Page 253 of The Invite
A few replies ring out.
“Before we start, I’d like to take a moment to talk about the tragic loss of one of your peers. Amber. While she may have committed a crime by lying about her identity, she didn’t deserve to die. She was an intelligent, sweet, and vibrant girl. I’m going to miss her.”
Kaid avoids my gaze as I look in his direction. Guilt, perhaps?
Clearing my throat, I ask the class, “If any of you would like to say a few words in her memory, please come forward.”
Not a single hand rises and it’s heartbreaking that she had no friends.
And the one she thought she did—killed her.
***
The rest of the day goes by uneventfully.
As I’m walking to the parking lot, deep in thought, someone steps up to me. I slap a hand on my chest, trying to calm my frantic heart. “Ace, what the hell?”
“I’m catching a ride with you,” he replies, matching his stride with mine.
“Why?”
“Meeting with Augustus to discuss the plan for the ball.”
I forgot about that. “Then drive on your own.”
“Flat tire.”
We reach my car. His is parked beside mine with all four tires intact. I arch a brow. “Really? Lying again?”
He walks to his car, opens the driver’s door, and yanks something out. Then stabs it in the front tire until the air hisses out. Turning to me, he gestures to the tire. “There. It’s flat. Can I get a ride now, sweetness?”
My jaw hangs open and I shut it with a huff. Every single one of them is nuts. “Fine. No talking. I don’t want to hear a peep from you.”
His lips tilt up. “How long are you going to stay mad?”
“I’m not mad. I just don’t trust you anymore. I was happy that I formed a genuine friendship with someone. A first for me. Only for it to turn out to be a sham.”
I’m disappointed at the lack of remorse.
“Fair enough,” he finally utters, and rounds the SUV to the passenger side.
I unlock the car and slide into the driver’s seat. Once he’s in, I start the engine and drive us to my place. He wisely stays quiet the entire time, fiddling with the radio instead.
At this rate, I’ll never get a chance to call Michael.
It’s time to take a gamble.
With Augustus being busy forming a plan with Ace and Maverick, today is my best chance. I need to come up with a believable excuse.
When we arrive at my house, Augustus is waiting on the porch. My mood brightens at the sight of him. Love and warmthoverdose my bloodstream. While my body trembles with the need to throw myself into his embrace.
As I pull into the driveway, he jogs to my side, mirroring my emotions.
The window is down, so he’s easily able to reach inside and unlock the door. I laugh as he eagerly picks me up and fuses his mouth with mine. I open up to let his tongue in and kiss him back with twice as much passion.
“Missed you, honey,” he groans, before diving in again.
“Me too,” I pant, caressing his cheek. Kissing me lazy and sweet until my toes tingle, he pulls back and sets me down. I note it’s just the two of us. “August?”
