Unwritten Rules Read online

  There’s no way.

  A text from an unknown number awaits me.

  Unknown: It’s been a while, gorgeous

  Never mind, he still can’t take a hint.

  The first question that crosses my mind is how the heck did he get my number? Although, I’m not at all surprised that he found a way. Refusing to give him the satisfaction of an answer, I put the phone down without texting back. It doesn’t take long for my phone to vibrate again with another text from him.

  Unknown: Ignoring me, I see. That’s not very nice.

  I don’t reply, yet again, hoping that he’ll eventually go away. In other words, I do exactly what I’ve been doing with my problems ever since I was born.

  He doesn’t budge, still waiting for a reaction. This boy is persistent, I’ll give him that. I find a bit of comfort in the fact that we’re in a classroom packed with people. I mean, what could he possibly do?

  “Hey, do you have a pencil?”

  This.

  He could do this.

  I quickly hand him the first pencil I can get my hands on, still denying him eye contact. Our fingers briefly touch when he reaches for it, and I can tell he did that on purpose.

  “Thanks, beautiful.” His voice is deep, raw.

  God damn it, even his voice is attractive.

  “I heard you’ve been hanging with the East Side lately.”

  I still don’t answer, thinking about what Kendrick said to do if he ever did talk to me. Ignore him at all costs.

  “Yes, I might have been asking around about you. Sue me.” He smiles, making me want to slap the cocky grin off his face. “You do know they can’t protect you forever, right?”

  He gets a big bowl of silence as an answer.

  “Listen, Kendrick probably told you that you’re safe and that he’s going to win the fight, but you’re a smart girl, aren’t you?”

  Ignore him at all costs. Ignore him at all costs.

  “I’m going to win that fight. You know it. I know it. Kendrick knows it. So how about we skip the part where you pretend to hate me and jump straight to the part where you show me some Canadian kindness?”

  Then I can’t help myself.

  “I’d much rather skip the part when you were born.”

  His lips part, the shock in his eyes worth a thousand dollars. He quickly gathers himself. What’s wrong, Adams?

  “Oh my God. She speaks,” he teases.

  Inhale. Exhale. Deep breaths, Winter.

  “Still arrogant, I see?”

  “Seems like it,” I reply.

  “You know, it’s funny that your name is Winter. You try to be cold.” He leans toward me like he’s going to tell me a secret. “But you’re still hot.”

  I literally hate myself when a small smile creeps onto my lips. Like I’ve never heard that one before.

  “Did I just get a smile?” he says, this stupid victorious grin on his face. “Don’t worry. I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that since you’re supposed to hate me and all.”

  “You need to stop confusing your dreams with reality.”

  “Trust me, I know this isn’t a dream. If it was, you’d be a lot nicer to me and a lot more naked.”

  Don’t stab him with a pen. Don’t go to jail—orange isn’t your color.

  I’m about to answer when Ms. Jenkins’s annoyed voice rings out in the classroom. “Adams, Kingston. Do you mind?”

  Haze leans back into his chair and crosses his arms.

  “Not at all,” he spits.

  She stiffens up. “Do you ever stop talking?”

  “Do you?” He arches an eyebrow.

  The class breaks into laughter yet again. Most people would never dare talk to a teacher this way. Most people would have their asses sent to the principal’s office for a lot less. But Ms. Jenkins doesn’t react, ignoring him and carrying on with the topic of the class. I guess the rules don’t apply to him.

  After all, Haze Adams is not most people.

  I AM IN HEAVEN WHEN THE bell rings, marking the end of fourth period. The students start pouring out of the classroom like a herd of animals. I honestly have no idea how I manage to get out this quickly. I guess the desire to run away from Haze is strong enough for my super speed to wake up. Of course, it couldn’t wake up all these years ago during gym class.

  I am ripped away from my thoughts when I run into someone on the way to my locker. I look up. Two dark blue eyes are staring right at me. I almost sigh in relief when I see him. Anyone who isn’t Haze Adams is now officially my best friend.

