to eat. We hold hands under the table and I enjoy the feeling of him close to me. It’s not long before we are joined by Gabe and Piper. Looking anxiously at me Gabe says, “Is everything ok Grace?” Smiling I look at his worried face. “Couldn’t be better Gabe.” He visibly relaxes and then looks at Ash who is lounging beside me looking as if he hasn’t a care in the world. Gabe says, “I’m watching you Ash. Don’t think I’m scared of you because I’m not. Do anything to hurt my cousin and I’ll be after you.” Piper’s eyes widen and she pales but Ash just laughs and putting his arm around me he looks at him saying, “Relax Gabe, we want the same thing. Nothing or nobody is going to hurt Grace and that includes me, ok?” Nodding Gabe settles back and pulls Piper against him. As they decide what to order we are also joined by Cally and Jacob. Cally slides in next to Gabe and Jacob next to Ash who says, “Well isn’t this nice, all friends together.” The others laugh but I can tell that Gabe and Piper are uncomfortable. I am sure that they will soon see that they aren’t all that bad so I don’t worry about it too much. Jacob looks at us. “So what’s the plan this evening Ash?” Stretching out Ash says lazily. “Well it’s been one hell of a day so all I intend on doing is spending time with my girl and chilling out. That doesn’t include any of you so you’re off the hook.” Jacob laughs and looks at Cally with a wicked expression. “Looks like I’ll have you all to myself then baby.” Cally blushes and Ash laughs at her expression. “Looks like you’re in for one hell of a night little lady.”  Cally blushes again and I nudge Ash. “Stop it Ash, you’re embarrassing her.” I say pretending to be annoyed. Everyone laughs and we are interrupted by the food arriving. By the time we have finished we have all relaxed around each other and have a good time getting to know one another. One by one everyone drifts away and Ash says, “Come on Angel, I’ll get you off home. Maybe your Aunt will be kind enough to let me stay for a while and then I’ll let you get some sleep. Like I said before, it’s been a hellava day.”

When we get home Aunt Sarah is pleased to see us and fusses around making us drinks. We sit in the kitchen watching her and I am glad to see that she appears to have relaxed a little around Ash. Looking thoughtful she says, “Listen you two, I am glad that things have worked out, but you must remember that it will only last if Grace’s secret is kept. Hopefully you will just enjoy being normal for a while and have fun, God knows you both need it and I could do without the worry.”

Ash laughs. “Don’t worry Mrs Rivers, Grace is safe with me. You will all soon realise that I am not as bad as you think.” Smiling my Aunt says, “Call me Sarah dear, and I hope so for all our sakes. Anyway, I have to love you and leave you because I promised Annie that I would help her with something. Be good you two and I’ll see you later.” As she leaves Ash pulls me towards him and grins wickedly. “I wonder what she meant by being good. Not something I usually associate with me, that’s for sure.” Laughing I raise my eyes up. “I don’t believe you Ash. I think you are not as bad as you have people believe.” Touching my lips with his he says, “Hush, somebody may hear you. I have a reputation to protect remember.” Then he kisses me and everything else is forgotten.

Chapter 30

Ash comes to collect me for school the next morning. As I see him waiting outside on his motorbike I still can’t quite believe how things have worked out. Saying goodbye to my Aunt I race over to him and he smiles happily at me. “Morning Angel, did you sleep well?” Settling behind him I wrap my arms around his waist and enjoy the feeling of him close to me. “Like a log, how about you?” “Same, although I wished you were with me, this is going to be an extremely frustrating relationship if you know what I mean.” My face burns and I bury it in his back. I can hear him laugh as he starts up the engine. I know that it will just be a matter of time before we move on to the next stage in our relationship and I feel the heat tear through me at the thought of it.

It feels good to arrive at school with him. As we pull up I can see the rest of his gang waiting. Laughing to myself I see Cally draped all over Jacob. There is no sign of Skylar or Teagan which I am glad about. I know that I will have to see them and I am not looking forward to the inevitable confrontation. As we reach them several of Ash’s friends call out to him and high five him as he passes. Holding tightly on to my hand he pulls me with him and we are soon surrounded. I can see Killian with his arm around Paisley and she nods at me nervously and then looks away. Indie is hand in hand with Quade who winks at me. I smile at Indie who smiles shyly and then lowers her eyes. Of all of them I think that I will get on with her the most. Looking at Cally I can see the excitement blazing in her eyes. Jacob has his arm around her and she is looking up at him adoringly, her cheeks flushed. Seeing them Ash laughs and then grins at me. “What?” I say looking between them all. A wicked look on his face he leans down and whispers, “Looks like your friend had a good night.” Confused I look at her and then the truth dawns on me. Wide eyed I say, “You’re kidding, what Cally and Jacob?” Nodding he pulls me against him and laughs burying his face in my hair whispering, “Don’t worry little Tess, you’re safe from me for now.” Feeling a shiver run through me I tense up. The trouble is I don’t want to be safe. I want him more than he realises, I know that he will hold back though given what he saw yesterday. Like he said, this is going be one frustrating relationship.

