Chapter twenty-nine
Bexley
“You did really well today, kiddo,” Elliott says, giving me a Cheshire Cat grin.
He leans over, rubbing the top of my head with his pointy, tattoo-covered slender fingers.
My hair starts to bunch up under the ruffling, tendrils slipping out of my perfect tied-up braid.
Well, it was perfect. I was so impressed with myself this morning when I managed to braid it flawlessly even though my vision was swimming and I was seeing doubles.
Smoothing down my hair as best I can, I nervously laugh in reply, trying to seem polite. The last thing I want to do is make our work experience awkward. “Thanks. I appreciate your help with all the training.”
“Ahh, it’s nothing!” He beams, waving me off. “You’re a fast learner. A real go-getter. Watching you is fascinating.”
I feel a little guilty even thinking about it but there’s something off about this guy. Being around him makes me on edge and a bit uneasy. Except I truly believe it’s a me problem.
I’ve spent way too much time being conditioned to always assume the worst about people.
We’re taught that new faces are guilty until proven innocent—which is ridiculous and unfair.
You just never know when someone is out to get you, ready to stab you in the back the moment you become comfortable.
Because the problem is that once you’re stabbed, you either end up dead or with a permanent scar.
Conditioning comes with the territory, regardless of which side you land. It’s exhausting having to be on guard and suspicious, especially toward people like Elliott who are just happy and carefree souls.
We’re in Ridgeview Valley, but that doesn’t mean this poor man needs to be subjected to the stupid feud.
He’s definitely not someone I recognize from Cedar Heights, and, at the risk of seeming judgmental, I doubt he was a Willowbrook Wolf.
But that says more about them and not Elliott.
He just doesn’t fit their mold or picture perfect image.
I glance sideways at the giant clock on the wall, a tiny rush of relief sinking in when I see that my shift is close to ending.
Rylan slept over last night and as usual, the weirdo woke up at the break of dawn to go for a run while I had to work.
He offered to drive me, which was sweet.
Initially I had refused, but apparently running into a doorjamb was convincing enough for Ry to put his foot down and not take no for an answer.
In my defense, I would have perked up eventually. I just needed to finish waking up first and have caffeine injected into my bloodstream.
Now that I’ve had my free staff coffee—an Americano because it’s one of those days—I’m pumped and ready to go! Hey… a girl can pretend, right?
I wish I could say I was heading home to crawl back into bed and cuddle my pillow, but unfortunately we have to head to school. We’re in the final week now before finals kick off, so skipping a day isn’t an option.
I’ll sleep tonight.
Maybe.
Just as the hands of the clock hit the top of the hour, the door opens, the little bell dinging to signal the new arrival. Rylan strolls into the shop with the usual chilled aura, already dressed in his Willowbrook jersey and looking oh-so delicious.
He spots me immediately, pink lips tugging into a smile. I must start staring because I sense Elliott slide over next to me, his elbow rubbing my side.
“Ooh. Who’s that?” He asks cunningly. “Someone has got your attention.” The words come out in a sing-song kind of way, but unlike Tai, I don’t find it cute.
Regardless, I force my attention away from Ry to face Elliott.
“My ride,” I say warmly, turning back once Ry reaches the counter. “Hey, stranger.”
Either I’m super exhausted and imagining things or the air does actually become more tense as Ry scans over Elliott curiously. I don’t know why but it suddenly feels icy, despite Ry’s expression staying exactly the same.
“You ready, Bex?”
I nod, untying my apron. “I’ll just sign out and grab my things.”
He still hasn’t removed his stare from Elliott so I hesitate for a moment, attempting to get a read on the situation.
Deciding it’s all in my head, I slip into the back room and leave them at the counter.
When I return a minute later, my footsteps falter when they are still having some bizarre stare-off.
“Alright,” I say a little loudly. “I’m ready.”
Elliott turns to me first, that usual grin plastered on his face. “Introduce me to your friend, Bexley.”
“Boyfriend,” Ry sharply responds.
Okay. So perhaps I’m not going insane.
The blunt words have no effect on him, Elliott glancing between us. “It’s good to have friends. Nice to meet you, buddy.” He holds out his hand toward Rylan and slowly, they shake.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, Elliott,” I tell the older guy, walking around to the other side of the counter. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You as well! Nice to meet you, Mr. Bexley!”
