Page 36 of I Don't Need Your Protection

“Nila is throwing a party tomorrow night. You in? You can bring your friends.”

I gape at him. “You’re inviting me to a party?”

Even Hudson looks at Warner like he’s lost his marbles.

“Of course,” he says. “You’re cool.”

Me, cool? Suure.

“I thought we’re not allowed to have parties at school,” I say, remembering the rules I read in the student manual.

They both chuckle like I said the silliest thing. “Off campus,” Warner says. “Nila’s family owns a house a few miles away from school. They never use it or show up there.”

“Will it be tame?” I ask.

Warner laughs to his friend. “She’s adorable.”

Hudson shrugs like he’s not sure he would use those exact words to describe me.

“You’ll be fine there,” he assures me. “So is that a yes?”

“I guess I’ll see.”

“Playing hard to get.” He winks. “I like it. See ya, Addie.”

He and Hudson head to the dining hall and disappear inside. I stare at the closed doors, a million thoughts racing through my head. Of course I’ve been to high school parties, but I’ve never been to one thrown by a rich person. And without parents around? Isn’t that a recipe for disaster? Then again, I can still have fun without doing things I don’t want to do. Aren’t I supposed to try to fit in here? I might be pretending that I’m not rich, but the truth is that I am. Should I try to get used to this kind of life?

With a huff, someone drops down next to me. I’m surprised to see it’s Caleb. He usually prefers to hide in the shadows.

“A high school party already,” he says as he folds his arms over his chest. “You can’t help but get yourself invited, can you?”

I can’t tell if he’s teasing me or is ticked off at me for some reason.

“Should I not go?” I ask.

“Didn’t you tell me not to dictate who you hang out with?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “It’s not my fault I’m so lovable.”

Of course I meant it as a joke, but for some reason, I findhim staring at me.

“What?” I demand.

He blinks and tears his eyes away. “Nothing. Do you plan on going?”

“I don’t know. I have to discuss it with my friends first.”

“All right.” He glances around, then looks up at the sky. “How much longer do you plan to stay out here?”

I lift my shoulders. “As long as I feel like.”

He exhales an impatient breath.

“You can take a break from your babysitting duties if you’re so irritated with me,” I inform him. “There are guards stationed all over.” I nod to them. “I’m sure they’re just as capable of protecting me as you are.”

“I told you I don’t trust anyone but myself.”

Now I fold my arms. “Fine.”