Page 26 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“I can’t explain it.”

His eyes follow them as Cassie drags Imogen over to the bar and then a text lights up his phone and Jesse frowns. “Fuck.”

“Jenna?”

He nods. “She wants me to meet her in the lane. She has a welcome home party planned—apparently.”

Ordinarily, Jesse would have bolted from the room like a bullet from a gun at that text. He would have done even one hour ago and I wonder if this will be so easy.

“So, don’t go.”

I remind him he has choices, and he groans. “I’m so conflicted. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m up for whatever Jenna has planned. She’s seriously good at what she does, but why does it taste bitter?”

He gazes across the room as Imogen laughs at something Cassie says and a longing spark fires up in his eyes.

“It’s your choice. Test your resistance and if you survive the night, you may even beat the addiction.”

He glances at his phone with a sigh.

“I should go. Even if it’s to say I’m done.”

“You don’t owe her an explanation.”

“I kind of do. It’s been well, intense and I’m not sure, but perhaps the break has done me a favor. It’s thrown perspective on the situation.”

“Just ignore the text. Give yourself the night off and see what happens in the morning.”

He nods, obviously battling demons and as Cassie and Imogen head our way, they bring two cold beers with them.

“We thought you could use these.” Cassie hands one to me and Imogen hands Jesse his with a shy smile.

It appears to be enough to make up his mind because he accepts the beer with a cocky grin and turns off his phone, placing it in his pocket and diverting his attention to Imogen instead.

Cassie watches them with a thoughtful frown and I whisper, “You wanted to leave?”

“I did–but–” She gazes at her friend.

“She’ll be okay.” I reassure her and she sighs.

“I’m not so sure.”

“Jack’s here.”

I notice Jack watching the scene as he chats to Siri and Summer, and Cassie nods. “I know, it’s just–”

“Just nothing.”

I grasp her hand with determination.

“Your friend is old enough to make her own decisions and won’t thank you for interfering. Come, we have more important items on our agenda.”

The desire that lights in her eyes is enough to pull her from the room and as we leave unannounced, I’m not so certain it’s a good idea. Something weighs heavily on my soul, but as I glance around, all appears normal. Summer is with Siri and Jack, and Jesse is with Imogen. Everyone I love in the world is where I need them to be and yet, as I catch Luca’s eye as he chats with Ali, a shiver of apprehension passes through me.

I’m not one for premonitions. I don’t believe in anything but the cold hard facts, but there is something about that guy that unnerves me and I wonder if leaving so soon is really the best plan of action.

“What are we waiting for?” Cassie huffs and that’s enough to pull me from the room. Nothing even comes close to my desire to spend the night and catch up properly with the woman I haven’t been able to shake from my mind, no matter how hard I tried.

PART II

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