As we get our books from our lockers I see Cally staring dreamily into space. Piper is looking at her in confusion and catching her eye I nod in Jacob’s direction and raise my eyes. In shock Piper looks between them and the realisation hits her like a freight train. Her eyes widen and there is disbelief on her face. We watch as Cally shuts her locker and Jacob slides his arm around her waist. He pulls her to him and kisses her lingeringly. Just as he does though Skylar and Teagan come around the corner and I watch in horror as Teagan’s face crumples and Skylar looks daggers at them. Hissing she says to Jacob, “Haven’t you got any feelings, can’t you stop flaunting your new bed buddy at Teagan. She loved you you know and you couldn’t give a damn about her. You’re disgusting.” Jacob turns towards them his eyes glittering and Cally shrinks behind him, worry on her face. In an ominous voice he says, “Mind your own business both of you. Just get used to the fact that I have moved on with someone much better. If you know what’s good for you you’ll leave us alone because if you even look at Cally then I’ll come for you and your friends, got it?” He looks at them menacingly and Skylar looks at him angrily. Jacob pulls Cally away with him and the two girls look after them with hatred contorting their faces. Coming over to me Piper whispers, “Come on Grace. Let’s get out of here before they start on us.” Nodding we keep our heads down and go to move away. Before we can though I feel myself being pulled against a hard chest and leaning down Ash whispers, “Going somewhere gorgeous?” Looking up I see amusement in his face and flicking a nervous look towards Skylar I can see that her attention has now shifted to us. My legs start trembling as I see the hatred in her face, but she says nothing and then looks away. Pulling me along with him Ash says, “She won’t try anything with you if she knows what’s good for her. Don’t ever let her intimidate you. You’re my girl now and I won’t have you walking around here trying to be invisible any more.” Nodding I follow him but despite what he says I do feel worried. Skylar won’t let this go that much I do know.

My last class of the morning is with Cally and as the bell goes we quickly gather our things. I have been watching her and can see that her mind is somewhere else. As we walk to meet the others I link arms with her and say, “So what happened last night Cally, I can tell that something did, are you going to tell me?” Her cheeks flushing she looks at me and I can see that her eyes are shining. In a soft voice she says, “I had the best night of my life Grace. It was wonderful and everything I ever thought it would be. Jacob was so gentle and loving and I never knew it would be like that.” Seeing my surprise she laughs saying, “I can’t believe that you haven’t.” “Haven’t what?” Piper suddenly says as she falls into step beside us. Looking at Cally she frowns and then says, “Oh no Cally, please say you didn’t.” Looking suddenly annoyed Cally says irritably, “Didn’t do what Piper? Didn’t just spend the best night of my life with the love of my life. Well for your information I did and will do again just as soon as I can. You can keep your judgements to yourself because let me tell you it won’t be long before both of you join me.” Shaking her head Piper says, “It’s only been five minutes and I for one don’t give myself up that easily.” Cally looks at her angrily. “Grow up Piper. We are all dating the hottest guys in school. These guys don’t hang around long if you don’t give them what they want. You’re both delusional if you think they will. Don’t judge me because I love Jacob and don’t intend on letting him get away now that I have him.” Turning to me she says, “And you Grace, if anyone is going to join me it will be you. Ash isn’t the type to wait and I am just surprised that he has this long, or is there something you’re not telling us?” Feeling worried at the sudden change in atmosphere between us I sigh heavily. They both look at me in surprise and I say softly, “No we haven’t but if he had asked I would have given myself willingly.” They look at me with shocked expressions. Cally says, “What do you mean Grace, why on earth hasn’t he tried anything yet?” Shrugging I am spared from answering as we see the others in the distance. Piper lets out a deep breath saying, “Good on you Grace. If he loves you he’ll wait. Anyway I’m off to find Gabe. See you later.” We watch as she goes and I feel sad that our little group is changing. Cally tosses her hair over her shoulder and says irritably. “She shouldn’t be so judgemental. It won’t be long before she is in my shoes and let’s see what she thinks then.” I watch as she reaches Jacob and his eyes light up as he pulls her towards him. I know that it is right for them. They have loved each other for years already and I am just glad that they have finally sorted it out. Moving over to Ash he pulls me to him and kisses me lightly on the lips. “Hmm, lunch time. All I need is right here.” As I kiss him I wonder just how long he can wait. I know that the battle will be with himself as he will want to prove that he is not his father and history will not repeat itself. It worries me though, this could destroy us.

