24. Chapter 24
Chapter twenty-four
Jinx
I still haven’t seen Edgar, and my heart breaks every day that he doesn’t make his appearance. I don’t want to believe he would leave me, but I’m beginning to think that’s how it’s going. The twins have a swim practice today, and Maddox and Wilde are doing their thing. It’s almost as if things are back to normal around here. I would like to believe that, but something is missing.
Pencil: Teeny, come on, I’m hungry
I turn, slip my phone off the nightstand, and stare at the text. Fuck. I forgot I promised Spence I would head to the food court to grab something to eat with him. He’s been dragging me out of the dorm almost every chance he’s gotten.
Pencil: Get the fuck out of bed, I’m coming in
I groan, throwing the blanket over my head. I’m not in the mood for people. The board meeting is tomorrow, and I’m not ready to face Roan. Allan called me saying he’ll be there, but that doesn’t help me either, and now, with Cameron out for blood again, Archer will be in a screaming match.
“Jinx, I know you're under the blanket. You can’t hide from me.”
The mattress dips, and Spence pulls the blanket back before getting under it. We’re engulfed in darkness and silence. My eyes slowly adjust to the darkness, and my beautiful friend comes into view.
“Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. Start talking, what’s the matter?”
I roll onto my back, tossing the blanket off my head. “It’s the same shit. Who killed Dad? Where did Atticus place his Dad? I want some answers, but no one is giving them to me.”
Spence rolls onto his side, wrapping his arm around my stomach and laying his head on my shoulder. “I can’t help you with any of that on an empty stomach.”
I smack his arm. “My God. It’s not always about that stomach.”
“It is. I might be able to help with the Atticus issue.”
I lean away and stare at him. “How?”
He points to his mouth. Oh my God, he’s relentless. I kick the blankets off us and sit up. “Fine, but you owe me every juicy detail you have.”
He salutes me. “Aye, aye, captain.”
I climb out of bed and find my fanny pack lying on the floor. “Are you getting up or not?” I ask as I strap my pack on.
“Yeah, just enjoying the view.”
“Pig. How’s River?”
He rolls out of bed and flips me the finger. “That’s a low blow. She only used me for my fantastic dick skills and then left me. I knew that’s what she was after, but deep down, I didn’t want to believe it.”
“You were also using her for the big tits, so.” I shrug, leaving the room.
He scrambles after me. “That’s not the same thing,” he bursts out.
“Okay, whatever you need to tell yourself. But you didn’t complain about her before.”
“You know what, I’ll complain about her now. She hurt Spencey’s feelings.”
“Your dick is fine.”
“You know it is.” He laughs when he steps out of the dorm.
If I ever have to see his dick again, I’ll chop it off. I have my boundaries, but Spence loves to test them. One day, he’ll test them too far and won’t like what he’ll get in return.
“Can you tell me about Atticus now?” The anticipation is killing me, and I need to know.
Spence opens the door for the stairs and looks down at me. “No. I know you. You’ll back out on food, and I’m not that stupid. We shall discuss it while we eat.”
“I hate how well you know me.”
“Same.”
We exit Greywood, and the cold wild hits me. Why he wanted to leave some place warm is beyond me. The bed was so much nicer.
“I heard a rumor going around school.”
“Oh?” I can only imagine what sort of rumor is being spread. I’m gonna go with Cam. Spence keeps quiet, building the suspense. I nudge my elbow into his ribs, making him squeal.
“My God. Fine. I heard a new music professor was hired. No more dealing with Von and his bullshit. You might have a chance after all.”
If only the damage hadn’t already been done. It’s too late for me. I’ve accepted my fate; perhaps playing music professionally isn’t for me. Von ruined that for me, and I’ll never be able to forgive him for that.
“That’s great and all, but useless none of the same.” The food court is crowded with students trying to escape the cold. I glare at Spence, but he acts like he doesn’t notice.
“Grab a seat, and I’ll grab the food.”
“I hate you.”
“Love you too, Teeny.”
I leave him and try to find a table away from prying ears. I feel like everyone is watching me as I weave around the tables. I try my hardest to ignore them, but the hairs on my neck raise as I sit, facing the entrance. I pull my phone out, trying to look busy, and ignore all the stares. A shadow falls upon the table. I peer up from my phone and see Lola standing at the table's edge.
“Can I help you?” Giving her a board look.
“Yeah, you can. What the fuck did you do with Von?”
“Why would you think I had anything to do with him?” I lean back, crossing my arms.
She slams her hands on the table, leaning closer. “Don’t act like no one knows. We know you own this school. Same last name as the dead dean. It’s not hard to put two and two together. Now get my Von back.”
I can’t help but laugh in her face and lean in close. “If you know I own this school, you should be extremely fucking worried that I don’t mess with your music career that you so sucked your way to the top. One call, and you’re finished.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
I raise an eyebrow, daring her to try whatever she has planned.
“What’s going on, ladies?” Spencer slams his food tray on the table, scaring Lola. “The teacher fuckers eat over there in case you’re lost.” He tilts his head to the other side of the room.
“You two can go to hell.”
“Nah, we’ll leave that for you.” Spence sits, handing me my food, not caring if Lola is still hanging around. He looks up at Lola. “Still here?”
She huffs. “My God, don’t you care about Von?”
“No.” We both answer.
She finally takes the hint and walks away. I take the wrap off the tray and start unwrapping it. “Alright, spill, I’m eating, you’re eating. Tell me everything.”
“Jesus, Jinx. Give me a moment to actually start eating. The tummy needs the fuel to deal with you.”
