Unforgettable (11 page)

I decided to give up. I shut my books and packed them in my bag. I clearly was going to get nothing done today. Scotty’s imaginary tongue was moving all over my body, exciting me in ways only his presence could do. I missed him and wanted to see him. I spent nearly all my time with him but it was never enough. I left the library and walked down the path to my car. The leaves were starting to turn red and gold, and the breeze was in the air. Thanksgiving was just a day away and my parents hadn’t called me. I thought my mom would reach out to me and apologize but she never did. I was just the black sheep of the family—an embarrassment.

When I got to my car, something made my hair stand on end.

“Livia.”

I recognized the voice. I could pick it out in a crowd. I turned around, seeing my worse nightmare.

Jacob was just a few feet away. His eyes were the same crystal blue as they always were. His size was the same. His hair was a little shorter, but besides that, he looked identical to the time I used to know him.

“Get away from me.” I was instantly in fight or flight mode. I wanted to unlock my car and get inside but I didn’t want to turn my back on him.

“I just want to talk.” He stepped closer to me.

This guy ruined my life. I didn’t want to talk. Without thinking, I grabbed my keys and held them with the tips out, using them as a weapon. “Stay back.”

He held his hands in the air. “I’m not going to hurt you, Livia. Just give me a chance to talk.”

“Just go away.”

“I’m sorry!”

I stilled at his voice.

“I wanted to apologize.” He closed the gap between us.

Just because he apologized didn’t mean I believed him. And it didn’t mean I trusted him. I lashed out with my keys, cutting him on the forearm.

He hissed then stepped back, examining the wound.

“I said get away from me.” I came forward, my hand raised in the air for another strike.

Jacob grabbed them before I could slice him again. He tossed them on the ground. “Just calm down. I have no ill intention toward you.”

“Now I’m supposed to believe you?” I punched him in the face then kicked him in the groin. He blocked it with his knee, taking the hit. “You drugged me then raped me. You fucking sicko.” I slapped him hard across the face.

He never hit me back. He moved away, his hands in the air. “I haven’t stopped thinking about that night. It’s in my thoughts every single day. I hate myself for what I did. I was drunk and stupid. I was insanely in love with you and I just…wanted you.”

“I despise you.”

He didn’t react to my venom. “Livia, I know this doesn’t make up for anything but I’m so sorry. I hurt you and I hate myself for that. I will always regret that night.”

“You raped me then four other guys had a go at me. How do you think that made me feel?”

He averted his gaze, unable to look at me.

“You can stare at me while you’re fucking me but you can’t look at me now?”

The shame was heavy on his face.

“You’re disgusting. You ruined my life and didn’t think twice about it.”

“I didn’t know about the other guys until later. I swear.”

“You think I care? I don’t want your excuses, Jacob. I thought you were my friend. I thought you were the guy who would take me home when I was drunk, not drug me then rape me.” The anger seeped through my pores. “I hate you and I will always hate you. You took my virginity. Took it!”

He cringed at my words. “I just loved you so much—”

“Rape is not an act of passion, it’s an act of violence. What you did was wrong and unforgiveable.”

“I really am sorry.” His eyes started to well up. “I have nightmares about it. I…I loathe myself for what I did. I was stupid and got carried away. I guess I thought you liked me too…”

“Liked you to die maybe.”

He flinched at my words. “What can I do to make this better?”

“To make this better?” I asked incredulously. “First of all, where was this six months ago? I’ve been hiding from the world, unable to deal with the pain. My whole life was taken away from me. I didn’t have an identity. I lost all my friends. Where the hell were you? Raping other girls with your drug? If you can’t get a girl without drugging her, then you aren’t a real man.”

“I’ve never done it to anyone else. Just you because—”

“You were in love with me?” I glared at him. “That’s the most pathetic excuse I’ve ever heard.”

“I didn’t say anything to you before because I knew you didn’t want anything to do with me.”

“I still don’t,” I snapped.

