Absolution: Chastity Falls, #6

By L. A. Cotton

It's supposed to be a job like any other. Get in. Do the deal. Get out.

 

But when Dennis Hayes spots her across the room, he's sure he must be seeing things. It can't be Cassie Malson, the only girl he ever loved. Still loves. Because five years ago he left her to live her dreams—without him.

 

He doesn't want to open old wounds, but Dennis can't walk away again. He won't. Not until he finds out the reason for the haunted look in her eyes. Even if she hates him. Even if the truth hurts him more than he ever expected.

 

Even if it means going against everything he's ever known.

 

Because Cassie Malson is his absolution and this time he's determined to save her heart …

 

Even if he risks losing his own in the process.

 

 

*Absolution is a Chastity Falls spin-off story. It also contains the novella Affliction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Delesty Books
• Release date: Feb 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386820420

L. A. Cotton

Addictive Romance Author of mature young adult and new adult novels, L A is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns. Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find L A immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Dennis

I watched her from across the room, her hands running up and down the curves of her body as she swayed her hips to the sultry beat. At least twenty other girls danced around her, all wearing tight little dresses, skin everywhere. But my eyes only saw her. Loose waves hung down her back, legs that went on for miles, and a smile that could bring an army to its knees. Fuck, she held such power over me... and she had no idea.

Moving around the room, I stayed hidden in the shadows. She didn’t know I was here, and I wanted it to stay that way, at least, for a little while. I didn’t attend campus parties, not unless it was team business. But I’d found myself sneaking out of Fallen House—the house where I lived with the rest of Chastity Falls Academy football team—four times in the last month, just to watch her. 

Cassie Malson.

If the guys knew, they’d have my balls.

I pulled the ball cap down lower over my eyes. If anyone spotted me, I didn’t want to consider the rumors that would fly around campus. It wouldn’t be good for either of us. But it was getting harder to resist. To look, but not touch. God, I wanted to. Although, I knew one touch would never be enough.

Someone barreled into me and I jostled him off. Hey, watch it, man. He shot me a terse glare, and I returned it with one of my own. His gaze flickered over my face, sparking with recognition. But he didn’t say anything. Moving so fast, he stumbled back, hands up, and then melted back into the crowd.

When my eyes found her again, she had turned around. I could see her whole face now. Flushed skin, full pink lips, and her eyes... fuck, those big brown eyes of hers. They did things to me. Things I didn’t want to acknowledge.

What was it about her that drew me in and held me captive?

I’d never felt this before. Nothing even close. I’d watched my best friend, Jackson, lose his shit over a girl. I’d given him hell over the last couple of years, even suggesting he stay away from Ana. But now I got it. Once you found the right girl, the rest really was history. Only she wasn’t my girl… yet.

I withdrew into the shadows, my eyes never leaving her as she laughed and danced with her friends, her arms high in the air, tight body rolling and popping to the music. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a couple of punks working up the courage to make their move.

Fuckers.

As if they stood a chance. 

The first guy snaked up to one of her friends, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. The girl’s mouth dropped open, but then she smiled and started dancing, grinding right on him. I straightened off the wall, arms folded over my chest as my pulse quickened. If he so much as touched Cassie...

The guy edged closer, and she threw him a casual smile and continued dancing. Take the hint, fucker. I stepped forward. Waiting.

Walk. Away.

I couldn’t risk outing myself, not here. Not in the middle of some party I wasn’t even supposed to be at. Yet, when he moved closer to her, I stepped closer to them.

Fuck. What was I doing?

They danced a game of cat and mouse. He went forward, she moved back. He leaned in, she retreated out of reach. Pride swarmed my chest, which was crazy since I had no claim on her either. But I liked that she didn’t just let him touch her like most of the other girls here. Not that I intended on letting him get anywhere close.

They were at the edge of the makeshift dance floor now. The guy was persistent, or he couldn’t take a hint. Either way, he kept trying to nudge his way closer and she ended up with her back to me again. Close enough that I could almost touch her. People moved around us, pushing past me to dance, but I remained rooted to the spot.

Then it happened.

He swooped in again, but she dodged his advance, backing up straight into me. My hands went to her shoulders, steadying her, and electricity sparked where my fingers connected with warm skin. Her body went stiff as slowly she turned to face me. Surprise sparkled in her eyes as they slid over my face, recognition flashing across hers.

Dennis? The music drowned out her voice, but I heard her. I felt my name from her lips all the way down to my soul.

I needed to walk away. To back the fuck up and let her go.

But… I. Couldn’t. Move.

Something was happening.

Something that could change everything.

