Page 101 of Speak

I finally bring my gaze back up to meet his. His eyes are bouncing between each pair, contemplating between sticking up for me and with me… or standing by our parents. His trust fund. The future they hold in their hands.

“Yes, Axel, are you staying or going with them?” John asks.

Axel’s mouth opens and closes, no sounds coming out. Jonas scoffs once again, and he kisses my temple, the only reassurance he gives me as we step out of the circle we created and out into the cool night air.

We don’t wait very long for a car. Jonas opens the door for me and we hear Axel calling after us. But Jonas shakes his head at him, denying him entry to the car. “It was an easy decision, Axel. It was the easiest decision of your life.”

“Jonas, you don’t understand.”

“You’re right. I probably don’t. But if I’m honest, I don’t care for your explanation right now. She might. And after you grovel and rest your case with her, I may forgive you. But I won’t forget that you chose them over her. Now, your sister and I are going to go back to her dorm because we have school tomorrow.”

“You’re not going to the funeral tomorrow?”

“Of course I am. It’s business.”

“We’ll talk then?”

“I really don’t want you to talk to me.” Jonas replies coolly and closes the door.

I grab Jonas’ hand and climb into his lap, kissing the absolute fuck out of him.

“Where to?” the driver asks.

I pull away but before Jonas can answer, I lean into his ear and whisper, “home.”

Jonas gives the driver the address to the lake house where Jonas fucks me on every flat surface available until every hole of mine is sore, wearing the balaclava, never noticing the black Jeep that sat outside across the street.

Never noticing the black hooded shadow watching us through the blinds.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jonas.

Being back in my dorm room after being atCasa de Cuervosso much lately feels wrong. I don’t know how to explain it other than it smells stale and a little like dirty socks. Not like jasmine and berries. I walk around, looking at it all, and I can’t help but imagine all of my stuff not just in Raven’s dorm room, but at her lake house. I wonder if she’ll freak at the mention of us living together? To say,“Fuck it. Let’s live out there and commute. Daily. Back and forth.”

But that would be smothering her, probably and my heart sinks a little. I want to go at her pace but I feel like my pace is a rocket and hers is a minivan. Not even a luxury one.

I sigh, going to my walk-in and collecting the things I need for the funeral. I crouch low and pull the box from under my dresser that contains my red cloak and my white matte cracked-face half-mask.

Specially made to fit my face!

Like that’s a valid selling point to join the Syndicate. I roll my eyes as I head out to the parking lot.

I walked Raven to class, essentially just dropped her off at the door with a kiss then texted Damon I was leaving her with Maverick and I was leaving to Salem.

Dr. Douche: I really wish you would’ve taken her with you

Me: She said she’s going home after Harrington’s class. I think. She signed home. Besides, her Music Theory and English Lit classes are hybrid classes.

Dr. Douche: My last appointment is at two. I’ll be home by three.

Me: You think she’ll let us move in with her?

Dr. Douche: The promise of orgasms, homemade meals, and an in-house doctor with unmatched bedside manner?

Me: We can always throw in a puppy if she says no. I looked at her Pinterest, she likes Dobermans.

Dr. Douche: Diabolical. I like it. See you at home.

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