Reckless

  Contents

  Copyright

  Title page

  Other Books by Elle Casey

  Dedication

  Chapter One - A Night to Remember

  Chapter Two - Witnesses

  Chapter Three - On the Road

  Chapter Four - Stockpiles and Watchkeepers

  Chapter Five - Home Sweet Home

  Chapter Six - Settling In

  Chapter Seven - Close Call

  Chapter Eight - Safehouse

  Chapter Nine - Intruders

  Chapter Ten - Trials and Tribulations

  Chapter Eleven - Summertime

  About the Author

  Other Books by Elle Casey

  Acknowledgments

  COPYRIGHT NOTICE

  © 2012 Elle Casey, all rights reserved, worldwide. No part of this ebook may be reproduced, emailed, uploaded to or downloaded from a file-sharing site, or copied without author permission. If you did not pay for this ebook or receive it via a free, author-authorized promotion directly through Amazon, you are in violation of this copyright, and the author respectfully asks that you please support artistic expression and help promote anti-piracy efforts by buying a copy of this ebook at www.Amazon.com or at the Amazon outlet that serves your country.

  Elle Casey thanks you deeply for your understanding and support.

  Reckless

  Elle Casey

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  Other Books by Elle Casey

  War of the Fae: Book One, The Changelings - FREE!

  War of the Fae: Book Two, Call to Arms

  War of the Fae: Book Three, Darkness & Light

  War of the Fae: Book Four, New World Order

  Clash of the Otherworlds: Book 1, After the Fall

  Clash of the Otherworlds: Book 2, Between the Realms

  Clash of the Otherworlds: Book 3, Portal Guardians

  Apocalypsis: Book 1, Kahayatle

  Apocalypsis: Book 2, Warpaint

  Apocalypsis: Book 3, Exodus

  Apocalypsis: Book 4, Haven

  My Vampire Summer

  My Vampire Fall (Coming Soon)

  Wrecked

  Reckless

  Aces High

  (co-written with Jason Brant)

  Dedication

  To indie author, Amanda McKeon.

  I see greatness in you, girl.

  Chapter One

  A Night to Remember

  CANDI STARED AT HER REFLECTION in the mirror, turning her head slowly left and then right. “Holy you-know-what, you’ve done it again, Sarah. It’s like magic or something.” She reached her hand up to the side of her head.

  Sarah slapped it away before it could make contact with the artfully arranged and decorated dreadlocks that surrounded Candi’s pretty pink cheeks and expertly made-up face. “Don’t touch! How many times do I have to tell you? It needs to stay looking good for at least another six hours, and I don’t want you smudging anything either.”

  Candi stood up instead of trying to sneak in a touch; Sarah would probably karate-chop her if she tried anyway. “Should we put our dresses on now?” She looked around the space, taking in the disaster that was her bedroom. Normally it was pretty neat, but with Sarah there doing prom preparations it had quickly turned into what looked like a war zone. Shoe boxes and shoes, tissue paper, various underthings, and snack plates littered the tabletops, floor, and bed.

  “Yes. I need you to help me with the zipper on mine. Come to my room with me.” Sarah left, not looking back to see if she was being followed.

  Candi sighed. Pregnancy had changed some things about Sarah, but not her bossiness, that was for sure. She smiled secretly as she thought about it, knowing she wouldn’t change that about her friend even if she could. It was part of her charm and usually bearable.

  The former guest room of the Buckley house had become Sarah Peterson’s new digs. Frank Peterson was being a total jerk about his daughter’s teen pregnancy, and her mother was too cowed to stand up to him and tell him to cut it out. Candi had hope that maybe Frank would eventually come around, but in the two weeks since the news had been made public, he’d done nothing but insist she wasn’t welcome in his house or his life. Sarah was handling it well, all things considered. The only outward expression of her disappointment had been to start using his first name instead of dad or father. And sometimes it came out more like Fruck than Frank. Candi never corrected her because she would probably have done the same thing if it were her. Thank goodness she had Glen Buckley as her dad. He was the most chilled-out adult in the world, and had accepted Sarah into their home and family no questions asked, just like Candi’s mom had.

