Cry For Me: (A Dark College/Enemies to Lovers) (Alder Academy Book 3) Read online

  Cry For Me

  erin trejo

  Cry For Me

  erin trejo

  Copyright © 2020 by erin trejo

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  1. Knox

  2. Liz

  3. Knox

  4. Liz

  5. Knox

  6. Liz

  7. Knox

  8. Liz

  9. Knox

  10. Liz

  11. Knox

  12. Liz

  13. Knox

  14. Liz

  15. Knox

  16. Liz

  17. Knox

  18. Liz

  19. Knox

  20. Liz

  21. Knox

  22. Liz

  23. Knox

  24. Liz

  25. Knox

  26. Liz

  27. Knox

  Afterword

  1

  Knox

  The sound of the tattoo gun buzzing as the ink and needle sinks into my flesh calms me slightly. I’ve been on edge lately with good reason. Everything seems to be happening in one shitstorm after another. A vicious never-ending cycle that none of us can control. First my dad and then our mom. I shake my head and glance down at the cross my friend, Danny, is inking into my flesh. A reminder of who I am and what I’ve done that can never be forgiven. This is my way of settling the demons in my head. Letting them know they can’t rule me forever no matter how easy it would be to let them. One day I’ll find my way just like my brothers have. Today isn’t that day.

  “You want any color in this?” Danny asks when he glances up at me.

  “No. Leave that shit as black as my soul,” I tell him. He chuckles and gets back to work. I close my eyes and let the sound drag me to another place. A place that doesn’t include all the hell we’ve lived the past year. I’ve always known that family means everything, but at the same time, it was my supposed family that ripped us all apart. From my dad being the vicious bastard that he was, to my mom trying to ruin my brother’s whole world just for money, I’ve seen firsthand how family can fuck you faster than an enemy. I’ve also learned from it. I don’t think I can let anyone near my heart, not the way Callan and Steele have. I feel like a piece of me has been crushed and ruined for anyone to come. Maybe I’m jaded or maybe I just don’t want the complications that come along with love.

  “You’re done,” Danny says, setting his gun on the counter before cleaning me up. I shove out of the chair and move in front of the mirror to take a look. A large cross with jagged edges and a black rose in the middle adorn the left side of my chest now. It’s perfect.

  “Looks good, man. I appreciate you getting me in,” I say when I turn to face him.

  “Always, Knox. You’re one of my best customers and you let me go crazy.” He smirks at me. It’s true. Since I’ve been coming to Danny, I’ve given him free rein of my flesh. Whatever he thinks would look good, I let him run with it. His creativity is something I’ve never seen before.

  “You kick ass, too. You shouldn’t be sitting around here in this tiny ass shop, man.”

  “You tell me that every time you’re in here.”

  “It’s true.” Grabbing my shirt, I toss it over my shoulder and head for the door with Danny behind me. We walk down the hall when someone comes barreling toward us and slams into me. A firm body presses against me and I almost snap. Grabbing the girl by the wrist, I shove her back a step.

  “In a hurry?” I snarl.

  “Maybe.” Big brown eyes stare back at me as I shove her back another step.

  “Shit. Sorry, Liz. I forgot we had a session. Go on in there and I’ll be in, in a minute,” Danny says, stepping around us and walking toward the front. I don’t let her wrist go as I stare down at her.

  “You might want to watch who you run into. Not all men are as nice he is.” I growl low in my throat as I nod after Danny.

  “He only does it because we’re related.”

  “Lucky him.” Shoving her back a step, she stumbles before righting herself. Her hands clench at her sides, her nostrils flaring as she steps closer to me.

  “I don’t know who didn’t suck your cock this morning but don’t take your bullshit out on me,” she says through gritted teeth. Her eyes stay on mine, a silent challenge that I’d like to play with but I won’t. Instead, I chuckle and walk past her, shoulder checking her on my way past.

  “Prick,” I hear her say as I chuckle and step out into the front lobby. Danny’s at the desk with another one of his employees when I move to stand in front of the desk.

  “You need another appointment?” he asks with a smirk.

  “Not yet. You coming down to the reopening of Intensity Friday night?” Danny isn’t much into the dance scene but it helps his business. The more we can show off his work, the more people show up to his shop, and I’m all about helping my friends.

  “I don’t know. Liz is in town and shit,” he says, scrubbing his hand over his face.

  “Who is she anyway?”

  “My cousin. We used to be pretty close, then she moved out to New York with her boyfriend and we haven’t talked much. I’m not even sure what she’s doing here to be honest. When Liz shows up, she usually drags trouble along with her.” I nod my head as if I understand. Hell, I do to a point. Trouble seems to always surround the Alder men, anymore.

  “Bring her with. Let’s have a good time. I’m sure the guys would love to see you.”

  “Yeah, I’ll think about it.”

