Page 37 of Bad Boy
“Hmm,” I say distractedly, thinking about all the shady shit people on these teams could be getting away with if Richard isn’t monitoring his companies properly. “I might have to look into this more. Make sure they’re all legit and no one’s taking advantage of Richard.”
“I completely agree. He’s too nice for his own good. I’ll help you, Remi. Mr. Keller wouldn’t let me last time I tried to look into things for him. Doesn’t want to be a burden, even though he never would be. I care about him like he’s my own grandfather.”
“Thanks, Preppy.” I glance over at him and smile, an odd warmth blooming in my chest. “You’re pretty awesome, you know that, right?” He ducks his head with a shy grin and red ears.
But my good mood is instantly soured with a single vibration. My stomach drops to my feet.
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
REMI
Ipark today’s ride in my normal spot and leave the engine running while I grab my phone from the center console. It buzzed two more times before we even got to school.
I hold it in my hands, staring at the black screen and hesitating to unlock it.
Three texts.
That’s all.
Maybe it’s just Hydro seeing how the weed is down in North Carolina.
“You okay, Remi?”
I glance at Linc with a forced smile. “Yep. Just gotta check something.”
I angle my body, ensuring he can’t see the screen, forcing myself to open my texts. They’re from the same unknown number. My mouth instantly goes dry. I try to swallow, but my throat makes a weird clicking noise instead. I tap the thread, and my stomach bottoms out at the ominous words staring back at me.
Unknown: I’ve been waiting for your response.
Unknown: Don’t think I’ve forgotten.
Unknown: I expect some acknowledgment soon.
My hands tremble, but I quickly type out my reply before I think too hard about it.
Me: Who the fuck is this?
Me: No need for vague threats. Come at me bro if you know where I am.
Unknown: What a riot. You’ll regret that soon enough, boy.
My heart rate picks up. This Unknownfucker sounds like the type to try and catch me unaware. I’m confident in my ability to defend myself, but if guns or knives are brought into the equation, it’s a completely different story. I didn’t bring my switchblade with me when we moved. Didn’t think I’d need it in Tiny Town, North Carolina. And it’s a slightly vulnerable feeling.
I block the number and toss it to the bottom of my school bag, zipping it up quickly. I turn to Linc, who has a peculiar expression on his face. Concerned? Confused? Maybe a little of both, which won’t do, so I distract him with a big smile.
“Hey. You wanna go a night early?”
“W-what? Tonight?”
“Yeah. Let’s get out of town early and go after school. We don’t have to meet up with the rest of the class until Friday morning. We can already be there, well-rested and ready.”
He pushes his glasses up and grins crookedly. “Okay. Yeah. Let’s do it. I’m sure my parents won’t mind since it’s you. Remington Michaels,”he says teasingly. “You can do no wrong.” The flirty banter takes my mind off the lead weight currently settled in the pit of my stomach.
“Damn, straight.” I tug on the lapels of my blazer, giving him a cocky smile and a head nod, eliciting my favorite shy little giggle from him.
The pack of gum in the cup holder calls my name, and I grab it, unwrapping a piece and popping it into my mouth. The sweet mint flavor explodes on my tongue. I really need a cigarette or, better yet, a joint, but this will have to do for now. I hold the pack out to Linc, but he shakes his head no.
“I’ll call the cabin and make sure we can extend the reservation. This is a really popular weekend,” he explains.
