Page 34 of Student Seduction

Camille chewed her nails. “I’m not in high school but I do have to get home. Can someone get Derek home? Devon?”

Devon recoiled, but flexed his jaw and nodded.

Camille turned to me. “You need a ride home, Em?”

I did, technically. But she’d brought Derek here bringing this misery upon us. I had no desire to get in a car with her. I shook my head no. She scurried out of the room without looking back.

Axel’s eyes met mine and I saw both fear and disappointment in them. “You should go with her. Try not to let anyone see you. Here.” He grabbed a ball cap from Aiden’s dresser and placed it on my head.

Aiden glared at his brother. “You don’t decide when she leaves, Ax.”

I appreciated him standing up for me, but his brother was right. I needed to get out of here for Aiden’s sake.

“He’s right. I shouldn’t be here.” Before leaving, I turned to ask Drew if he was coming with us. Drew and Devon were whispering conspiratorially. I waited a beat, not wanting to interrupt. Then I saw it. Devon grabbed Drew’s arm and squeezed. Hard.

Drew only glared at him in response and Devon dropped his hand immediately, but I knew in that moment who had hurt my best friend.

The doctors had mentioned a possible baseball bat, but I knew better. Devon played lacrosse. He’d attacked Drew with a lacrosse stick. So why was Drew hanging out with him now?

“You,” I said, surprised at how well my voice cut across the room to Devon Owens. His eyes snapped to mine and I pointed. “Tell me I’m wrong, Drew. Tell me he isn’t the one who attacked you this summer.”

I moved toward them but Aiden stepped between us.

“Tell me I’m wrong,” I said again, raising my voice to a shout.

“Em, please,” Drew pleaded. “It’s been a long night. Let’s not do this now.”

My mouth fell open. “Seriously? Drew, what in the world are you even doing with this psycho? He nearly killed you. And you’re telling me now’s not a good time to handle it? Why haven’t you pressed charges against this maniac?”

Devon looked like a cornered animal.

Drew looked angry.At me.

Aiden and his brother watched the scene unfolding while Derek snored on the bed.

Drew stepped closer and leaned forward, whispering in my ear. “Their dad raised them both like animals, Em. The man only communicates with his fists. Devon needs help. He knows that. I’m going to help him get it and nothing more. Try not to judge me and I won’t judge you. Deal?”

My chest ached with concern. “I’m scared for you,” I whispered back.

His eyes met mine then cut to Aiden then back to me. “Ditto, Em.”

Axel raked a hand through his dark hair. “Aiden, you got this handled or what?”

Aiden nodded. “I’m good. I’m going to help them load up Derek’s sorry ass and get Emersyn out to the Air Stream.”

“You need to getEmersynthe fuck away from here and stay the fuck away from her period,” Axel bit out, making my name sound like something repulsive before leaving.

“I said I got it, Ax,” Aiden said through gritted teeth.

His brother slammed the door on his way out causing me to flinch.

My insides folded in on themselves. Axel was right. No good could come from me being here.

“I should go,” I said, moving toward the door hoping I could catch Camille.

“No,” Aiden said evenly. “Look at me.”

I did. It was a mistake. Part of my heart melted. This was such a disaster. I couldn’t see a way to fix it except for to stay away from him.