others’. We’re on a complete lockdown ban.”
“You haven’t left the clubhouse.”
She looked behind her to see the prospect was still paying attention to them. She leaned down, her lips close to Simon’s ear. “I didn’t say we didn’t get out.” She pulled away. “We have our ways. I think I know a good place we can go. It might help you to get whatever this is out of your system.”
He nodded. “I’m sticking around for a while.”
“You think your dad will let you?”
“If he knows me, he’ll let me cool off.”
“Come on, I’ll take you inside. Miles is the guy we see to make our escape tonight.” She took Simon’s hand, and all of the guys rushed to hug him and shake his hand. Daisy even kissed his cheek. They were all happy to see him.
Lash came in, clearing his throat. “All of you back to work. You as well, Simon. There’s space.”
Tabitha sat down at her desk while Simon lowered himself down.
“In silence.”
They all shut up. Staring down at her book, she knew they only had half an hour to go. The time went by way too slowly. Each time she looked up, she caught Simon watching her.
“Work.” She mouthed the word, not making a sound.
“Okay.” He lifted up his book and she couldn’t help but laugh. He was being a total goofball.
She loved him so much and just having him here, well, it reminded her of all that she’d been missing for too long.
Their time was up. Lash came back and ordered them to their rooms. Simon was escorted by Nash.
“Wow, this is like an actual prison, isn’t it?” Simon asked.
She chuckled. Daisy rushed to her side. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
“How is he?”
“I don’t know. We need to go to the Quad. I think it will help.”
Even if Simon was keeping his shit together, she knew it wouldn’t last long before he exploded again, and she didn’t want him to have to go through that alone.
After heading upstairs, she closed her door and sat down on her bed. As she ran her fingers through her hair, it was a matter of minutes before Miles was there, opening the door.
“So the prospect on duty tonight has a girl coming around at nine. We sneak out past the back door, from the kitchen and out. We go to the Quad for a couple of hours. No fighting. We observe only.”
“Thanks. Let Simon know. Angel’s coming with the food.”
Miles tipped an imaginary hat to her.
Seconds later, Angel was there.
“Hey, sweetie.”
“Hey, Angel,” she said.
“I know this is all seeming a little much,” she said.
“Nah, it’s fine. I mean, what more can I do? I did break a girl’s nose and hurt another one.”
“I know, sweetie. Do you think violence is the answer, though?” Angel asked.
“Sometimes the only vocabulary people know is violence, that and sex.”
“Enjoy your food.” Angel left.
Fries and a garden burger, her favorite. Angel had embraced her, Daisy’s, and Lacey’s vegetarian diet. Picking up the burger, she took a large bite and closed her eyes, enjoying it. After dinner, they were expected to get changed for bed, read, and then there were lights out.
There was no way Lash could believe they were following his protocol. If he did, she felt a little sorry for him. It wasn’t like they went out of their way to disrespect them. That was a lie. They totally did.
Lash came for the dishes and their doors were closed.
Checking the time, she showered, changed into her pajamas, sat, and read for ten minutes before the allotted escape time. Then she quickly pulled on a pair of jeans, a shirt, and her leather jacket.
At exactly nine, she opened her door, just as the others did.
Simon moved down the hall, going to her.
Miles was in front, Anthony right behind him. She didn’t know how her brother was able to find out all of this information, but he was a master at getting what he wanted.
They made their way down the stairs, past the prospect who was moaning as the girl gasped at how big he was.
Seriously?
Simon snickered and held her hand tightly. They were out of the kitchen, past the wall, and running like the hounds of hell were chasing after them.
No one stopped them as they made it clear to the Quad.
“We can escape but we don’t have any cars. We’re walking the entire way,” Miles said. “It is damn good to have you here.” He shook Simon’s hand.
“Why are you guys putting up with this?” Simon