Mad Boys (Blue Ivy Prep, #2)(61)

For real? I raised my brows. I’d been at the school long enough to know that I wasn’t the only celebrity or in the news student that went here.

“Well, you know, that you were questioned about kissing the teacher.” A slow smile creased her lips, then she shook her head and the grin fell away. “Just kidding. Sorta. Mostly. I am not asking you about it now or ever. But there were pictures and you know how people talk.”

“Yeah, I do…and I don’t care right now. I need Midol, some dark chocolate, and a huge cup of coffee.” Because I was on the edge of killing something and I needed to maintain my neutrality.

“Hey,” she said with a grin and pulled out a small bottle of the pain relievers from her pocket. “I literally just picked these up.”

“You are my favorite human.”

She laughed but passed them over, and I dry swallowed two. True to her word, she didn’t press me for more answers. But good to know the gossip mill was firing on all cylinders. I couldn’t afford to think about it right now, I was already grumpy.

Mr. Ninja Kiss better keep his lips to himself. Today was not the day and I was not…

“KC,” a very familiar voice called as I neared the dorm, and I pivoted.

“Johnny?” What the…? I shifted my grip on the backpack and walked to where he was waiting. He wore a lot of layers for being here, but then it was cold and it had snowed. “What are you doing here?”

“Surprising you,” he said with an almost sheepish smile. “Davina found out I was coming East to head to the Sunshine Retreat to try and see your mom and she asked me to bring you something…” That was when he pulled the bag out from behind him and I almost squealed.

Davina sent a care package. I could smell the cookies and the chocolate and the sugar. I’d bet my savings account she also sent her chicken and dumplings, which was my favorite anxiety food.

After this stressful, shitty day, I threw my arms around him. “You are the best,” I said as he returned the hug with a chuckle. “This is exactly what I needed.”

“She thought you might, so I brought everything as commanded. If you could put in a good word for me, she promised fudge brownies in the New Year for my cheat day.”

I laughed. “I solemnly swear to tell her.” I practically hugged the bag to me. “I can’t invite you in, but we could…”

“No, no. You have finals and your break coming, I just wanted to deliver it to you personally and make sure you were doing okay.” The news article.

“Actually,” I told him. “I’m doing more than all right. Call me if you get to see Mom?”

“I will. I’ll give her your love, too.” Just as long as he didn’t deliver it with a dick pic.

Grinning, I gave him another hug. “Thank you again.”

“You’re welcome.”

I waited for him to get in his rental, and I waved at him before I turned to go inside. Davina sent the absolute best treats. Everything she sent was perfect for cramps and PMS. I needed to text Aubrey. We always shared the cookies.

I didn’t even make it two full steps inside before Lachlan was just there. “What the hell is he doing here, Ace?” He dipped his head. “And why are you hugging him…?”

He barely brushed my lips with his and I pushed him back. At his smirk, I scowled and then I swung. My fist wasn’t Jonas’ but it caused enough impact to jar my arm and startle him.

“Damn, Ace.”

“Fuck off, Lachlan,” I said, then started up the stairs.

“You know…this just makes you hotter,” he called after me.

I didn’t turn around. “Ninja kiss me again, asshole, and find out.”





Twenty-Five





RAMSEY


The past few days had been an exercise in restraint and discipline. The school put me on notice regarding the photograph of my “inappropriate” behavior with a student. I was warned to avoid Kaitlin Crosse and to keep all interactions strictly professional, whether she was my stepsister or not.

Right.

I was to have no private conversations with her regarding the investigation. The dean, my advisor, and the board would be conducting their own investigation. It would be quiet, it would be discreet, and it could result in my immediate termination.

The stomach dropping sensation seemed a permanent addition to my day to day. Jonas still wasn’t talking to me, and I had zero idea what he would say if questioned. Lachlan walked around like he was master of the fucking universe and she belonged to him and no one else.

Arrogant little shit.

I was forced to keep my distance, while obsession seemed to fuel Lachlan’s rather relentless pursuit. I’d had to keep my phone on silent permanently. Our mother’s last message had been ominous enough I debated blowing off Tahoe for Christmas entirely.

As far as I knew, Gibs was still in the studio, the latest album had been slow going work. They’d also lost a couple of old band members. Her frustration level had to be high. Either way, I didn’t want to deal with her rants about KC.

Keeping an eye on KC from afar was a lot more challenging. If the board slapped me down and fired me, well, I had been the one to kiss her, not once but twice.

Technically three times, but who was counting…