Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(14)

Bryn relayed the events leading up to the attack. “I guess the moral of the story is never get in a car with a driver unless you’re sure he works for your grandparents.”

“That’s just it. He did work for us. He’s worked for us for more than a dozen years.”

“What the hell?”

“Exactly. I can’t imagine what someone could’ve promised him or threatened him with that he would try to harm you. None of this makes sense.”

One thing she did know, her grandfather was going to be furious. “Has the Directorate heard about this yet?”

Her grandmother’s eyebrows came together. “An SUV exploded on campus. Of course they’ve heard. And your grandfather is incensed. He’s interrogating our staff and the other guards here at school.”

Interrogating, not questioning. Interrogating. By the time he was done he’d probably have more enemies than before he started.

“I’ve made a decision.” Her grandmother sat up straighter. “There is only one person I trust to guard you.”

“If you say, Jaxon, I will run screaming from this room.”

“He would’ve been my first choice, but he’s busy taking care of Rhianna. So I’m going with option number two.”

“You’re dragging this out to torment me.”

“Think of it as payback for scaring me senseless.” Her grandmother grinned. “Don’t worry, I think you’ll approve.”

The door flew open, and Valmont stormed in. “What’s going on. Are you all right?”

“I’m recovering.”

He sat on the side of the bed opposite her grandmother and grabbed Bryn’s hand. “Someone will pay for this.”

“Yes they will, young man. In the meantime, you are responsible for my granddaughter’s wellbeing. Are you up to the task?”

“Yes.”

It was like the dark of night had turned into a bright, sunny day. “Valmont is my personal guard?”

Her grandmother nodded. “Your grandfather will have a fit, but I think Valmont is the right choice.”

“He’s a fabulous choice.” Bryn squeezed his hand.

“Of course, there will be a few wrinkles to iron out,” her grandmother said. “For now, he will accompany you to classes and anywhere else you go on campus. The housing situation is a concern.” She shot Valmont a look. “If I allow you to share Bryn’s room and sleep on her couch, you will behave with the utmost propriety.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Holy crap. Valmont was going to be living with her. Laughter was an odd response, but it’s all she had. “I can’t wait to see the look on Jaxon’s face when he learns about this.”

…

“Absolutely not.” Jaxon stomped his foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

Valmont sat on the couch in the living area of Bryn’s dorm, seemingly unaffected by Jaxon’s hissy fit. “If you’d like to take this up with Bryn’s grandmother, feel free to do so.”

It was even funnier than Bryn imagined. “Calm down, Jaxon. Look at the positives. Rhianna will benefit from the added security.”

“No. She won’t. Not only is her roommate suspect, the entire school will hear about this ridiculous living arrangement.”

“I’m sure he’ll be a perfect gentleman,” Rhianna said.

“There is not a chance in the world your grandfather knows about this.” Jaxon paced the room. “Have you thought about what people will say?”

“I’m sure they’ll all want a handsome knight of their own, by the week’s end,” Valmont said.

She tried not to laugh, but Rhianna giggled, and Bryn’s dam of self-control broke.

“You think this is funny?” Jaxon turned on Rhianna. “Do you have any idea how hard I’ve worked to make sure our Clan treats you with respect? And this is how you repay me?”

A weird sense of deja vu hit Bryn. Hadn’t her former boyfriend Zavien said the same words to her not long ago when he didn’t want Valmont spending the night to guard her after she’d been poisoned the first time? Sadness tugged at her insides. No. She wouldn’t think about her ex. What they’d had…any trace of a relationship or friendship…it was done. Over.

The smirking knight on her couch cared for her…and she cared for him. More than that, she trusted he would never hurt her. He would never choose someone else over her.

“You know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done,” Rhianna told Jaxon. “You know how much you mean to me. This isn’t about me, or about what anyone else thinks, it’s about keeping Bryn safe.”

Valmont sat forward. “This isn’t open to debate. Until Bryn, or her grandmother, tells me otherwise, I’m camping out on the couch.”

“Then Rhianna is moving.” Jaxon pointed at his girlfriend. “Don’t even think about arguing. I don’t care if you spend time here during the day, but you will officially reside in a different dorm room. Up until this point, my father has tolerated our relationship. If he hears of this, he will order me to sever ties.” Jaxon’s voice softened. “After everything we’ve been through—”

“I’ll do it.” Rhianna stepped closer to Jaxon. “If you think it’s important, I’ll move.”