  Sarah was standing in front of the dress that was hanging on her closet door, unzipping the bag it had come in.

  Candi watched as the beautiful long black gown with spaghetti straps and sparkling black beading was revealed from within. She inhaled a quick breath, just like she did every time she saw it. “Wow, Sarah. It’s so pretty.”

  “I know, right?” She looked over her shoulder and smiled before going back to getting it off the hanger. “Totally schmexy. Jonathan’s going to bust something when he sees me in it.”

  “I think every guy in school is going to bust something when they see you in it.” Candi sat down on the bed, fighting the urge to fling herself onto her back. Sarah would kill her if she messed up the ‘do.

  “Have you talked to Jason today?” asked Sarah, holding the dress up to the front of her body, looking down at it while sticking out a leg.

  “No. He’s going to be busy getting things ready, all the way up to the end. But I’ll see him soon enough, I’m sure,” she said, standing again, frustrated by not being able to relax. Pretty hair and makeup was fun for the most part, but when all she felt like doing was going to bed it was a serious pain in the butt.

  “You don’t sound very excited about it,” said Sarah, sliding her arms up into the dress from the bottom.

  “I am. I just … I don’t know. I’m nervous or something.”

  “Prom queen jitters. I know exactly what you’re going through right now.” She put the dress over her head carefully to avoid upsetting her hair, and wiggled around, trying to get the material to fall down around her body.

  Candi stepped over and took the bottom seam of the dress, gently pulling it down to the floor. After walking behind her friend, she zipped it up, noting immediately that it fit Sarah like a glove. She’s right. Jonathan is going to bust something. “You don’t know for sure I’m going to win.”

  “Everyone is voting for you, so yes, I am sure. And Kevin’s going to be king. So just wrap your little fuzzy head around that and deal.”

  “You should be the prom queen.”

  “And dance with my brother? Ew. Too incestuous for me.”

  Candi laughed. “Just because you’re crowned with someone doesn’t mean you’re romantic together.”

  Sarah walked over to the full length mirror on the back of the door. “I know. But it doesn’t matter anyway. No one’s going to vote for the pregnant chick for prom queen. Everyone’s celebrating my downfall right now, not my beauty and charisma.” She smoothed the dress down over her still flat stomach, turning sideways to look at her profile.

  “That’s not true … don’t say that. No one’s happy that you’re pregnant in a bad way.”

  Sarah snorted. “Are you kidding? Elise Winters was totally mocking me hard in the bathroom the other day. I was in a stall ralphing as usual, so she didn’t know I overheard.”

  Candi shook her head in disbelief. “Are you serious? What a jerk. She is so incredibly stuck up, I’m surprised she doesn’t get bird turds up her nose.”

  Sarah laughed, breakin
g away from the study of her reflection. “What did you just say?”

  Candi shrugged, grinning back. “You know … nose in the air … birds flying by …”

  “Nice effort. Total fail, but nice anyway.”

  “Yeah, I know. I was never very good at insults.”

  Sarah walked over and gave her a quick hug. “Yes, and that’s a compliment to your character, so don’t start getting good at it. That’s my department.”

  Candi squeezed her back. “I hope you’re not suggesting that there’s anything wrong with your character, because then you’d just be making me mad.”

  Sarah pulled back, pointing a nail-polished finger in Candi’s face. “No violence. I’m a pregnant lady and responsible for bringing new life into the world, which is a privilege and a responsibility.”

  Candi raised an eyebrow at that. “Seriously?”

  Sarah shrugged. “Jonathan’s words. I thought they sounded nice.” She went back over to look at her profile again. “Do you think I’m showing yet?”

  “No. How can you possibly be showing when all you’ve done is throw up every morning and afternoon and only eat crackers? You’ve lost weight not gained any.”

  “The doctor said it’s normal. And showing is baby weight, not mommy weight.” She smoothed her dress over her abdomen one more time.

