Page 71 of Keep Me

I roll my eyes as a smile tugs at my lips. “Yes, I have things to do. I miss you, but I also need you to leave.”

“I know, I was teasing you. I do need to get going. I’m probably going to pay a fine for being late, but I don’t give a shit. I needed to come see you, and if you ever need me, I’ll be here as quickly as possible. It’s you and me, baby sis, till the end.”

Q pulls me into a hug, making me instantly feel better. He’s the reason I got out, and I’ll forever be grateful for the gift he’s given me.

“What about the girl you’re seeing?” I tease as I pull back.

His face scrunches in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“The cheerleader? I see the way you look over at her when the camera pans to you.”

“You have to swear to keep your mouth shut.” His voice is stern, devoid of joking.

“I promise.”

“I didn’t know she was a part of the dancing team. We hooked up before the season started, a one—”

“Skip those details, please.” I grimace.

“Anyways, when the season started, not only did I realize she works for the organization, which means she’s off-limits, but that she’s also the little sister of that one teammate I can’t stand. So nothing’s going on between us, as much as I wish it would.”

“No!” I squeal, all too excited about this. “You did not sleep with your enemy’s little sister! This is so juicy. You clearly still want her, and I’m sure she wants you but is too scared.”

“Are you done making my life sound like a novel?” he huffs in annoyance.

“No. Maybe it’ll be like the one book Jasmine was telling me about—a surprise pregnancy that induces forced proximity, then love. Or a marriage of convenience somehow…” I trail off, thinking of all the fun ways this could play out for him.

His face pales, devoid of the sun-kissed hue that normally exists. “Not a chance. I’d like to say this was fun, but it wasn’t. Remember what we talked about. I need to get going. Bye, baby sis, love you.”

“Thank you, Q, love you too.”

Once he’s gone, I run back to my room and retrieve my phone off the floor, needing to escape for the day before I know someone’s always watching me.

Instead of a text back, he calls.

“Hi.” My voice is quiet.

“Princess, what’s wrong?” His deep timbre wraps around me, making me feel safer already.

“I want to go somewhere far from here for the day.”

“I’ll be there within the hour to get you. Don’t wear a dress. We’re taking my bike,” he complies, no questions asked.

I try not to overthink that small tidbit but fail. Part of me believes he likes me, more than he intended to because he’s much kinder and caring toward me than anyone else. Who else would drop their plans for the day in a second because I said I needed them?

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Ryker

I’m ditching classes today, which is a first for me. All because Camille said she needed me, and when paired with the desperation in her voice, it was a no-brainer.

I opted for joggers and a black T-shirt, forgoing my leather jacket since it was a rather warm day. On the drive over to her place, I plan out our day to make sure it includes things I know would make her happy.

A first for me too.

I’m taking Aurora’s advice and appreciating what we have before our time’s up. I still can’t offer Camille more than this, not when I have my career to figure out in the next few months, but I’ll enjoy all the time we have together to the fullest.

I send her a text to let her know I’m waiting outside, and minutes later, she comes out the lobby doors, a wide smile on her face as she waves to the doorman.

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