“That includes us?” Jude asked, looking at me. I glanced over at him and Imogen.
“Um,” I stuttered, pausing. Looking down at Loren, I decided to let her take this one.
She laughed softly, shaking her head. “Don’t stay up too late. Your tutor will be here in the morning. If you want to return to school, you can’t fall behind.”
“Movie or video game?” Jude asked Imogen as they stood, heading off toward the media room. I was glad to see Jude bouncing back after the whole ordeal. He was a strong kid. But it didn’t mean I trusted him alone with Immy. I nodded to Topher, who grinned, standing to follow. I didn’t care what Loren said. They wouldn’t be having sex if I could prevent it.
Once everyone had cleared out, it left only Loren, Sax, and Nicco. I glared over at Nicco, wanting him to leave. He groaned, standing. “Fine, but you owe me, big brother. Besides, I left you with a gift.” Nicco smirked, making me interested for different reasons now. When I glanced down at Loren, I found her cheeks blushing.
“Okay, now, I’ve gotta know.”
Loren giggled, making my heart take flight. Sax moved over closer to us, watching us with heated eyes.
“I have a good guess, considering how she’s been acting,” he murmured, licking his lips. “Did you happen to visit The Right Spot, Spitfire?”
She nodded, biting her lip. Arousal blared to life in me at the realization as the pieces connected. Leaning in, I brought our lips together in a searing kiss. I moved her onto my lap, feeling Sax take her spot on the couch. My hands started to roam when a throat cleared, bringing me back to the present.
Turning, I glared at the guard who stood there, interrupting my time. “What? And it better be life or death.”
“Sorry, Mr. Mascro, but you have a guest. They wouldn’t leave.”
Dropping my head, I counted to twenty to pull myself together. Standing once I was collected, I buttoned my suit jacket and stormed out of the room. Loren and Sax followed as we made our way down the stairs. Standing at the bottom were two police officers. I stalled, not having expected them.
“Atticus Mascro?”
“Yes,” I said. “What can I do for you, officers?”
“You’re under arrest for the attempted murder of Dayton Mascro and arson. You have the right to an attorney.” I tuned out everything as contingency plans rushed through my head. I turned to Sax, nodding for him to take the lead.
“Call Max and get Monroe.”
I didn’t resist when they moved to cuff me. It didn’t escape my notice how loose they left them, my reputation lending for something good. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Loren as thoughts rushed through my head, but as they tapped me to begin moving, I looked up, needing to see her.
She stood firm, her head high, giving me the confidence I needed. She nodded, sealing the declarations I’d made earlier in my heart.
I had to remember what this was—a desperate move by a desperate man.
We had him scared, and that meant something.