Page 149 of After Hours

“Whatever,” I said in response and rolled my eyes at him. He could’ve told me that he’s finishing something, so he’s not focused, and I would’ve shut up, but that aggressive tone he kept wasn’t fine, and I’d be damned before I let him think it was.

“Lucio,” I called out to get his attention, “I think I’m good here. My school’s like five minutes away, and I can walk.” He nodded at me, and I gathered my bags.

“Romano,” Dillon growled, “Do not let her out of the damn car.”

“Lucio, if you don’t let me out, I’ll jump out.”

A mask of panic was on his face; he didn’t want to disobey orders from his boss, but he also valued my statements a lot. He pulled to a stop at the upcoming curb.

“Thank you, Lucio. Have a good day now,” I said, addressing only him, and opened the car door to leave.

Dillon grabbed onto my wrist, but I yanked it away and jumped out of the car, making my way to school.

As expected, I got to school in a good five minutes, exactly at 8:30 am. The place was crawling with students, and the space was too crowded. My day started off awful, and the school being crowded made it worse. The whispers about me and my relationship were all I could hear. Some were saying they loved the chemistry, others called me a gold-digging whore, and the rest wondered what he saw in me. I assume this is the downside of being involved with men of power.

I rolled my eyes and made my way to the seats. Abigail was nowhere to be found, and trust me, I texted her a couple of times. She’s either still asleep or asked for her package to be delivered to her—typical Abigail fashion.

My phone pinged with messages from Dillon, but I just put it on silent. I needed to get out of here as fast as I got in. Our principal went up to make a speech, and it took forever. She was just speaking about how proud she is of her students, the protocol for graduation, and we were only allowed to bring six additional people. My six were my mom, Mara, Nina, Ronan, Lucio, Mikkel, and Dillon, even if he’s an asshole right now, and Abigail is also graduating, so I’ll see her there.

My phone pinged, and Abigail’s name came up in the notification bar.

Abigail-Ann

School? For what? Also, Good morning!

Me

To pick up your envelope and good morning.

Abigail-Ann

Oh, I asked someone to get that for me because I was lazy. I thought you were gonna send Dillon to do it for you.

Me

No. God gave me hands and legs for a reason.

Abigail-Ann

You all packed for your trip?? Take lots of pictures!

Me

Yes, and I’ll try.

Abigail-Ann

Good. I love you.

Me

I love you too.

“Good morning,” I said pleasantly.

“Hey,” she said, “here you go.” She handed me the envelope, and I walked straight through the door. I’d open it later when I was of a peaceful mind, but as far as I know, I’m one step closer to being done with school.

Me

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