Rylan tenses up but doesn’t reply, merely grabbing my hand and leading us outside the shop. Neither of us speak until we’re inside his pickup and in the line of traffic.
“What the hell was that about?” I ask.
Shooting me a curious side-eye, Ry frowns. “What do you mean?”
My face deadpans. “Don’t play games with me, Rylan Astor. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
His gaze is locked on the road, but his eyebrow twitches upwards. “I didn’t say or do anything.”
“Oh, my God,” I mumble incredulously. “You’re jealous…”
“I am not jealous,” he huffs. “I’m just not a people-person today.”
“No—you’re full on jealous,” I point out in shocked amusement. “Holy shit. I didn’t think you were capable of it.”
I know I’ve caught him when I see the mental fight behind his eyes.
It starts to break through his expression, leaving me gobsmacked.
Waiting to see what side emerges victoriously, a laugh bubbles out when he finally exclaims, “Why wouldn’t I be jealous?
You’re MY girlfriend. Why are you laughing? !”
“Because it’s hilarious,” I mutter. “And far-fetched. How on earth can you be jealous of a coworker when I’m literally dating your two best friends?”
Rylan scoffs. “That’s different. I trust them. I don’t trust that man.”
“You trust Archie.”
“That’s also different,” he argues. “He’s your lifelong best friend.”
I grin, shifting in my seat. Reaching over, I place my hand on his thigh, biting back a laugh when he tenses up.
Well, shit. The great Rylan Astor has emotions. Love really does make you do strange things—like be more human. I guess it makes sense. Love is the cornerstone of our existence.
Ry drops one hand from the steering wheel to grasp mine, bringing it up to his lips. He kisses my knuckles without removing his eyes from the road. “Sorry,” he grunts quietly.
“Don’t be,” I tell him softly. “I love that you’re protective of me. I love you.”
His lips twitch into a smirk. “And Tai.” He pauses. “And Hunter.”
“Did Tai say something? Because I’ll kick his ass.”
Laughing, Ry shakes his head, resting our joined hands back on his leg. “No, he hasn’t. But it’s obvious, Bex. I know you. And I know them.”
“And you’re not jealous?” I tease.
He shoots me a dirty sideway glance. “You know I’m not. That guy just… gives off weird vibes.”
At his confession, I relent, relaxing into the passenger seat. “I know,” I admit, voice barely above a whisper. “But I keep thinking it’s just the way we were brought up. It makes me feel sick.”
“Why?” He asks, concerned.
I sigh. “Because I hate painting someone innocent as someone sinister. It just feels like shit is getting out of control lately and I don’t know who to trust outside of my circle.
Your dad has been awfully quiet after his threats and I just get the sense that it’s…
too quiet. Then you add Tai and Hunter’s fathers into the mix and it’s all one big bomb waiting to detonate. Does that sound crazy?”
Rylan shakes his head. “No, it doesn’t. You’re right. But we should be suspicious. Those men can’t be trusted, and I have no doubt my father is planning something.”
I squeeze his hand. “You know we need to talk about that eventually.”
His eyebrows furrow as we stop at a red light. “We will,” he promises. “Soon. I just need time to process things and figure out a plan.”
“Let me help,” I tell him. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“You’re not,” he shoots back. “I won’t let our relationship be defined by that man.”
“Do you think by letting me help that you’re inconveniencing me?” I ask carefully. “Because you’re not. That’s what partners do, Ry. They help each other. You don’t have to carry the weight of this on your own. Don’t close me out. I’m strong, just like you.”
Ry glances over at me, giving me a tight smile. “You’re the strongest person I know, Bex. Which is why I won’t let him take you from me. Even if that means carrying it alone.”
We fall into silence as Willowbrook comes into view, and a minute later we’re driving through the gates into the parking lot.
People are hopping out of their vehicles, greeting each other in the morning light, and I can’t help but feel a little envious that the only problem they have to deal with is final exams. Sucks to be us. But we also wouldn’t be here, together, if we weren’t who we are.
Ry pulls into a spot, killing the engine. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I slide over, grabbing his face and forcing him to look at me.
“I refuse to let you carry it alone. You can fight me on it all you want, but you won’t win.
I love you, Ry—and I love you even more for trying to protect me.
But we’re stronger together. If we end up failing, then we fall down as one.
