Chapter 9 #3
The second incident was something to do with cheating on an exam, but once again, he got away scot-free.
Everyone knew the only reason he was allowed to stay was because of his family’s influence and reputation, especially with SEA.
They had supposedly donated more money to the school since Colin’s altercations.
“What’s wrong?” Chole followed his gaze.
“I know that guy.” He nodded toward Colin, not meaning for his voice to turn sinister, but he had a horrible feeling in his gut.
“Oh, should I be worried?” Chloe was alarmed by the sudden change in his demeanor.
“Probably.” Her face was coated in worry when he looked away from Colin. He didn’t mean to startle her, but he had to get Mika and Emily away as soon as possible. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him. Come on.” This time, he took her hand as they walked toward the trio, who were mid conversation.
“Oh, here he is now,” Mika said, nodding to Renn and Chloe.
Colin weirdly seemed to be in a good mood, but seeing Renn’s smiling face made the look he gave him lethal.
“Anton. What a surprise,” he said coldly, practically grinding his teeth.
“I was just thinking the same thing, Locke. I didn’t know you’d be here.” Renn kept his smile plastered on his face, but the intense energy was undeniable. “I see you’ve met Chloe’s friends.” Both Mika and Emily were giving them confused expressions, looking from one to the other.
“Hey! Will you two come here for a second?” Chloe said loudly to her friends. They looked even more confused, but followed her without asking questions.
Renn relaxed a little, glad that they clearly had a close friendship like he shared with Nate—they could communicate without speaking.
“What the hell are you doing here, Colin? This isn’t your normal scene.” Renn crossed his arms waiting for his answer.
“A friend of a friend at The Academy invited me along, but why should I have to explain anything that I choose to do, to you, Renn.” He scoffed, dragging out the last letters.
It was hard to believe Colin had any real friends.
But like all humans, everyone had a type, and they evidently found each other, good or bad.
Needless to say, Colin had a dangerous crowd around him more than ever these days.
“True, but don’t think I’m not watching.”
Colin stepped forward, but Renn didn’t balk. “I’m flattered, Anton. I didn’t know you had such strong feelings about me.” He grinned darkly, proud of his joke.
Renn wanted to gag, but kept his composure cool. “Based on your track record . . . just don’t do anything stupid.”
Renn turned to leave, but Colin clutched his arm, holding him back. “Don’t fucking tell me what to do, Anton.”
Unphased, Renn turned to face him, removing his hand, making sure to do it in a manner that wouldn’t insinuate violence for a fight to break out.
“I’m watching, Locke. Remember that.”
Colin’s hands balled into fits as Renn stared him down, daring him to try it.
Renn had successfully beaten him in every face-to-face duel in and out of class, physically and mentally.
If he had to do it the hard way here, he would, but he didn’t want to ruin other people’s night.
Then, without a word, Colin pushed past him and left.
Renn sighed, realizing his heart was racing.
“When the hell did he get here?” Nate asked. “I just came in and saw you two talking.” Nate must have come in not long after they started talking.
“Who knows.”
“Should we do anything?”
Renn hadn’t thought of his father often, but he would always remember his warning about the Locke family.
A captain’s instinct.
“I don’t think so. Hopefully he isn’t drinking. I get the feeling he doesn’t handle alcohol well,” Renn replied.
“Let’s not let him ruin the night,” Nate said, slinging his arm around Renn and changing the subject. “Chloe’s cute.”
Renn followed his gaze to where all the girls were chatting together.
“She is,” Renn agreed, a desire burning up in him—something that he didn’t experience often. As if reading his thoughts, Nate said, “If you play your cards right, I think it could be an excellent night for you.”
Renn shook his head laughing, but he didn’t deny his friend was on the right track of where his thoughts were going.
“With this face, what could go wrong?” Renn said lightheartedly, and instead of giving him grief about his level of confidence, Nate rolled his eyes but easily agreed.
“That’s true.”
A couple hours later, the four of them piled into a rental car to venture on the island in search of some real Hawaiian shaved ice, and were now on their way back to the resort. Renn drove since Nate and Kylie had indulged in a drink or two.
The rest of the time at the party went smoothly, and thankfully, they didn’t see Colin again. Renn and Nate introduced Chloe and her friends to other academy students and vice versa. It was everything Renn hoped it would be—easy and carefree.