His hand falls to the small of my back before he guides me forward, immediately falling into the role of my bodyguard.
He’s always been like this, though. Even when we were kids, Colten always took protecting me so seriously, just the same way Cruz did.
I used to think that maybe it was because he felt an obligation to me as my brother’s best friend, but the day he stepped between my father and me one afternoon when I was home late from school, I realized it was just the kind of person he was.
His eyes dart around the street as we step onto the sidewalk. I wrap my arms around myself when a cold gust of wind blows past us.
You’d think after living in the rainy city my whole life that I would know better than to not bring a jacket, but it definitely would have ruined my outfit.
Without missing a beat, Colten slips his jacket off and holds it out to me.
“You don’t have to do that,” I say quickly. “I’m the idiot that didn’t bring one for myself.”
He growls. “Put the jacket on, Wildcat. And never say shit like that about yourself.”
“Or what?” I challenge with a raised brow.
He stares at me for long seconds, a flash of heat that I know I must be imagining staring back at me before his usually cool composure returns. “Do as you’re told, Lexi.”
I sigh and slip my arms into the warm fabric, immediately breathing in his sandalwood scent. He’s worn the same cologne since high school, and there’s something inherently safe about it.
But then that’s just Colten.
One of the only people I’m ever safe to be my true self with.
I shake off the thought as we reach the car, and I watch as he walks around the SUV, checking beneath each of the tires to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
Not even Ken goes through this rigmarole, but it makes Colten feel better to know he’s checked all his bases, and therefore I stopped arguing with him about it years ago.
Once he’s cleared it, I slip into the passenger seat, earning me a pointed look.
“It’s safer in the back.”
I roll my eyes. “So you keep reminding me. But I’d rather sit with you, so deal with it.”
He stares at me for long seconds, and I wonder if he’s about to drag me into the back seat, but then he huffs out a defeated sigh and secures his own seat belt.
“You’re a brat, you know that?”
“Only for you.” I smirk.
He shakes his head but doesn’t bother responding as he starts the drive to Cruz’s house.
At this time of night it doesn’t take long to navigate our way out of the city, and before long, and before I’m ready, we’re pulling into the long driveway.
Colten waves to the guards stationed at the guardhouse before pulling up to the house, and for some stupid reason, my chest aches at the idea of leaving him.
I had a nice time with Nico tonight, but if I’m honest, the time since Colten sat down across from me has been the best part of the whole night. Hell, it’s probably the best part of my month, no matter how sad that is.
Neither of us speaks, much like the rest of the drive, but I can’t sit here forever.
I have to go inside and get ready for bed.
Alone.
Always alone.
“Thanks for rescuing Ken tonight, it was nice to spend some time with you. It’s been…too long.” I actually can’t remember thelast time Colten and I spent time together alone, and that upsets me more than it should.
