Eden

“What about your dad?”

His grip on the steering wheel tightens. “He disappeared a few years back. We’ve got no idea where he could’ve gone. Motherfucker’s probably dead or something.”

“Where’s your sister then?”

“School,” he rumbles.

I’m not going to lie. I didn’t expect a flood of information like this from Ghost. It’s actually a good reminder that he’s a real human and not just a heartless robot Nora uses to do her bidding.

Just as I’m opening my mouth to respond, my phone begins buzzing. I look down to see that it’s Carley, returning my call at last.

Her timing couldn’t be worse.

I swipe the call away, knowing I’m experiencing a rare moment with Ghost that I have to try and capitalize on.

We’re nearing campus, and I try not to sound too eager as I say, “Is Nora paying you really well? Are you doing this to support your sister?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Listen to me,” I say in a low, firm tone as I turn to him. “Your sister has already lost her mother and father. Are you really willing to risk her losing her brother, too? Because that could happen if you keep helping Nora. You could wind up dead, just like Jon Eric.”

He seems genuinely startled when I say that, his eyes widening and they bounce between me and the street.

“Crack whore’s got a big mouth, I see.”

“Why does it matter? He’s dead and it doesn’t matter who killed him. Besides, I’d have found out eventually and we both know it. Now please, answer my question. Is working for Nora worth your life?”

We pull into campus and he drives me to my dorm without saying a word, though he looks agitated and uncomfortable. Shit, did my big mouth just fuck me over again?

When he parks the car, he turns toward me.

“A little advice, Mallory? Keep your nose out of other people’s shit.”

Damn. He’s back to his usual close-lipped self. I guess I should’ve expected that.

Releasing a sigh, I reply, “Fine. Don’t answer. Just think about it, all right?”

“Get out.”

I move to open the car door but freeze when I realize a cluster of girls are standing on the sidewalk just ahead of us, staring at us. By the time I realize they’re members of Laurel’s horde, they’ve got their phones out and are holding them up at the car, no doubt taking pictures.

“Fuck,” I hiss, drawing Ghost’s attention to the girls.

“Fan club?” He sounds amused and he even gives them a sarcastic little wave.

“Trust me, they’re not my fans,” I growl, opening the door and shoving my way out onto the street. I slam the door closed behind me and begin marching toward the entrance to my building.

“Move,” I shout at the girls. They just giggle and laugh hysterically, their fingers darting across their phone screens quickly. I realize they might be texting Saint, so I pull my own phone out and shoot him a quick message.

9:32 PM: If you’re getting pictures from Laurel’s bitch friends, don’t freak out. I can explain later. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I guess I have to tell you later now.

That should do the trick.

Stepping into my building, I dial up Carley and hope she’s not too irritated with me for ignoring her call earlier.

She answers on the second ring. “Hey, baby girl! I’ve been getting worried. I got your message earlier that you needed to talk, and I tried calling you back.”

“I know, sorry,” I reply with a wince. “I got sidetracked with homework.”

“All right, well, what’s up?”

I make my way into the elevator and wait until the doors close before answering.

“I actually had a question for you about spring break.”

“Titus had mentioned flying you to Atlanta with Loni.”

“Oh.” Well, shit. That’s a surprise. “Look, Carley, I’d love to but a friend of mine just invited me to join them on their trip and I was hoping it’d be okay if I went.”

There’s a beat of silence before she asks, “Who’s the friend?”

Fuck. If I tell her Saint invited me, no way will she let me go.

“Mal? Did I lose you?”

I realize I’m staring straight ahead at my reflection in the elevator doors, mouth ajar and silent. My mind scrambles to think of someone.

The elevator comes to a stop and the doors slide open. At that moment, as though dictated by fate, Loni steps out of her room.

“Loni!” I declare into my phone.

Startled, Loni turns to stare at me. “What?”

Stepping out of the elevator, I shake my head at her and point at my phone.

“But Loni’s coming to Atlanta.” Carley sounds confused and skeptical, and I cringe.

Shit, I’m getting horrible at this.

“Uh … yeah. We kind of decided we wanted to spend the break together.” The lie falls from my lips as if I’d rehearsed it. “Also, we thought you and Titus would like some alone time?”

“Oh.” Carley releases a low hum from the back of her throat. “I see.”

Loni is walking up to me and staring at me in confusion, so I hold up a finger to ask her to give me a minute.

“Well, I guess that’s okay then,” Carley says with a sigh. “Where are you going?”

“Hawaii.” It’s the first truth I’ve told this whole conversation, and it makes me feel a little sick.

“That’s not so far.” Carley sounds like she’s warming up to the idea. “All right. I suppose it’d be okay. You just have to let me know what your exact plans are, okay? I want full itinerary with flights and everything.”

“Okay,” I say, a little breathlessly. “Deal.”

“Good. I’m happy to sign off on said trip then.”

“Thanks, Carley,” I grin, relieved. “I appreciate it.”

I make an excuse so I can end the call, because Loni is still standing in front of me, one brow arched and her hands on her hips.

“What did you just do?” she asks.

“I told Carley you and I are going to Hawaii for spring break.”

“Mallory,” she groans. “Why?”

When I’m done explaining, I expect Loni to explode on me. Instead, she shrugs. “I’m in.”

I blink, stu

She nods with a grin. “Don’t get this confused. I’m only partially doing this for you. I’m mostly doing it because I’m fascinated by the weird relationship you had with Saint and I want to see more of it firsthand.”

“Whatever your reason, I’m just glad you’re not furious with me.”

“Of course not,” she assures me. Then, with a wink, she adds, “Just let Hot Draco know I’d prefer first class since he’s paying.”