Total pages in book: 160
Estimated words: 155405 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 777(@200wpm)___ 622(@250wpm)___ 518(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155405 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 777(@200wpm)___ 622(@250wpm)___ 518(@300wpm)
Arden is intelligent and articulate. He solves problems with his mind and his resources, not his fists. He can be measured and strategic, and as I’m going over it in my head and hearing the echoes of familiarity, I’m realizing those are probably qualities that make Hannah uncomfortable around him.
The last time she brushed with a cold-hearted strategist, it didn’t go so well for her.
She didn’t have me in that fight, though.
Hannah looks like an easy target because she’s visibly alone in the world. Her parents are dead, her guardian takes advantage of her. Without anyone around to protect her, she’s the perfect prey for a cold-hearted rich boy to play with.
Anae never would have protected her, so Hannah hid from Dare right in plain sight for a long time. She recognizes a predator when she sees one, even if it took everyone else a little longer to notice.
But then, he noticed her.
Going back over our recent interactions, I’m realizing Arden has made an unusual number of inquiries about her this year. One of them even included a comment about how vulnerable she is to those who would seek to prey on her.
“I bet they’d sell her to me if I made a good enough offer.”
I took it as a distasteful joke, but now I’m overthinking it.
That creep had better not set his sights on my best friend.
Aubrey didn’t protect her from Dare, but I would protect her from anyone.
Mercifully, before I can decide to preemptively take on the current king of Baymont High, the waitress comes over to see if we’re ready to order.
Less fortunately, Arden is unaware of my stance on octopus as a food and leads with, “We’ll start with the charred octopus.”
Before I can say a word, Landon does.
“Nope.”
I smile faintly, impressed and thinking about how I’ll repay his consideration the next time we’re alone together. The thought leaves me a bit thirsty, so I reach for my drink.
Arden looks over at Landon, cocking an eyebrow. “No?”
“Eat pussy, not octopus.”
I choke on my lemonade, and Arden appears amused. “I didn’t realize I had to choose,” he says dryly.
Landon smirks, his gaze finding mine. “Yeah, well, some of us do. We’re not ordering the fucking octopus.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Parker
When I finally return home after dropping off Hannah, I have just enough time to shower and change into something comfy before movie night 2.0.
As anxious as I was about sitting on the couch with Landon in front of Mom and Hayden last time, I’m actually more concerned this time.
I’ve had to bend the truth a lot lately, but I’m not particularly skilled at long-term deception. If Mom and Hayden pick up on the weird energy between us tonight, I don’t know how I’ll respond if we’re put on the spot.
When Mom and I go to the kitchen to get the snacks while Landon and Hayden look for a movie, she takes the opportunity to check in with me.
“How was school? You stayed so late at your club meeting yesterday, we didn’t get a chance to talk when you got home.”
“Oh, yeah.” My heart beats a little faster. “Well, it was the first meeting of the year, so you know how it is. We went over some longer-term projects like the Fright Night benefit and the Fright Fest itself, then we had to touch on some of the more immediate projects we want to tackle.”
Mom nods. “Do you guys need donations for the silent auction? I’d be happy to donate some classes like I did last year.”
“Yeah, I’m sure we will. We haven’t started organizing the lots yet, but I’ll definitely let you know once we do.”
“I can’t believe Anae joined the club. How does Hannah feel about that?”
“You know Hannah. I’m sure she’s not thrilled, but she hasn’t complained about it. At least yesterday, Anae was pretty harmless. As long as she wants to stay out of the way and snap pictures to collect the credit, I truly don’t care.” I rip open the popcorn bag and distribute it between the two bowls. “I won’t be home after school on Tuesday, either. I’m starting my volunteer hours, so I’ll be doing a shift at the pet shelter I told you about.”
“Oh, okay. That will be nice. Your credit card hasn’t come in the mail yet, but if you need to buy anything for a donation to take with you, just let me know.”
“I probably will. I know I’m volunteering my time, but I feel weird showing up empty-handed when I know they have a wish list.” I’m not completely sure about bringing him up, but maybe it’s better to do with something small like this. “I’m trying to convince Landon to come, too.”
As predicted, Mom’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh yeah?”
I shrug, trying to play it off as no big deal. “He’s a senior at Baymont, too. Everyone has to log their 18 hours of community service if they want to graduate, so he might as well.”