That’s all he says before he stalks off, joining Finley and Maverick where they’re waiting for him at the main doors. I huff, trying to keep calm about him giving me orders, while trying not to overthink the weird protective thing he has going on. I let out a deep breath because I know Lincoln’s like a dog with a bone. He’ll find something out. He has ways of doing stuff that I don’t. I’m not willing to ask what they are, or look at it too deeply; but if he can stop the flowers from showing up, I’d appreciate it.
“Dude, I’ll never figure those guys out,” Indi says, almost dreamily. “They’re like your black knights or something. Can’t call them white knights, but they’re definitely always there watching out for you.”
“Because that isn’t creepy at all.” I laugh. “Okay, let’s hit this party, why the fuck not?”
She does a little dance as she bounces down the hall. “Hell yes!”
“Do you want me to drive, so you can have some fun at least?” I ask as we head out of the school.
She grins at me as we reach the cars and clasps her hands together in front of her. “Why don’t we grab a cab? That way neither of us has to worry. Besides, I’m sure Ellis can give us a ride home if we need it.”
“Ellis?”
She smiles dreamily, and I can’t help but laugh. Okay, there’s definitely some history there that she has to tell me about, pronto. “Ryker’s twin brother.”
“Of course,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I’m good with whatever as long as we don’t end up stranded or dead in a ditch somewhere.”
“Deal! I’ll text you when I’m on the way to your place.”
I nod before climbing into the car. I’m almost looking forward to tonight if I’m being honest. Though there is a part of me that’s dreading getting home to the possibility of more flowers or weird envelopes. My mood’s a wash, I guess.
I cross my fingers and send up a thought to anyone who might be listening to let me have one night of normal, teenage fun.
That’s all I want.
* * *
When Indi said these guys are the life of the party, she grossly downplayed how hard the ECH crowd likes to party. I’ve spoken to a few people I used to be friendly with, but for the most part, I keep to myself and dance the night away.
I’m not even sure whose house we’re in, but the bodies are packed in here pretty tight. There have been more than a few wandering hands, but I’ve been able to fend off most of them and enjoy myself.
Indi has been whisked away into the arms of Ellis Donovan, and I get the feeling I’m missing a big chunk of their story. I’m not about to interrupt them to get more details. She deserves to be happy, and well… She definitely looks happy right now.
I push my way through the crowd. I desperately need some water and some fresh air. When I reach the kitchen, I freeze.
What the fuck is the ECP football team doing here? I thought there was some ridiculous school rivalry stemming from the two teams?
“Octavia!” Raleigh cheers my name like he hasn’t been a giant asshat for the last month or so. He says it like I’m his favorite person in the world. He’s obviously had more than a few too many beers.
I smile tightly at him and grab a bottle of water. “Come sit with us. Talk!”
“I’m good, thanks.” I try to be as polite as I can considering no one knows where I am. Plus, he and his friends are all way stronger than I am, beer or not, and I do not want to have to throat punch anyone today.
I try to move past them, to escape out the back door and into the cold night air, but he loops his arms around my waist and yanks me back against him. He takes the water from my hands and puts it on the counter before spinning me round so the others can’t see us as well. “I know you miss me. You were meant to be mine,” he murmurs into my ear, and an icy shiver of dread runs down my spine. He soundswaytoo much like the creepy stalker’s note.
It can’t be him, right?
I shake off the thought and push at his hands until I manage to worm my way free of him. I grab my water from the counter and duck out before anyone can say anything else or grab me again. It’s only seconds before I push out the back door and stumble onto the much less occupied patio out back, relieved to get some space for a moment.
This might be the ‘bad’ side of Echoes Cove, but the Donovans clearly aren’t doing badly. I’ve heard a few rumors about them, but I’m not one to judge people based solely on rumors. I mean, that would definitely be the pot calling the kettle black.
I suck in lungfuls of the cool night air and chug the water back. It tastes weird, but it’s been a minute since I had carbonated water. The cold liquid feels too good going down, so I sink the bottle and move to sit on one of the loungers out here.
I stare up at the dark night sky, and the scattered stars call to me, so I stay where I am, enjoying the quiet as the noises around me begin fading out.
“There you are.” I look up, my head heavier than I remember it being, and see Raleigh stalking toward me. “Did you miss me? Look at you finding us some privacy.”
I try to sit up, but it feels like my body won’t respond. He crouches beside me and brushes my hair away from my face. I try to speak, but my words come out slurred. My eyes dart around the space, but everything is fuzzy. Panic creeps in as the world seems to slow down.