Cruel Cruel Games

  CRUEL, CRUEL GAMES

  Boys of Barton Woods (A Dark High School Bully Romance)

  Elly Xander

  Copyright © 2019 by Elly Xander

  All rights reserved.

  Publisher's note: this is a work of fiction. Names locations characters are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to anyone is purely coincidental. Any resemblance to anybody living or dead, actual events or organizations is coincidental.

  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

  All characters are over 19.

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  Contents

  1. Rachel

  2. Rachel

  3. Rachel

  4. Guzman

  5. Rachel

  6. Rachel

  7. Rachel

  8. Rachel

  9. Connor

  10. Rachel

  11. Rachel

  12. Rachel

  13. Rachel

  Epilogue

  Chapter One

  Rachel

  "This might be a problem."

  I declared biting my lower lip while staring at the lush lawn and the imposing building before me.

  This building held my future in its hands.

  A place considered to be a billionaire's haven.

  I smiled thinking my future was certain. I couldn’t believe my luck. I whispered underneath my breath, “Okay here goes nothing Rachel. You’ve got this!”

  Anxious, I glanced up at the tall marbled walled building, that would determine my future.

  I got anxious thinking yes, this was one of the most sought-after high schools in the country, one that at $70000 annual tuition, according to the money magazines would assure you a spot at the most exclusive universities including the Ivy League colleges.

  I moved stoically towards the historic 500-year-old building's iron doors. I had seen nothing like it in my entire life. The building was imposing, and I felt as though I didn't belong here.

  But then, I knew no matter what, I'd have to stand tall amid adversity. I tried talking myself out of imagining anything would go wrong this year.

  As I hurried towards the main door, I realized holy hell, I'm late. I also knew the doors would close in a few minutes. I picked up the pace and ran towards the Huge cast iron double doors and guess what?

  The massive doors shut right in front of my face. I shrieked oh no and threw my right hand up in the air. I rained curses at the door. I guess I thought it’d make a difference, but it didn't. Then I looked around and wondered,

  What will I do now? Great-My first day in senior year at the prestigious Barton Woods Academy, a place for future kings, queens and dare I say Billionaires was already off to a Shitty start.

  I thought, just freaking great!

  I cursed underneath my breath, staring at the door wondering if I could still get in somehow.

  Then, I sighed and looked around. Everyone had already gone into the building.

  Nervous, I sighed.

  I realized I was the only late student.

  My heart thumped in my chest. I couldn't have envisioned my first day to be this way. Memories of how I got here came flooding back in my brain.

  I worried about changing schools. But I realized attending a Prestigious Academy was an opportunity of a lifetime. I mean, how many students get the chance to transfer to an Elitist Academy in their final year? The pipeline to the best school in the entire universe, well few.

  I'd say I'm one of the lucky ones.

  I had a crazy time at my previous school; I just didn't fit in and got bullied a lot. It got so bad I figured the only way forward was to end it all. Yes, I hate the fact that I got close to ending my time on earth, luckily mom intervened at the nick of time.

  She sued the State, and they made concessions. They approved my transfer to another school. Plus, they also mentioned the scholarship is transferable again, should the need arise. Luckily, I got into a great school in the neighborhood.

  I didn't see a need to change schools again until a significant fire razed the entire school to the ground. Talk about bad luck, right?

  My last school burned down one night. Luckily no one got hurt. Still, no one knows what really happened. Rumor has it, it came from the cafeteria or something but who knows? Once the fire occurred, everything changed.

  It appeared the scholarship committee had forgotten what they promised.

  They wanted to cancel my funding. But the committee had no choice because mom fought hard to ensure I kept the scholarship. She requested they transfer me to the school of my choice. The truth is, she had already picked the school, and it was Barton Woods Academy! More on that later.

  Back to my reality, I glanced around the property, trying to figure my way into the stately building. I read the rules, and tardiness can lead to expulsion. I certainly wouldn't want that to happen to me under any circumstances.

  I clutch my book bag to my chest and glance around at the students wondering if I'd fit in. I should have watched where I was going because I bumped into a female student. She smoked a cigarette in the corner next to the school's lockers.

  "Hey, fucking watch it," She cursed and fumed. "Fuck."

  Holy hell, she looked rich.

  She had on a 1000-dollar shoes. I know this because I follow the latest trends.

  Even though she had on Barton Woods Academy school's uniform and was late to class, she seemed unbothered.

  I apologized and leaned down to pick up my books, strewn all over the floor. Then I turned to her and asked, "Hey, aren't you that makeup girl on YouTube?"

  She raised an eyebrow, laughed, and said, "yes, you are looking at her."

  I beamed. But then she frowned and looked me over.

  She looked me over and asked, "And who the fuck are you?"

  I sighed, wondering how to respond. Oh, my goodness, I am in the same class as Samantha Ryker!

