Ikept my head down as I walked through the school halls, trying to ignore the whispering around me. Everyone knew I’d been kidnapped and Riley had been in hospital, so the gossip mill was at full speed.
An arm dropped around my shoulders, and I knew it was Landon without having to look up. He’d been glued to me all day, which I was grateful for. Beckett, Maddox, and Jett hadn’t been at school, and with Ryder gone, I had no one else.
“Are you heading straight home? Or did you want to hang out at mine?” he offered as we walked, a sigh leaving me.
“I don’t think I’m allowed to go anywhere. Dad’s freaked out about Raymond taking me.”
“He can’t lock you up forever.”
“He’ll find a way,” I grumbled, cringing when I heard someone tell their friend that Riley and Raymond had been racing over me because I’d been sleeping with them both. That was one of many rumors that had been circulating.
“Riley’s home now, so you could visit her?” he suggested lightly, my chest aching at the thought. We hadn’t spoken since the crash, and I had no idea how to handle the situation. I loved her, but I wasn’t sure if I could be with her if she was going to keep risking her life for the thrill.
“She might not want to see me,” I finally said as we walked outside towards the parking lot.
“She does.”
“How do you know?”
“Because she’s right in front of you.” He chuckled, giving my shoulder an encouraging squeeze. I jerked my gaze up, finding her leaning against her Corvette with her arms crossed and her hood over her head, a guarded look on her face.
I pulled away from Landon as we got closer, my calm walk turning into a run after a moment as tears burned my eyes. Her expression softened as I reached her, and I couldn’t help it as I threw myself at her, probably hurting her from the force of it as my legs circled her waist.
“You’re okay?” I choked out, her arms wrapping around me instantly.
“I am now that I know you don’t hate me,” she said quietly in my ear, her arms tightening around me. “I missed you. Did that fucker hurt you? Let me look.”
She put me back on my feet, gently taking my face in her hands to tilt my head. She softly ran her finger over the bruise on my temple, anger burning in her eyes. “That prick’s lucky he’s dead already.”
“It wasn’t Raymond,” I murmured, not wanting to tell her the truth, but refusing to lie to her. “It was Stan.”
“I’m going to kill him,” she growled, pulling away to get in her car, but I stopped her.
“Please, don’t,” I begged, her eyes narrowing. “Not because I don’t want him hurt, but because I want to spend time with you. Things have been hectic lately, so don’t add to it. Please.”
She relaxed, teasing my throat with her fingers. “I’m surprised you’re talking to me.”
“I thought I lost you,” I murmured, dropping my hands to her waist. “I’m still mad about the racing, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you. If I’d lost you the other night, we never would’ve had the chance to be something together.”
Landon faked a gag, lightening the mood. “You two are gross.”
“Aw, you feeling left out?” I grinned, pulling him in for a group hug. He pretended to put up a fight, but he was laughing. It felt good to have all three of us together.
“Ew, cooties!”
“Come with us this afternoon. We can all hang out,” I suggested, but Riley gave him the side eye.
“No offense, but you should probably go home. I’m likely to spend the rest of the day between your cousin’s thighs.”
“Riley!” I huffed, her eyes flashing with amusement.
“What? It’s true. If he thinks a hug’s gross, I can’t imagine how horrified he’d be to see boobs.”
“I’m leaving,” he singsonged, ruffling my hair. “Stay out of trouble. Both of you.”
“Doubtful,” she teased, turning back to me before he’d even walked away. “Come home with me. I have a surprise for you.”
“What is it?” I frowned, and she gave me a playful wink.