  “Well, you’re not showing. It’s too early anyway. Now get your shoes and help me with my dress.”

  Sarah studied her reflection for a few more long seconds before sighing and turning away from the mirror. “I see a bump.” She got her shoes and stood, dangling them from a finger. “Well, come on then … let’s go. I have my shoes and I’m dressed.”

  “Shawl?”

  “Oh, yeah. Get it for me,” she said, leaving the room.

  Candi sighed. The queen has spoken. Maybe it would have bothered her a few months ago, or even on the island when they were marooned together, to be bossed around like that. But today, with Sarah carrying her brother’s baby - Candi’s own niece or nephew - and the fact that she knew Sarah just did this as a joke now and not because she was careless with others’ feelings, Candi could just play along. It was almost like a private joke between them at this point.

  Candi opened the Nordstrom box on the dresser, lifting the cashmere shawl from inside, putting it up to her cheek for a feel. Sarah’s so lucky her mom buys her presents like this.

  “Don’t get any of your makeup on it!” yelled Sarah from the hallway.

  Candi’s hand froze just inches from her face. Dang it. How did she know? “I wasn’t!” she yelled.

  Sarah’s face suddenly appeared, leaning into the doorway. “Lies. You can’t help but snuggle that thing every time you touch it. It even smells like you now.”

  Candi frowned, knowing she was busted. “But it’s so soft! It was made to be cuddled!”

  Sarah smiled. “I know, right? And tonight is the night for cuddling, so I’m all set. Come on,” she jerked her head back, her voice coming from down the hallway already, “let’s get you dressed, Cinderella.”

  ***

  Sarah helped Candi into her prom dress. It was dark green, shorter than her own, and totally suited to Candi’s new style. Her tanned legs and lean figure were perfectly displayed, the cinched waist showing off her post-island-rescue tiny size.

  Returning from their temporary treehouse home hadn’t caused Candi to fall back into her old ways of snacking and lying in bed all weekend. Sarah was proud that her friend had taken the tragedy and used it to turn her life around, jogging every day but Sunday and eating right.

  All of them agreed that after eating castaway-style, some of the usual snacks had lost their luster. Yes, they were tired of fish; but they were definitely not tired of all the fresh foods they hadn’t been able to get while they were there. Sarah and Candi were now practically vegetarians - Candi because she was making a conscious choice to eat healthier, and Sarah because almost everything meat- and milk-based made her feel nauseous.

  “Gorgeous. Just like it was in the mall dressing room,” said Sarah, stepping back and admiring the way the short strapless dress showed off Candi’s trim figure. “Spin around.”

  Candi spun, the edges of the dress flying out around her to reveal the new, lacy black panties underneath, the ones they’d bought at Victoria’s Secret just yesterday.

  “And now the shoes,” said Sarah, handing Candi the lower-heeled sandals she’d chosen for her friend.

  “I’m so glad we didn’t get those really high ones,” said Candi, sitting on the bed to put them on. “I would have twisted my ankle for sure.”

  “You don’t need heels to show off what you have. Your muscle tone is friggin amazing. Besides, you-know-who prefers you in the lower ones.”

  Candi looked up for a second to stick her tongue out before going back to buckling her shoes. “Whatever. Anyway, I told Jason to just stay out of Kevin’s way as much as possible tonight.”

  “That’s going to be pretty difficult, don’t you think?”

  “Maybe. But Kevin just needs to get a grip on himself and stop acting so jealous. There’s nothing he can do about Jason. I want him in my life, and that’s that.”

  Sarah held up her hands in a gesture of peace. “I know, I know. I’m not arguing. I’m just saying …”

  “Put your shoes on,” said Candi, effectively stopping that subject line from going any further. “The car is going to be here any minute and so is your mom.”

  Just then the door opened, and Candi’s mother stuck her head in. “Are you ready, girls? Sarah, your mom is on her way, and Jonathan just called … they’re about five minutes out.”

  “How many times has he called you with his time checks?” Sarah asked, a knowing smile on her face.

