Renegade Revival

Chapter 25: Finding Out

Hayley's POV

I felt a strong arm pull me closer to a warm chest. I knew, then, that Taylor was still beside me. I smiled to myself as I cuddled into his embrace.

"M'morning, rebel," he mumbled, his voice still groggy. He planted a kiss on my cheek, his stubble tickling my face a little.

"Morning, stiff," I whispered before kissing his arm. I turned in his embrace and instantly became lost in his eyes.

"Gosh," he sighed, "I love waking up to you." I felt myself blush a little as I gave a sheepish smile. He gave a soft smile in return, making me melt again. I couldn't think. I couldn't speak. I didn't want to do either one.

"Honestly," Taylor started, tearing me out of my trance, "I don't want to get out of bed."

"Me neither," I said with a chuckle. He gave a small laugh as he brushed my hair out of my face. We stayed like that for a while, us staring endlessly into each other's eyes as he stroked my hair and I smiled up at him.

"I swear, I could kiss you forever," he whispered as his finger gently brushed against my lips. I smiled at his sweet nothings.

"Then, do it," I said. He leaned down and took me into a kiss. His warm hands wrapped around my waist and he pulled me on top of him as he lied down on his back.

"I love you," he whispered against my lips. A smile broke on my face.

"I love you too, stiff," I said back. I fell into the hypnosis of his caramel eyes again, seeing that his words were genuine.

His hand began to crawl up my spine, making me shiver as a laugh escaped.

"Stop it!" I shrieked as I hit Taylor's shoulder. He laughed as he slowly continued to tickle me; I laughed into his shoulder, begging him to stop.

"I couldn't resist, babe," he chuckled as he finally stopped. He planted another kiss on my lips. "Sorry."

"I forgive you, you idiot," I joked with a chuckle. I tugged on a curl of his hair, letting it bounce back in place on his forehead.

"Taylor?" a voice outside of the room tried. We looked towards the voice, finding a woman my age with black dyed hair, a floral shirt and plain denim jeans to match the dark blue the shirt carried.

"Veronica?" Taylor's voice held shock and a hint of disgust in her.

"Who the hell are you?" she spat as she glared at me.

"How the hell did you get in here?" Taylor asked. "You don't have the key--"

"The key under the doormat," she said bitterly, her glare not being removed from me. "Who's she?"

"Hayley," I said boldly. "Surprised you haven't heard about me."

"Oh, I've heard about you, alright," she snarled. I crawled off of Taylor and grabbed a robe as I got out of bed reluctantly.

"Listen here, lady," I growled as I tied the robe closed around my body. "Taylor can't stand you. Hell, I can't stand you, telling by what he's told me. So, how about you just bug off and find yourself another man who can deal with your whining!"

"Hayley," Taylor toned, worry in his voice. He quickly got out of bed and slipped into some boxers.

"Taylor, tell her you love me," Veronica demanded, her bratty tone already kicking in.

"Don't you see?" I chuckled, shaking my head at her. "He dosesn't love you. He's always loved me."

"Hayley, stop," Taylor demanded, grabbing onto my arm.

"Someone's gotta tell her the truth, York," I said as I looked back at him. His caramel eyes were wide and full of an unknown fear.

"Stop," he whispered to me.

"Taylor never loved you," I said to Veronica. Anger was visible in her face.

"Is this true, Taylor?" she whined, switching her angered stare to him.

"Veronica, of course it's true," I said. I pulled away from Taylor's grasp and appraoched Veronica until I our toes were touching at the tips. "He was only using you."

Veronica let out an angered yell as her hand flew across my face, leaving a sting on my cheek. I winced a little, then chuckled as I slowly looked up at her again.

"Wow, you little bitch--"

"Stop!" Taylor demanded again. He pulled me away from Veronica, pushing me behind him. He glared at Veronica, who was close to tears.

"Get out," he said.

"Wha--"

"Get. Out," he repeated. "I don't want you here. We're done. And don't you ever lay a finger on Hayley."

"Taylor, I--"

"Get. Out." Veronica studied Taylor, then stiffened a little as she shot another glare at me.

"I hope you're happy," she snarled towards me through gritted teeth, then made her way out the front door.

"You bet I am!" I called out after her. The door slammed close.

"Are you okay?" Taylor asked, his voice now soft. He turned to me and examined where Veronica had slapped me.

"I'm fine," I snickered, finding his worry adorable.

"It's a little red."

"I'm fine, York," I giggled. His eyes locked on mine, then softened as he gave a small smile.

"You sure?" he asked. I nodded.

"I'm sure," I said, resting my hand on his, which still remained on my slapped cheek. "Let's get dressed, stiff."