The Porsche eats up the dark road, snow flicking into the yellow beams of light. As we get closer to campus, the air feels heavier, like the whole world’s holding its breath. My pulse beats in my ears, matching the rhythm of the engine.
Aiden glances over at me once more, hand tightening on the gearshift. “If the president is walking us into a trap, and I’m close with her,” he says quietly, “I’ll know before she can act.”
I smile despite the chill creeping in. “You always know.” Still, a weight of unease sits on my chest. “But what about the rest ofthisyear? You can’t join the committees until after graduation. We could be dead by then.”
He readjusts in his seat, then tugs my arm closer. His lips press a kiss to each of my knuckles. “I think I need to talk to Valen Von Dovish.”
“Ah. West Tech Industries and the dorky Valen Von Dovish. Makes sense. You think he and Olivia can be helpful?”
“Yep. And my brother and your cousin, Pippi.”
A warmth spreads through my chest. “We’re assembling a secret strike team, you mean.”
“At least the start of one,” he mumbles. “But we’ll need more.”
My chest rises with ease. A new breath of air flows through me as I see the world differently.
“If we’re destroying something, I definitely want to be a part of it.”
Aiden focuses on the road, but his grin is evil. “I’dneverleave my hellkitten behind.”
fifty
MARISSA
The Sunday familymeal is ready. The house straightened. And no one’s fighting. Not yet.
I snap my fingers in Xavier’s face. “You’d better actright. This is his futurewife.”
His glower is palpable, making my blood rush harder. At least he hasn’t gone cold. That’s when he’s scariest. At least for other people. Not for me.
“Beautiful? She’s welcome here, but that doesn’t mean I have to…trusther.”
Ever since Aiden announced that his appointed was Ashlyn Donovan, Xavier’s been acting weird about the choice. I know he was happy with the first pick. But he won’t exactly tell mewhyhe thinks this girl is wrong for our son. Which makes me worry.
Because Xavier’s an excellent judge of character.
“You don’t need to. Aiden does. And he approves. So bepolite.”
“I’ll be polite,” he mutters and pulls me into his chest. “But you know what would make meextrapolite?”
I sigh, already bracing.
“My dick in your mouth.”
“Oh? Would it?” I ask sweetly as I drag my hand down his abs to where he’s already hardening. I grip—not gently. “Or I could squeeze hard enough to make you behave for our family.”
He chokes, but his eyes flare with heat. Of course, he likes it. “Either way.” His lips brush mine. “But I’ll behave, as long as you promise one of the two after dinner.”
“Maybe.” I slip out of his arms and down the hall, letting that non-committal answer sit in his chest like a live wire.
As I reach the front door, it swings wide open. Ryan and Pippi stroll in, bringing with them a gust of late January snow.
“We’re here! Did you miss me?” Ryan grabs me in a tight hug, then kisses my cheek as I reach for Pippi.
“I did, and glad you could make it after Friday’s game. You’re not too bruised up?” I ask, and Pippi slots herself under my arm.
“He is,” Pippi says, scolding him with her eyes. “But he’s pretending he’s indestructible.”