What are you doing here? she asked as the punk glared at us. I doubted he could see my face, but I didn’t like the territorial glimmer in his eyes. My hands slid down her arms and I could have sworn I felt her shiver. This was a bad idea. I needed to leave before I did something stupid. But as the seconds passed and we stood there, eyes locked on one another’s, all common sense flew out of the window.

Come on. I slipped my hand down to hers. It was the wrong move because the second our skin connected, I knew I was done for.

Cassie

What do you mean, come on? I shouted over the music, looking over my shoulder at Jenna. She was too busy sucking face with the guy she’d been dancing with. His friend—the one that had tried to dance with me—narrowed his eyes, jealousy blazing in the depths. He was persistent; the type of guy who didn’t want to take no for an answer. Maybe I was better off sticking with Dennis than staying and fighting off his unwanted advances for the rest of the night.

Dennis led us out of the house, tugging on my hand a little too forcefully. What the hell was his problem? And why was he even here, at the swim team’s party? Football players didn’t usually mix with anyone outside of their own.

Dennis, wait. I yanked my hand free, stumbling backward as we exited the house. His hand went to the bill of his ball cap and he pulled it lower over his eyes as if he didn’t want anyone to recognize him.

What’s going on? Is it Ana? Is she okay?

He pressed his lips together in a tight line and a shiver worked its way up my spine. Dennis? I hugged myself tight to try to shelter myself from the fall wind.

Just give me a second, okay? he grunted.

Okay, I said, unsure of what else to say. I mean, it was Dennis Hayes. Next to Jackson—my friend Ana’s boyfriend—he was Chastity Falls royalty. One of the Fallen football team players and Jackson’s right-hand guy. Scary, intimidating, and completely gorgeous, he was the epitome of brooding bad boy. I shook the thoughts out of my head. 

Eyes fixed on me, they raked down my body, lingering on my low-cut neckline.

Are you checking me out? The words spewed out and I clapped a hand over my mouth.

A lazy smirk tugged at his lips and some of the tension ebbed away, replaced with something else. But when he didn’t reply, my irritation levels multiplied. Are you going to tell me why the hell you just pulled me out of the party? I snapped.

I saved your ass, and you know it.

My mouth dropped open. Saved me? From what? A guy trying to dance with me?

Was he for real?

Are you serious right now? I can handle myself, thank you very much.

I was sure his smirk spread, but it was hard to see his face under the shadow of his ball cap. I’m sure you can. Come on, I’ll walk you home.

Walk me home? What is this? The nineteenth century? I’m not going anywhere with you. My voice was shrill. Why are you even here, Dennis? You don’t go to parties on campus outside of Fallen parties.

His silence was infuriating. Even if it was kind of flattering that he had stepped in to save me from the guy inside, I wasn’t going to tell him that. He was being completely unreasonable.

Cassie, his voice was softer. Just let me walk you home, okay?

My eyes narrowed and I rolled my shoulders back. I don’t think so, Dennis. Thanks for the save, but I think I’ll head back inside and— The words died on my lips as he closed the space between us, looming down at me. I was no short girl, but he towered over me, his presence dwarfing my own.

Dennis, I…

He pressed a finger against my lips and I swallowed whatever it was I’d been about to say. The air crackled around us and suddenly, I couldn’t think straight. My eyes looked up at his face, more visible from his close proximity. His jaw clenched tightly as if he was at war with himself, and I held my breath, waiting for him to remove his finger.

One.

Two.

Three.

It slipped away, and my whole body sagged with relief. This was weird. I cast a sideways glance to see if anyone was around to intervene, or at least distract him. But we were all alone.

I think I should go. My mouth dried. The way he was looking at me, it was… intense and completely inappropriate. I hardly knew him. He kept himself to himself, rarely socialized with anyone outside of the football team, and even then, I knew him to be more reserved than the rest of the players.

Dennis didn’t speak as I started to inch to the side in an attempt to slip away from him, but his hand caught my wrist, holding me in place. It wasn’t forceful this time. Wait, please. I’m sorry, okay. You’re just making it so damn hard.

My eyes widened at his words and I stuttered, Excuse me?

He grumbled something. I thought I’d caught the words ‘fuck it’, but the music was loud, even outside. It pounded through me, or was that my heart crashing against my chest? I couldn’t be sure. Since I’d followed Dennis out of the house, nothing about tonight was making a lot of sense.

