Reckless: Bastards of Grove Hill

By Zepphora

Finnick O'Reilly became my dark prince the day he rescued me from my bullies. I hoped and prayed that my savior would return after the day he saved me, but he never did. I was heartbroken, but it was for the best.

He saved me just to torment everyone else in Grove Hill.

People shiver at his name. He is one of the Bastards of Grove Hill. He's a thug, a criminal, and I'm so glad I've managed to not attract his attention since the day he saved me.

That is until the day he sees me.

Now, he wants me and he'll stop at nothing to make me his. I'm the only person who doesn't cower at his name. He doesn't scare me and that's something he admires.
Finnick is possessive, controlling, manipulative, and he's one man you don't want to fight with yet I do.
Still, I fall into his trap. Now, I'm stuck in a bet with him I shouldn't have ever made. The bet is simple. He wants my virginity. I refuse to be bedded by a man I'm not in love with. He has six weeks to get me to fall in love with him or he has to leave me alone forever.
I'm not sure anymore which one of those options is worse.

Reckless is the first book in the Bastards of Grove Hill series. It's not necessary to start the series with Reckless but it will give added context and world building to the rest of the series. For a full list of content warnings, please visit the author's website.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zepphora Books, LLC
• Release date: Jun 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223291374

Book preview

PROLOGUE

C ome on down, little girl!

Yeah, we just want to talk to you!

No, they don't. They’re the same mean bullies who chase me into this tree every day. I'm a good climber, and I'm small so they can't follow me into the same spaces as they might others. I'm flexible as any ballerina should be, but it's hard to get high up in a tree when Mommy forces me to wear silky dresses and girly shoes.

They want me to come down so they can pull my hair and push me in the mud. Maybe even rip my dress like they did the first time they came after me.

I know what they really want, and I'm scared they’ll keep me stuck up here for hours. My legs are already sore from squatting.

I won't cry, though. That's what they want. They want me to cry and beg for my mommy, but I won't. I’m too smart for them and I’m stronger than I look.

Hey, shitheads!

The trees are blocking my view a bit, but soon I spy a boy approaching. He's tall with thick black hair and he wears a shiny black jacket that looks too big for him. He's not huge, but he's still bigger than me—about the size of the big kids trying to hurt me.

The fuck you want? the biggest kid, Kyle, snaps at him, but he doesn't cower.

He’s silent at first, his eyes climbing the length of the tree until they settle on me high up, clinging to the trunk so I don't fall. My leg itches and I really hope I didn’t get bitten by an ant. But none of that matters when his eyes meet mine.

Blue. His eyes are blue. So bright they almost look like they are glowing. Somewhere between icy and sky blue. It's a shocking contrast to his dark hair.

Now, why would you be chasing a defenseless girl into a tree? Does she tickle your fancy?

It makes the bullies mad that he’s not playing their game. They scream curse words at him, but he doesn't flinch or back down.

One of the bullies—Kyle, the biggest one—runs at him, mad about him coming to my rescue. Kyle swings an arm, but the boy ducks the punch before hitting the bully in the stomach so hard he falls to the ground. Kyle’s stunned, but my savior stands tall, giving him a menacing look.

My savior must have scared them because after Kyle stumbles to his feet, all five of them flee like mice.

I'm frozen in awe of this strange boy. He saved me from those mean bullies, but a part of me is cautious. He looks scary, but I don’t think he wants to hurt me—just the mean bullies.

You can come down now, he says, shoving his hands in his pockets. I don’t move. He arches his eyebrow at me as I still cling to the trunk. They're gone now, Princess.

Princess? Why is he calling me that?

I'm not a princess, I retort as I carefully step down the big branches, holding my dress against my legs.

You certainly look like one up in your tower, he teases with an amusing smile.

I get it now. He's making a joke comparing me to Rapunzel. It's not surprising given my long, golden locks and pretty dress. I guess I do look a bit like a princess up in this tree.

As I reach the bottom branch, he extends his hand to me, helping me down.

Thank you, I say.

The strange boy grins at me. No problem, Princess.