  “Wow, what’s got you in such a rush?”

  “Blake. Hi.” I smile.

  “What are you running from?”

  “The question is who am I running from.”

  He immediately puts the pieces together.

  “Did he talk to you?” Blake glances around, looking for Haze. “Do I need to go kick his ass?”

  “No. I mean, yes, he did. But it was nothing. He asked for a pencil,” I lie, trying to avoid useless drama. That’s when I realize I forgot my pencil. I loved that pencil.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, worried.

  “I’m fine. What is he going to do? Get up and attack me in the middle of English class?” I laugh as we walk side by side.

  “It’s Haze.” He laughs. “With him, we never know.” He looks down at me. “Hey, what’s your next class?”

  I narrow my eyes, trying to remember.

  “History.” I groan.

  Blake stops in his track and steps in my way. I can tell that he’s got something in mind.

  He smirks. “Want to get out of here?”

  Every nerve in my body is screaming yes.

  “I wish. Maria would kill me if she found out I was skipping.”

  Blake’s smile doesn’t budge. I have the feeling that he knows something I don’t.

  “Who said you were skipping?”

  FEELING THE SAND IN BETWEEN MY toes is officially a “must do” I never knew I had on my Florida bucket list. No, scratch that—on my bucket list, period. Blake took me to the beach. For the first time, as we’re walking on the shore, I feel free. Like nothing—not even Haze Adams—could possibly hurt me.

  “This is amazing. Why haven’t I come here earlier?” I look at the calm and clear water on my right.

  “Because you didn’t have me in your life, duh.” He smiles, revealing his white and aligned teeth.

  “I can’t believe you got someone to call the school and justify my absence.”

  “This girl owed me one. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I sure don’t miss snow.” I close my eyes for a brief moment, letting the sun rays caress my skin.

  “I hear you.” He nods. “So, how are you feeling about the fight? Not too nervous?”

  “Of course I am. But I try not to think about it. If I let myself think about all the horrible scenarios that could happen for just one second, I’ll lose my mind.” I laugh faintly.

  “We have to win. God, even if we lose, I’m not sure Kendrick will let Haze spend a second with you.”

  “He won’t have a choice.”

  Blake sighs, running a nervous hand through his hair. “I don’t think you realize how dangerous Haze is.”

  “Says the street gang member. You’re just as dangerous as far as I’m concerned, Mr. East Side.”

  My statement seems to amuse him. “Trust me, I’m nothing compared to Haze Adams.”

  “He wouldn’t actually…” I pause. “Try anything, would he?” Images of Haze’s lips colliding with mine flash through my mind. I push the thought aside, trying to ignore the conflicted feelings washing over me.

  I need to sanitize my brain for thinking that.

  “Oh, God no. Haze isn’t that type of guy. He doesn’t need to force the ladies if you know what I mean.”

  I wince.

  “Oh, come on. Deep down, you must find him a tiny bit attractive
. Even if it’s just a little. No girl hates Haze Adams forever. They all fall under his spell eventually.” He shrugs. “I guess girls like bad boys, huh?”

  “Really? Have fun being a single mom.”

  As soon as the words escape my lips, Blake explodes with laughter, and I can’t help but join in.

  “God, Winter, where have you been all my life?” he says in between chuckles.

  Although I tried to deny it, it’s become quite obvious that he’s flirting. Blake is a great guy, but getting involved with one of Kendrick’s fighters is the last thing I want right now. I’m already way more involved in Kendrick’s world than I want to be. Not to mention that my cousin won’t let any of his friends date his sister, and I’m guessing that bro code also applies to me.

  According to what Kendrick told me a couple of days ago, Alex and Kassidy dated for a while against Kendrick’s better judgment. He was afraid it would put Kass in danger. And so every girl in the family is off-limits to his friends.

  “So… Alex and Kass, huh?” I change the topic. “I heard they used to be a thing.”