Dennis, I…

His lips crashed to mine, so hard my body thudded against the wall. Strong hands slid up my shoulders and buried themselves in my hair. It was unexpected, intrusive, confusing, and… Oh. My. God. Dennis Hayes was kissing me. No, that didn’t do justice to what he was doing to me. Hard, demanding lips sealed over mine again and again, and his tongue plunged into my mouth, consuming me. My body went off like a firecracker, and I didn’t know whether to knee him in the balls or climb up him and never let go.

Who was I right now?

Dennis

The door clicked shut behind me and Cassie flinched, her eyes darting nervously around the room.

You okay? I said, taking a step closer, but not too close. Not until I was certain she wanted this as much as I did. She’d kissed me back outside the house, needy and desperate, like putty in my hands. And when I’d suggested we move things to her dorm room, she hadn’t protested. In fact, she’d been the one tugging me to her door.

I- I don’t usually do this... her voice trailed off as her gaze dropped to the floor.

If you’ve changed your mind, just tell me and I’ll leave. Part of me wanted to turn around and walk out—to make the right choice—but now I knew what she tasted like, that wasn’t going to happen. Even if it was only one more taste, I wanted it.

Cassie tucked her hair behind her ear, eyes still fixed on the floor. I wanted to know what she was thinking. I wanted to know everything about her. But most of all, I wanted to feel her in my arms again. Feel her lips against mine.

 I was a fucking mess.

Come here, I said, holding out my hand. Her gaze slid to my fingers and up my arm, until her big browns were looking right at me. I inched closer, hoping she would meet me halfway. She had to want this.

Please want this.

Why me? Her voice was small, filled with uncertainty, and I wanted to erase every ounce of self-doubt—to show her that she owned me. But I didn’t want to come on too strong and risk scaring her off.

I stepped closer. Because you’re smart and funny and beautiful, and you’re not afraid to be yourself. I noticed you. I’ve kinda been noticing you for a few weeks now, I admitted. In a room full of fake girls and jacked up frat boys, Cassie shone, and I wanted to stand in her light.

I gravitated to it.

To her.

Dennis, I... She smashed her lips together, staring up at me like a deer caught in headlights. It was so fucking cute. I reached up and swiped my thumb across her cheek. Say the word and I’ll go.

I— she gulped, but didn’t continue.

My hand slid into her hair, curling around her neck, and I leaned down, slowly enough to give her time to pull away. 

Relieved when she didn’t. 

I drew her closer, pressing the lines of her body against mine. Soft lips parted on a sigh, and I took that as all the permission I needed. And when Cassie’s arms looped around my neck tightly, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. She felt something—didn’t understand it, maybe—but it was enough. I deepened the kiss, swirling my tongue with hers, chasing it with tiny kisses over her lips, her jawline, until I was sucking on the salty-sweet skin along the column of her neck.

Oh my god, Dennis, she panted, practically clinging to me, and I loved the way my name sounded rolling off her tongue.

I’ve got you, baby, I whispered, making her press into me harder. My dick strained against my jeans, painfully so, and Cassie noticed, her hand slipping to the bulge as she palmed me through the denim.

Oh. Fuck.

This was moving a lot quicker than I had anticipated, but then again, I hadn’t planned on kissing her in the first place. It had just happened. But now it had, I wanted more. I wanted to feel her underneath me, wrapped around my dick, moaning my name over and over.

Shit.

I wanted it all.

Every. Last. Bit.

Jackson was going to kick my ass when he found out. Cassie was good friends with his girlfriend, and after what they’d been through to be together, I didn’t doubt Ana would lose her shit at the idea of her friend being dragged into our world. But right now, I couldn’t find it in me to care.

Cass, baby, wait. I eased away, staring down at her, my hand holding her wrist so that she couldn’t feel me up anymore. She looked all kinds of cute with her swollen lips and flushed cheeks. You’re sure? My eyes burned into hers, narrowing when she licked her lips and nodded.

Get on the bed, I commanded, breaking away from her. Cassie stalked backward, lust glittering in her eyes as I took off the ball cap and yanked my t-shirt over my head, letting them drop to the floor. Her hands went to the hem of her dress, but I said, Leave it on.

Her eyebrow quirked up, but she complied, backing up onto the bed.

Scoot back. I stalked forward, popping the button on my jeans. I’ve dreamed about this. The admission surprised me, but all I could see was her.

She consumed me.

Cassie shimmied into the middle of the bed, her long legs stretched out. I smoothed a hand over her foot, wrapping it around her ankle. I pulled and she gasped, falling back against the mattress, her dress sliding up her body revealing inches and inches of milky-white skin.

We do this, and there’s no going back. You get that, right? My hard gaze searched hers, needing her to know that if we crossed this line, she was mine. I didn’t give myself to people easily and I sure as shit didn’t share.

