Boys of Brayshaw High (Brayshaw, #1)

by Meagan Brandy

Before anyone can stop me, not that there’s anyone who would give a shit, I snatch the closest tray off the nearest table and in one swift move, one hard, full swing, smash it across the side of her face.

And, yeah, the spat wasn’t a lie, my mother is a whore. The dirtiest of dirty. Straight trailer trash at its finest, I’ll admit it all day.

“No, but someone helped me once, and I’d like to help you the same.” “Don’t waste your time, focus on the little ones that don’t understand the lives they’re living.”

“I’m already ruined.” “Hey!” she snaps,

“You’re not ruined. Believe it or not, it only takes one person to make you see that. Give it time, you’ll heal.” “Not interested. All I want is a life away from anyone who has ever heard my name, fuck...

go to push through the door, but it bursts open before I can, and three guys strut out … three girls following close behind. The guys don’t see me as I shift to the side to avoid being hit by the metal door, but when the girls shuffle out, one of them makes it a point to bump me

After she shoulder checks me, I spin and dart forward, grabbing a good full grip of hair in my hand. I go to pull her back, but the moment I do, a large hand wraps around my wrist. “Now, now,” a deep, teasing voice warns

“No need to act out. We make time for all those ready and willing.”

“Get your hand off me unless you’re ready and willing to get kicked in the dick.”

“Ooh, sounds like a g...

“Now, let go, and show me what else that grip could do.” I tighten my fist and the girl cries out m...

his hand is grippin...

The groper slams his door shut. “Who the fuck did this?!” he shouts,

He scans the masses, instantly halting when his eyes land on me, and he surges forward, his buddies hot on his heels.

If I had to guess based on this moment alone, I’d say they’re the elite – sitting top tier on the pathetic little food chain high school demands.

But these three ... they’re the exact opposite of a pretty boy.

there’s nothing clean cut or classic about them. And if my intuition is as on point as usual, then the line they walk is a little more than crooked. They’re rough around the edges,

They’re in front of me in the next second. “You keyed my fucking truck.” “Did I?”

He growls and steps closer, but his buddy clamps a hand down on his shoulder, and little pup takes the master’s order in stride.

A large hand slides past my face to grip my wrist lodged against her throat, and with little to no effort, he pulls me from the girl, spinning me around to take her place as she falls to the side, coughing.

Dark hair with darker eyebrows and caramel colored skin. Strong and solid, with eyes like ancient jade and the sharp edges of a monarch, he’s damn near close to rugged perfection.

“You better learn quick what’s allowed here or you’ll be begging for a transfer before we’re done.” “Not my style.” I keep my eyes steady. “If I want it, I take it. If I want it … consider it mine.”

“This is our school, Snow. Our town. You’ll pay for the little stunt you pulled with Royce’s ride. And you’ll learn. Around here?”

“We make the rules and you follow ... like a good little girl,”

“I hear you, big man,”

“You’re strong, I’m weak. You’re the king, and I’m the peasant. Anything else?”

Raven, that’s her name.

She’s like a real-life Snow White, only better.

Like we know everything that happens around here, we knew she was coming, but I sure as fuck didn’t expect a temptress in Timberlands.

The fact of the matter is, in the end, the only way to walk away ... is to make sure there’s nothing you’re reluctant to leave behind.

Right then a tall, trim but fit guy comes into view. He hops off the porch and lights a cigarette, not caring that the man in charge is barking at him from behind.

since visibly speaking he’s the one who puts off more of an edge with his appearance what with the tattoo sneaking up his neck beneath his T-shirt and running down to meet his wrist,

Maddoc reverses, positioning the truck so when he peels out this time, my entire face gets covered in mud.

And when my eyes are pulled right and met with an icy emerald stare that pointedly holds mine before looking away, I know exactly who’s to blame.

He jumps off the porch, bringing a cigarette to his lips as he props himself against the side of the house.

“You know...” She trails off. “I think you could fit in a place like this.” “Not like I have a choice, but even if I did, I don’t care to fit.” “I’m not talking about the group home, child.” She speaks low like she doesn’t want anyone else to hear.

“I’m talking about here, in this town.”

smoking a cigarette without a damn care.

“Heard you caused trouble for the Brays.” “No more than they caused me, if we’re being real.” “They don’t like being challenged.” “You sure?” I tease.

“All right, maybe they do.” “I think they thrive on it.”

“And I have eyes and ears all around.

The guys are pissed, girls are panicked. It’s bad for business.” I shrug.

taking a long drag before facing me as he blows it out.

“What’s your name?” I ask him. “Bass.” “Well, Bass.”

“Will you hook me up or not?” “Tell me, Raven Carver.” He pulls a fresh pack of smokes from his jacket and offers me one. “Wh...

Maddoc rushes him. Gripping the back of his neck, he pulls his forehead to his in a brotherly way. “He will not fucking bench you. You’re starting.”

pull out my last official joint, light it and put it between my lips.

I get one good hit, and then it’s snatched from my hands and dropped before me. “What the—” “Don’t talk,” Maddoc’s growl cuts me off,

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?...

“Smoking.” Ob...