Page 91 of Ice Princess

TWENTY-EIGHT

GUNNER

I’m still notsure it’s a good idea to bring Rebel to the hospital. Dad said that Uncle Stewart, Uncle Robert, and a bunch of other relatives are there too.

I have no idea what we’ll face, and I can’t promise that I’ll be around to protect Rebel if mom or Uncle Stewart get nasty.

“Gunner, that’s the hundredth time you’ve looked at me and sighed since we started driving. If it’s so distracting having me here, I can just get out now and catch a cab back to the school.”

I contemplate her words, torn between needing her around for my own sanity and wanting to keep her far, far away from my family drama.

However, when I think of Rebel getting hurt, it’s an easy choice.

“You should go back,” I say roughly.

Rebel folds her arms over her chest, a stubborn tilt to her chin. “Do you really mean that?”

I clamp my mouth shut.

She leans forward, her blue eyes searching my face. “Do youreallywant me to leave you alone right now?”

My Adam’s apple bobs.

I’m not strong enough to say yes.

“I’m staying,” Rebel says, wiggling further back in her chair and planting her arms over her chest like a protester with a sign that says ‘we shall not be moved’.

“I can drive if you don’t think you can handle it, buddy.” Benji leans forward, forcing his unwanted mug between the headrests. He smiles sweetly at Rebel. “I have my license.”

“You’renotdriving,” I grind out. “And I’m not your ‘buddy’.”

“I’d like us to be friends.”

I scoff.

“We both care about, Rebel. I’d say we have that much in common, don’t we?” he adds.

Did he just say he ‘cares about Rebel’. Tome?

“You can drive…” I growl. “Over my cold, dead body.”

“Alright, alright. No need to get testy.” Benji shrinks back like a balloon losing air.

How he managed to finagle his way into my truck is a mystery worth investigating.

All I remember is a panicked phone call with dad, informing me that mom fainted and she’d been transported to the hospital.

Next thing I knew, I was running to my truck and Rebel blocked my path. She offered to come with me and I wasn’t in my right mind, so I let her.

A moment later, the city slicker wormed his way into the backseat, spouting nonsense about ‘knowing a doctor friend at the hospital’.

Rebel was convinced by his words so she pleaded his case, claiming the guy could help. Help with what? I have no clue. All he’s good for is making moon eyes at Rebel and ticking me off.

“Hey.” Rebel puts her hand over mine. It’s a brief touch, but it soothes me like a startled horse with an expert rider. “Your mom’s going to be fine.”

I appreciate her words, especially because I can tell she’s sincere. Given how rocky her relationship is with my family, it means a lot.

“Did your dad call the… rest of your family?” Rebel asks tentatively.

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