Fueled Fury: A Dark College Bully Romance Read online

  Fueled Fury

  Fueled Book 2

  A.J. Logan

  Copyright © 2021 A.J. LOGAN

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Edited by KD Proofreading

  www.kdproofreading.com

  Contents

  1. Lainey

  2. Austin

  3. Lainey

  4. Austin

  5. Lainey

  6. Austin

  7. Lainey

  8. Austin

  9. Lainey

  10. Lainey

  11. Austin

  12. Lainey

  13. Austin

  14. Lainey

  15. Austin

  16. Lainey

  17. Austin

  18. Lainey

  19. Austin

  20. Lainey

  21. Austin

  22. Lainey

  23. Austin

  24. Lainey

  25. Austin

  26. Lainey

  27. Austin

  28. Lainey

  29. Austin

  30. Lainey

  31. Lainey

  32. Austin

  33. Lainey

  34. Lainey

  35. Lainey

  36. Lainey

  37. Austin

  Epilogue

  Also by A.J. Logan

  About the Author

  1

  Lainey

  Tightly gripping the steering wheel, I hastily navigate my car into the garage, slam on the brakes, and shift into park. Slowly prying my fingers away, my hands drop to my lap as my head falls back against the headrest, and I blow out a defeated breath. Losing sucks. It doesn’t matter that it wasn’t by much or that it was just a test run, losing still feels like shit.

  Shoving the door open, I bail out of the car and head inside the house. There’s no point in moping about it. It won’t change anything. Winning. That’s the only thing that will fix the frustration.

  “How’d it go?” Eli asks as he spots me walking into the kitchen.

  “Don’t ask,” I mumble, grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator and sliding onto the barstool next to him. His eyes return to the many textbooks and papers spread across the island countertop.

  “That great, huh?”

  “Yep.” I down half the bottle of water as the race replays in my mind. Again.

  “Eh. At least it didn’t count.”

  “They all count.” I should be able to talk to my best friend, but he’s never understood what racing means to me. Every race. Not just the ones that count.

  “Lainey, you don’t have anything to prove … even to your dad.”

  “Yeah, I realize that.” Especially since he doesn’t want me on the track, whether it’s amateur or professional makes no difference. He refuses to entertain the idea of his fragile daughter behind the wheel.

  “I’m sure tomorrow everything will kick into gear.” Eli winks.

  “Hopefully.” Because the races tomorrow aren’t for practice. Thursdays are test runs but everyone knows the Friday night races at the Dome decide who drives away a winner. And I have to win. Even if it’s just an abandoned airport where amateurs gather to show what they can do, I have to cross the finish line first and be the last one standing. I don’t want to prove anything to anyone, except myself. I know I can do it. I have the tools and skills. It’s in my blood whether my dad wants to admit it or not. And, I certainly have the car to accomplish it. The 1969 GT500 is more than capable of achieving the goal. It was definitely the whole reason I wanted the Shelby and Dad knew that, which is why he’d refused to consider it for my vehicle.

  My mom on the other hand, realizing how much he didn’t want me to have the Shelby, was overjoyed to have the red car with a corresponding enormous red bow waiting for me as a surprise gift. She’d said all the red reminded her of the actress from her favorite show, I Love Lucy. I knew my mom only purchased the car to spite my dad, still bitter from their divorce even though ten years has passed, and I should’ve felt bad, but I didn’t. I really wanted to be behind the wheel of the car I call Lucy. And maybe accepting the gift had been even easier because I’m a little bitter towards my dad too. He doesn’t want me behind the wheel of a fast car, yet that’s his passion and his career—the one he chose over my mom and me. So why is the professional racer all that surprised that his child wants to follow in his footsteps?

  “I’m gonna head over to Hannah’s place.” Eli slams his books closed, shoving the papers into a messy pile.

  “On a school night?” I tease, knowing that his girlfriend usually opts to study instead of hang out during the week.

  “Yep. Don’t wait up.” He grins as he heads out of the kitchen, leaving me alone in the house. It’s more than enough space for the two of us, so when I’m here by myself, it feels vast. Thankfully, it’s still comfortable though and only ten minutes away from Haine University. I was set to spend another year at the dorms until Eli talked me into moving in with him. It made sense seeing as we’ve spent almost every waking hour together since childhood and have always been inseparable. His mother used to say we were joined at the hip and there was no getting us apart.

  Walking upstairs, I start stripping off my clothes as I walk through my bedroom and then enter the en suite bathroom. Twisting the faucet, I step under the stream as the hot water pelts my skin. The long shower loosens some of the tenseness I’m feeling about my piss-poor performance and the anxious feeling of doing it all over again tomorrow night.

  Stepping out of the shower, I’m lost in thought as I dry myself then use the towel on my hair as I walk into my bedroom.

