I hoped Carter wasn’t reading my mind and picked up my mobile and sent a text.
Me: I’ll meet you after this lesson. I’ve got a free session next or lunchtime if that doesn’t suit you.
Carter: Thanks, it’s fine.
The lesson seemed to drag because I kept glancing at the door and as soon as the lesson ended; I packed my bag and rushed out of the class to see if the man was outside.
“Lacey,” Carter yelled as I ran down the corridor, looking in the windows of each door as I passed.
I turned and strolled back to him. “What did you see?” I asked.
“The same as you,” Carter said. I stared at him for a few seconds. “Let’s go outside."
I glanced at his sidekick as we walked the short distance outside. Kane, the moody hot-bodied blond guy who seemed to dislike me, but I didn’t understand why.
Stopping at the exit door to shrug my jacket over my shoulders, I shivered as the cool air rushed through the open door and, as I turned, I noticed Carter’s sidekick staring at me.
I narrowed my eyes as I stared back at him. “Where do I know you from?” I asked. It had been bothering me since I touched him, and since I looked into his eyes.
“Uni,” he said with no humour in his deep voice.
“Not somewhere else?” I asked, searching his face and waiting for a slip-up.
“Nope,” he replied, and turned away.
I drove out a deep breath and turned to the fair-haired one.
“I hear you’re the nice one,” I said. “Which probably isn’t too hard to get that reputation among these.” My finger waved between Carter and the blond guy.
Carter laughed. “Don’t let those dimples fool you. Ryan isn’t as innocent as he looks.”
“Don’t listen to him. I'm the nice one and I know you’re a month behind. If you need some help to catch up, I’m in the library most days or send me a text and I’ll meet you,” Ryan said.
“She probably still knows more than you,” Carter said.
I shook my head at Carter and turned to Ryan and said, “thank you, that’s kind of you. I’ll probably see you there a few times a week.”
Ryan grinned. Carter cleared his throat, and I spun to him.
“Okay, what did Clay say to you?” I asked.
“He asked me to look out for you?” Carter said.
I rolled my eyes. “Why?”
“Because of the dark forces, but you already know, because you’re seeing them. If you feel unsafe for any reason at all, you need to call me,” Carter said.
“Or any of us. We’ll all send you a text with our number,” Ryan said. “Then you’ll have mine to meet for study dates.” He gave a wink, and I chuckled.
“Will you?” Carter pushed.
“Yes, I’ll call.” I pulled my mobile from my pocket. “You need my number,” I said.
Carter stared at me for a moment, his eyes flitting around my face. I knew he wanted to say something but possibly stopped because his friends were there. He sighed. “Thanks, we’ve got your number already,” he finally said.
I rolled my eyes. “Clay, by any chance.”
“Yep,” moody guy said.