I lifted a brow. “What’s this?”
“Spending money.”
I snorted. “You mean blood money? No thanks. I’ll pass.”
I turned to one of the men sitting next to me. “Excuse me.”
He ignored me.
“He’s not moving until you take the money,” Wexler stated.
“Fine.” I snatched the envelope from Wexler and shoved it into my knapsack. “Happy now?”
The guy next to me slid out of the car, and I hurried out and made my way inside.
I hadn't taken more than three steps inside when someone pulled me into a hug.
“Sienna! You're here! Thank God!” Mandy said frantically. “After what I heard happened yesterday, I didn't know what to think. Where the hell were you?”
She dropped her hands at her sides and looked at me. I didn't like lying to Mandy, but I needed to keep her safe. There was no telling what Mr. Avit would do besides hurt my father if I spilled the beans to Mandy.
“I had a bit of an emergency. My dad got a new job as a bouncer,” I lied, “and he was injured, so he got some of his co-workers to come get me. So I won't be staying at the apartment for a while.”
Even though Mandy was my best friend, she didn't know what a douchebag my father really was.
“OMG! I hope he'll be okay.”
“He'll be okay.” Then I nudged Mandy and changed the subject. “How was the party last night? And how cute did Kyle look?”
Mandy's eyes lit up as she rattled on, and we made our way to my first class. I tried to stay focused on the conversation, encouraging her when needed and laughing along. Inside, though, I felt as though I was slowly unraveling.
A few moments later, we stopped at the T-hallway.
“Wanna go grab some pizza after class?” she asked.
“Sorry, I have to study.” I forced a smile.
She rolled her eyes playfully. “Fine. I'll call you later, and this time answer your phone, would ya?!”
She blew me a kiss and hurried back the way we came as I turned right. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, shaking off the ordeal from last night and forcing myself to focus. I’d worked hard in high school and earned a scholarship for my bachelor's degree while taking care of my sick mother; I could sure as hell ace a test even after being forced into a damn marriage.
I had four classes that day with barely any breathing room, which I was grateful for. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me. Every time I turned around, though, there was no one unusual there. I chalked it up to paranoia.
It was four o’clock by the time I finally left the building.
Before I could wonder how long I’d have to wait for Wexler, since I hadn’t told him what time I’d be done, Dan stepped in front of me, forcing me to stop.
“Hey, Sienna.” He flashed me a smile.
Dan was cute, but there was something about Mr. Avit—maybe because Mr. Avit was older, his eyes wiser—that made him dangerously handsome.
Hell, why was I even comparing them? I tightened my grip on my knapsack.
“Hi, Dan. What’s up?”
“Well, Mandy gave me your message, that you’d only come to one of Jake’s parties if I manned up and asked you myself.”
I felt my face grow red, and he continued quickly, “And you’re right, I should’ve done it sooner. Jake’s throwing another one this Saturday, and I’d like you to come with me.”