Chapter 31 

The day passes by uneventfully and by the end of it I will be glad to get away. I have a shift at Violet’s which I am looking forward to. By the time I reach my locker I am surprised to find that I am the only one there. Then I remember that Ash and Jacob have lessons on the other side of school and Cally and Piper have hockey practice. As I rummage around in my locker I am suddenly aware of somebody behind me and as I spin around I feel fear creeping through me as I see Skylar standing inches from my face looking angrily at me. Nervously I see Teagan watching from down the hall obviously acting as a lookout. Skylar hisses at me “Don’t think that you have got away with this because you haven’t. Nobody takes Ash from me and certainly not a nerd like you. He may be having his fun with you now but it won’t last. He will soon get bored with you. A man like him has certain needs that only I can give him. Once he has had you he will get bored and come back to me. Then I will have my fun.” Reaching up she grabs hold of my hair saying darkly, “I will look forward to seeing this on the ground, covered in your blood before I cut it off and stuff it down your throat.” My heart is thumping and I can feel the fear rising in me as I know that she is capable of so much. Before I can even think though I watch as her face suddenly contorts in pain and her head snaps back as somebody drags her away by her hair. In shock I see that it is Jace and watch as he slams her against the locker angrily. Shock registers on her face as she sees who it is and he leans in towards her, his face centimetres from hers as his eyes flash and his lip curls. In an ominous voice he says, “Stay away from her Skylar. You have been warned and if you don’t want to feel the full force of his anger then you will keep away.” Wincing as he twists her head she says angrily, “Get off me Jace. You’re supposed to me my boyfriend, what the hell is going on?” Pushing her back against the locker he snarls. “Your boyfriend, that’s a joke. I only did what I was asked to do and that was to keep you away from him. I never wanted you, you’re easy trash and I just used you for fun. Girls like you will never learn. You’re not girlfriend material you’re just an easy lay.” Shocked I see her face crumple and she looks defeated. Pushing past him she races off closely followed by Teagan. Suddenly I see Killian beside Jace and he looks at me with a worried expression. “Are you ok Grace?” Nodding I smile at him weakly. He bends down and picks up my bag that I must have dropped and says nervously, “It might be better if you kept that to yourself. You don’t want to see him when he’s angry.” Before I can reply we hear a chilling voice say, “Keep what to yourself Killian, care to explain?” Watching I see Killian pale and looking past him I see Ash and Jacob standing there both looking ominous. Turning to face them Killian looks resigned. Ash’s eyes flash dangerously and I can see a nervous look pass over Jacob’s face. Ash is looking hard at Killian and I can see that Jace just looks interested. Killian says, “Skylar was having a word with Grace and Jace interrupted her. It’s all good now though. He put her in her place so she shouldn’t try anything again.” Ash looks at him angrily. “And you were going to keep it from me were you?” Killian looks worried. “I’m sorry Ash. I knew you’d be angry and as it was dealt with I just thought that it would avoid more trouble.” Ash moves across until he is standing right in front of Killian, his face angrier than I have ever seen it. Jacob looks worried and I fear for Killian who was only being kind. Feeling as though I must intervene I say weakly, “Please Ash, just take me to Violet’s. I’m going to be late and I’m not feeling so good.” Instantly he tears his gaze away from Killian and looks towards me. He sees the worry in my face and then with another angry look at Killian he moves over taking my hand gently. “Come on Angel; let’s get you out of here.” Turning back to Killian he says darkly, “I’ll deal with you later.” Killian pales again and I can tell that he is extremely worried. As I follow Ash I say quietly, “Please don’t do anything to him. He was only helping me and was just being kind.” Angrily Ash swings me around to face him and I can see the torment in his eyes. “I don’t like secrets Grace, especially when it concerns you. Killian knows this. I don’t want anything kept from me, ever. How can I protect you if I don’t know? No Killian has crossed the line and needs to suffer the consequences.” I snatch my hand away angrily. “Not because of me Ash. If you hurt him because of me then we are finished. I can’t be responsible for someone getting hurt in my name.” To my surprise Ash laughs and his face lights up. As I look at him in confusion he says, “Well well, who’s angry now. Threatening me little Tess, well what am I going to do about that.” Laughing he crushes me to him and kisses me passionately. Pulling away he says, “Don’t worry Angel I’ll go easy on him. I don’t want to upset my girl do I?” Feeling relieved I grin at him. Grabbing hold of my hand he says, “Come on, get to work woman. You’re such a trouble maker.” Despite myself I laugh. He is so surprising. His moods can switch like a light switch. I am just grateful that he is no longer angry.

Violet’s is busy as usual and the time soon passes. Ash is picking me up when my shift finishes and I am looking forward to seeing him. Now I have everything that I ever wanted. A loving home, friends, a good job and a boyfriend who I adore and adores me. Life couldn’t get much better than this.

By the time we finish Ash is waiting outside on his motorbike. As I climb on behind him he turns and kisses me so deeply it makes my toes curl. His eyes flashing he says, “Do you have to go straight home little Tess?” Feeling a sudden excitement I shake my head and lick my lips nervously. His eyes turn almost black and I can’t look away. Softly he says, “Come on, let’s go to the Ridge. I want to be alone with you.” As we speed off I feel the excitement growing within me. Maybe this is it. If it is then I will not say no, I think I want it more than him. If I’m honest I was so jealous of Cally today. Squeezing him more tightly I hope that it is tonight, I don’t want to wait any longer.