I'm not a princess. My mommy makes me wear these dresses, I frown, pouting a bit.

So you've said. They shouldn't bother you anymore. Just don't tell anyone I rescued you. I have a reputation to uphold. He smirks at me with a devilish expression.

Why wouldn't you want people to know you helped me? Those bullies try to hurt me every day and no one ever helps, but you did, I ask curiously.

His smile falls as he searches my face. Whatever he's looking for, he finds it somewhere in my eyes. His grin returns as he tucks a stray strand of my curly blonde hair behind my ear. I'll let you in on a little secret, Princess. When people see good, they expect good. When all they see is bad, they never know what to expect. If they see good, they are disappointed when you do bad things for the right reasons.

I understand his logic. It makes sense, but I want everyone to know about the dangerous boy who protected me.

You haven't disappointed me, I confess, worried about how he will take that. I'm not disappointed in him for punching that bully to help me. You're not supposed to hit people, but he helped me and that makes it a good thing.

Francine! my mommy yells from down the street. I know she's looking for me. She always does when she thinks I’m late because of the bullies.Francine, huh?

I hate my name, I complain.

He laughs. It’s a big girl name. Way better than mine. Finn. Sounds like I'm an old man.

I giggle at his words.

Finn. I like his name. It's perfect for my hero, who wants everyone to think he's a villain.

I like it, I admit.

He stares at me for a while before my mommy yells my name again.

I should go before she comes for me.

Sure, Princess.

My heart skips a bit. The nickname is growing on me, and I want to hear him say it again. It's a sweet endearment, even in his dangerous voice. He's either a sweet villain or a dark hero. I can't decide which.

And now I have a crush on him. Isn't that just swell?

Will I see you again? I have no idea where he lives or if he's just visiting, but I hope he comes back.

Doubtful, but who knows? Go on home, Princess, back to your castle and away from your tower.

My castle is just as lonely as my tower, but I know I'll visit my tower for more than safety from bullies. It will be a place I can go to remember my sweet villain.

Goodbye, Finn, I say before turning to trudge from the tree.

Later, Francine.

Years pass, and with everyone of them I hope to see my dark prince. Occasionally I’ll glance at my tower in hopes of seeing him, but he never came back. At least he kept the bullies away, and one day I would like to thank him for that—for protecting me.

Sometimes, I find myself wondering about my prince—what’s he doing? Is he okay? Throughout the years, there are so many times when I find myself thinking of him. I wonder if I’ll finally see his handsome face again. The first day of my freshman year of high school is when I get the answers to those questions. But when I see him again, I’m asking myself a different question.

Finn O'Reilly is one of the Bastards of Grove Hill. How the hell was he ever my prince?

CHAPTER 1

HER

Prince?

I can't believe that's what I've called Finn O'Reilly all these years. Truth be told, I was quite naïve as a little girl, but technically, he did save me.

His treatment of other people is another story.

Finn and his posse, the Bastards of Grove Hill as the town colorfully dubbed them, scare everyone. He doesn't scare me, though.

I've witnessed the good in him even if it's swallowed up in a sea of bad.

A part of me is sad that he doesn't seem to notice me. We haven’t had a class together, all through high school, and we don’t have any of the same friends. Still, I pass him in the hall. He's either hanging with his gang, I assume that's what they are, or he has some scantily clad girl on his arm.

I'm not surprised. Finn is very attractive, but these chicks must have a thing for bad boys because even his attire screams future prison inmate. Shaggy ebony hair, icy blue eyes, a sharp jawline, and a killer smile makes him undeniably handsome. But, the leather vest he always wears with Bastards of Grove Hill embroidered on the back along with a skull and crossbones screams stay away. Yet, some girls are too stupid to listen to the warnings whispered in their ears.

I avoid him like the plague, which makes my boyfriend, Duncan, very happy. He hates the Bastards like most others, but his hatred is on another level.

Hey, baby, Duncan greets me through the open window of his car as he pulls up outside my house.

We've been together since middle school, and we never have problems. He's safe—unlike Finn O'Reilly.