“I just wanted you to know that I’m disgusted with myself. I can’t look my dad in the eye because I know how ashamed he would be if he knew. I can’t date any girls because I don’t deserve them. I really loved you, I still do. I want to make this right. I’ll do anything, anything at all, to make amends for what I did.”

‘There’s only one thing you can do.”

He waited for me to say it.

“Give me back my virginity. Oh wait, you can’t do that.”

He cringed at my words.

“There’s only one man I’ve ever wanted to give it to and now I can’t. Because you took it.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” The tears welled up in his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“Just get away from me. And stay away.” I grabbed my keys off the ground.

He stepped back, doing as I asked. “If there’s ever anything I can do—”

“Go fuck yourself. You’re only apologizing to me because you can’t get rid of the guilt you feel. You aren’t doing this to help me, to make me feel better. It’s completely selfish. If you really were sorry, you would turn yourself into the police and face the consequences—like a man.” I got into my car then slammed the door. As soon as I turned on the engine, I sped out of the parking lot, wanting to put as much distance between us as possible.

When I got to Scotty’s, I stayed in the car for a moment, trying to gather my bearings. My plan was to come here and make love, but after that conversation with Jacob, I wasn’t in the mood. It wasn’t the right time. I didn’t want to associate anything beautiful with that demon.

When I was there, I came to his front door and knocked.

He opened the door, an irritated look on his face.

“What?” I blurted.

“Why didn’t you use your key?”

“Oh…I forgot.”

“Let’s try this again.” He shut the door and locked it.

I smirked then pulled out my key and unlocked it. Then I opened the door.

“Hey, what a pleasant surprise.” He cupped my face and kissed me.

My hands immediately went to his shoulders, feeling the muscle. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“I never mind.” He gave me a serious look.

“How was your day?”

“Good. I just finished my last training session. Now I have a fight.”

“Really?” That was incredible news. “When?”

“Next weekend. Will you be there?”

“Of course. You don’t even need to ask.”

“Awesome.” He kissed my cheek then walked into the living room. “I got everything at the store so we’re set for tomorrow.”

Huh? What was he talking about?
“Sorry?”

“For Thanksgiving dinner,” he said. “Or did you forget?”

“I just…I didn’t know we were spending it together.”

“Why wouldn’t we?” He stepped closer to me, staring me down. “You’re my family and I’m yours. Did you think I was going to let you spend it alone? Or even worse, with your parents?”

“I just…I don’t know.”

“You’re spending it with me. No arguments.”

“What about Keira and Liam?”

“They want to spend it alone,” he explained. “It’s their first Thanksgiving as an engaged couple. And they knew I wanted to spend the day with you.”

I wondered if they just didn’t want to see me.

“It had nothing to do with you.”

I swear he could read my mind.

“I want you to stay with me all weekend.”

“Because we’re going shopping on Black Friday?” I teased.

“No, I’ll be sleeping.” He rubbed his nose against mine. “Or eating you. One of the two.”

“I prefer the second one.”

“Dully noted.” He sat down on the couch and pulled me into his lap. He made me straddle his hips then he rested his hands on my hips, keeping me there. He was more forward with me than before. “How was your day, beautiful?”

I liked it when he called me that. “Uneventful.” I wasn’t going to bring up Jacob. Scotty would flip out and demolish the house just by roaring.

“I can make it eventful.” He winked at me.

“Do you ever get tired of being cocky?”

“Do you ever get tired of being beautiful?”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not beautiful.”

“Yes you are,” he said firmly. “Why do you think I stare at you all the time?”

I shrugged. “Because you’re talking to me. You’re supposed to look at the person you’re having a conversation with.”

“We aren’t talking when you’re sleeping—and I stare at you all the time.”

I blushed.

“I like it when you do that. It’s classy.”

My cheeks became darker.

“So, what do you want to do tonight?”

I ignored his question. “I told Ash the truth.”

He stilled. His playfulness disappeared. “And how do you feel?”

“Better.”

“That’s what I expected.”

“He was hurt….but he said he wanted to know.”

He ran his fingers through my hair. “This will make you stronger. And I know he still loves you as much as before.”