  Movement near the door catches my attention. I let out a scream, clutching the towel to my chest in an attempt to cover my body. Stepping back, I slam against the wall as the dark figure comes into view.

  “Austin?” I breathe, slightly relaxed by the fact that it’s not some stranger in my room. Although, a stranger might be a safer option. “What are you doing here?”

  He doesn’t respond, and instead trails his eyes over my body that’s only covered by a soft cotton towel clutched tight to my skin.

  “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Lazily, he pushes off the wall, making his way over. The way his eyes lock on me makes me feel like prey trapped in the path of a predator. And I am. Austin is more dangerous than any feral beast I’d come across in the wild. At least a wild animal would have the decency to kill me quickly, get the suffering over with. A creature wouldn’t choose to let the pain linger, wouldn’t enjoy an excruciating, slow slaughter like the monster in front of me prefers.

  “Get out.” The words aren’t as harsh as I wanted them to be so I clench my teeth, waiting to see what his next move will be.

  Stopping in front of me, his eyes finally halt their assessment of my body and meet mine. “Why would I leave when there’s so much to see here?”

  Grasping the towel even tighter, I break away from his sexy smirk. It’s not going to work again. “There’s nothing here for you. Your brother went to Hannah’s.”

  “I’m not looking for Eli.” His eyes scan over the towel that feels like it’s shrinking by the second. “Maybe I’m here for you.”

  I can’t do this. Not now. Not with him. “Then you wasted your time … and mine.”

  Moving
to the side, I step forward as he shifts in front of me, blocking my getaway.

  “Just leave me alone.” I avoid his gaze because I know as much as I want to push him away, I have no willpower when it comes to Austin Hale.

  Reaching forward, he places his palm on my thigh, slowly gliding upward until his hand slips under the towel. His rough touch rubs along my damp skin as he moves closer, pressing his body against mine, his lips almost meeting mine. “I know that’s not what you want.”

  “Yes. It is,” I whisper, unable to focus on anything other than him. His warm breath floating over my mouth, his heavenly scent surrounding me, his touch consuming me.

  “Then why aren’t you pushing me away?” Austin asks with amusement that pisses me off even further.

  Because I’m a fucking idiot. I knew it then and I know it now as he shifts slightly, his lips trailing lightly along my jaw before his tongue darts out, eagerly trailing down my neck as my fingers clutch his shoulders, holding on for dear life. But that’s pointless, there’s no holding onto him.

  His strong hand grips my bare ass, and his hard cock presses into me through his jeans as the lusty fog clears from my brain.

  “No. I can’t do this.” I shove against his chest with one hand as the other clings to the towel. As I step to the side, his fingers roughly grip my wrist, so I whip my head around to look back to him. “Let. Me. Go.”

  “I tried.” The strain in his tone isn’t lost on me as he finally releases his physical grip on me—the internal grip, not so much. It’s still firmly in place, rigidly seizing my heart.

  “Try harder.” Am I telling him that or myself? Either way, we both should heed the advice.

  His haunted expression is quickly masked by a menacing look as he says, “You’ll be begging for it harder soon enough.”

  There it is. The reminder of what an asshat he is. And why allowing us to be more than friends last summer was my biggest mistake yet. “Don’t hold your breath. On second thought … please do hold it, because nothing is gonna happen.”

  “Did you tell him about us?” Austin asks, but he already knows the answer.

  “No, because there is no us.”

  He tsk-tsks, shaking his head as he says, “Lying to your best friend and yourself.”

  “Fuck off, dickhead.” I stand rigid, watching as he snickers while stepping back before finally leaving my bedroom.

  Hurrying across the hardwood, I twist the lock on my doorknob as I close my door and step back, my eyes never leaving it as I back away until the back of my knees hit the bed. Sitting down, I hold the towel to me. That lock won’t keep him out if he’s determined to come back. Nothing will keep Austin out when he wants in. I know that better than anyone. All I can hope is he’s only here for the night to see Eli or something. But I know better.

  Grabbing my phone, I send a quick message to Eli.

  Me: Just wanted to let you know Austin is here.

  Trying to sound nonchalant is harder than expected when it comes to Austin, but I don’t want to say anything wrong even though I really want to beg Eli to come back home. There’s no way he knew Austin was coming. He would’ve stayed home or mentioned it. The brothers can’t stand to be in each other’s sight, but I know Eli wouldn’t have left me alone to deal with the jerk. He probably thinks what I’d believed to be true up until a few moments ago—that Austin was living it up at Florida State University many miles away from Sunland, Texas. Even though it never felt far enough, at least he was in a different state. Now, we’re under the same roof.

  Hurrying around the room, I quickly pull on some pajamas while constantly checking my phone, not finding any return messages from Eli.

