Page 22 of Wicked Titan

“Enjoy your coffee. I figured this would give us a chance to talk.”

“About?”

“Decision time.” He cocks his head to the side.

“I don’t want to stay.” I feel guilty turning his offer down even if I have no reason to feel that way.

“I understand.” His expression changes, disappointment obvious. “I just really thought you’d take the deal. I even had a contract drawn up.”

“Contract?”

“Yep. I’m a man of my word but I still request a contract when doing deals.”

“I just want to go home.” Looking down at my hands, my fingers encircle the warm paper to-go cup. I know my home doesn’t exist as it had, but it has to feel better than this.

“I get it. I know you’re eighteen and can take off at any minute, but can you do me a favor and hang around until the weekend? I’ll even help you pack up and drive you back … just give Tanner a few more days to enjoy his sister’s company. Better yet, stay until then and you’re welcome to keep the R8. Consider it a birthday present because it was meant for you.”

Biting back the tears threatening to spill over at the thought of leaving Tanner, I nod, unable to refuse the extravagant gift which I already know Nathan well enough to know that’d be a losing argument on my side. I don’t know him all that well, seeing as I caught him red-handed in a secret meeting with Monica. I want to have faith that he doesn’t have ulterior motives, but one thing I’ve learned in this world is people do as they please to get what they want. Part of me wants to trust that Nathan is just a good guy though. Even if it’s not true, I need to believe there is something good behind his intentions. And having a vehicle would help since I’ll be getting a job and it’ll make visiting Tanner easier, that’s if Candace will allow me to. She absolutely won’t be as understanding as Nathan.

“Quinn,” Nathan says softly, waiting until I meet his gaze. “You are always welcome to come back to your home away from home. Don’t forget that, all right?”

“Thank you.” The words come out barely as a squeak as Nathan pats my hand, smiling as he sips his coffee, glancing around the coffee shop.

A group of students leaving Java Knox catches my attention. They’re all piling into a truck, seemingly cheerful, as they head to school together. Two more days and I won’t be a part of their world, but back to the one where I didn’t feel so out of place. Hopefully, my old life won’t feel that way too.

* * *

Walking back into the school, I feel some hope. Two days, I can do this.

Stepping to my locker, I hide the second key fob that Nathan handed me this morning since I didn’t tell him about the original magically appearing on my bed last night. And it doesn’t hurt to have an extra in case it goes missing again today.

On my way to class, I spot Asher and Elliot casually talking in the hallway. Two days and I’m done, but I need to figure out a few answers because he is driving me insane.

“Quinnster!” Elliot hollers when I step in front of them.

My arms reflectively fold across my chest as I look at Asher. “How did you get into my bedroom last night?”

A few students halt, looking between us with curious eyes. Who wouldn’t want to hear the answer when the question leaves so much to the imagination?

Elliot gasps, lightly punching Asher in the arm. But Asher doesn’t show any reaction.

“How?”

He tilts his head back, looking at me through hooded eyes. “The real question is why.”

“Fine. Why, Asher, why?”

He remains silent. I know he won’t give me any answers, even if I’d asked the “real” question first. “I’m sick of your mind fucks. Stay away from me.”

His expression wavers as he moves to step to me. “Is there another type of fuck you want to try?”

My cheeks redden as a few more students stop to look on. They have to know he’s a raging maniac, but that doesn’t keep me from the embarrassment of being at the center of his three-ring circus.

He speaks lowly as the gathering crowd strains to hear. “Or did you get that on your ride home yesterday?”

The fact that it bothers him, sends a sense of delight through me. “That’s none of your business.”

“Yes. It is,” he says clearly, loudly, for the audience.