Page 34 of Anger

“No. I’ll come back later and pick you up. I have a lot of studying to do, and the library is the perfect spot for most of it.”

My lips tug down with sympathy. I hate that she feels this way. But no matter what I say or do, she won’t leave the college campus for longer than it takes to drive me here.

Granger and Patrick have added more security, and I’ve explained all that, but still … she refuses.

We’re idling by the front door, Patrick staring at the car when I look over. He taps his watch to warn me I’m late again.

Shrugging him off, I return my attention to Brinley and give up the argument.

“Maybe next time.”

She flashes me a forced smile. “Yeah, maybe.”

Or maybe not…

With the way Brinley is retreating, I’m starting to feel guilty for a fight I had no control over. What sucks the most is the amount of time it took me just to get her to accompany me to Myth in the first place.

Now I feel like we’re starting all over again.

Leaning across the car, I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “Love you and all that. Thanks for the ride.”

She nods, and I feel like a spoiled brat for accepting the ride home. Brinley does enough for me; she doesn’t need to be making other trips like she’s my mom doing school carpool or something.

Not that my mom ever did those things, but I can imagine what it would have been like.

With my hand gripping the door handle, I pause before letting myself out.

“Actually, you know what? I think I’ll just have Granger take me home tonight.”

Her face lights up, but she tries to hide it. “You sure? I don’t mind—”

“Woman,” I say, cutting her off, “let’s just say I’m feeling a bit frisky, and Granger is a sexy beast.”

When I wiggle my brows at her and smile, her lips tug up at the corners.

“You have fun with that. Granger’s nice to look at, but a touch too serious and scary for me.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’re not the one messing around with him.”

Finally, she laughs, and I feel comfortable enough to let her drive away. I know how she gets on the road.

She never speeds.

She checks her mirrors and buckles her seatbelt religiously.

I have no doubt those images she remembers of how her mom died play through her head every time she’s behind the wheel.

And it breaks my heart for her.

So … I lie.

I make her believe this thing with Granger and me is mutual. Let her worry less.

Around Brinley, I always keep a smile on my face. Always crack a joke or act like all is well in the world.

It helps her stop being so scared.

“Okay, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Let you know how my night went.”

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