“I know he does…”

“I’m glad you told him. And I hope you aren’t mad at me…”

“No. I know you were trying to do the right thing.”

“I’m always trying to do the right thing by you.” He pulled me close to him then kissed the hollow my throat.

“I know that too.” His kiss left me lightheaded.

“So…how about
Die Hard 2
?”

“Oooh…that sounds good.”

“There’s lots of explosions, guns, and smoke. Just what ladies like.”

I laughed. “Good. I never rent a movie without it.”

We lay on the couch then watched the movie. Scotty made a bowl of popcorn and we shared it. But I ended up throwing pieces at him during the movie. He growled at me then threw pieces back. It ended up breaking out into a huge popcorn war. We got the food everywhere, even between the crevasses of the couch.

“Now Thanksgiving is going to smell like stale buttered popcorn,” he said with a laugh. He wiped his shirt clean of crumbs.

I stared at him, a smirk on my face. I loved the way we played together and laughed together. I’ve never been so carefree in my life. He brought out a side to me that I liked, that I loved. “I love you.”

He stilled at my words then looked at me.

I hardly ever admitted my deepest feelings to him. Only in intense moments did it come out.

“Forget the popcorn.” He scooped me up into his arms and carried me into his bedroom.

“What are we going to do?” The movie was still on in the living room.

“I’m going to show you how much I love you.”

CHAPTER NINE

Scotty

Liam texted me.
There’s a frat party tonight.

Livia was sleeping. She usually became drowsy after an orgasm. I’m glad I left her feeling satisfied.
Yeah?

If you wanted to do this, it should be now. There’s no school for the next few days and everyone will be out of town—less people.

He had a good point.
Alright. I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.

What about Livia?

She’s asleep. She won’t have a clue.

K. Keira’s asleep too.

Let’s do this.

After I picked up Liam, we drove to the party on campus. We were quiet on the drive. I gripped the steering wheel because I was so excited about ripping this guy to pieces. I would get the names of the remaining four and then I would destroy him.

“No violence until we know it’s him.” Liam gave me a firm look.

“I know.”

“And no killing.”

We’ll see about that.

“Scotty?”

“Whatever.”

We parked the truck then headed inside. The party was much smaller than it usually was. Everyone must be traveling to spend the holiday with their families. That was good for us. Less witnesses.

I made my way through the people, wondering if my victim was standing in that very room. Liam trailed behind me, his eyes scanning the crowd. A few girls made eyes at me but I ignored them. The only girl I wanted to be with was sleeping in my bed.

“There’s John,” Liam said.

The guy we were talking to last time was drinking out of a red cup. His eyes were slightly red like he’d just smoked some weed.

“Let’s go,” I said.

Liam reached him first. “Hey, man. It’s quiet tonight.”

“Yeah. But the girls that remain behind are lonely and vulnerable.” He winked. “Easy prey.”

I couldn’t believe Liam and I used to be like this creep.

“I wonder if the roofies are unnecessary,” Liam said.

“They’re going to have to be,” John said. “The guy that used to sell it closed up shop.”

“He did?” I asked. “Why?”

He shrugged. “I don’t have a clue.”

“Do you remember his name?” Liam asked.

“Why do you care?” John asked. “He doesn’t have the stuff.”

“But he might know someone who does,” I interjected.

John seemed to agree. “Jacob.”

“Jacob what?” I demanded.
I was so close.

“Iverson—I think.” He rubbed this chin then took another drink. “That’s him on the couch, actually.”

Liam and I both turned.

A medium size guy was sitting on the couch, a sad look on his face. He leaned back and looked miserable. No one sat by him and he wasn’t talking to anyone. He seemed to be in his own world.

“Why is he so bummed out?” Liam asked.

John shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess because all the hot girls are gone.” He laughed at his own joke.

I really didn’t like this guy.

Liam ignored his annoyances. “I heard through the grapevine he raped a really hot girl.”

John suddenly looked uncomfortable. He looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening. “I heard the same thing, but no one has actually confirmed it.”

