Page 46 of Kingston
As we step outside, we find the other two at the bottom of the front steps where they appear to be deep in conversation—or I should say, Kingston’s talking and Cannon’s listening. Before they notice us, I catch something about whether Cannon has taken his medication. I frown as Cannon nods, a scowl forming on his forehead when he sees Archer and I are within earshot.
I can’t figure out what to do, and the awkwardness between us gets worse when Kingston gives me a blank look before turning to lead the way to a sleek black SUV. I watch his retreat—because itisa retreat of sorts—from me.
And no matter his attitude, I can’t help but observe how the simple black T-shirt stretches deliciously across his broad back and he wears a pair of expensive-looking jeans that look like they were tailored for him, they fit so well.Jesus.That ass.
I wrench my gaze from his sculpted ass, and my brow furrows as it lands on the pristine vehicle. “Oh. I thought we’d be walking to campus. That’s… a relief.”
Cannon eyes me for a second before he shakes his head, duffel bag in one hand. He’s dressed as if he’s headed to the gym, in basketball shorts and a moisture-wicking T-shirt, which shouldn’t be surprising for a kinesiology major, I suppose. While I’m busy taking him in, he extends an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. I stiffen, thrown that this guy who held me down and forced me to watch my masturbation video is now being kind.
Confused, I look up at him, eyes following the sharp cut of his jaw before they find their way to his bright blue eyes. He’s freshly shaven and looks every bit the boy next door. The way he’s looking at me, I dunno. Deep inside, I feel something—like this is his way of apologizing. My heart gives a little lurch before I nod my understanding.
Cannon—reluctantly, if I’m not mistaken—releases me from his hold and ushers me toward the door Archer has pulled open. “Climb in. The brotherhood has a reserved parking space on campus. We take full advantage of it.”
“Got it. Thank you.” I remove my backpack and set it on the floorboard, then reach for the handle to hike myself into the mammoth vehicle. The slight pressure of a hand on my back sends a current running through me. My breath hitches. I turn to find Archer right behind me, watching me carefully with curious eyes. While he seems to have me on lock, he’s tougher for me to read than even Cannon is. “I’m good. Thank you.” I climb in and sink into the plush leather seat, inhaling the addictive new-car smell.
Before I have a chance to do it for myself, Archer reaches for the seat belt, leans across me, then works to buckle me in. The soft, musky scent of his aftershave drifts up my nose. I take a moment to study him. His hair is a tousled mess that I’d like to run my fingers through. Even though it’s gotta be close to ninety degrees, he’s dressed to the nines in a crisp-white button-down and dark jeans, his look completed by his signature black suspenders. I’ve noticed he has a habit of tucking his thumbs behind them and sliding them up and down whenever his brain is occupied with something. He hasn’t stopped messing with them since I first saw him outside my room this morning. He shuts the door behind me, then walks around the rear before popping the other back door and climbing in across from me.
Shit.How can they make me so fucking mad while also feeling cared forandkinda hot and bothered all at once?
We take off and go from Hawthorne Hall to campus in about three minutes, and even though it’s a short ride with no conversation, I quickly become uneasy. My eyes flick from one quiet male to another until I blurt, “Do all initiates get this treatment? Being driven to campus, I mean?”
Archer gives a swift jerk of his head. “Nope. We only have one space. It’s a perk of being a senior that we get to use it for the year. So, in a way you’re lucky to be with us.” He hesitates for a moment, tilting his head to the side, a wary look crossing his features. “Could also be a bit of a drawback for you.”
I frown. “What? Why?”
Kingston makes a disgruntled noise from the driver’s seat, “It puts an even bigger target on your back.” His eyes flick to mine in the rearview mirror. “You have something the other two initiates don’t. It’s bound to cause some jealousy. Especially since it’s you.”
Cannon turns around, a heavy scowl present on his face. His blue eyes meet mine and hold before he gives his head a quick shake.
I glance at Archer as he rubs a hand over his jaw before speaking for his friend. “He doesn’t want you to worry about it.” And apparently satisfied his message has been relayed, Cannon turns back around in his seat.
A few moments later, I murmur, “And what do you think?” I study Archer as he draws in a breath. He looks out the window at his side for a few beats before he turns toward me, catching my gaze. “Be cautious. Be aware. I’ve always been completely all in on you being here. But you must know everyone doesn’t feel the same.”
Kingston doesn’t say anything to that statement, but he readjusts himself in his seat. A tic is visible in the muscle at the back of his jaw. Like I didn’t already know he’s one of the ones who doesn’t technically want me here. And when I consider that along with everything else that transpired last night, it unlocks a hurt inside me I wasn’t expecting. Quietly, I whisper, “Why didn’t you guys have me stay with the juniors, then, if you thought it would cause problems?” I don’t know whether to be thankful or not that they’d switched me with Bridger, but I’d still like to know the answer—for me.
In the front seat, Cannon’s shoulders tense, and he crosses his arms over his chest, letting out a breath in a loud huff. I wonder if he’s rethinking his choice to switch us.
“Peaches… it would’ve been worse. Trust me. Those guys, they’re—”
“Seriously.” A burst of anger whips through me, because fuck, I’ve already been through the ringer with this group. “You’re telling me I’d be worse off with them than what I’ve already been through?”
Kingston’s dark laugh sends disquiet slithering down my spine. “For fuckin’ sure.”
TWENTY-FIVE
ELLIOT
It’s a short,uneventful walk to the main part of campus from the guys’ parking space. Archer and Cannon flank me, and I think it’s no coincidence Kingston has chosen to stay as far from me as he can, on Archer’s other side. Every few seconds, I glance in his direction and find him staring at me, the hard look on his face somehow makes him look even hotter than he usually is. I laugh to myself because it’s absurd. The guy is drop-dead gorgeous, so I don’t know how he could get any better looking. But damn. I hazard another glance in his direction, and this time he tears his green eyes away, looking stonily ahead of us. Is he more ticked off with me or himself? I can’t tell.
Archer keeps up the pretense of being a good brother by pointing out the dining hall, the library, and various academic buildings as we pass them. I didn’t get the orientation tour, so I suppose this will have to do. We come to a stop in front of an imposing building made from the same reddish-brown stone as the frat and sorority houses on Greek Row. “And this is Sydney Hall, where your chem class is. Calc is right next door in Harrington.” He points to the building he’s referring to.
Kingston finally opens his mouth for the first time since we got out of the car. “One of us will be here to meet you after classes. If at any time your plans change for some reason, like you need to hit the library or you’re getting food at the dining hall, you text us where you are and one of us will meet you.”
I frown. “I know you mentioned it before, but I kinda thought you were joking.”
“Nope. Don’t test that theory. You won’t like the consequences.” His answer is curt and to the point, sending a jolt of nerves through me.
“What about between classes?” I can’t help it as the snark spills out. “Will I have an escort then, too?”
