Archer
I approach Adrianna, who is standing with all her friends. My nerves are fried, mainly because I’m practically kidnapping the princess of the Vasquez Cartel. Thankfully, I saw Damien Vasquez leave ten minutes ago in his armored SUV. I’m pretty sure he hardly even said a word to Adrianna after the ceremony.
I clear my throat. “Adrianna, can I have a word?”
“Stil not giving up?” Natalya teases.
It’s clear no one knows about us among her friends, except for Azira, and that was my fault.
She meets my gaze and nods. I can tell from the look on her face that she’s just as nervous as me. “Sure.”
I nod toward the exit of the hall and she follows me out of it.
“What’s up?” she asks, as I lead her into an empty classroom and shut the door.
“I just wanted to double check you are all set for the plan?”
She nods. “Of course. I’m packed, only essentials and no tech.”
“Good. And your father has gone. I watched him leave.”
She purses her lips. “I don’t even know why he bothered to come. He didn’t say two words to me after the ceremony.”
His actions hurt her. That’s clear as day. Perhaps she clung onto some hope that he would show her he cared this once.
“Just more proof as to why I don’t owe them a fucking thing.”
I walk toward her and pull her close, squeezing her hips. “You don’t owe them anything. You owe yourself the life you want to live.”
I lean down and kiss her, knowing that somehow I’ve got to convince her that we belong together. There’s no way in hell that I’m leaving her in my cabin to make her own way in life. Adrianna belongs to me, and I belong to her. Like two halves of the same whole.
“Thank you, Archer.”
“It’s nothing, baby.” I kiss her again. “Did you tell your friends?”
“Yeah, they all know and won’t say anything to anyone until I’m gone.”
“Good. Shall we go and celebrate your graduation?”
She smiles at me. “Sounds good.”
I want to walk back in there holding her hand, but she pulls away the moment we leave the classroom. It makes sense. She’s not going to walk back in there and announce that she’s been sleeping with me a good portion of the academic year.
Sighing, I follow after her and we rejoin the ground. “What’s going on then?” I ask.
“The group of us are going to go for dinner and drinks.” Oak looks at me. “You are welcome to join.”
I nod. “Sounds good.”
“Let’s go,” Oak says, glancing at Bly. “You going to drive too?”
He nods. “Sure.”
All of us walk out front and I follow Oak to his car with Adrianna. The others go with Bly as his SUV is a six seater. Adrianna and I get in the back together and she shuffles a little in her seat as silence ensues.
“So, Adrianna, what are your plans for after graduation?” Oak asks.
She winces. “Not a lot, to be honest.”
Oak is the only one in this car who is in the dark about the plan, but that will change tonight. I need to break it to him and Bly that I’m going with Adrianna, as long as she agrees. Once we’re at the restaurant, I’ll take them both to one side and explain.
“How about you two?” Adrianna asks.
I gently slide my hand onto her thigh and squeeze, which results in her tensing up. She’s obviously paranoid that Oak and Eva will see, but it’s impossible. “Relax,” I murmur.
She glares at me, which only makes me harder than nails.
“Have you got amnesia?” Eva asks, laughing. “I already said earlier we’re spending the summer in Alaska. Except for the date of Nat and Elias’ wedding. There’s no way I’m missing that.”
Adrianna shakes her head. “Sorry, I’m distracted. Alaska should be peaceful.”
Eva pulls a face. “Yeah, not totally convinced about it, to be honest.”
Oak shakes his head. “You will see what you’ve been missing, Mrs. Byrne.”
She smiles at him. “If you insist.”
“You will. It’s beautiful up there,” I say.
Adrianna glances at me. “You’ve been?”
I nod. “Yeah, it’s brimming with wildlife.”
“Sounds nice. I’m sure you’ll like it, Eva.”
Eva sighs. “Probably, it’s just I’ve got southern blood. Maine is cold enough.”
A comfortable silence falls between us, but Adrianna still looks uncomfortable as I keep my hand on her thigh, squeezing gently.
“Where are we eating?”
Eva turns and I quickly shift my hand off Adrianna’s leg. “A new all you can eat buffet called Cosmo. It’s meant to do all kinds of food, from Italian to Asian and Mexican.”
I smirk. “All you can eat suits me.”
Adrianna nods. “And me.”
Eva chuckles. “I thought you’d like that idea, Adrianna.” She turns back to face the front and I slide my hand back onto Adrianna’s thigh.
This time, Adrianna swats it away and gives me a warning glare.
“Here we are,” Oak announces.
He parks in the parking lot and he and Eva get out, but I grab Adrianna’s hand briefly. “Cheer up, baby girl. In no time, you’ll be starting your new life.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I wonder what she’s thinking, but as always, she’s a closed book.