Page 78 of Love Me

The rest of the students all live here. On the left and right sides of the road are houses. In the middle is a shopping and entertainment complex, and the area surrounding the eagle statue holding a globe between its claws is a park.

Parking, I step out of the car and take in Mia and Hunter’s place. It’s a luxurious single-family home. Since our house is unlivable because of the fire, we will all move in with Mia and Hunter for now. Blake sits next to me on the hood of my car, and crosses his arms.

“This will be interesting.”

“Where did you disappear to?” I ask him.

He shrugs and drags a hand down his face.

“I thought we don’t keep secrets.”

He salutes me and lets himself in. Abi is next in line, parking behind me.

“I worry about him,” Abigail says as she approaches me.

Yes, his breath reeked of alcohol, and it’s not even noon yet.

“What should I do, huh? Chain him to a chair until he talks?”

“I think that’s the only viable solution.”

She eyes the engagement ring on her finger, sadness crossing her face. I curl and uncurl my hands, feeling helpless.

“I knew it would happen, but…”

I lift her chin, and her eyes turn glassy. “It’s okay. This will be over soon.”

She chews on her bottom lip, avoiding my gaze. “And then what? I already lost…”

I pull her to my side, and she sighs, schooling her features into a neutral expression.

Bailey gets out of her car. When she reaches us, her eyes are red and puffy.

“What did they do now?”

“The usual stuff.”

The usual means her parents continue to cripple their daughter by either ignoring her existence or demeaning her. Power-hungry assholes.

“Look at me.”

Bailey does, albeit reluctantly. I place my hands on her shoulders, my eyes fixed on hers.

“You have the type of power inside of you that would make anyone envious. Anything you want will be at your fingertips,” I say with confidence. At her nod, I walk toward the house.

As I step inside, I’m met with an immediate standoff. In the combined living room and kitchen area, Celine and Hunter stand on one side while our group occupies the other.

Mia makes the first move.

“Welcome. Should I show you to your rooms?”

I offer a small nod. “Thank you. That would be great.”

Upstairs, I see various doors lining the hallway. Mia points at a door on the right, and I walk inside. It’s a small room with all amenities, resembling a small suite. Nothing comparable in size to my normal luxurious room, but it’s inviting with the warm brown flooring and cream furniture.

“It’s only temporary,” Mia says.

“It doesn’t bother me.” Her eyes widen, and I smile, “Surprised?”

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