Dragon Fire Academy 1 First Term an RH academy romance - Rachel Jonas Page 0,28

my already suspicious guardians that we were up to something. The plan was to meet at Makoni Lagoon about a mile from the academy. It was a bit off the beaten path, but according to a group of local kids tagging along, it was the perfect spot for anyone looking to get away for a while.

We spread out a bit, checking behind our shoulders before slipping over the wall in random spots. Waltzing out of the gate like an army would’ve called all kinds of attention to us, so we decided this was the best way.

The temp soared well above ninety as we walked, and one mile felt more like twenty in the sweltering heat. All I wanted was to dive into the water and forget how much stress I was under. It wasn’t just pressure from school and the guys, but my personal baggage as well.

Concerns surrounding my upcoming birthday were never far from my thoughts. There was this loudly ticking clock inside my head at all times, reminding me that something awful could happen when the minutes finally wore down. I was more than prepared to do whatever it took to keep from hurting others. However, even just acknowledging the backup plan I secured should things go terribly wrong, so much sadness crept in. I could only hope things wouldn’t get that far out of control, but it was a possibility, and that scared the crap out of me.

All the more reason I needed this excursion to distract me.

And a distraction it was. Staring back at me was another of the island’s breathtaking sights. The lagoon was a brilliant turquoise just like every other body of water I’d seen since arriving. The cheers and screams that arose from our group filled the air the second we spotted it, and I smiled bigger than I had in a while.

“Looks like we finally get to enjoy paradise,” Manuel said with a nudge to his sister’s arm.

Surprisingly, she smiled back, seeming to have left an immense weight behind at the academy.

Loud splashing meant my friends and I were among the few who had yet to dive in. Our clothes came off quickly, and in almost perfect sync, we raced toward the shoreline in our bathing suits.

Except, the rumble of an engine halted our steps.

The shocked looks on the others’ faces said so much, even before I turned to discover why their expressions had darkened so quickly. It was two from the dreaded foursome I couldn’t seem to shake.

A sharp look from Paulo as he glared from the passenger seat of a red jeep, with Kai behind the wheel, made me feel like I was back at home under my father’s watchful eye. The sensation that came over me was akin to how I felt whenever my parents caught me doing something I knew I had no business doing. How these two found us here was beyond me, but I wasn’t entirely surprised.

Folding both arms across my chest, I changed direction, heading toward the jeep missing its doors. Several thoughts ran through my mind, but the one that seemed to outweigh the others was how I wished they’d shown up half a minute sooner. Then, I might have still been clothed, instead of stomping toward them in the bikini I probably should have gotten rid of a couple years ago. Without realizing it, I’d outgrown the top a bit, and the guys’ stares only made me more aware of the oversight.

Note to self: wear a t-shirt next time.

“What are you doing here?”

The question was extremely sharp when it left my mouth, but neither seemed even the least bit affected, still seated as Kai turned down the radio.

Smirking, Paulo wet his lips. “Are you sure that’s not what we should be asking you?”

I hated when he did that, answered my question with a question.

“Give us a break,” I sighed. “We’re just here to swim.”

“What a coincidence. That’s why we’re here, too.” He winked, and that annoying smile of his widened. “Well, that and because we overheard some of your partners in crime discussing this incredibly stupid plan.”

I rolled my eyes so hard I swear I saw into the future.

Getting way too much joy out of my frustration, Paulo yawned, stretching both arms above his head, through the missing roof. Naturally, my attention went to his bare chest before lowering to the khaki shorts that rode low on his hips. I’d noticed how little he wore before this moment, but my own stubbornness wouldn’t