  She's the sole heir to the highly sought after cosmetics line chain, why wasn't she in class.

  "We will be late!" I announced panicked.

  She laughed and said," only strays worry about being late. I take it you are astray?" I ignored her hateful words and instead said, "I read the rules and being tardy was one that would get you expelled."

  She laughed and said, "Rules are for you, not for the elite crew. We make the rules around here; well you go ahead good luck in getting in."

  I couldn't believe how unbothered she was when I was a mess. I noticed a side door and thought about trying my luck, but then when I got close, I turned the knob, and it broke. I gasped. I noticed Samantha laughing in the background.

  She yelled, "Don't think your scholarship would pay for that stray. That's a hundred-year-old door. And guess what, you just broke it: good luck explaining being late, and a broken doorknob to the Principal."

  I turned to look at her exasperated. She laughed we could leave and said, "well good luck in explaining that. And then the next moment I realize the door swung open and standing right there was the principal. I gasped and looked at my hand oh my God I swallowed

  She glanced down at the knob in my hand

  I tried to hide it from her, but it was no use she saw it. She said, "what's going on here?"

  Nerves flooded my belly. I got anxious.

  After all, she's the principal here. I said to her, "I am so sorry, Miss Watson. it's my first day here, and my mom's car broke down and…"

  She interjected and said, "we don't take lightly to excuses at Barton woods. Barton woods is an outstanding institution. "When she said the word instit
ution the very first thought that came to mind was, "an insane asylum. "I wanted to laugh, but I knew that would make things worse, so I looked away and said, "I really am sorry.

  She said, "you do realize that that door handle has been in the institution for over 200 years? And now it's sitting in your hands like it means nothing. Fine, get to class now and see me in my office right after your first class.”

  I thanked her and quickly hurried passed her.

  I noticed she staring at smirking Lisa. The principal said to her, "and that includes you too Miss Kelly. Get inside now."

  And with that, Lisa made a face and stared daggers at me. She walked past me into the building.

  Then she shot me yet another dark stare and said, "Thanks to you you just ruined what I planned." And with that, she walked away. I thought, what did I get myself into now?

  Then things went downhill from there because the moment I walked into the class, holy fuck who did I see?

  I saw Noah, the guy who bullied me back in junior school.

  The handsome stud built like a brick house. The 6'5 “football jock and the man who made me melt each time his insane dark eyes narrowed on mine.

  Holy fuck-How could he be standing right here in front of me?

  He looked my way and narrowed his eyes on mine. The memories of a previous encounter came flooding back in my mind. He leaned against the wall and smirked mischievously. His gorgeous hazel eyes raked my body, and honestly, I wanted the ground to open up and take me down with it. But who am I kidding? That will not happen.

  I turned and looked away. Then I looked back at Noah, and I saw him exchanging words with his friends.

  I ignored him throughout the first class.

  The teacher asked me why I was late, and I told him the reason. He said, "just because you're new to the school don't think you will not get a pass every time young lady. But I will let it slide today. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't do that, but. Next time you wouldn't get a second chance."

  Well, I just turned to me, and I seriously wanted to melt. Right after class, I had it to the principal's office. She asked that I stay after school. I guess it was my first day in detention and my first trip at the school. But I was also nervous why was Noah here? I knew his father was wealthy and being at this school seemed reasonable. Still, I never imagined I would see him at the same school. Later on that day, I heard it was the lunchroom. I turned and noticed some students hanging around a particular table. I listened to his voice. I knew it was him because Noah was bragging about his looks and his intelligence, something he did back in the day.

  Plus, he had a crowd around him.

  Seared opposite him at the lunch table was Guzman. Guzman refuted everything he'd to say about anything.

  Goodness, watching Guzman handsome face, caused an aching need within me. I'd no idea I still liked him that way.

  Guzman was also tall like Noah. They both were at least six foot five inches tall. Plus, Guzman is naturally tanned and ripped a nod to his Brazilian and Italian heritage.

  I bit my lower lip, slid my book bag into my backpack, and slid my hair behind my ears, hoping they wouldn't notice me.

  I took a quick look through the crowd of bodies surrounding them. I realized holy fuck my suspicions were right; it was them.

  I decided I would do whatever it takes to avoid the guys.

  I sighed in disbelief. I thought we'd never see each other again, and now here we are in the same class?

  I hurried past their table, trying my best to stay incognito.

  But it didn't work. The moment I got past the guys, I heard another familiar voice say, "Going somewhere? Hmm?"

  I spun around and noticed Connor standing right behind me.

  I gasped nervously; my legs felt like jelly trembling underneath me.

  Freaking hell Connor was also a member of the bully crew.

  Nervous, I trembled in fear.

  "I don't want any trouble, Connor," I said to him.

  He laughed, amused by my reaction.