I really dodged a bullet with that one. Who knows what would've happened if Finn came back like I hoped for all those years?

No, that's wrong. I know what would've happened. I would've been so dazzled by my prince returning that I might've made a terrible mistake—like trusting him. He would've either broken my heart or made me another notch on his bedpost, whittled away to nearly nonexistent splinters.

I'm not like that. I haven't even slept with Duncan, and he's an amazing boyfriend. I feel bad that my hesitance has left him a virgin as well.

He thinks I’m just timid, but that’s not the reason for my hesitance. There's not that... lust I want. Duncan is as attractive as Finn, but it's in a boy next door, good guy kind of way.

I’m dragging Duncan along, when I can't say honestly that I'm in love with him. I love him as a person and he makes my heart flutter from time to time, but it's not... all-consuming.

Am I crazy for wanting a love that drives me insane? Maybe.

Which is why I push those thoughts to the back of my head and stay the good girl I am.

I, Francine Gray, am a good girl who gets good grades, has good friends, and a good boyfriend. I don't do drugs, I don't drink, and I've remained a perfectly respectful, well-mannered southern belle.

I don't even curse.

Hey, I say as I get into Duncan's car. He presses a soft kiss on my cheek, a big smile across his face.

You look beautiful as always.

God, he's so sweet.

Thanks.

He puts his car in drive then takes my hand in his, squeezing it softly. What's on the agenda today? he asks.

I have a quiz in Trig, a project to complete after school for Economics, and a Sociology paper I need to finish. Can you help me study after practice? I need to get an A on my Physics test tomorrow.

Duncan laughs as he squeezes my hand again. Babe, you'll do fine. You're already in line to be valedictorian. He tries to calm me, but I'm anxious about these tests. I know the school year just started but I need to keep my grades up.

"I need to be valedictorian, Duncan. I want to get into a good college on my own. The only way I'm going to do that is if I get the Valedictorian grant the mayor gives out. My family makes too much money for financial aid, and scholarships aren't enough."

I know this whole thing is ridiculous to him. He doesn't understand why I want to be successful without my parent's help, or why I want to completely wash my hands of them. They've never been interested in my future, anyway.

My parents packed up six years ago, and left me to fend for myself. That was the same year I started dating Duncan, and that helped a little with my loneliness. That’s one of the reasons why I can’t bring myself to break up with him. Sure, my parents pay for my groceries and cover all the bills, but other than that, they’re deadbeats. They left me alone and I still haven't recovered from the abandonment. It took some adjusting, but I've become used to the solitude.

Your parents will pay for your college, but if it's that important to you, I'll help you study. Maybe we can order a pizza and I can finally meet them?

This has increasingly become an issue. Duncan wants to meet my parents. He's been on me constantly about it for a year and it's exhausting. I never told him my parents abandoned me and that I live in a big, empty house all by myself. I think part of me is ashamed admitting my parents don't care about me. It does have its advantages though.

If we start making out on the couch and Duncan gets a bit handsy, I pull away and say that my parents will be home soon. It's a lie that avoids arguments. If I was completely honest with Duncan, our relationship wouldn't be so perfect. I know that, and maybe I'm scared of it changing.

But that's okay. For now, at least.

Arriving at our school, Duncan pulls into a parking spot.

Sorry if I'm being pushy. It's just that we've been together for almost six years. I know that your family is super busy, but I've never met them. You've met mine, and we have the same friends. When I ask you to marry me—

Oh God, no! Not that. It takes everything not to cringe. How can I marry someone I can't even bring myself to be physically intimate with past kissing? I can't and it's heartbreaking because I know Duncan will be crushed.

—someday, I want to be able to ask your father's permission, the way it's supposed to be. I love you and I want us to build a life together.

I can't even force myself to say I'm in love with him. Yet, I do this one bad thing.

I lie.

Me, too, I mumble.

I know, baby. He gives me puppy eyes and I suppress a groan. He's never going to let this go.

