He ignores my attitude. “How did you get around facial recognition software? We can’t figure it out.”
“Because I’m smarter than you.” I smirk as I lean against the window, engaging in this bullshit because it’s distracting me from worrying about Ro. Kaiden better hurry the fuck up. If he’s not here in two minutes, I’m getting into Everett’s car, and we’re going to get my brother.
“More arrogant, you mean,” Lauder pipes up from the front.
“You are smart, Zayn, but you’re also an idiot,” Hunt calmly says, clicking his seat belt into place.
“Keep insulting me, and you can forget about getting answers.”
“Just tell me.”
I drum my fingers on my knee as my foot taps on the ground. “I developed my own reverse-engineered facial recognition software.”
“Explain.” Hunt leans toward me with clear interest flaring in his eyes.
“It works in reverse. If someone searches for me or Ro through any software system, it triggers a code that wipes all available footage. I have automatic checks running all the time to remove content anyway, but this way, it’s an extra safety net ensuring no one can keep tabs on us.”
Hunt blinks repeatedly as Kaiden opens the door and takes shotgun.
“That is genius,” Hunt says, his eyes lighting up,” but also extremely dangerous.”
“What is?” Kaiden casts a glance over his shoulder as Lauder puts his foot to the metal, and we drive away, followed by Everett in his little red number.
Lauder quickly explains as Hunt stares at me, like he wishes he could peel open my brain and discover all my tech secrets.
“Thatisfucking dangerous,” Kaiden says.
I shrug. “I don’t see how. No one knows.” That’s not quite true, but I’m not into explaining it now, if ever.
“Governments and criminal enterprises would literally kill for that software, Zayn,” Hunt says. “Fuck it, we’d kill for it.” His eyes light up again. “Have you decided what you’re doing about school?”
I shrug. “I lost my place at WLU, not that I really care. Not sure there was much they could teach me.” I was only going there for Emery.
“You have a place at RU if you want it,” Kaiden supplies. “All founding families have an automatic entitlement.”
“Yeah, no thanks.”
“Roman is enrolling in Rydeville High for senior year,” Kaiden says, and I sit up straighter, leaning forward and growling.
“Since when?”
“Since he asked me earlier today.”
“Why the fuck haven’t I heard about this? Why didn’t he come and talk to me about it?” Hurt trickles through my veins.
Kaiden’s features soften. “He was worried how you’d react.” My brother sighs. “He was planning on asking Jarvis to move here too, so I’m not sure how serious he’ll be if hisboyfriendisn’t part of the package.” He sneers the word, and I’m glad we’re on the same page about the degenerate.
“We should kill him,” I calmly state. “It’s the only way to get rid of him from Ro’s life.”
Lauder quirks an eye through the mirror. “And here I thought you’d sated all your bloodlust at the party.”
“Not even fucking close, dude.”
“We’re not killing him,” Kaiden says.
“Why not?”
“We don’t go around killing people just because we don’t like them!” Kaiden barks, throwing a dark look at me over his shoulder.