  “Five times,” said his mother, sighing. “That boy is so excited right now, I’m afraid he’s going to give himself a headache before he even sees you.” She winked. “You two look gorgeous, by the way. See you downstairs.” She blew them a kiss and then closed the door behind her retreating head.

  Sarah sat down on the edge of the bed. “Put my shoes on for me, will you?” she whined.

  Candi sighed. “Are you serious? Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too far?”

  “Taking what too far? I’m pregnant. I feel morning-sick again. I need help.” She sighed dramatically. “But don’t worry about it. I can manage.” She waited the two seconds it took for Candi to become overwhelmed with guilt.

  “Never mind. Give me the stupid shoes,” Candi grumbled, holding out her hand.

  Sarah smiled slyly. It was almost too easy. “Thanks. I’ll just rest here and focus on not barfing on your head.”

  “Try focusing on not working this pregnancy too hard in the early stages, so you still have some bank when you’re a giant roly-poly and really need the help. Like, to get in and out of a chair.”

  Sarah’s mouth dropped open. She was dumbstruck for a moment before she recovered enough to smack her friend on the shoulder. “Hey! That’s not nice, talking to a delicate pregnant girl like that! Where are your manners, young lady?”

  Candi giggled, but wisely said nothing.

  The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Sarah’s mother.

  “Time for pictures and sniffling parents,” said Sarah, watching as Candi finished buckling the second sandal onto her foot. She lifted her other leg out, admiring the heels that would make her almost as tall as her date. She planned to be wearing shoes like this all the way up until the end of her pregnancy. She vowed then to be wearing them on the way to her baby’s delivery.

  “Yeah. I hope it’s not too awful,” said Candi, standing and holding her hand out for her friend’s. “At least my dad won’t be here. I’m glad work is keeping him busy and not here taking a million pictures.”

  Sarah took it and stood. “We’ll cut them off after fifteen minutes. Then we’re outties.”

  “Deal,” said Candi, holding up her hand for a high-five that Sarah gladly gave
her.

  “Time to go blow some minds. Come on,” said Sarah, taking Candi by the hand. Together they left the room and descended the stairs to the front hall.

  ***

  The girls joined their mothers in the kitchen where the two ladies were having a glass of white wine together.

  “Oh, my goodness … Sarah … you look absolutely stunning,” said her mother Angie, coming over for a kiss.

  Candi watched at the way it stopped in the air right next to Sarah’s cheek without even really touching her. She walked over to her mom and got a full hug, not caring at all that she might mess up her dress or her hair. Her nervousness over the whole event was more overwhelming right now then her need to look perfect.

  “Hey! Wrinkles, ladies, wrinkles!” reminded Sarah. “Step away from the prom dress, Mrs. B.”

  Candace Buckley smiled, moving back from her daughter. “Yes, yes, I know. But she looks so beautiful.” She was holding Candi’s hands and staring into her eyes, pride making them shiny.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “I’m so proud of you, sweetie. Look at you! You’re so beautiful. Absolutely stunning.”

  Candi smiled, but she could feel her lip tremble as she thought about her date.

  “Nervous?”

  “Just a little. Or a ton.”

  “You have nothing to worry about,” said Mrs. Peterson. “I assure you … my son will behave himself. He’s had a stern talking-to from his father.”

  Candi turned to her. “Thanks, Mrs. Peterson. But I’m not worried about Kevin. I’m more worried about the prom queen silliness.”

  Mrs. Peterson frowned, shaking off Candi’s concern with a casual gesture of her hand. “I hear you’re a shoo-in. Just remember, shoulders back, chin up, and never let them see you sweat.”

  “Good advice,” said Sarah, coming over to take her friend by the hand and pull her out of the kitchen. She leaned in next to Candi’s ear and whispered, “I’d also add tits out to that list of instructions.” Then over her shoulder she said in a louder voice, “Anyone who wants pictures of these two hotties needs to come to the front porch. We’re only staying ten minutes after our dates arrive.”