Page 92 of Rear View
Considering I’d be at Xavier’s race with my brother, the crowds were notably not a concern. Besides, after Miles’s excitement over watching the cars up close in the fan atmosphere—the kinda things I’d missed out on for so long—I’d been sold.
Xavier: I’ll give you all the action you want, Ryah.
Dear lord. Heat pooled between my thighs. That man.
Xavier: I was thinkin…how’d you like another drivin lesson?
My tongue trailed the back of my teeth.
Me: This feels dangerously like an excuse to see me, rally boy.
Xavier: Goddamn right it is.
I bit my lip and sighed because his forwardness did things to me.
Xavier: What time you done tomorrow?
The sound of Zoya huffing, then a zipper being drawn up, carried from down the hall.
Me: 4:30 PM.
Xavier: I’ll be there. Same place as before, yeah?
Me: I’ll consider it.
Xavier: You’ll be there, or I’m coming to drag that sweet ass out myself.
Me: Sounds kinda fun.
Xavier: Killin me, darlin. You’re killin me.
I snickered.
Me: I’ll be there.
Zoya’s gold bracelets clanked as she whooshed past, a sleek black dress and clicky scarlet-colored heels on.
I flicked a finger up and down her body. “Snazzy!”
“Snazzy?” Her face twisted. “What the hell is snazzy?”
“Sexy?”
“Better.” She flipped her hair with a dramatic flourish. “I’ll be back before midnight.”
I wanted her to go, I did. But the idea of spending the evening alone… My nod was tight, my words forcibly light when I said, “Have fun, floozy!”
“Says the trollop!”
I wore it like a badge. “Get you some,” I taunted, then for good measure, added, “Keep me posted!”
Her high keen of laughter followed her out the door as she left. My shoulders tensed when I set the locks. Heading to my room, I plunked onto the bed and pulled out my laptop. Sighing, I flipped it open. Back to class in the morning meant back to reality. I’d refused to check my messages for a hundred reasons since I’d left, but if I was gonna see Barlowe the next day, I needed to brace for impact.
The system loaded and I opened my email. A series of pings sounded out and my stomach twisted at the two messages from Barlowe. Swallowing hard, I rubbed the scar over my brow and clicked the first.
Miss Nolan,
It’s important that we speak. Please return my call.
