We both stop breathing.
He knows.
“Don’t give me that look. You must’ve known deep down that we’d find out. We have eyes everywhere, son. Especially in Colton Gate.”
We can’t bring ourselves to speak.
“Did you really think we wouldn’t try and figure out where you ran off to when you’re so close to graduating? This earned us a very big and annoying…” He pauses like he’s searching for the right term to use. “…conversation with your school, by the way.”
Conversation’s obviously code for something else.
“So what? A ‘conversation’s’ nothing you can’t afford.” Haze does the air quotes with his fingers.
That’s how I know that I was right.
His parents are basically buying Haze’s way out of everything. Is it for the reputation of their brand? Or out of love for their son? Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure, money really does speak. And it speaks louder than anyone will ever know…
“Let me make a quick call for her appointment.” Richard walks out onto the balcony linked to the bedroom and closes the door.
“Not exactly a ray of sunshine, your father.” Will’s voice reminds us of his presence. He’s been so quiet I almost forget he was here this whole time.
“Tell me about it,” Haze says.
“Will, could you give us a second, please?”
“Oh, I see. You need a second to fight.”
I almost laugh at his blunt remark. He’s absolutely right. Haze needs to know that I don’t care what he says. I’m not going to the stupid reception even if he pays me.
“I’ll be in the living room. Then, I’m taking you home. Kendrick may have freaked out earlier, but he’ll lose his shit if he doesn’t know where you are.”
“Okay. I won’t be long. Promise.”
He shuts the door, and I turn to Haze.
World War Three is beginning.
“I know what you’re going to say, but please just hear me ou—”
> “No, you hear me out.” I raise my finger at him, ready to drop my guilt speech on him, but when I get back on my feet, the dizziness takes a hold of me and my knees give out.
“Easy.” Haze instantly wraps his strong arm around me to keep me from falling.
“Let go.” I brush off the humiliation clinging to me, avoiding his blue eyes. I can’t be having a brain-dead moment. Not right now.
“I’ll let go of you when I’m sure you can actually stand, Kingston,” he says, mockery lacing his voice.
“I told you, I’m fine.” I ignore the close proximity that would usually temper with my ability to speak. I’m too mad to let his charms push my dumb Winter switch on.
“No, you’re not. Which is why I’m taking you to the clinic tomorrow.” He pulls me back to the bed. I sit down.
I’m still upset with him for saying yes.
“What else was I supposed to do, Winter? I got stuck in his games. I’m sure he won’t even remember it in two weeks.”
“You can’t honestly believe that,” I say, and he sighs. I’m right, whether he likes it or not. His father’s not going to let us out of the deal.
“I’m sorry,” he breathes.