  “Good. I’ll let you get back to work. Thanks for hooking me up, man.” Danny walks around the desk and pulls me into a hug before he turns and heads back into the back of the shop. I turn on my heel and step out into the cool night air and inhale deeply. With everything going on lately, I’ve been feeling a little lost in my head. No, not just in my head, but in general. I need something to get my head together. Maybe the reopening of Intensity will do just that.

  2

  Liz

  They won’t find me here. They wouldn’t even think to search here. That’s what I’m telling myself as I stroll the halls of Alder Academy with my book bag over my shoulder, holding the strap tightly in my hand. Security is insane at this place. I’m safe. At least I hope I am.

  I let my eyes travel over the other students that walk the halls on their way to class, noting how normal they all seem. High class? Yes, but normal to some degree. I don’t really fit into that category, but then again, who really cares right? I’m not here to fit in but I also don’t want to stick out. That’s when I see a girl leaning against the door with a cigarette between her lips. I watch her blow smoke through her nose appearing as though she could give two fucks if anyone sees her or not. That’s who I need to befriend.

  Strolling in that direction, I step outside and glance toward her. She notices and raises her eyebrow at me.

  “Can I help you with something?” Okay, maybe she isn’t the right person to become friends with. I start to turn and head back in when she stops me.

  “I’m Whisper.”

  “Liz. Do you have another?” Her face lights up when I nod at her cigarette. She pulls her pack out and offers it to me. Taking one out, I light it up and stand next to her.

  “Smoking isn’t allowed on campus,” a deep voice sounds from next to us
. I don’t turn to look as panic creeps in. Just what I don’t need, to get in trouble the first day here.

  “As if I give a fuck. What do you want, Callan?” Whisper glances over as I peer up. A tall muscular dark-haired beauty stands next to her, a smirk on his perfect face.

  “For a dancer, you sure smoke a lot.”

  “Only when I’m stressed,” she adds.

  “Why are you stressed? What did my brother do now?” His hand comes up to swipe a piece of hair away from her face.

  “Nothing. I’m just nervous about Intensity.”

  “Everything is fine. We have extra security all around and even here at school. Besides, she’s gone,” the man adds. I flick my cigarette to the ground and snuff it out with my shoe before I start to turn and head back inside.

  “Thanks for the smoke,” I say softly when a hand catches my wrist. I lower my gaze and follow the hand back up to the man that was just talking to Whisper.

  “Callan, don’t manhandle her,” Whisper hisses and swats at his arm. He releases me but not before letting his gaze roam my body.

  “You’re new.”

  “Clearly,” Whisper snorts.

  “Who are you? I didn’t know we were getting anyone new,” he adds, his eyes dancing with mischief.

  “I’m Liz.”

  “Liz? Just Liz?” he asks.

  “Yeah, just Liz. Like Cher or Sting. Can I go?” I ask, becoming agitated with him already. I don’t need to stand here and tell him my life story. Whisper laughs and moves past him, wrapping her arm around mine.

  “I like her already! Bye, Callan!” She drags me through the door before she asks, “What class do you have?”

  “Dance.” Her eyes jerk to mine and a smile tugs across her face.

  “This is awesome. We have that class together. That was Callan, by the way. They own the school.”

  “Wait, what? He owns it?” I ask confused. Whisper doesn’t appear shocked at all as she leads me down the hall.

  “Him and his brothers, Steele and Knox. They’re good guys. Moody as hell but you get used to it.”

  “You’re friends with them?” I ask as we make our way down the hall. It seems Whisper is a lot like me in the outcast department. She isn’t all dressed up in heels and makeup like most of the girls here. She’s in yoga pants and a long shirt with a pair of combat boots.

  “You could say that. I’m with Steele. Well, I don’t honestly know what you would call it. Dating seems stupid since we live together,” she adds holding the door and ushering me inside. It takes seconds for Whisper to be lifted off the floor and tossed over someone’s shoulder. She squeals before slapping at his back. Once on the other side of the room, he drops her to her feet and presses her against the glass mirror. I notice the teacher roll her eyes and that alone makes me grin. I think I like Whisper a little more now. I start heading that direction when someone rushes past, shoulder checking me on the way. I stumble forward but right myself quickly.

  “Knox! You fucking asshole. Watch out!” Whisper screams as she comes toward me. “You okay?” Before I can answer, she’s spinning around and storming toward the man she called Knox. She has his shirt fisted in her hand as she snarls at him.

  “I’m fine,” I add, hoping to calm the tension between the two.

  “I don’t know what your problem is today, but stop being a dick to my friends or I’ll cut your fucking nuts off,” she snaps before his eyes come to meet mine. That’s him. The same asshole from Danny’s shop. Just great. A sick smirk crosses those plump lips as he gets closer. He reaches out, tugging on a strand of my hair.

  “You’re picking up strays now, Whisper?” As quickly as his hand was there, she slaps it away.

  “She isn’t a stray, you asshole. I like her.”

  “You would,” he huffs.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. Knox’s eyes fall to my low-cut shirt right before I drop my arms. He chuckles when the other guy steps up next to him.

