Page 94 of Roaring Flames

Izzy ignores them and keeps her gaze on me. “They have a car here.”

What is she suggesting? That I ask the twins for a ride to my house? That I allow them to see my most shameful secret?

But what option do I have? I have no idea what’s going on. Shelby hasn’t messaged me since those first two texts.

“Would they do that for me?” I ask, running a hand through my hair.

“No,” Izzy confesses with a helpless shrug. “But they’d do it for me.”

What the hell am I getting myself into?

Emery drives like a bat out of hell. I swear I’ve gripped the “OH SHIT” handlebar more times in the fifteen-minute car ride than I ever have before in my life.

Izzy sits beside me, one of her dainty hands on my knee, the comforting weight securing me to the present. I check my phone repeatedly, almost religiously, waiting for Shelby to text me back.

Nothing.

Fuck.

Ethan glances at the two of us from the passenger seat, his expression unreadable. Both Emery and Ethan are known around the school. They’re two of the most popular guys—them and their little group of friends.

I never had any issue with them until I started pulling ahead of Ethan in our classes. Then I became public enemy number one.

I wouldn’t necessarily say they bullied me—that’s not their style—but they didn’t roll out the welcome carpet either. Ethan was put out that he was no longer at the top of our class, and Emery, of course, backed his brother. Ashton tried to “ruin me” on more than one occasion. He’s fiercely protective of his friends.

At least Reid ignored me. I’m not sure I would like to be on the bad side of such a big, scary dude.

It takes me a second too long to realize that Ethan isn’t staring at me. No, his focus is intent on Izzy’s hand still covering my knee. Her thumb has begun to move almost absently, drawing soothing circles into the material of my khakis.

I always suspected that the twins had a crush on Izzy, but this only confirms it.

Fuck.

Emery makes another sharp turn, and I slide into the window, causing Izzy to slide into me. Not that I’m complaining. I love the feel of her body molding to mine.

“Drive much?” Izzy snaps, but Emery simply laughs.

“You said you wanted to get there fast!”

“I would prefer to be alive, thank you very much.”

“As if I would let you die.” He tsks his tongue as if the mere idea is insane.

“What would you do if we crashed?” she demands.

“Obviously wrap my body around you and protect you from the impact.”

“How would you even get to me?” She folds her arms over her chest with a scowl.

“I have moves, pretty girl. Trust me.” His words are practically a purr, the salacious undertones unmistakable.

Irritation briefly burns through me, overshadowing even my fear.

What the fuck does he think he’s doing, flirting with my girl directly in front of me?

As soon as that thought comes, my cheeks burn.

Fuck.

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