I give him another fib. I'll talk to them. I haven't talked to my parents in six years. I'm not going to ask them to come home just because Duncan wants to meet them. I don't even want to see them. From what they’ve shown me, they're selfish, materialistic jerks anyway. I don't need that negativity in my life.

Great!

No thank you.

My body tightens as irritation runs through me, and I have to force myself to calm down. This is the real reason why we never fight. I'm non-confrontational and Duncan is too nice to push me. It's only when someone really makes me mad that I explode, which is a rare occurrence.

Suddenly feeling claustrophobic, I yank the door open and jump out, which ends up being the wrong thing to do because I'm not calm enough to face what’s in front of me.

My nose is inches from a massive, leather clad chest and as my eyes travel up. Finn parked right next to Duncan’s car and dismounted his bike at the same moment I escaped the vehicle.

Almost as if fate has driven us together again.

His icy blue gaze connects with mine and my heart seizes with panic. I’m taken back to that day many years ago when that little boy so intently searched my eyes for something. My breath catches in my throat.

I've done everything to avoid him, short of switching schools. Not that I’ve really needed to, since he ignores me as much as I ignore him. Yet he’s seeing me now. Really seeing me. That glimmer of what seems like recognition sparks behind his eyes as if he knows I'm the girl he protected once upon a time. It's been a decade, but he made such an impact on me. How could I have not done the same to him, if even just a little?

An intoxicating mixture of spice and sugar draws me in to him—like every other girl at this school.

What the hell, O'Reilly? Back off my girlfriend. Duncan's voice snaps me out of my Finn-haze. God, what is wrong with me?

He’s no longer the boy I had a crush on years ago. I know better now. He's just an outlaw—a criminal on a motorcycle—and I have to avoid him like the plague.

Finn's eyes move to Duncan before he grins. I'm not stopping her, Malloy, he mutters, cockiness prevalent in his voice.

I quickly move around his imposing frame. The man takes up so much space. He's extremely tall and thick muscles cover his massive body. No wonder so many people are scared of him.

Not me though. Not of his physical self, anyways.

Are you okay? Duncan asks, as he throws his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into him.

Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't know he was there. I was shocked is all. Finn O'Reilly doesn't scare me.

He should. He's a fucking criminal, Franny.

I hate that nickname. Franny. It makes me want to barf.

Language, I hiss at him as we stride inside.

I'm sorry, but that guy pisses me off. He’s a waste of space and freaks everyone out for no reason. Him and his thugs, Duncan sneers with anger as we approach our friends.

Just stop, okay?

He might be mad at Finn, but now his attitude is affecting me. I'm getting angry and want to slap that smugness off his face.

Someone needs to teach assholes like him a lesson—

Language! He's really getting on my last nerve. I quickly shrug his arm off my shoulder in frustration.

Woah! What's all the fuss about? Christian, Duncan's best friend, asks.

Finn fucking O'Reilly, Duncan growls as the rest of the group looks at me with concern.

My best friends, Willow, Ryleigh, and Nyla, move to me.

Language, seriously! I snap at Duncan, shocking him with my outburst. Yeah, that's how rare this is. He didn't do anything. I almost ran into him when I got out of the car. We were both just a bit stunned.

Ryleigh seems frightful as she squeezes my arm.

Franny— Duncan starts.

Let's get to class. I ignore whatever Duncan was thinking of saying and I march off, with Willow, Ryleigh, and Nyla following.

Are you okay?

Ryleigh reverts to a scared little girl whenever the Bastards are mentioned. Willow is indifferent about them, while Nyla is basically a groupie but too shy to go near them.

What was it like? Nyla swoons.

I gag. "Nothing happened. Duncan is blowing it out of proportion because of this whole thing he has against Finn." I groan in irritation before taking a calming breath.

"Finn, huh?" Nyla teases.

I can't help but laugh. Stop it.

Seriously, Nyla! The Bastards are dangerous. Francine could've been mugged, or worse! Ryleigh insists.

This is ridiculous and hilarious at the same time.

