Page 36 of Rear View
My laugh was a deep rumble in my chest. “That a problem?”
She faced forward again, gaze trained out the windshield. “Not yet,” she said so quietly, I had to strain to hear.
Christian strolled to the side of the platform, his eyes creasing when they landed on Ryah. His hands were in his pockets all nonchalant like he didn’t know exactly what the hell he was doing. I inhaled, slow and deep, wanting him to march his ass away.
“You almost ready to go?” he asked her.
Ryah turned his way and gave him a soft smile. “Yeah.”
Bitter jealousy burned my chest. I’d only known the girl for a hot minute, but I wanted that smile. Was greedy for it. Didn’t want anyone else to get it, least of all, preppy boy.
Reaching in, I took her finger and pressed it to the switch again, cutting the engine. “Thanks for swingin’ by.”
Her gaze dropped to that touch and held. “Thanks for inviting us.”
I inclined my head and released her.Anytime, dream girl.
Christian cleared his throat.
Ryah climbed out and I rose, towering over her while I angled to the side and gave her room.
Her body brushed my chest when she breathed, “Bye, Xavier.”
I winked. “Bye, darlin’.”
Ducking her head, she walked away.
My arms crossed over my chest as I leaned a hip against the car. Christian’s mouth was downturned. A man who’d just realized he had competition. At least, I hoped I was. I barely knew her, but she deserved better than a guy who only saw her when someone else was looking.
Chapter Nine
Ryah
The lecture hall was cold, not a surprise seeing as the winter air blew in from the poorly insulated windows on the far-left wall. The whole place could’ve used a revamp. The seats that filled the gallery were yellow-stained wood with countless pen marks and nicks. It was part of the charm, and stood in complete opposition to U of E’s outward appearance.
It’d been three days since the car show, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Xavier. It’d felt so good to see the world again and be with people. To be withhim. Yeah, Christian had been moody, but we’d known each other a long time. He was just…hypervigilant.
Sheila’s words echoed through my mind.“So,you’rethe one he’s been talking about.”What’d it mean exactly? The one who’d gotten hit? The one who’d needed Xavier’s help? Did it mean something more? I knew I wanted it to, but, God! I didn’t know.
I took a chair at the head of Barlowe’s empty class, pulled out my laptop, flipped it open, then peered over my shoulder to make sure no one looked before I entered my password. It connected to the building’s Wi-Fi, andseveral notifications for new emails dinged across the screen. My heart squeezed tight.
Chewing the end of my pen, I clicked the browser and scanned my inbox.
Unknown Sender:
Where did you go, Ryah Jane?
My adrenaline spiked, my heart drumming in my chest. Why couldn’t he justleave me be? Closing my eyes, I tried to control my breathing. I was in class. I wasn’t alone.
Safe, Ryah. You’re safe.
The chair beside me pulled back with a loud scrape. I jumped as my eyes flew open.
“Hey,” Christian said. “You alright?”
A week ago, I might’ve answered. Cried on his shoulder and hoped for more, but while I still cared for him, that desperation for his attention just…didn’t come. Closing my email, I inclined my head.
His brow dropped. “Something up?”
