Page 1 of For the Boys

CHAPTER ONE

Gravel crunchesunder my Docs as I step out of my old beat-up Saturn and slam its door behind me. Smoothing my hands down the front of my plaid skirt, I take a deep breath. Tonight is for me and no one else.

I’m finally confident enough to live my life how I want. Maybe it’s because I know I’ll be leaving town in just a few short weeks, or maybe it’s the fact I’m finally an adult. For once, I no longer have to please my parents or try to pretend to be someone I’m not. Which means I can spend my last few days in this small town as I would like.

And what I would like is them.

Andrew Lewis, Isaac Dean, and Vincent Brooks.

It’s no secret who they are here. They call themselves brothers, but it’s a deeper bond than blood. It’s one they’ve forged over childhood, trauma, and similar interests.

They’re practically famous around our small town–or infamous, depending on who you ask. Sports, parties, and even sex—they share it all. There is not one without the other two. It’s the three of them or nothing.

I’ve never been to one of their parties, never had the time since I was always juggling volunteering or tutoring along with schoolwork—anything to make my college resume look impeccable. But I’ve heard the stories and seen the Instagram posts. Underage drinking, drug use, and killer cases of PDA are just a few of the things I know happen behind the doors of their house, and now I’m going to experience it. And if I’m lucky, I’ll catch their attention too.

I’ve watched the blush creep to the cheeks of girls lucky enough to be with them. They fuck like Gods and make no apology for who they are. Kinky, nasty sex. It’s a label they’ve made their own and flaunt without a care, and tonight, I want a taste.

I’ve never been shy about my own sexual appetite, but I’ve also never had the time to explore all the deep fantasies I’ve conjured up in my head. I have a one-track mind, and up until tonight, my only focus was landing a scholarship in the city so I can leave this place behind.

Now though? My education is secured, and all my other duties have been met, so it’s time to focus on myself.

Shaking away those pesky nerves that don’t want to let me be great, I start up the long drive to their house, where music seeps through the walls. The closer I get, the louder it grows. Yellow light illuminates the entire front, giving me the perfect view of all the other partygoers mingling along the porch and front yard, and showcases the face of the house. Dark shutters cover the windows, but quick bursts of colorful light spill out through the cracks with the beat of the music playing.

I take one step at a time, feeling my feet get heavier with each one as I start up the stairs on the porch and advance toward the door. Facing the white wood, I release one last breath and make a silent vow to myself.

You’ve wanted this for a long time. Go in there and take it all.

Reaching for the knob, I twist it and push the door open. Immediately the atmosphere changes. The bite of the cool crisp midnight breeze is gone, and hazy, hot air takes its place as I inch inside.

Pushing my way through the sea of people toward the direction I think is the kitchen, I’m suddenly more grateful for my clothing choice. The sweatshirt I normally wear, and some leggings would make me feel completely suffocated with how many bodies are shoved inside this house.

I slink through the crowd further, feeling sweaty hands and arms brush over my exposed stomach as I go. All the way from the front door, past the stairs, and down a narrow hallway, I finally emerge into the kitchen. Granite countertops line the walls, stainless steel appliances nestle under them, and kegs are positioned on the lone island that houses the sink with various bottles of other booze accompanying them.

I glance around at the lingering people leaning against the counters or exiting and recognize some faces, but none friendly or sober enough to talk to. For a minute, I debate leaving. Sure, I wanted to leave town with a bang, or three more specifically, but I feel awkward and out of place. This isn’t my normal scene, and I know everyone around me can tell.

Trying not to let my thoughts eat me alive, I opt for some liquid courage—or rather tolerance because I’m already bored and getting anxious all at once. Liquor always makes things easier though, right?

Moving to the counter, I pluck a red solo cup from the stack positioned next to all the bottles and mixers, then flip it over. I scan each bottle carefully. I’m only eighteen, which means getting your hands on good shit isn’t possible. Well, unless you’re Drew, Isaac, or Vincent, apparently. All I’ve ever been able to come across is Steel Reserve, Four Loko, or warm Busch beer. Here though, they seem to have all of that and more.

I grab a clear bottle with tiny gold flecks floating inside and pour it into my cup, filling it up about halfway. Bringing it to my nose, I wince as the smell hits me. I snag a can of Dr. Pepper from the mountain of mixers, then top it off.

I sip slowly at first, trying to give my throat time to adjust to the cool burning it leaves behind before I finally just swallow it all down in a few gulps. When it’s gone, I make another and do the same.

Filling my cup one last time with Dr. Pepper and liquor, I start to feel my limbs loosen, and all my worries and care fly out the window.

I’m starting to feel really fucking good.

I sway away from the counter and move back to the mouth of the hallway. Normally, I’m more observant, but tonight isn’t supposed to be normal, so I make my way back down the hallway, not bothering to look at the pictures on the wall or the rugs under my feet, then turn right into the living room.

The music is louder here since this is where the massive speakers are set up. Bodies upon bodies grind upon one another, and joints, drinks, and pills get passed around. Boys touch boys, and girls touch girls. Everyone is all over the person next to them, dancing, dry humping, or making out. It’s something I’ve never experienced in person. I’ve only read about it in books or seen it in movies, but it excites me. The fact that all it takes is stepping into this room for everyone to let go of every inhibition they have is beautiful in a way. It’s exhilarating and freeing.

Moving further inside, I feel my body start to move with everyone else as Lollipop by Framing Hanley starts as the last song ends. Cup still in hand, I sway my hips and let my head fall back as I close my eyes and just relish in the weird erotic calming vibe circling around the room. Everything feels heightened and so damn good.

When I finally spin around and open my eyes again then look in front of me, the crowd of people seems to spread, and right in my line of sight sits the reasons I came here— Drew, Isaac, and Vincent.

Honestly, I was expecting to see them tonight, considering it’s their party, but I wasn’t anticipating how they would make me feel.

Each one of them is slumped down on the leather couch, passing a joint back and forth, while smiling and laughing at their hushed conversation.

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