  “Stop messing with Whisper’s toys,” Callan says. He’s the same one from outside.

  “Looks like an interesting toy.”

  “Knox, I mean it. Leave her alone.” Whisper shoves him back a step but he just laughs and walks away. “You’ll get used to these assholes.”

  “I’m not an asshole and frankly, I’m a little upset that you’d call me that. I’m hurt, Whisper,” Callan says, placing his hand over his heart.

  “Keep on, Callan, and I’m telling Shane. She will have your balls in a grinder.” Callan laughs before moving back, standing next to his brother. Whisper loops her arm with mine once more and leads me off to the side as the teacher starts talking.

  “She’s annoying,” I say under my breath.

  “She is, but she’s also our way to passing the damn class. Do you dance?”

  “A little. I used to hang out in nightclubs a lot.” Whisper nods and looks toward the teacher as I do the same. That’s when the music starts and so does my heart.

  3

  Knox

  I drop to the floor and roll my hips. If you didn’t know me, you would think I was part of the Magic Mike strip show. I buck my hips before spinning around and peering up at the new teacher. Miss Johnson is older but still knows what she’s doing. She isn’t impressed with my dance moves, but she doesn’t try to stop me either. Maybe it’s because she likes the free show. I can see most of the girls in here do too. Maybe that’s why I do it.

  “Get it, Knox!” Whisper calls out. I smirk and leap to my feet, grabbing her friend by the wrist and dragging her into the middle of the room. I grind against her but she remains still. Her eyes track my movements, but she doesn’t make any kind of attempt to move with me. Maybe she can’t dance. Maybe she’s a prude. Either way, I keep moving. I grab her around the waist and before she can say anything, I have her on her back on the floor. I part her thighs as I roll my hips watching her eyes the whole time. The room is going insane, which they always do when one of us Alder boys gets in a mood. Today just happens to be my day.

  “Are you going to move with me?” I ask as my breaths come in pants.

  “Not a chance in hell.” I smirk at her response.

  “Suit yourself.” I grab her and jump up, pulling her with me when she shocks me. She starts to move and just like that, she has me around the neck, grinding herself against me. My hand comes to her hip, trying to halt her movements but she spins out and presses her ass right against my cock. There isn’t anything I can do to stop it from rising. My fingers dig into her flesh when she finally stops moving. I lean down and brush my lips against her ear.

  “Is that all you’ve got?”

  She huffs a laugh. “Hell no. You just won’t be getting any of my good moves.” With that, she walks back toward Whisper, leaving me standing on my own trying to catch my breath. Miss Johnson goes on talking when Callan strolls toward me.

  “That was an interesting start to the day,” he says with a chuckle.

  “It was wasn’t it?”

  “She going to be a problem for you?” he asks. I glance over at her and shake my head.

  “Hell no. She might just become my new favorite toy.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Callan glares at me like I committed a crime. I just shake my head.

  “What’s wrong? You get your girl and suddenly I can’t play games?” Narrowing my eyes, I study my brothers face waiting for him to say something wrong. Something that will have me snapping his neck in front of the whole class.

  “Go for it, man. I think Whisper likes her though,” he adds nodding over his shoulder. I follow the direction and find Whisper happily talking to the girl. That doesn’t mean shit.

  “Too bad for her,” I mumble. Callan laughs, slapping a hand on my shoulder before turning and walking away. I move toward my bag and grab my towel, wiping the sweat from my face when she speaks.

  “That’s all the moves you have? Are you a stripper?” I turn slowly and my eyes collide
with her dark brown ones.

  “I’m not a stripper.”

  “Then what’s with the stripper moves in class? Did you think you were impressing someone?” She raises an eyebrow, challenging me. It’s cute. I take a step closer to her and watch her for a reaction that I never get. Hmm, she isn’t scared. That makes it all the more fun.

  “I don’t need to impress anyone. I usually get what I want in the end, anyway.”

  “That’s the line you’re using? Pathetic,” she huffs. She turns and starts to walk away when I snap. Grabbing her around the waist, I lift her before slamming her against the wall. The air escapes her lungs in a puff as Miss Johnson hollers at me to stop.

  “I don’t need lines. I don’t need a strip show. I don’t need anything but these two hands to get what I want, Liz.” I can see her breath fog the mirror as she breathes in and out. My body is pressed right into the back of hers and fuck does she feel good beneath me.

  “Well, if you don’t get those two hands off me, I might just decide to cut them the fuck off. Then how will you get what you want?” She’s being serious. She isn’t afraid like most girls. Whisper steps toward us but I see Callan pull her back. He whispers in her ear and she nods her head reluctantly.

  “You’re new here, so I’ll let that slide this time. Stay out of my way or you won’t like the way I play,” I warn her. She isn’t really in my way so much as she’s now on my radar. Something about this girl is nagging at me. I need to ask Danny about her, but he already said she always comes with trouble. I just so happen to like trouble.