  He slid his fingers into my hair as though trying to make sure I washed my curls.

  Then he leaned in and whispered into my ear; his warm breath moved over my neckline.

  "No, listen I'm not like the others Rachel, I wouldn't give you any trouble,"

  He leaned back up; I sighed relieved. I thought wow maybe he has changed after all.

  But no, instead, he stared directly in my eyes. Then he yelled out in a loud booming deep voice, "No Rachel, I certainly wouldn't be giving you any trouble this year."

  His voice was so loud it caught the attention of everyone in the room. They all turned away from the bragging duo and focused their attention on Connor and me. I got flushed.

  Holy hell--How do I get out of this now?

  "Hey!" Noah said rising to his feet and making his way toward us. Guzman did the same too.

  "Look what the Kitten dragged in."

  The hairs on my neck stood up, and nerves fluttered in my belly.

  Holy fuck, they were back at it, taunting me again just like old times.

  I slid my hair behind my ear and looked at the floor. That's the moment, Guzman continued teasing me, "Oh, I forgot you're the kitty."

  Most everyone in the room burst out laughing. Embarrassed, I became flushed with shame. The memories of their taunts came flooding back. The tears streamed down my face.

  I ran past them. I wiped the tears away from my face wondering why this is happening. Memories of their taunts flooded my brain as I ran away from them and it hurt, oh how it hurt.

  I thought this would be a great school experience, but it's going wrong!

  Chapter Two

  Rachel

  They were back at it again, Noah Guzman and Connor, heirs to the billion-dollar fortune.

  Do they want to break me?

  I couldn't believe it. I thought their taunts would stay in the past. I tried forgetting all about my previous life. But now it seemed to be an impossible task. I couldn't help but think about their imposing frame and incredible magnetism. I knew the guys had every student wrapped around their well-manicured fingers. I also realized that you can still see through tear-filled eyes.

  As tears streamed like a faucet down my face, I ran into the bathroom and pressed my back against the wall in pain.

  I cried.

  Oh hell, I cried as though my life was over. I couldn’t go through with this again. Plus, I didn’t want to go through it all over again. Why me? Why me?

  "Why me, God, why is this happening to me?"

  With my back still pressed on the wall, I cried, slid my body down to the bathroom floor and clutched my knees to my chest. My heart thumped faster than a speeding bullet. I buried my head in my knees and rocked back and forth. I couldn’t believe I was back in this place again. It was a memory I'd rather forget. I guess it's impossible now.

  "It's OK. They taunt everyone."

  I heard a familiar female voice say.

  I winced and turned around to see an old friend of mine, Libby. Libby was just like me, broken and a tormented soul. But even more, she was also not your average supermodel. No, she had curves, and she owned it. I guess we both have curves. But she always seemed confident.

  I wondered what she meant by her words. Did they bully everyone around here? Is that the norm at Barton Woods Academy? All I wanted was to graduate and get into the elite Barton woods university. That's all I desire.

  I told her, "Libby, what are you doing here?"

  She shook her head and said in a sad voice, "Just like you, I got lucky to get into this place. And yes, like old times they taunt everybody once they sense weakness, Rachel. "

  I sighed and wiped the tears away.

  "I wished they wouldn't do it. Their action takes me back to a place I’d rather forget," I said in a still trembling voice.

  She said, "I know how you feel about being back in the same zone with Noah, Guzman, and Connor. But you must stand up to them. Don't let them break you. Th
at's what they'll try to do.

  I shook my head and said, “If only it were that easy."

  She said, “Listen, we can do this."

  I nodded.

  And then I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

  You can do this, I said underneath my breath ready to deal with the guys who made my life in junior year a living hell!

  Libby said, "I'll see you out there."

  And with that, Libby parted my shoulders and walked right out.

  A few moments later, I decided to get out there.

  I didn't care what they had to say, I won't let them win.

  I walked out, and everyone started looking at me as I walked with my head up high down the hallway.

  I decided not to let them win.

  So I walked up to my locker, got out what I needed, and headed straight to class.

  Noah, Guzman, and Connor stood close by watching me.

  I walked right past them. They stared at me with widened eyes. Then they heckled and gasped.

  A girl next to them, who I figured was one of their girlfriends said, "She would do herself a favor by just quitting."

  Another girl said, "Why can't she just leave and go back to where she came from?"

  And that's when I heard the students laugh out load

  But I didn't turn around to see who was laughing because I knew I had to get through the first day.

  I hurried to class and got seated as fast as I could.

  The math teacher was excellent, and he said some things that made me feel welcome.

  He said, "whatever you might think if you fall, get back up again. That's life. The tough people last longer than the people who don't even try. So, what you must do is try until you succeed."

  He smiled at me, and that's when I decided I would try out for many academy activities.

  I promised myself I'd give it my all.