I let him get a bite of his burger and tap my fingers on the table. He rolls his eyes and chews slower. I’m about to climb over this table and ram that burger in his face.
“Ready to know my intel?”
“Yes! My God. Spill the beans.”
“Okay, calm down. I ran into that Wilde dude the other day, and we started talking. Turns out he’s a pretty cool guy. He’s into gaming, too. We started talking about the latest game and how I should stream it.”
“Spence. Atticus.”
“Yeah. I’m getting there.” He deadpans. “He asked how I knew the guys, so I told them that they are slipping their dicks into my bestie.”
I choke on my food. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. That’s beside the point. He gave me some ideas. Let me love the guy. He eventually told me about the twin's Dad.” He takes another bite of his burger. “He told me where he is.”
“If it’s the old administration building, they moved him.”
“It’s not. He’s not on RWA property.”
“Where the fuck is he? I need to see him.”
“I’ll take you there if you want, but it has to be now while the twins are busy. I’m not gonna be responsible for any of this shit when they find out. Tell them you’re heading to the city.”
I open the group text, sending a message to all three of the guys, telling them that I’m going to the city with Spence for something to do. I take another bite of my food. When my phone dings.
Maddox: Be safe, don’t do anything stupid
I don’t expect the twins to reply if they are in a meeting. But I’m sure they will after the fact.
Me: Nothing stupid, just some shopping for Spence.
“Roll out before they catch onto our shenanigans.”
Wherever they moved him isn’t somewhere I’m familiar with, but I’m glad Spence knows. I’m also pleased he’s taking me; at least he understands what I need. We turn down a backroad, and my nerves ride high. What if I get answers that aren’t what I want? If he only wanted to be closer to his sons, he went the wrong way about doing so. I don’t understand stalking someone and tormenting them.
Spence turns and makes another turn, and I pray he doesn’t get lost. “Are you ready for this? I’ll be there the entire time, but if you aren’t, we can turn back.”
“I’m good. I need this, and maybe the guys also need this; they just don’t know it yet.”
“If you say so. I swear if he says the wrong thing, Jinx, I won’t hesitate.”
“I know.” I stare out my window, watching the trees zip by, hoping I made the right decision again. I have to remind myself I’m not alone this time around, and nothing will happen.
“What’s the plan, Teeny?”
“I don’t know. I have no idea what he looks like or what to expect. This could be a waste of my time.”
Spence turns down another road, slowing down. “This is the spot; we can turn back if you want.”
“No. We never back down from a task, we can’t start now.”
An old barn looms in front of us, the chipping red paint and broken boards blending in with the vibrant red and orange foliage enveloping it. Spence parks the car, and my heart pounds in my chest. This is the last thing I need to do, but talking with my stalker is going to be hard, especially with the twins not knowing. I take a deep breath and open the door, stepping out into the chilly air. Spence follows suit, his curious eyes darting around the abandoned barn.
“I’ll ask again. Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
With a sense of determination, I lead Spence toward the entrance. As we near the doors, I can feel my heart race faster, but I can’t back down. Not now, not after everything that has happened. Spence places his hand on the door, and with a nod, he slides it open.
A shadowy figure sits on a bale of hay in the corner of the barn.
“Jinx, are you fucking kidding me? The city, my Goddamn ass. I can’t believe you would come out here. I can’t believe this shit. And you.” Atticus stands, storming toward us. “I should beat the shit out of you for bringing her out here.”
“A swim meeting. Who’s the fucking liar?” I step in front of Spencer.
“If I told you I was coming to see him, you would’ve begged and pleaded to come.”
“Yeah, and you would’ve said no 'cause you think you’re the boss. So I found a different way.”
He leans in close to my face. “I should smack the shit out of you.”
I get closer until our noses touch. “Fucking try it.”
“Okay! That’s enough.” Spence grabs me, pulling me away from Atticus. “If this is going to be an issue, I can take her back.”
“Atticus, I need this, and you know it. And I didn’t come alone this time, which should mean something.”
He closes his eyes and then looks at Spencer. “Fine, but Spence, you can’t be here. I don’t wanna be an asshole or anything, but Ash is in there with him right now, and it’s gonna be a little emotional, and I don’t think he wants anyone to see him like that.”
“Hey, I get it. But I’m not leaving. I’ll be in the car in case something happens.” He places a kiss on my forehead and walks away.
I look at Atticus. “If you fucking threaten me again, it’ll be you that’s begging. Do you hear me?”
He raises a blond brow. “My brother finally fucks you, and you suddenly grow a pair. Is this how it works now?”
“Jealous because it took him to do the job?”
He steps closer, grabbing my hair and weaving his fingers between the strands. “No, Little Grim. Because when we get back, I’ll make sure all three of us show you that we’re all in charge.”
I hate how he always thinks he’s in charge. Not this time around. I reach out and grab his dick, giving it a squeeze. “If anything, Atticus. I’m in charge.”
His blue eyes lock onto mine. “Is that so?” he growls, his voice low and dangerous.
I tighten my grip on him, feeling him harden beneath my palm. “That’s right,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
He pulls my hair, forcing my head at an angle, exposing my neck. I gasp as he trails kisses down my neck, his free hand sliding under my shirt, fingers dancing across my skin.
“Still think you’re in charge?” he whispers, nipping at my neck.
I bite my lip, trying to suppress my moan. I refuse to bend to him; I move my hand along his hard dick, gaining my control back. “Maybe we should find out,” I challenge.
“Fuck, Jinx. It’s been so long since I felt you.” He nips at my neck again, and my pussy grows wet, aching for his touch.
“Hate to break up the fuck feast, but the asshole wants to talk to you, Ace.”
My world comes crashing back to me.