Page 58 of Revere

At least I was around to get Mila back to the dorm. I ran damage control like I’m used to. I became the buffer so no one else would have to feel it.

And where does that leave me?

In this entire evening of my brother obsessing over Mila, my father focusing on Alex, and my mother casting her judgment, no one bothered to ask how my summer is going. It could be my fault for always pretending I can handle it. But for once, I wonder how it would feel for someone to notice I’m not okay.

None of this is okay.

My eyes start to burn, but I fight the tears. I’ve already cried once tonight, and that was enough to prove I’m as weak as my mother says.

As if Jacob senses my mood, he places his palm face up between us in an offering.

It’s too much to hope it could be more than temporary comfort, and I really wish I knew the limits so this won’t hurt me later. But tonight, I stop caring.

Let it hurt.

Let him ruin me.

At least then my family can’t.

20

AFTER YOU

PATIENCE

There’sa wave of relief that breezes through me when the plane lands in LA. It bounces when the wheels hit the pavement. Even that isn’t enough to rattle me after tonight because I’m finally, once more, at a distance from my family.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I wash Bristal from my mind. I let my mother’s judgmental tone fade. I focus on nothing more than Jacob’s firm grip on my thigh.

He doesn’t let go of me as we deboard. His arm stays wrapped around my shoulders while we walk through the airport. A few people glance, and I can’t tell if they’re judging the clear age difference between us or simply appreciating how absurdly attractive Jacob is.

It isn’t until we reach the curb outside that I try to step away from him. But he snags my hand, not allowing me to get far as his driver stops in front of us.

“I can call my own ride,” I assure him.

Jacob lifts my chin, forcing my gaze to his. “Get in the car, Patience. Let me take you home.”

“Technically, if I get in the car,your driveris the one taking me home.” I smirk, teasing him because it puts me at ease to provoke this man.

“The only man taking you home is me.” He taps his thumb on my lips. “Isn’t that right?”

My stomach flutters as I stare up into his green eyes. Everything about Jacob is commanding. Dominant. Downright sexy.

I shouldn’t want to be controlled by anyone, considering my upbringing, but with Jacob, when he takes charge, it’s different. Like he cares, possibly. Like he sees that I don’t want to think, I just need to feel. And that’s exactly what he offers. He has me in a chokehold.

“Patience—”

“Yes.” I swallow, finally answering his question.

His hand drifts down my jaw; his thumb traces the column of my throat. “After you.”

I climb into the car, and Jacob closes the door behind me, circling to the other side. His hand lands on my thigh once he climbs in, like he can’t help touching me every second we’re around each other. Regardless of who might be watching.

Jacob tells the driver the address for my building, and I frown, realizing I assumed he was taking me to his place.

Maybe it’s for the best that he’s making this decision for us. Especially when I’m feeling particularly reckless tonight.

“What’s that look?”