Page 59 of Atone

Teal

Man toy then.

Mila

That’s what Patience is supposed to have. How is the professor anyway?

Patience

I’m going to leave this conversation.

Mila

No, you won’t. You love us too much.

Patience sends an eye-roll emoji, effectively ending the chat. And I’ve diverted the conversation away from myself enough that I hope they let it go.

Setting my phone aside, I eat breakfast and get ready, blasting my favorite playlist since no one is here to complain about it. Only a few students are left in the entire building, and with how they’ve emptied out, I practically have my own floor.

By the time I’m dressed and ready to go, I find the stack of books Patience asked me to drop off and tuck them intoa bag. I lied when I said I was headed out this morning. I was planning on hiding in the dorm, bingeing movies, and trying not to obsess over having sex with my best friend’s brother. But I’m too curious to see the Lancaster residence not to run this particular errand.

With everything in tow, I head downstairs to the parking lot. Sunlight sparkles against the remnants of last night’s drizzle on the cars. Opening the backseat, I set the bag of books on the floor just as a car rolls up beside me.

From the quiet hum of the expensive engine, I assume Marco has shown up to continue our argument from yesterday. But when I turn around, I see Alex sitting behind the wheel.

He cuts the engine and climbs out, not taking his eyes off me as I lean against my car to face him. His dark jeans hug his strong legs, and his green T-shirt draws out every fleck of emerald in his hazel eyes.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying not to sound irritated that he disappeared from my bed this morning.

“Taking a trip to the Lancaster residence with you, apparently.”

I don’t miss that he doesn’t sayhome.

“How do you know I’m headed to your parents’ house?” My neck cranes to meet his gaze when he stops in front of me. “And exactly how long have you been stalking me?”

Also,why don’t I mind it?

The corner of his mouth tilts with amusement. “My sister told me she sent you on an errand.”

“You spoke to her?” I hate the jealous flare that sparks with my question because of course I want Alex to heal, but I assumed the fact that he was speaking to me was special.

“She texted,” he clarifies, like he senses my insecurity.

I straighten my spine. “And when she texted, did she also tell you how to break into our dorm room so you could watch me while I sleep?”

Alex smirks. “No. That would be Kole.”

I wasn’t expecting honesty in return for my snarky comment. And I really wasn’t expecting Alex to tell me Kole was behind it. Although, I’m not surprised, given how protective he is over Violet.

Maybe I should text her to let her know?

Maybe she already does know.

“As disturbing as that is…” I pop my car door open, hating that I’m not actually disturbed at all. “I don’t need an escort across town. I’m just dropping off a few books.”

Alex doesn’t even bother responding, circling my car and letting himself in.

“Or not,” I grumble, sliding into the driver’s side.

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