She watched me, swallowing hard.

Cass, I need you to understand…

I understand, Dennis. Now kiss me, please.

It was all the permission I needed, even if I was about to break my most sacred rule.

Never let your heart rule.

ONE

FIVE MONTHS LATER…

Dennis

Dennis, stop, someone might see, Cassie started to break free, but I caught her around the waist, tugging her back to me.

I’m not done with you yet.

Her words might have suggested she wanted to end our little tryst, but her body betrayed her. Desire flashed in her eyes—eyes that consumed me.

Controlled me.

Haunted me.

She only had to bat those damn eyes my way, and I was like putty in her hands. I leaned in close, nuzzling her neck, and whispered, Let me come back to your place.

Her hand slid to my chest and pressed firmly. I can’t, not tonight. Elena and Lydia want a girls’ night. She looked up at me through thick lashes. I’m sorry.

Fuck.

This girl was going to be my undoing. Raking a hand over my face, I let out a heavy sigh. Way to get me all worked up, Cass. It came out sharper than intended, but it was too late. The damage was done.

Cassie’s smile slipped, replaced with an expression of hurt. Maybe if we didn’t have to sneak around behind everyone’s backs it wouldn’t be such a problem.

Ouch.

It was no less than I deserved, but it didn’t change anything.

Cassie…

Yeah, yeah. She backed away, putting space between us. It might as well have been the fucking ocean. I get it. You’re just trying to protect me from the big bad. But do you know how hard it is not being able to spend time with my boyf… you in public?

I reached for her, gently tugging her wrist until she collapsed against me again. Your what, Cassie? What am I to you?

It was unfair of me to ask, to assume, but I wanted to hear her say the words.

Dennis, she sighed. It’s been five months, almost six. I don’t know how much longer I can do this.

My chest constricted. She wouldn’t say it? Fine. But I would.

I am, you know, I said, ignoring her attempt to cover her slip.

She frowned. You are what?

Your boyfriend. Jesus, if the guys could see me now.

But it was worth it just to see the corners of her mouth lift in an uncertain smile. Yeah?

Yeah. I looped my arms around her waist, pulling her body flush to mine. "I know things aren’t… ideal. But give it time, Cass. Give me time. Please?"

She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, a move that drove me wild, and gave me a little nod. For a second, I thought I’d avoided another argument. But I should have known better.

Soon, Dennis, she said, her eyes boring into me. We have to come clean soon. It’s killing me. All the secrets and lies. I don’t like it.

I know. I leaned in, sweeping my lips across hers. I know.

There was so much more I wanted to say. But it was never the right time. Cassie deserved all of it. Hearts. Flowers. Stuffed toys. Diamonds. And I wanted to be the one to give it to her, I really did. But life was complicated.

My life was complicated.

Two years ago, when I’d arrived at Chastity Falls Academy, life had been simpler. I’d been sent here by my father, for my father. To forge business relations and align our family with the local crime boss, Marcus Donohue. But so much had happened since then, and somewhere along the line, it wasn’t enough for me anymore.

Dennis? Cassie tugged on my football jersey, pulling me from my thoughts. Are you okay?

Yeah, I’m good. I guess I should let you go get ready for girls’ night. I smirked, earning me a slap to the chest. I caught her wrist, pressing her hand right over my heart. My eyes locked on Cassie’s, trying to tell her everything I felt, everything I wanted to say.

Everything I probably never would.

Dennis, I— She sucked in a sharp breath and I waited. Waited to hear the words I so desperately craved. But when she released a puff of air they never came. I should go. I’ll text you later, okay? Cassie leaned up to kiss me softly. Try to stay out of trouble.

I nodded, too choked to reply.

Poking her head around the wall of the Pauling Building, she checked the coast was clear and slipped back onto the sidewalk. From the shadows, I watched her go. Hating the emptiness I already felt. I tipped my head back against the brick wall and closed my eyes. What the fuck was I doing?

Over the summer, I’d promised myself that I would end it—that as soon as junior year started, I would set her free. But then I’d spotted her across the lawn and every touch, every kiss was like a sledgehammer to my stomach.

I couldn’t do it.

I couldn’t walk away.

As selfish as it was, I wanted her. Cassie made life better. She made all the fucked-up shit I did in the name of family, bearable. When you grew up in a childhood like mine, you had to take pleasure in the little things. I was glad to be away from Stonewood Creek, away from him, but escaping the shit show of my life wasn’t an option. It was a life sentence. I’d found that out when he’d sabotaged my hopes of going to an East Coast school.

