“It’s weird.”
“You’re with me,” he says, like that explains everything. Maybe it does. “Ignore them.”
We reach my English class. I turn to tell him I’ll see him later, but he’s already shaking his head.
“You’ll wait for me so I can walk you to your next class.”
“Luke, that’s?—”
“You’ll wait.” That jaw of his sets, stubborn, but then his voice drops. “Please, Madeline. Just... let me do this.”
I see it again, that flash of vulnerability behind the possessiveness and giving some reason for it. He needs this. Luke wants to keep me safe and close. I’m not sure how to feel about that. It makes emotions bubble up inside of me. He wants to take care of me. I’ve been taking care of myself for so long.
I roll my eyes, making a show of being annoyed so he won’t see that I actually don’t mind. I’m still figuring out how I feel, so I keep my guard up.
“Fine. I’ll wait. But bring snacks,” I joke and turn to head into my class. Luke gives my ass a small smack, and I spin around and narrow my eyes on him.
“Be a good girl.”
“I’ll punch you.”
“I know you will.” The smart-ass kisses me again and then turns me back toward the door.
I head into class, sliding into the seat next to Georgia’s. The guy on my other side, Tyler, looks up as I say hello. He nodsonce, quick and nervous, then stares hard at his notebook like it holds the secrets of the universe. The last time we were in class together, we chatted, so I’m not sure why he’s acting so strange all of a sudden.
“That’s weird,” I whisper to Georgia.
She leans in, her voice low. “The word is getting around. About Luke. About Caleb.” She glances at Tyler, who’s still pretending to be fascinated by his notes. “Boys are scared of Luke. And you’re his girl now. So.”
“So they won’t talk to me.” That’s insane. How can someone have such an effect on something?
“So they won’t even look at you wrong.” She gives me a shrug, and I’m understanding the weight that comes with dating Luke. The teacher walks in, and class starts.
Luke is waiting in the hallway when class is over, leaning against the wall like he never left. He looks so damn handsome, and the fact that he wants to protect me only adds to it. It was easier to deny my feelings toward him when I thought he was a dick. And before he put his mouth on me. His eyes find me immediately, and something in his expression loosens when he reaches me.
He walks me to history, keeping his hand on my back. I try to pay attention to the Cold War lecture, but my mind keeps wandering to all the chaos in my life now.
Luke is waiting again when the bell rings. Two classes, two walks, and I should be annoyed, but I’m not.
The lunchroom is crowded, so we grab our food and go outside to the tree where Georgia always eats. There’s a table underneath it.
“There is kind of an issue,” I tell Grant and Georgia.
“Eat.” Luke pushes my tray toward me. I roll my eyes but pick up my cheeseburger and take a bite. The food here is actually good, which it should be for what this place costs. Georgia takesa bite of her burger too, trying to hide her smile at how Luke is acting.
We’re telling them more about Emily, the pattern, and the chance she might be involved when the intercom crackles.
“All students report to the auditorium immediately after lunch.” We all exchange a look.
“You don’t think—?” I ask, looking at Luke. If anyone has inside details, it’s him.
“They have to let people know she’s missing eventually.” He’s right.
We file in with the crowd and find seats near the back. I see my sister talking to Dean Locke. She gives him a soft smile before he steps over to the podium, two police officers flanking him. I recognize the one that was at Luke’s house on Saturday night.
“Students,” he begins, “I’m afraid I have difficult news. Coach Murphy has been reported missing. Police are investigating.”
The auditorium erupts. There are whispers, gasps, and a few people even start crying.
