Page 75 of Ashes and Lilies
“No.” Brayden stepped closer, grasping my hands. “We’re going to be best friends. I can see the possibilities now.”
I already had four best friends, even though they’d been behaving oddly. But it felt like the friendship between Brayden and me wouldn’t be the same.
“You don’t want to be her best friend,” Finn grumbled. “It makes you vulnerable, and she wouldn’t hesitate to kill you.”
I narrowed my gaze at him. Who was he to trash-talk me in front of my minions?
“I’m going to be honest, I’m not entirely sure what you’ve been up to, nor do I care. That’s Bryce’s concern,” Brayden told Finn as he nodded toward Bryce. “But if you think you can waltz into our world and do whatever you want, you’re sadly mistaken.”
Finn’s mouth snapped shut.
“And your brother is no better.” Brayden wasn’t finished. “What makes him think he can order me around? Someone needs to inform him I’m not his research monkey.”
I’d been watching in silence, unsure where to interject. But at this declaration, my pulse raced.
He was insulting Damen, and I couldn’t ignore it. This beautiful friendship might already be dead, and I didn’t want that. Brayden was a good person. He didn’t listen to Bryce, and he hated Finn. He had been fantastic so far.
Why did he have to open his mouth?
Brayden missed my glare. “The next time I see him, I’m going to tell him—”
“He was doing research for me,” I interrupted. “I’m the one who dragged everyone into this situation.”
“Oh.” Brayden’s eyebrow rose. “Well, if it’s for you, that’s okay.”
Perfect. We were in a better place already. Now, to divert hisanger toward the correct person. “It’s all Finn’s fault. He wouldn’t help me.”
Finn groaned, covering his face. “Not this again.”
“Don’t worry,” Bryce said, leaning against the cubical wall. “Anthony and I have it under control.”
“Wow, they even sicced Anthony on you.” Brayden shook his head, his clear gaze almost pitying. “My, aren’t you in trouble?”
“Shut up, Bryce,” Finn hissed at the other man, ignoring Brayden. “This is between us, not him.”
“It could be worse,” Brayden continued. “At least Julian isn’t a part of this.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that,” Bryce chimed in. “Julian has made it clear that he’s involved. He’s the one who asked us to watch him, and we’re reporting to him. It’s highly inconvenient. I do have a class to teach.”
“Don’t get so full of yourself; you’re not even a real teacher.” Finn scowled.
I watched the three of them, wary. What were these implications that Julian was scary?
Julian was a kind, gentle person, even though I held hopes that he’d beat the crap out of Finn. But this level of foreboding seemed rather dramatic.
I had to ask.
“Why would Julian’s involvement be a bad thing?” I asked Brayden—the most trustworthy one. “What would he and Anthony do to him?” Why was I beginning to feel bad for Finn? “What are you talking about?”
“Never mind, Bianca.” Finn closed his eyes, leaning back in his seat. “Are you ready to leave now?”
No. I wasn’t. But this did remind me of my other query.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked Finn, ignoring theothers. “Are you stalking me again? I’m surprised no one has come and yelled at us for talking in a library yet.”
“Why would anyone yell?” Brayden interjected. “It’s not like we’re bothering anyone.”
I shot him a dubious look—it was midafternoon. Where were all the people?