Something I saw in Finn's eyes leaves me with the suspicion that he's not as terrible as everyone thinks. Sure, he's a scary despot, but I saw a flash of my dark prince in his eyes. My savior is still in there somewhere, probably hiding under all those muscles, tattoos and bad attitude, but he's there. I know it.

If only he hadn't told me to keep his good deed a secret. Everyone else could see the good in him, too.

CHAPTER 2

HER

Istay behind in Trig to talk to Mr. Caldwell. He handed out our pop quiz results, and my grade wasn't good enough. I got a B, and if that grade remains the same, I’m in jeopardy of losing my valedictorian spot and my chance at the grant I need for college.

To my relief, Mr. Caldwell assures me that I’m the only one who passed, so the pop quiz is being kept out of the grades, which is a huge relief.

I need to maintain my A’s in every class, as close to 100% as possible. One B is all it will take to lose my spot.

The conversation with Mr. Caldwell had me so frantic that I missed the obnoxious shrill from the tardy bell. Sensing my distress, Mr. Caldwell provides me a slip himself excusing me from being tardy.

My Spanish class takes place in an unattached building on the other side of campus. It’s a bit ridiculous because there’s only a small path you can take to access it. Chain link fence runs along both sides of the path so kids weren’t tempted to leave school grounds, or that’s the reason the principal gave. Putting my phone back in my pocket after checking texts, I glance up to follow the pathway. It curves around the corner of the building but then I stop dead in my tracks. Not by choice but by a hard, unyielding body. Ready to criticize this person for not looking where they are going, I open my mouth. But, then close it right away.

It's Finn.

The iciness from his gaze should feed my anger, but I find myself being calmed by their coolness.

Sorry, I mumble, trying to compose myself.

He smirks at me. No problem, Princess.

Princess. Princess. He called me Princess. Dang it. He remembers me. He knows I'm the girl he protected all those years ago. Worst of all, I think he knows I know.

Two can play that game.

I'm not a princess, I respond with the words I said to him ten years ago.

Instead, this time, he reacts differently. He raises an eyebrow, his body completely blocking the walkway. You sure act like one.

Sure, it was only one word, but that one word changed the entire meaning. Years ago, he said I looked like a princess, which insinuated that he thought I was pretty. This time, he's being condescending.

Excuse me? I straighten at his implication.

Did I stutter? He widens his stance and grips each side of the railing, making it virtually impossible to pass him.

The flaps of his vest shutter in the wind and in that moment, he looks remarkably like Jax from Sons of Anarchy except with dark hair.

Finn embodies everything a biker would want to be. He's commanding, confident, and he inspires fear in everyone… except me. I'm not afraid, but something about his closeness puts me on edge, an edge I’m contemplating jumping off of. It's something I've never experienced before and that scares me.

"I don't act like a princess."

Sure you do, he says, sending me an evil smile, revealing perfectly white teeth. Why, to eat you with my dear. Your bodyguard has claws—

For the record, he's my boyfriend, not my bodyguard, and that had more to do with you than me. He hates you in case you haven't figured that out.

Ouch. That really hurts, Princess. I'm gravely wounded, he growls sarcastically, his voice deep and raspy, very much like the big bad wolf.

Sure, you are. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get to class.

Still, he doesn't move.

I said, excuse me.

Oh, I heard you. You are used to always getting your way, aren't you? Well, I'm not your lapdog, Princess. I'm in the middle of a conversation. It's rude to try to leave when someone is talking to you. I think you owe me an apology.

I'm stunned. What the heck is wrong with him? Is he trying to antagonize me? Does he hate me? Is that why he's behaving like this?

An apology? Are you freakin' kidding me? I'm getting mad and he is getting off from it.

A laugh hides behind his lips. "Freakin’? Who outside of middle school uses that as a curse? It's Fucking, Princess. Are you fucking kidding me?"

The derogatory word has me flinching.

Seeing my flinch, he smirks. Did I hit a nerve, Princess?

"Oh, you hit plenty by breathing, Finn. Either you move and let me by, or I'll go through you." I grit the words through clenched teeth and something about this seems to resonate with him. He stands tall and removes his hands