“That’s what I’m saying,” I smirk, wiggling my eyebrows suggestively.
My plan seems to work, Hunter catching on quickly to the innuendo. See—sex does have its benefits as a stress reliever. Even the mere mention is a great distraction tool.
His face softens. Well, maybe not softens. But the annoyance definitely dissipates as a look of awe washes over his expression, eyes dancing with heated ideas. Probably wasn’t the best idea to commentthatconsidering what Ry just told me.
“I’m not entirely convinced you are ready for that,” Hunter says low, stepping toward me.
I straighten up as he approaches, goosebumps raising on my arms from his body heat. “You don’t give me enough credit,” I tell him. “I handled Ry and Tai easily. Adding you to the mix isn’t a concern at all.”
Even in the dark, I can see Hunter’s eyes flash at my words. Shit… I should probably check myself—even mentally or into an asylum—because we’re very much near beams I could get thrown through. And personally it’s not the best idea to have our group of accomplices catch us going to pound town. I don’t have the money to personally fund one therapy session, let alone several. But at least I’d probably be eligible for a group discount.
“Oh, Bexley,” Hunter tsks. “Your underestimation will be your downfall.”
“Promise?”
Before he can reply, the two of us practically touching, footsteps come back round the corner and Ry lets out an amused chuckle. “Can’t take the two of you anywhere. Hurry the hell up and get your asses to the library.”
“Saved by the other boyfriend,” I tease, stepping back with a smirk and spinning around to follow Ry.
I hear Hunter tracking behind me, his gaze burning holes into my back as we make our way to the library. The others are waiting patiently by the open hole, chatting casually among themselves. When we reach them, everyone turns expectedly toward me—even the Willowbrook crew.
“Alright,” I start. “We’ll go with the plan. Arch, Abby, Mills, and Hunter will stay at the entrance to keep guard. The rest of us will head down the tunnels. I’m not sure how far it goes. There’s a chance the distance is too long and we’ll need to stop. But look for anything along the way.”
“What are we looking for?” Steele asks. I notice he’s standing awfully close to Peyton, her curious eyes gazing around the building.
There’s no hostility or fear in them, just fascination despite the ruins. If I’m not mistaken, it’s almost as if she’s imagining Cedar Heights in full swing. The thought nearly derails me into a fit of giggles, wondering how Liv or Dean Lannister would cope if one of their own ever came to Cedar Heights. But fuck them—we might not have fancy equipment or state-of-the-art facilities, but we’re a lot happier.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like everyone is besties. People fight. It’s human nature, after all. But even when we butt heads or dislike someone, we still respect them. Clearly, that’ssomething money can’t buy. Or, at least, it’s seemingly earned with dollar value at a place like Willowbrook.
Ry places a hand on my back, his fingers rubbing small circles over my spine as he takes over. “Anything suspicious. Secret doors, out of place objects, sounds. I don’t anticipate running into anyone down there, but people leave evidence behind, even without realizing.”
Steele nods. “Sounds good.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Hunter scowling as he bodychecks my former orgasm buddy. Well, shit. I forgot about that. Is he more annoyed that I used to fuck Steele, or that his cousin now is?
Who am I kidding? Hunter probably just has an automatic setting to be a dick to anyone from Cedar. Poor Steele doesn’t stand a chance given his history.
“Keep your phones on you. Arch will add everyone new to the group chat so we can stay in touch. And we’ll probably need to use the flashlights on our phones to guide us.” I pull my phone out and turn the light on, watching as everyone else does the same.
Ry kisses my cheek before heading down the hole first. Tai goes next, only pausing briefly to glare at his sister who blows him a kiss.
One by one, they disappear into the dark, and when I’m the last one, I step to Hunter and cup his cheek in my hand.
“Try to behave, please.”
He scoffs. “I always behave.”
Between us, Arch snorts. “Sure.”
When Hunter relaxes and smiles at the tiny jab, I feel a strange sense of… something. Happiness? Amusement? Whatever it is, the unfamiliar warm feeling sends butterflies swarming around my stomach. Seeing them get along is a comfort, and I guess if Ihad to pinpoint why, it’s the fear and worry I initially felt that I would be the awkward middle man in the dynamic.
It never bothered me much when I was the middle man between Ry, Tai, and Hunter. But there was always the dread that being the divider between the two academies as a whole could lead to hate and resentment. I’d already lost so much that the idea of losing my friends wasn’t something I could survive. So, it’s nice seeing everyone get along—even if Hunter glares at Steele whenever they are in the same vicinity.
“I’ll be back soon,” I say to Hunter, leaning up to place a soft kiss on his mouth. He returns it, grabbing my hips like it’s second nature and nearly making me forget I need to hurry up.
Climbing down the hole, I jump out of my skin when I scan the tunnel and my flashlight suddenly illuminates a waiting, grinning Tai lurking in the dark.
“Fucking hell, Beckett.”