It hadn’t all been bad. I’d come to Chastity Falls and met Jackson. He was probably the best friend I’d ever had, but it wasn’t the life I wanted for myself. And now he had Ana.

For the last two years, their relationship had stood the test of this life. At first, I’d thought he was crazy, that she was a liability. But I realized now, they were stronger together, and one day they would have a life together. Away from Chastity Falls. Away from Marcus Donohue.

And then what? I’d return home and do my old man’s bidding? 

I could hardly fucking wait.

Maybe that’s when I’d started noticing Cassie. She was a close friend of Ana’s, and since Jackson spent a lot of time watching his girl, I’d spent my fair share watching her and her friends too. 

At first, watching Cassie had been enough. Her laugh. Her tendency to say whatever was on her mind without thinking. That’s when I’d watched Cassie at parties on campus, from the cover of the shadows, promising myself I could look but would never touch.

I wasn’t at Chastity Falls Academy to meet someone. I was here to do my job and to secure our family’s place beside Marcus Donohue. As my old man liked to remind me at every possible opportunity, ‘this life is no place for a woman’.

And it wasn’t.

I’d witnessed too many fucked up things to disagree with him.

Only walking away was no longer an option. I craved Cassie the way an addict craved their next hit. She let me drown myself in her warmth. A beacon of light in the eye of the storm that was my life.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket and I retrieved it. Yeah, I barked.

Everything okay? Jackson asked.

Yeah, I’m just on my way back to the house.

Okay, I’ll pick you up in the morning.

Got it.

Jackson wasn’t living in the team’s house this year. After a rough two years, he’d managed to bag the old Wieman House for him and Ana. But when your uncle practically owned the town and everything in it—including CFA’s Principal—it was no big deal.

But things weren’t the same anymore.

We all felt it.

Something was coming.

Something that would change everything.

Who’s that?

I locked my cell and slid it back into my pocket, shrugging off Jackson’s suspicions. No one.

The car cleared the firs and the Donohue estate came into view. I sat up a little straighter. It was always like seeing it for the first time, and for as much as I hated what it represented, I couldn’t help but be awed.

Gets me every damn time. I whistled through my teeth, but Jackson remained stoic beside me. It wasn’t easy for him coming here, especially after the events of the last few months. He parked and let out a strained sigh.

Ready to do this? I asked, knowing he wouldn’t answer. I climbed out and waited, giving him a second. When he finally joined me, we entered the house together only to be met with silence.

He did say to meet him here, right? My eyes swept over the high ceilings and gold furnishings.

Jackson nodded, moving further down the hallway to Marcus’ office. He tapped his knuckles against the hardwood.

Come in, a deep voice called, and I followed Jackson inside.

Marcus Donohue sat behind his huge desk, his face an emotionless mask. My stomach flipped with anxiety, but I schooled my features. Not everyone got to see the inside of this place, and he’d bestowed his trust in me enough to extend an invitation. My old man had almost had a coronary when I’d told him I was finally in the inner circle.

Jackson. Dennis. He motioned to the brown leather couch and we sat down. Thanks for coming on such short notice.

Jackson looked ready to puke, and I tried to catch his eye to reassure him everything was okay. Nice to see you again, Mr. Donohue, I said, in attempt to lighten the heavy mood.

Dennis, please call me Marcus. You’ve earned that right by working closely with Jackson. I’m glad he has you at his side.

I nodded.

Jackson, I trust everything is okay down on campus?

My best friend cleared his throat. So far so good, but do we have a plan if things go to shit?

We’re working on it. Distribution is to remain suspended until further notice.

Marcus Donohue ran the town, and Jackson, me, and a handful of other guys from trusted families up and down the West Coast ran things on campus. Jackson had already given us the order to stop dealing the coke after we’d found out a bad batch had led to some kids ending up in ICU.

And you indicated earlier that you had something you wanted to discuss with me?

What the fuck? I shot him a sideways glare, but Jackson paid me no attention. Yes, he said, eyes trained right on Marcus. Were you aware that Landon Smith was out and back in Reibeckitt?

We’d crossed paths with Landon Smith last year. He was from the next town over and there was no love lost between the two. Things had got messy. Which meant this wasn’t good. For any of us. But if Marcus was concerned, he didn’t show it as he leaned forward slightly on his clasped hands and said, Ahh, that.

Anger radiated off Jackson. Why didn’t you give me a heads-up?

Jackson. Marcus shifted, loosening his tie a little. I make decisions in the interest of business. Landon poses no threat since being incarcerated. Let’s just see how—

No threat? His voice rose. "He drugged and kidnapped Ana. My Ana. I think I deser—"

Jackson.