Page 61 of Coveted

He grins. “Is it… one?”

“Please drive faster,” I beg. “We’re nearly at a crawl.”

He laughs, his pearly teeth bright in the low light. His canines are more pronounced than the average person’s, which seems very fitting, because he’s definitely a carnivore.

“It’s one.” Lucan gives a low whistle. “Can’t have been a good one, if you’re this timid about sex.”

Though I’d never admit it, he’s correct about the number and the quality. The sex with Chace, my high-school boyfriend, was about as awkward and fumbling as I imagine sex could be.

Deep down, I worry it was my fault. That maybe I’m just bad in bed.

I haven’t tried again since, even to kiss someone. It’s not like I’ve had much opportunity.

“I’m not timid,” I say.

Lucan revs the engine, shooting the car forward. “Yeah, I’ll be testing your claim.”

Groaning, I pull my bag into my lap. Maybe using the stun gun on him would shut him up.

“Do you want to know how many women I’ve slept with?” he asks.

“Nope,” I reply.

“Jealous?”

“In your dreams. I just don’t care.”

But the tiniest fraction of annoyance prickles me at the thought of Lucan teasing another girl like this, let alone sleeping with her.

I push the feeling aside in revulsion.

Finally, we reach the towering gates of Darkbloom. The moment the car stops in front of the building, I click my seatbelt.

Juliette and Clara stand by the door, huddled together. They wave uncertainly, peering at the dark car windows. Both wear sweats and messy buns, like they planned to stay in for the rest of the night. Yet here they are.

“What’s going on?” I narrow my eyes at Lucan. “Why are my roommates standing in the cold?”

“They’re walking you back to your dorm,” he says. “Before we left my house, I sent instructions to them through your security system.”

Great. Now he’s sending my friends instructions.

“Don’t do that again,” I say, groaning.

“Would you rather I walk you?” he asks.

“No! I’m fine.”

Lucan exits the car to open my door and offer his hand.

I haul myself from the low seat.

“Thank you for the stun gun,” I say, backing away from him. “And the ride.”

“Anytime.” Lucan closes my door and walks to the driver’s side. “Bye, Sadie. Be seeing you on the cameras.”

My stomach churns with fresh anxiety. He’s not going to watch me all the time, is he?

As far as protectors go, he’s really stressful.