My heart was beating so fast I thought it might explode. “Who was the girl?”

“I don’t know. No one knows.”

It had to be Livia.

Liam gave me a look that told me what he was thinking, that we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

Now I had to get away from this guy so I could kill Jacob. “Well, I’m going to find a girl to hook up with so I’ll see you later.”

“Let me know if she has a friend.” John gave me a wink.

“Sure.”
Not
.

Liam and I walked away then headed to the corner. I grabbed a beer just so I would have something to do. Liam watched Jacob on the couch.

“How do you want to do this?” Liam asked.

“I have to find out if he’s the one who did it. I’m pretty sure he is.”

“And how do you think you’ll manage that?”

“Corner him and get him to talk.”

Liam looked around the room. “You aren’t going to get any privacy here.”

“We’ll wait until he leaves. He’ll either head to his car and drive home or he’ll walk to his dorm. Either way, that’s when we will snatch him.”

“Snatch?”

I drank my beer and ignored his question.

We tried to blend into the crowd while we watched him. An hour passed and the guy didn’t move. Two girls came over to flirt with us and we humored them just so we wouldn’t stick out like sore thumbs. But when the girls wanted to take us home, we rejected them, coldly.

Two hours later, Jacob finally made his move.

“He’s leaving,” Liam whispered.

“Follow him. But be cool.”

We tossed our cups in the garbage then slowly trailed behind him. When he walked down the stairs, we lingered at the top so we wouldn’t make it obvious. Then we followed him out the front door.

The air was cool when it hit my lungs. My adrenaline had kicked it, making my heart beat a million miles an hour. This is what I wanted, this revenge. This fucker would pay for what he did to my girl.

Jacob headed to his Honda Accord. He fished for his keys in his pocket while he walked. I looked around, making sure we were totally alone. The limited light from the streetlamps made it a perfect setting. The music from the house was too loud to hear anything. If he screamed, no one would know. I moved behind him, making my footsteps as quiet as possible. Liam walked beside me, his muscles tense.

When I was just a foot away from him, I felt my body tense in excitement. This is the moment I’d been waiting for, the moment I craved. He would beg me to kill him long before I was through. He would know how it felt to be helpless, to be held down without any mercy. He would know what fear really felt like.

He stood in front of his car, still trying to pull his keys out.

Without hesitation, I grabbed him. I pulled the sock out of my pocket then shoved it into his mouth, stifling his pitiful scream. Then I pulled the cotton hood over his head, tying it tightly in the back. He tried to kick and get away from me, but Liam held his arms back while I tied his wrists together. The only thing he had left were his legs. I grabbed those and tied a rope around them. He tried to squirm but it was no use.

I looked around, making sure no one saw anything. Then I grabbed the keys and unlocked his back door.

Liam stilled. “What are you doing?”

“Put him inside,” I snapped.

Liam helped me get him in the backseat. Jacob continued his quiet moans until I shut the door. Then I walked to my truck and pulled out my supplies. I had my toolset and a canister of gasoline.

Liam’s eyes were wide open. I’d never seen fear come over his face. Even in the face of death, he didn’t blink an eye. But now he was terrified. “What are you doing?”

I threw all of the stuff into the passenger seat. “I’m going to kill him. And then I’m going to torch everything.”

Liam grabbed my arm. “No killing.”

I jerked away. “This is how it has to be.”

He grabbed me again. “I’m not letting you do this. What he did was wrong, but he didn’t kill anybody. He doesn’t deserve this.”

I feared Liam would be a problem. “Let go of me.” I pulled out a knife. I didn’t want to hurt my friend, but I had to do this. I held it up, threatening him. “Please don’t make me hurt you.”

The sadness came into his eyes and he stepped back. “You’re going to regret this.”

“I don’t think I will.”

“You don’t even know if it’s him,” he snapped.

“It is. But I’ll ask when I get to the foothills.”

Liam gripped his skull then stood back. “Don’t do this, man.”

“Take my truck back to my place then walk home. I’ll get back on my own.”

