He was shoving notebooks into a backpack as he rushed around the room.

"I think I’m good. Phone, wallet, keys..." He patted his pockets then frowned. "Shit, where are my keys?"

“Do you need keys? I’m driving.”

“Yeah, for my dorm.” He opened up his suitcase again, as if planning to start the search process all over again.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and exhaled slowly, silently counting in my head. "Check your desk."

Rowan rifled through some papers on the desk. "Got 'em!" He held up a jangling keyring triumphantly.

I smirked for a second before catching myself. I was frustrated, dammit. Not amused by the boy. "Great. Now can we please go?"

Rowan turned to me and placed one hand over his opposite pec. "Aw, you in a hurry to get me alone in the car?"

No longer amused, I narrowed my eyes. "I'm in a hurry to do my job and get you to class on time. Move it."

Rowan's smile faltered slightly, but he sighed and headed out of the room.

I slung his duffle bag over my shoulder and grabbed his suitcase then followed him down the grand staircase.

The household staff bustled about as they all prepared for the day. A few curious glances were thrown our way, but no one dared approach. They were probably just surprised to see Rowan out of his room since he’d been camped out there for weeks.

We stepped outside, and I led Rowan to the waiting black sedan. I opened the back door and stepped aside to give him room. “Hop in.”

"I can't sit up front?" Rowan pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re not my chauffeur.”

I cocked my head, starting to get annoyed with the attitude. "You know damn well that it’s safer in the back. What I don’t know is why you’re fighting with me. I’m on your side here, Rowan. I’m not your enemy."

He held my gaze but didn’t say anything as he slid into the backseat.

I stowed his bags in the trunk then took my place behind the wheel. As I adjusted the rearview mirror, I caught Rowan's eye. He was watching me intently, and a small smile played on his lips.

I cleared my throat as I started the engine. "Seatbelt on?"

"Yes, sir," Rowan replied, his tone playful once again. The sparkle in his eye gave me pause, but I didn’t have time to wonder what he was up to.

Well, a flirty omega was better than a cranky one. Maybe.

I pulled out of the long driveway with the omega's scent filling up the enclosed space and making it hard to concentrate. Why hadn’t I noticed how potent it was before? I cracked the window, letting in some fresh air.

Rowan leaned forward between the seats and looked right at me. "Tell me about yourself, Trev. How'd you get stuck babysitting the cousin? I’m sure you have better things to do. Stuff people in barrels and cook crack or whatever it is my family does."

I kept my eyes on the road as I chuckled. "You seriously don’t know what the family does?" He had to be fucking with me.

He hummed. “Um, no, actually. I mean, I’ve seen movies. I don’t know the specifics. Should I?”

“I guess not.” I glanced at him as I came to a red light. “If you aren’t planning to be a part of their businesses, it’s probably better not to know. Blissful ignorance and all that.”

"Fine then. If you don’t want to talk about the deep underworld my family operates in, tell me about yourself. What's your story?"

I sighed, realizing Rowan wasn't gonna let this go. Besides, with all the time we would be spending together, it was only fair that I let him get to know me a bit. I had a full file on him, after all. "Not much to tell. My family has been working for yours for generations. Andro and I grew up together, and he’s my best friend."

Rowan scoffed. "And now you're stuck with me. Lucky you."

"Yeah, I am lucky.” I glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “It's an important job."

His smile faltered for a moment before returning full force. "Aww, I’m important. And a job."