Page 145 of The Silent Note

The silence is as filled as I suddenly want to be.

Fidgeting in my purse, I take out a mirror and pretend to re-do my lipgloss. Unfortunately, I catch a disappointing glance at my outfit. Zane had the hotel wash my Redwood Prep uniform, but it doesn’t change that it’s yesterday’s uniform. My hair is still begging for a proper wash-day routine, and, being a guy, Zane didn’t bring a set of comfortable underwear. This lace isnotwhat I usually wear beneath my teacher’s uniform.

At least my face doesn’t reflect how tired I am. Viola did my makeup today, hiding all the dark circles and even managing to lessen the severity of my scar. The girl’s got talent. I’ll give her that.

Still restless, I replace the mirror in my hand with my phone. “You think Finn’s made any progress with the flash drive? Maybe I should call?—”

Zane’s hand captures mine. “You’ve called five times since we headed out.”

“He might have news.”

“If he does, he’ll text.”

I study the hand that’s wrapped around mine. My fingers itch to hold on but, since he’s only driving with one hand, Zane quickly returns to the steering wheel.

I lean back against the head rest. “I don’t know why I’m bothering with school today. Judging by the walk outs yesterday, no one will attend my lectures anyway.”

“I can turn this car right around now. Just give me the word,” Zane says, his beautiful fingers flirting with the indicator.

“You’ll really let me play hooky?”

“Baby, I’ll have you playing any game you want.”

“With my clothes on?”

“Nope.”

“Then I’m not going back to the hotel room.”

He laughs. “You realize we had our honeymoon in the back of a car, right? I don’t need a hotel room to part your pretty legs, Gracie.”

Heat singes my spine.

I ignore that comment because it’s very true. “Don’t call me Gracie.”

“Fine. I don’t need a hotel room to part your pretty legs,tiger.”

I scowl.

He laughs.

My lips curl up and I study him.

“What?” he asks as Redwood Prep rises in view.

“I’ve been curious about this for a while but… how are you taking all of this so well?”

“What do you mean?”

“Someone broke into your house last night. The flash drive you did everything to find isn’t working. Your evil dad is running for governor and your best friend came out as a stalkingpsychopath. Most people wouldn’t be this,” I gesture to him, “okay.”

“Who says I’m okay?”

“Aren’t you?”

“No.” The smile shifts and he reveals a somber expression, one I get the feeling few are able to see. “No, I’m aboutthisclose to a mental breakdown. I don’t know what’s coming next. I don’t know how I’m going to protect you. It drives me crazy.”

“But you’re still smiling.”