  “Yeah. They were. But not anymore. They broke up. Something about Kendrick disapproving of their relationship.” He seems slightly uncomfortable. Perhaps he doesn’t like being reminded of the code he’s currently trying to break.

  I look straight ahead at the mesmerizing sea.

  “Can I just ask what you were thinking following us?” he asks. He gives me a look that clearly says what’s wrong with you.

  “Not that my cousin was going to a creepy meeting with Haze Adams, obviously.” I shrug. “Look at me. Two weeks in Florida and I’m already hanging out with criminals.”

  “Not trying to make it worse, but you live with one, too."

  “You’re totally making it worse.” I put my hands up.

  “I think I know why you followed us.” He pauses, his eyes scanning the almost empty beach as we walk.

  “You do?”

  “The danger. The thrill. The mystery. You had to know what Kendrick was lying about. You know what they say—we want what we can’t have. It’s way better when it’s forbidden.”

  I look down at my feet and mentally curse.

  He’s right.

  And I hate it.

  WHEN BLAKE’S CAR PULLS UP IN Maria’s driveway, I’m relieved to see Kendrick isn’t home yet. I have a feeling he wouldn’t approve of me skipping school, especially with Blake. Kassidy’s red car, however, is already neatly parked in her usual spot. She beat Kendrick home as always. I reach for my backpack and unbuckle my seat belt.

  “Thanks for taking me to the beach. I needed it.” I smile and open the door.

  “Hold on.” He grabs my arm gently.

  I turn around, analyzing his face. His eyes are a dark shade of blue. Deep, sharp. They remind me of the ocean on a rainy day. He’s cute. But I don’t have it in me to get any more involved in Kendrick’s mess. He’s kind. He’s friendly. That’s as far as I’ll allow myself to go.

  “You coming to the party tonight?”

  Remembering the conversation I overheard in English class, I know he’s talking about Bianca Reed’s party.

  “A party? As in a real one—no dark alley and creepy meeting?” I tease.

  He grins. “It’s a real one this time. I promise.”

  I’m about to open my mouth to decline, but he cuts me off.

  “And before you try and make up an excuse, no, you don’t have to be invited. Everybody just shows up. And yes, Haze will probably be there because he’s invited everywhere, but that doesn’t mean we’ll let him anywhere near you. Now you can answer,” he says, satisfied.

  I sigh. Am I really that predictable? He’s right though. I was going to make up an excuse. I did have specific plans tonight: do absolutely nothing while watching my favorite TV shows for the billionth time and eating a bunch of crap I’m going to feel guilty about later.

  “All right, all right. Count me in.”

  Blake smiles victoriously. I step out of the car and shut the door behind me. He rolls down the window and hits me with a brief “Pick you up at nine” before his car is nothing but a small dot in the distance.

  I push the front door open, sending my bag flying down the hall as I kick off both my shoes in a swift movement. In the kitchen is Kassidy. Sitting on one of the stools surrounding the marble counter, she’s eating cereal.

  I can’t seem to hide the joy in my face. Overall, today’s been a good day.

  “Hey, stranger. What are you so happy about?” she asks.

  “That obvious, huh?” I make my way to the fridge and grab a water bottle.

  “As obvious as an elephant in yoga class,” she mocks. “Come on, spill the beans.” She gets up to put her bowl in the sink.

  “Fine. I’m going to a party tonight. Who knows? I might meet people who see more when they look at me than the girl who looked Haze Adams in the eyes,” I say, making fun of the ridiculous reputation my first day in school owed me.

  “Someone invited you to Bianca’s party?”

  “Yeah. Blake.”

  I expect her to be as excited as I am, but boy, am I wrong. Color drains from her face as she looks away. What just happened?

  “What’s wrong?” I ask, worried.

  “Nothing. I didn’t know you were that close with Kendrick’s friends, that’s all.” She looks away, obviously lying.

  “Kass. Seriously, what is it? Did I do something?” I step closer. If there’s one thing I learned from all the summers I spent in Florida when I was a kid, it’s that both Kendrick and Kassidy are horrible liars.