  I debate calling Eli or messaging Hannah but decide against it. It’s nothing. Maybe Austin’s already left since his brother isn’t here. That’s what I tell myself as I settle on the bed and unsuccessfully attempt to fall asleep. What did I expect with the grim moron lurking nearby? If he hasn’t left yet or doesn’t leave soon, the race at the Dome won’t be the only race I’ll have to worry about. I’ll be running one off the track as well. And for that, I don’t have any of the skills or tools needed to cross the finish line.

  2

  Austin

  “What the fuck are you doing here?” The angry voice interrupts the little sleep I was finally able to get.

  Opening my eyes, I’m met with an enraged stare from Eli. He needs to get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere. Not this time. “Morning, little brother.”

  “Cut the shit, Austin. What are you doing here?” Eli asks as I casually stretch, standing from the bed before pulling on a fresh pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

  “I thought you’d at least be slightly happy to see me.” No I didn’t, but I enjoy pushing his buttons. He’s so easy.

  “No one is ever happy to see you. Not surprising since all you do is inflict misery.”

  I can’t help but laugh as I say, “We’re both good at that. But one of us hides it better than the other.”

  The muscle in his jaw tenses as he stands, arms folded across his chest, but doesn’t argue with the statement. He can’t because he knows it’s true.

  Walking to the kitchen, he’s on my heels, and I know exactly why when I enter the room and spot Lainey seated at the island.

  “Morning,” I say, causing her to glance up quickly from her phone. She’s not any happier to see me this morning than she’d been last night. The annoyed stare she gives me before returning her attention to her phone speaks louder than words.

  I move in front of the coffee pot and pour myself a cup as my brother says, “Austin.”

  “Yeah,” I respond, leaning against the counter to watch him slowly unravel.

  “I told you not to come here.”

  “Like he listens to anyone,” Lainey mumbles, earning a chuckle from me because she’s right. But little does she know, she has all the power at her fingertips—not that I’ll inform her of that tidbit anytime soon, if ever.

  He glances at Lainey before looking back to me. “Shouldn’t you be at school or something and far away from here?”

  “I transferred to Haine.”

  Muffled coughs tell me that Lainey is just as shocked as Eli and neither look happy. Good.

  “Great. Find somewhere else to live.”

  “Nah. This’ll do.” I raise the mug, taking a gulp of the hot liquid.

  “No,” Eli says, stepping in front of me, his eyes challenging me. It’s one of the many challenges he’ll be losing.

  “It’s not up to you. Mom and Dad said there’s plenty room in the house that they purchased.” I give him a smile, knowing that if he argues he won’t be on the winning end. It’s not our parents he would be challenging, but our uncle who controls their livelihood. Something they won’t risk. Under any other circumstances, I’d be happy to find another place to live—alone and far away from him. But Lainey changed my perspective on living quarters. She changes everything.

  “There’s not enough room here for you.”

  “Five bedrooms and not enough space for me.” I shake my head, knowing damn well actual space isn’t what he’s referring to. “Kick her out if it’s too crowded.”

  “She’s not going anywhere, you are,” Eli fumes as he moves forward, his chest pushing against mine.

  Calmly, I set the mug down on the counter without breaking eye contact with my enraged brother.

  “Eli, stop.” Lainey hurries around the island, attempting to wedge in between us as she places her hands on Eli to force him back. Her hands shouldn’t be on him, or anyone else for that matter. They should be on me, just as they had been so many times over the summer when she’d finally allowed me to experience what I’d fantasized about from afar for so many years. And everything was going great until the thing that saved me ended my shot with her.

  “Listen to your best friend, Eli.” I shouldn’t piss her off further. Even though she’s about a foot shorter than my brother and I (who, standing eye to eye, bot
h clock in at over six foot and easily clearing her short statue), she’ll hand me my ass long before Eli will.

  “You. Stop it.” Lainey gives me a stern look before returning her attention back to Eli. “Come on. We can figure it out later.”

  “There’s nothing to figure out. He’s leaving. You’re staying.”

  Eli doesn’t care that I’m staying. He just doesn’t want me staying because she is. “Don’t worry. Your precious friend can stay too.”

  Lainey is finally able to squeeze her body between us, and she shifts around, her back completely pressed against Eli and away from me. “Will you shut up for once? You’re not helping at all.”

  She only thinks she’s pissed at me right now.

  “He’s worried about me being here because of you. Maybe if you tell him the truth he’ll calm down.”

  Her breath catches as she opens her mouth to speak but Eli cuts her off. “What are you talking about? What’s he talking about?”

  Her mouth opens and closes a few times, but she doesn’t say anything.

  Looking at my brother, I say, “You don’t have to worry about us. I’ve already fucked her.”

  Lainey’s hand raises, her palm slapping across my cheek. She was at a loss for words but sure found a way to communicate exactly what she thought about me outing our little secret.

  Giving her a grin, I say, “He’d hear you screaming my name eventually.”