my Ducati and let out a sigh. After finding out exactly what Carver did for me yesterday, I’ve been in a slump. I can’t focus, I can’t smile, I couldn’t even ride in a straight fucking line without nearly causing an accident. Carver hasn’t left my thoughts, and the way my chest constantly aches is seriously starting to mess with my head.
I hate that he did that for me, and I hate even more that it’s because there’s something between us—at least there was. I think … I don’t fucking know anymore. But if he didn’t care for me, why the hell would he go to those lengths to protect me?
Fuck him. Why did he have to go and complicate this so much more? The world is already hard enough as it is. The guilt I feel for what he did for me, but also the anger at the whole situation … shit. I don’t know how we’re ever going to build a relationship again—not that we really had one.
I can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now.
The familiar black Escalade pulls into the student parking lot and I watch it as it pulls into the space next to my Ducati. I feel all four of the guys’ intense stares on me and the second the four doors open, it only gets worse.
Grayson gets out first and takes two steps toward me as Carver cuts in front of us, his stare boring into mine and holding me captive. His natural manly scent hits me as he passes, and my chest begins to ache all over again. The second he slices his stare away from mine, everything goes weak. It’s not until Grayson’s big hand curls tightly around my elbow, holding me up, that I realize I’m falling.
I quickly right myself and catch my breath, only to realize that Grayson still stands behind me, his hand at my elbow. My heart races. The last time we spoke without our emotions running wild was in the kitchen of King’s cabin in the woods when I discovered the raven tattoo stretching over his chest. I couldn’t help but feel like it had something to do with me, and even now, after everything that’s gone down the last few days and the way he protected me, I’m questioning everything.
I pull my elbow free and give him a tight smile. “Thanks,” I murmur. “I’m good now.”
Grayson nods and takes the helmet out of my hands as King and Cruz step out from behind the Escalade. They both watch us standing so close together, glancing between us with a strange curiosity that has me fighting a smile and rolling my eyes. There’s not a doubt in my mind that they’re wondering if our little threesome just became a party of four.
Not wanting to hang around for their interrogation, I make my way to the main entrance of Ravenwood Heights Academy with the three guys following behind, my helmet still tucked safely under Grayson’s arms.
We walk into the school together and I get all of three steps before Ember comes crashing into me. “What the actual fuck, girl? Where the hell have you been? You know it’s been like … fuck … days since I saw you last. What happened to you?” she demands, grabbing hold of my shoulder and scanning her gaze over my body. “I swear, I thought you must have picked a fight with the wrong guy, been roofied, and then woke up in a random Mexican hospital. I’ve been so worried about you. I mean, is it that hard to answer your phone or send a text? Sheesh, girl.”
My face twists into a cringe and I give her an awkward shitty smile. “Sorry,” I say, knowing that’s not going to cut it. “I haven’t seen my phone since … crap. I don’t even know when I last saw my phone, but it’s been a while.”
Ember gives me a blank, unimpressed stare as the students walking in through the main entrance have to shoulder charge me to get past. “Seriously?” she grumbles. “Four fucking days, babe. What happened to you? I’m going to need something a little better than ‘I lost my phone.’ I mean, I thought maybe you’d been put with a new family and I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye.”
My heart breaks for my friend, and once again, I’m left feeling like the shittiest person on earth.
I pull Ember in and wrap my arms around her small frame. “I’m sorry,” I