Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(85)

“Jaxon’s will suck more,” Clint said. “Can you imagine how mad his father will be when he hears Jaxon is there to confirm your story?”





Chapter Twenty-Six


When a knock sounded on her door the next morning, Bryn cringed.

Ivy handed her a book bag with her missed homework assignments. “Don’t let them antagonize you. Come back here and wail on the Slam Man.”

“I put the extra candy bars in your bag,” Clint said.

“Thanks, guys.” She crossed the room and opened the door.

Merrick gave her an encouraging smile. “Everything will be all right.”

Where was Zavien? He’d left late last night with no word of when he’d return. Telling herself to buck up, she stepped out the door and followed Merrick. The sight of Zavien rounding the corner brought a wave of relief.

“I brought you snacks.” He held a bag out.

“Thank you.” Snacks were nice, but she wanted a hug.

He held her hands as he passed off the bag. “You’ll be fine. Merrick will take care of you.”

His tone implied that Merrick would suffer great harm if he failed to protect her.

She put on a brave front. “I’ll be all right. Have fun camping.”

In a quick move, he brushed his lips across her cheek. “Take care.”

…

Jaxon waited outside his dormitory, looking cool and confident in a charcoal-gray suit. The light wind ruffled his hair, and then it fell right back into place. It wasn’t fair that someone so disagreeable looked so good. She’d spent time and effort on her appearance this morning, and he was still prettier than she was.

The fact that he looked through her didn’t make her feel any warmer toward him. Did he plan to ignore her the entire day?

“My car is parked in the faculty lot.” Merrick headed down the sidewalk. She followed along, trying to think of positive things. The sun was out, and a warm breeze ruffled the leaves on the trees. The weather was perfect for camping. Fate was mocking her. She indulged in a pout, promising it would be the only one of the day.

Jaxon must have noticed her expression. “You wanted to go camping?” His tone conveyed disdain.

“I’d rather go camping than face a group of egomaniac control freaks who think they know what’s best for everyone.”

Jaxon’s jaw dropped. “How can you say that?”

“The trick is to open your mouth so the words come out clearly.”

“Bryn.” Merrick turned back and shot her an exasperated look. “Stop baiting my nephew.”

“If he promises to stop radiating disdain, I’ll stop baiting him.”

“If both of you would stop channeling your inner five-year-olds,” Merrick said, “this would be less painful for all involved.”

Bryn rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll curb my snarky instincts.”

“Thank you.” Merrick gave a wide grin. “It’s almost frightening when you’re reasonable.”

She laughed.

Jaxon regarded both of them with suspicion. “When did you two become so chummy?”

Bryn started walking again. “Your uncle has been around since I was poisoned. When he hasn’t been complaining about my taste in clothes, he’s been helpful.”

“Technically, we met before the poisoning.”

He did not just go there. “That day in the art store never happened.”

“It didn’t?”

“No. It didn’t.” She waved him closer so Jaxon couldn’t hear. “In case I didn’t make myself clear the last time. I will never have a benefactor. Tell me you understand that.”

“I do. From now on, think of me as legal counsel and someone who cares about you—as a friend.”

“Thank you.” Not worrying about his motivation made this situation much less creepy.

“Aren’t we on a schedule?” Jaxon called out.

“We are.” Merrick led them to the parking lot, pulled out his keys, and pressed the remote start button. The engine of his SUV roared to life. It was a huge, midnight-blue beast.

“You bought the new Cadillac SUV hybrid.” Jaxon sounded like he might drool.

The door was a good two feet off the ground. How was she supposed to manage that in a skirt? “Does it come equipped with a stepladder?”

Merrick pushed a button on his key fob, and a small running board descended from the top running board.

Bryn’s mouth dropped open. “That’s so cool.”

Jaxon approached the SUV and surprised her by sitting in the back. Merrick opened the passenger door for her. Praying she wouldn’t somehow fall on her ass, she climbed into the front seat. The interior was comprised of charcoal-gray leather and polished wood. She’d never seen anything like it.

“What do you think?” Merrick asked from driver’s seat.

“I’m afraid to touch anything.” Bryn inhaled the new car smell. “It’s beautiful.”

He seemed pleased with her response. They pulled out of the parking lot and wound down a side road, which looped back around to the front gate. Bryn realized she had no idea where the meeting was located.

“Where does the Directorate meet?”

“Due to recent attacks, the location changes on a rotating schedule. Today we’re meeting at your grandfather’s house.”