I climb into the car without another word and sink into the soft leather seats. I’m not usually one for foreign cars, but this one is a wet fucking dream. Not that I’m going to tell him that. He slams the door closed and stalks around the car before climbing in himself as I buckle in. He doesn’t say a word as he starts the engine. The throaty sound does things to me that it definitely shouldn’t.
And it definitely isn’t linked to being in such a small space with all of his growly big dick energy.
Nope.
He puts the car in gear, the shiny watch on his wrist peeks out from under his shirt, catching my gaze. The purr of the car mesmerizes me as we head toward the gate. I hold my breath, hoping that the crazy people stalking me and trying to get through my gates don’t notice me.
“They can’t see you, the windows are tinted enough that they won’t have a clue you’re in here.” I look over at him, wondering why he cares enough to reassure me. Not that I take his words as gospel. It’s not until we’re past the savage masses of paparazzi, and they don’t attack the car, that I relax even a little. Not that I can relax fully, I’m still in a moving vehicle with someone who very obviously doesn’t want me around. The only reason I know I’m safe is because Lincoln has always had too much ego to off himself.
We ride the rest of the way to school in total silence. The worst part about it is that it’s not even uncomfortable. Other than the fact that I can’t stop glancing over at him. Why does the asshole have to be so pretty to look at? And since when are forearms a thing that are so goddamn hot? I can’t help but steal glances at him. He’s changed a lot since we were kids, and I haven’t exactly had a chance to watch him without care before this point. His thunderstorm colored eyes are focused on the road, and his dark hair is just a smidge longer than I imagine someone as controlled as him likes since it’s long enough to fall into his eyes. His blazer looks fit to burst around his broad frame, which is almost enough to make me bite my lip, but I refrain as his strong jaw stiffens.
I think I might have been caught checking him out. Oops.
His hands clench around the steering wheel when he looks over. He definitely catches me looking, so I stare back at him with a raised eyebrow, almost begging him to say something. He stays silent.
I can’t help the smirk that plays on my lips as we continue the ride in silence. Finally, he’s the one on the back foot and uncomfortable. This might not last long, so I’m going to enjoy it while it does. I slide my phone from my pocket and pull up the thread with Indi.
Me: You will never guess who my ride is this morning.
Indi: Smithy said it was Coach???
Me: I thought that too… turns out it was the **other** Saint.
Indi: Fuck your life.
Me: My sentiments exactly.
Indi: How is it?
Me: Other than choking on my own resentment and his big dick energy? It’s totally fine. Most quiet I’ve had in days.
Indi: **cowboy emoji** Well, there are worse ways to start the day? Maybe? You’re not dead at least…
Me: Definitely… the madness at my gates was beyond insane.
Indi: I’m sorry. Did Smithy get the legal shit sorted out?
Me: Yeah, I’ll explain everything when we’re at school.
Indi: I’m already here, floofy coffee in hand. I’ll meet you in the library.
Me: Indigo Montoya you are a freaking goddess.
Indi: I know, see you soon **heart emoji**
It doesn’t take long for us to pull into the student parking lot, and he drives straight up to the front of the lot nearest the doors. Of course his spot is just left empty. He pulls in between a white Lamborghini that Finley climbs out of and a Ducati Panigale V4. That’s when I notice Maverick sitting on the steps of the school, helmet on the ground between his legs.
Why am I not even surprised he’s the one with that deathtrap of a bike?
I look at Lincoln, and he pauses before unlocking the doors. “Was it you? That attacked Smithy? That leaked that tape of me?”
He watches me, not saying a word but quirking his eyebrow in a way that makes me feel ridiculous for asking. As if he’d stoop so low as to bother. But he and I both know he’s been on a mission to get me to leave, so it's not that ridiculous if you ask me. Except now I feel kind of stupid for even mentioning it.
I move to open the door, but Finley is there already opening it for me. I guess Lincoln warned them that he was bringing me in today. I slide from the car once the door is fully open before turning back to Lincoln. I hate thanking him for anything, especially when I know this mess is his fault, but manners don’t cost a goddamn thing, and I’m not that bitch.
“Thank you.” He glances over at me and just nods, effectively dismissing me as he climbs from the car. The other two just watch me, as silent as Lincoln has been all morning. I huff and head toward the school to meet Indi in the library.
I’ve had enough big dick energy today already. I can’t deal with the three of them right now. More so because I know that the current chaos in my life is entirely their doing. As much as I’d like to confront them about it, I know I won’t get anything from it. They won’t be sorry, they won’t apologize, and they can’t take it back.