I won’t negotiate on this. You’re now stuck with me; for better or for worse. ”
“I’m a little turned on right now by you.”
Hunter’s admission is laced with amusement, but the look on his face screams, ‘What the actual hell is wrong with me?’
“I’m terrified to ask why,” I say, snorting as I begin opening drawers. “You know what? I actually think you would have fit in perfectly at Cedar Heights.”
He freezes, head snapping toward me in bewilderment. “You take that back right now.”
Yep. You can take the man out of Willowbrook, but you can’t take the Willowbrook out of the man.
I hold up my hands apologetically. “Hey—I’m not the one feeling horny over breaking and entering.”
Hunter blinks at me, before scoffing dismissively and returning to the computer. “I can’t take you anywhere, Duchess.”
“Except on pianos… and music room floors…”
“Stop it.”
“Why?” I smirk. “Scared you might fuck me on your dad’s desk?”
While he might have been a good fit at Cedar Heights, I can’t deny the benefits that come with Hunter being the son of the Willowbrook Dean. It certainly helps when we need access to restricted places or schedules.
Ry is still being stubborn about letting me help, but thankfully Hunter doesn’t share the same sentiments. Both he and Tai agreed we need to take action, and since we don’t have access to Mayor Astor, we decided to target the next best thing.
Dean Lannister.
It’s clear their fathers are in cahoots, so realistically speaking, the Dean could be hiding some incriminating evidence. And what better place to hide it than his office?
The man is an asshole but he’s not a moron. Now that he knows Hunter has broken away from his control, there’s no way he’d keep imperative documentation in the house. Except Hunter has something no one else does—access.
Between his knowledge and Tai’s skills, we were able to see that the all-important and worthy Dean has a pretty packed schedule this week.
No surprise with finals starting next week, but we did find the perfect window of opportunity.
Both him and Elizabeth are away from Willowbrook for a meeting this afternoon, meaning his office is completely unguarded for once.
Naturally, I suggested we sneak in and have a little look.
“There’s cameras in here,” Hunter grumbles.
My fingers skim through stacks of paperwork, a smile crossing my face. “And that would stop you? You know Tai would be able to wipe the footage. He’s going to do it anyway to hide our impromptu snoop.”
“The sicko would watch and save a copy.”
“Ooh, spank bank contribution,” I tease. “He does love doing that. Ask him to send you the footage from the car.”
Hunter straightens up. “What footage?”
I bite my lip, grinning. “We recorded some fun to torture Ry. I think you’d enjoy it.”
He actually appears to be contemplating the idea, but then quickly shakes his head, clicking the mouse. “You’re going to get me in trouble.”
“Oh, nooo. The tragedy,” I mock. “Have you found anything yet?”
“Just the usual boring academic files,” he murmurs. “Tai suggested I search for hidden folders or password protected files.”
I nod, lifting a piece of faded paper to get a better read. “It’s a shame he’s on monitoring duty. Imagine how much fun the three of us could have on that desk.”
“Bexley,” he growls. “Not helping.”
“Lighten up, H,” I mumble. “It can’t be fun walking around with that giant stick up your rectum. No wonder you’re always so grouchy.”
Hunter laughs. “Bold of you to assume it’s a personality trait and not the pain in the ass that harasses me.”
I close the drawer and start examining the shelves, running my hands along it for hidden buttons or something. Rich people do that, right? Batman-style secret rooms and whatnot? “And yet my criminal nature turns you on. I love that I’m corrupting you.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He pauses before frowning. “I think I found something.”
Pivoting in my place, I stalk over, standing behind him with my hand resting on his shoulder. “What is it?”
Hunter clicks a few times, bringing up an app or some program on the screen. “I think I’ve heard of this. It’s cloud-based so you can access your saved items remotely.”
“That doesn’t seem too suspicious,” I murmur disappointedly. “Sounds like Google Drive.”
“Except,” he says, pointing to a folder on the screen. “When I try to access this particular one, it’s password protected. All I can see is basic property information. I think it’s encrypted.”
I dig into my bra and extract a thumb drive. “Can we save a copy?”
Hunter plucks the USB from my grip and inserts it, tapping away. “Yep. We’ll see if Tai can break into it.”
“Now who are the criminals?” I mutter under my breath, earning a smirk from Hunter.