Page 132 of Vexatious Queen

R: No, I appreciate the offer, but I think I may have the perfect person.

Dad: Okay, well…the last thing I will mention is your surroundings. Take note of everything. Pay attention to anyone you pass in a hallway, bathroom, locker room, or classroom. That includes students, teachers, parents, and anyone else. Mark it down and find the pattern. If you leave campus, note any vehicle you see more than once, mark down licence plates, air fresheners hanging from the rear-view mirror, and decals in the back window. Anything distinguishable. My guards will be on that as well. And no, I’m not pulling them off of you, so don’t bother asking. I have limits to how much I’m willing to back-off.

I smirked.

R: That’s okay, I’m happy to have the guards. Is that it?

Dad: I’ll speak to Paul and alert him to the situation. That will help some. But, Ren, carry a knife with you at all times, just in case.

R: Weapons are not allowed in school.

Dad: Do you plan on stabbing someone?

R: Um…no.

Dad: Then carry it. I’ll handle Paul and any fallout if there is an issue.

R: Thanks, Dad.

Dad: I love you. I’m always here.

R: Love you, too.

I stuffed my phone back into my pocket just as someone knocked at the door. Turning, I pulled it open to find Myles standing there.

“Just wanted to check on ya,” he said.

Before I could answer, he pulled me into a hug. I took the comfort and breathed him in. Myles was always so warm and smelled incredible. He was like a large, sexy teddy bear.

“I’m good, but I’ll happily take a hug anytime.”

He kissed the top of my head.

“Let’s go for ice cream,” I said, feeling better after talking with my dad.

“Ice cream? It’s freezing outside.”

Pulling back, I looked up into his amber eyes that had been intoxicating from day one.

“Yes…” I ran my hands up his chest. “But think about how you get to warm me up.”

Myles grabbed my hand and tugged me along behind him, making me laugh as he yelled, “Ice cream, we are going for ice cream.”

This mystery texter wanted me scared and looking over my shoulder. Instead, I felt something unyielding settle into place. Whoever this was, had no idea what was coming for them.

FEBRUARY 14 – SATURDAY 11:51 PM

Nash

Nothing I said had deterred Ren from coming with us.

She proclaimed that it was her idea, and she was done hiding behind us. As much as I loved her strength, I really would prefer it if she just used us as a shield.

We stopped in front of Zigzag’s door, and I looked down at her.

“Last chance to leave this to us,” I said.

Her lips pressed into a hard line, and she shook her head. God help me, she was going to make me prematurely gray. Lifting my hand, I knocked hard. There was no answer, so I knocked again, louder this time.