  “No, of course not. Don’t worry about it.” She is one stubborn girl.

  “Kass.” I glance at her severely. She knows I’m not going to let it go.

  She sighs. “I didn’t think he’d move on so fast.”

  “Wait, what? Who are you talking about?”

  She remains silent for a while like she’s trying to decide whether or not she’s ready to say more.

  “Blake. I’m talking about Blake.”

  My face must give away how clueless I am because she doesn’t wait for me to ask another question and carries on.

  “Alex and I were never a thing. Never,” she adds. “I was dating Blake. Kendrick didn’t want Blake to date his sister, and I get that, but… Blake and I loved each other, or at least I loved him. Kendrick approves of Alex a lot more when it comes to girls, so I pretended to date him, constantly asking Kendrick to drop me at Alex’s only to end up going to Blake’s.”

  My eyes widen. I’m unable to form a sentence. He literally lied straight to my face. And I thought he was such a great guy.

  “What happened? Why did it end?” I ask Kass, hoping for his sake that he didn’t do something stupid like cheat on her.

  “Alex said he was done lying. That we could either break up or tell Kendrick. And, well, Blake chose option number one. He refused to give me a solid reason. He said we should go our separate ways, and he sure didn’t seem to feel guilty about lying to his best friend for six months.”

  Six months? That’s a heck of a long time to be lying to your good friend. I can’t help but feel a bit disgusted that he would hurt Kassidy like that. Clearly, he doesn’t care about the bro code Kendrick asked him to respect.

  “How long has it been since he ended things?”

  I can tell she’s fighting the tears. “Three weeks.”

  I cover her hand with mine, feeling her pain. I get that she’s heartbroken. It’s so recent.

  “Well, you know what? You’re coming with me tonight.”

  She raises her eyebrows. “What?”

  I look at the clock, mentally making a list of all the things we have to do before 9:00 p.m. comes around the corner.

  “'You heard me. We’re going to that party together, having fun, and showing this guy what he lost.”

  THE SOUND OF A CAR HONKING is all we’ve been hearing for the
past couple of minutes. Will, Kendrick, and Blake’s impatience is growing by the second. Those guys clearly never had to wait for anything in their entire lives.

  Maria calls out our names for the millionth time and tells us the boys are leaving without us if we’re not outside in two minutes. It took everything to convince her to let us go. She only agreed because we promised to be home before midnight.

  Standing in front of the ceiling-high mirror in her room, Kassidy is staring at her reflection. She looks perfect. I feel proud knowing I have something to do with it. I did her hair, her makeup, and even chose her outfit. She needed a little confidence boost, which I was happy to provide. She deserves better than this.

  “You ready?” I ask, opening the door.

  She nods, unsure. Next thing I know, we’ve entered Blake’s car. Blake seems a bit taken aback when he sees Kass hop in his car but doesn’t comment. Instead, he shoots me a smile that I make sure not to return. Kendrick says something about Alex meeting us at the party. The ride there is painfully silent. Will tries to crack a joke or two, but it’s no use. Nothing and I mean nothing—not even his ridiculous sense of humor—could make the awkward tension go away.

  After what seems to be a never-ending torment, Blake’s car finally slows down in front of a house I can positively say is American party–worthy.

  This is the kind of house you’d expect to see in a movie—the big house with so many drunk teenagers inside that it makes you wonder if the kid throwing the party has parents.

  Shortly after, we walk into her overcrowded living room without knocking, and the one thing I feared happens. The boys dissipate into the large crowd.

  Sure, go ahead. Leave me alone in this house where I literally don’t know a soul.

  I turn to Kass, thankful she hasn’t left me. She leans in and whispers something into my ear about needing a drink. Then—wait for it—she disappears into the crowd, too. Just when I’m certain all hope is lost and I’m officially alone, I look to my right and see Blake.

  Great! Just the person I want to be stuck with right now.

  “I’m sorry about that. I’m sure they didn’t mean to leave you alone.”