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“I’m worried about Dad. He looked terrible when I saw him. Can you do something?”
“It’s not a holiday camp, Estella,” Michael grumbled with a loud sigh. “We’re working extremely hard to try and get the case to court sooner rather than later, but there is a lot involved in a case this big and public. I speak with him weekly and he’s said nothing. I’m sure he’s fine.”
In other words, I was being overly sensitive. My eyes pricked with tears but I brushed them away, refusing to let Michael’s brusque attitude affect me. Dad would be fine. I had to believe it.
“Yes, I’m sure you’re right,” I said.
“Try not to worry.” Michael’s voice softened a touch, and if Dad hadn’t warned me about his questionable loyalty, I’d have thought he actually cared about us. “I’ll be in touch if anything happens, and in the meantime, if you remember anything about a USB drive, please call. Anytime.”
I resisted the urge to snort. Michael usually took several days to reply to my messages. I would be genuinely shocked if he picked up a call from me late at night.
“Thanks, Michael. I will.”
“Everything alright?” Brax asked as I shoved my phone into my pocket. The sky had darkened even more, and in the distance, thunder rumbled ominously. A storm was coming.
“Yeah, it was Michael, Dad’s lawyer. Asking about some missing files.”
Brax looked curious but didn’t pry. We hurried along as students dashed inside the various buildings, obviously realizing the heavens were about to open. Brax stopped at the entrance to the library.
“Quinn’s in there waiting. He’ll walk you back to the apartment when you’re done.”
With that, he was gone. I watched him jog away, light on his feet like a cat, despite being built like a linebacker. He appeared to be heading in the direction of the gym.
I wondered what it would take for him to let me in. A bloody miracle, it seemed. Although, letting him get close to me was probably a terrible idea. I had a feeling that if I did, my heart would never recover.
Chapter 76
Quinn
My fingers danced over the keyboard as I stared out of the tall windows overlooking the quad. Although it was barely 8 PM, the sky was so dark it felt like night had already arrived. I heard her footsteps just as the first fat drops of rain hit the glass. Within moments, everything beyond the safe cocoon of the library was obscured by sheets of rain.
“I arrived just in time,” Stella commented with a laugh.
“Yeah, we could be stuck in here a while,” I agreed. A warm glow radiated through my body at the thought of having her all to myself for a couple of hours. No Harley demanding her attention like a needy puppy. No Brax sucking all the joy out of the room. I loved my friends, but right now, I wasn’t in the mood for sharing.
“I hope you brought snacks.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course I did. And coffee!”
“Oh my god, I think I’m in love!” The way she blushed the minute the words fell out of her gorgeous mouth made me grin.
“And who could blame you?” I teased, tensing my muscles and posing like an Instagram fitness model. “All the girls want a piece of this.”
“So vain,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes with disdain. “Now pour the coffee and let me get on with my work.”
“Of course, your Majesty. Your wish is my command.” I pretended to bow as I reached for the flask of coffee I’d had the foresight to make earlier. Her eyes lit up when I added a bag of chocolate brownies to the table.
“Seriously? Are you trying to fatten me up or something?”
My eyes traced her curves before dipping back up to her face. She blushed again while trying to look annoyed. God, she was adorable.
“I love your curves and I love the way you enjoy my cooking. It makes me happy.” I loved everything about her, but she wasn’t ready to hear that yet. I saw the way she tried to crawl out of her skin whenever anyone attempted to discuss her relationship with Harley.
The girl clearly had an avoidant attachment style. But that was OK. I was willing to give her all the time in the world.
I smiled as I pushed a brownie at her, and she sighed. “Fine, if you insist, I’ll eat one. Just one, mind!”
The next hour passed quickly. Outside, the storm raged, and rain lashed the windows, but inside, the library was peaceful. We were the only two students here. The head librarian, Mrs. Hamilton, had already left for the evening, leaving the caretaker to lock up at 10 PM.