The defeat was in his eyes. He stepped back, letting me get into the car. Jacob was still trying to break free in the backseat. I started the engine then drove away, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Liam stared at me as I drove, but I didn’t look at him once.

I had to do this.

The entire drive was spent in silence. I didn’t turn on the radio. All I heard was Jacob flailing and trying to get free. Even though it was hopeless he still tried. He was determined to live.

I admired that.

But he was wasting his time.

He managed to spit out the sock but the sack was still over his head. “Why are you doing this?” He was out of breath and he sounded like he just shit his pants. “You got the wrong guy. I didn’t do anything.”

No, I had the right guy.

“I’ll give you anything you want, just let me go. My parents have money. I can give you a good payout.”

I gripped the steering wheel while I moved through the hills. No one would find us up here. No one would see the burn of the car before I pushed it into the lake. They wouldn’t find his remains, and if they did, they wouldn’t be able to identify them.

He was panicking. “Please…please…”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have raped someone.”

He stilled. His breathing was the same but he stopped thrashing. He lay still. “Livia?”

How dare he say her name.
“Anyone who hurt someone I care about deserves to be executed. And believe me, I will torture you until you can’t stand it anymore. You will not go quietly.”

“I made a mistake and I hate myself for it. I’ll never forgive myself for what I did.”

“Neither will I.”

“But please don’t kill me…please.”

“I can’t do that, man.” I pulled over onto a side road until I was on the cliff face. I put the car in park then got out.

Jacob started to scream for help.

“No one can hear you out here, you fucking idiot.” I popped the trunk then tightened my gloves. No fingerprints would be left behind. No evidence.

“I’m sorry! I said I was sorry! I’ll do anything to make up for it! Please let me go!”

I grabbed the gasoline then opened his door. “On second thought, burning to death is probably the worst way to go.”

He screamed again. “Don’t do this!”

I unscrewed the cap when my phone rang in my pocket. I pulled it out and checked the screen.

It was Livia.

Why was she calling me? She was probably wondering why I wasn’t home. I couldn’t talk to her right now. I ignored the call. I picked up the jug and poured the gasoline on him. “I want to make sure you’re burned to a crisp.”

Jacob yelled. “Mercy! Please!”

My phone rang again.

I groaned in irritation then pulled it out of my pocket. It was Livia again. And she sent me a text message.

Call me. I need help.

Everything moved in slow motion. She was the most important thing in the world to me. If she needed me, I would go to her. I dropped the gas can then called her.

“Scotty?”

I shut Jacob’s door then walked away so he couldn’t hear me. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

She was crying, sobbing. “Scotty, don’t do it.”

Fuck. She knew
.

“Please. I’m begging you. Don’t do this.”

I hated hearing her cry. It softened me up. “I’m not letting him get away with this.”

“Killing him will solve nothing.”

“It’ll solve everything,” I said darkly.

“He apologized to me twice. He begged for my forgiveness and said he regretted it. I know what he did was wrong, but he’s not evil. He’s not doing this to other girls. He was in love with me and wanted me in whatever way he could have me.”

I clenched my jaw. “And that’s supposed to justify it?”

“No.” She sniffed. “But he doesn’t deserve to die. I don’t want this, Scotty. Please don’t do it.”

“I’m sorry. I have to do this.”

“Please. Please.”

I hated hearing her beg like this.

“His life or death doesn’t affect me. I hadn’t seen him once in six months and he never bothered me, but his absence didn’t make me feel better. You’re the one who put me back together. You’re the one helped me live again. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life and that’s because of you. Killing him won’t fix anything…because you already put me back together.”

I took a deep breath, staring into the darkness.

“Scotty…it won’t make you feel better. It’ll just make you feel worse.”

“My parents burned to death and they were good people. So why should be spared?” The bitterness was in my voice.

“Because I asked him to be spared.” Her voice was gentle, still full of tears. “Killing him won’t bring your parents back, it won’t erase what happened to me, and it won’t make either one of us feel better. Now please stop this and come home.”