“We’re running out of time,” Lake sings. “Oh, there you are. Move it. Move it. Move it.”
“Lake, you’re going to give Preston a nervous breakdown,” Falcon jokes.
“He knows I’m joking. Right, Preston?”
All we get from Preston is wheezing, which makes me chuckle as I climb into my car. I wait for Falcon to pull out before I fall in behind him.
Minutes later, Falcon says, “We’re coming up on the intersection, Lake.”
“Are we still good, Preston?” I ask.
“Yes, they haven’t narrowed in on us yet.”
“Then why the fuck am I hearing sirens?” My heartbeat begins speeding up all over again when I spot the cop cars coming from the opposite direction, but when they speed right past us, I let out a breath of relief.
“Relax,” Preston says, “They’re heading to the stadium.”
“Dude, did you hack the cops as well?” I ask with total disbelief.
“Just to keep an eye on what they were doing,” Preston defends himself.
“Fuck,” I spit out. “I don’t want to end up in federal prison.”
“Technically, I’m the hacker,” Preston says matter-of-factly.”
Lake comes speeding from the right side, turning sharply to squeeze in between Falcon and me and I have to swerve to the right, so I don’t hit him.
“Fuckers! The both of you better run when we get back to campus,” I growl.
We drive for a while, and when we take the exit toward Ojai, Preston mournfully says, “She served us well.”
“Toss the fucking laptop,” I grumble.
“Fly free,” Lake yells as Preston throws the wiped laptop, so it shatters against the concrete.
“I believe I can fly,” Lake sings. “I believe I can touch the sky.”
“Shut up,” Falcon, and I yell at the same time.
“People don’t appreciate great talent anymore,” Lake mumbles. Then he says, “Preston?”
“Yes?”
“Weren’t you supposed to wear gloves?”
I feel an actual migraine come on, as I shout, “You just threw your fucking fingerprints out the window!”
“Of course, I wore gloves,” Preston says.
“You can do it,” Lake whispers, and that’s when I realize they’re screwing with me.
“He’s going to kill me,” Preston whispers back, while I glare at the back of Lake’s Koenigsegg Regera.
“We’re just fucking with you,” Preston says, then he quickly adds, “I’m sorry. Please don’t hit me when we get back to campus.”
Fuck, they really had me there for a moment.
“I swear, if I didn’t love my car so much, I’d ram it up the ass of your Regera right now,” I spit at Lake.
“Do you like my ass that much?” Lake croons over the earpiece.
Falcon’s car swerves slightly as his laughter sounds up and it has me grinning as well.
Fuckers. All of them.Chapter 26KingsleyBefore the guys left, Falcon told us to watch Senator Weinstock’s rally because Mason would be standing in for Julian on behalf of CRC.
I carry the candy and popcorn over to the coffee table and say, “I’m a little peeved that Mason didn’t tell me anything about this rally.” I look down at our stash of snacks and ask, “Do I need to get anything else?”
Layla takes hold of my hand and pulls me down onto the couch. “Sit your butt down. We have enough snacks and drinks.”
I snuggle into the one corner and grab a Hershey’s bar. I’m just about to take a bite when Layla grabs my hand excitedly, and the chocolate bounces up and down in front of my open mouth. “Look!” She slumps back against the couch. “Falcon looks so sexy in that suit.”
My eyes snap to the TV, and a second later I’m grinning like an idiot, too. Layla’s still holding onto my hand, and the chocolate is totally forgotten.
“It’s hard to believe,” I whisper.
Layla scoots closer to me and rests her head against my shoulder. “That you and Mason are dating?” She scrunches her nose. “You’re right, it’s hard to believe.”
I watch him shake hands with people, his shoulders squared, his toned body exuding power.
“How did it happen, Layla?” I murmur. “How did I get such an amazing man to even look my way?”
Layla sits up and bringing her hand to my face, she tucks a couple of strands behind my ear. “Kingsley, why wouldn’t you attract him? You’re a powerhouse.”
I smile at her. “Aww… I love you, my friend.”
She hugs me and then takes hold of my hand and bringing it to her mouth, she takes a bite of my chocolate. She chews and swallows before she says, “Love you, too.”
The Senator begins to talk, but my eyes go to Serena who’s standing slightly to the back.
“I’ve never hated anyone until her,” I admit to Layla.
“That makes two of us. I swear she sets off my bitch alarm just by waking up in the morning.”
I begin to laugh. “Bitch alarm.” I hold my hand up for a high five and slapping it, Layla grins.
The Senator welcomes Mason, and it has me sitting upright. When Mason walks out onto the stage, it feels like everything inside of me flutters, not just my stomach.