Page 110 of The Monster I Am
“Arch called him,” I say carefully, not disclosing the fact Lark would have been my call regardless, if I had been granted one. “He’s an attorney.”
Hunter glowers at him once more. “I could have helped.”
“Where were you today?” I ask, skipping straight to the point. “You weren’t there and no one was answering my calls before the cops showed up with your dad.”
He frowns, eyebrows knitting together. “Something important came up.”
“And last night?” I push.
Hunter looks away, jaw clenching. “We were busy.”
I’m taken aback by his dismissive, short replies, feeling like I’ve been bitch-slapped back into the realm of distrust. It’s certainly not helping my anxiety or earlier thoughts. And I can’t even focus on the fact he completely glossed over the mention of his father being involved in my arrest.
“Alright,” I mutter quietly. “Well, thanks for coming to check on me. Lark sorted it but I appreciate you coming as well. We should study soon.”
Why does this feel like some strange post-breakup conversation? You know… thoselet’s be friendssituations where no one knows how to act around the other.
The tension between us is uncomfortable. There’s something missing. Or different.
I just can’t pinpoint what exactly.
Whatever Hunter wants to say, he seems to be remaining guarded—unwilling to talk freely in front of Lark. I don’t blame him, to be honest. But I hate that I’m also on the receiving end of this icy reception.
Too bad for him that he’s stuck with me. If he thinks we’re letting some minor thing like an arrest come between us then he’s delusional.
I stretch up on my toes, giving him a kiss. It’s a bit of a mixture—me showing Hunter that we’re okay and I’m still his, and also testing his stubborn ass because he’s giving me emotional whiplash right now.
I get my answer when he relaxes, his arms snaking around me as he returns the kiss. My whole body sags against his in relief, but whilethatfear has been reassured, there’s still lingering worry.
If the problem isn’t us… then it’s something. And I don’t think it’s Lark despite the obvious possessiveness radiating from Hunter right now.
Pulling back slightly, I lock eyes with him. “What’s going on?” I ask quietly.
Hunter smiles softly. “Nothing that you need to be concerned about, Duchess. We’re just dealing with something as well.”
“And my arrest derailed that?” I tease lightly.
“You certainly complicate things,” he mumbles, squeezing my hip. “But it’s fine. I like your chaos. It’s addictive.” Pausing, his lips brush against my forehead in a gentle kiss. “Don’t worry about us. I’ll fill you in later.”
Frowning, I let out a little sigh and nod. “Okay,” I say, conceding defeat. “But please stay safe. Your dad and Mayor Asshole are up to something.”
Hunter kisses me again before stepping back, expression hardening coldly with narrowed eyes on Lark. Slowly, he turns and hops back into the car, attention still fixed on me through the glass until he drives off.
“Wow,” Lark remarks in a friendly mock, chuckling low. “You and a Lannister. I didn’t see that coming. Looks like being at Willowbrook isn’t the only thing I missed.”
“You heard him,” I murmur, amused. “I’m nothing but chaotic. It’s part of the charm.”
Lark snorts. “Good to hear you haven’t changed, Bex. Come on—I’ll give you a lift home and walk you through the next steps. Because I’m certain this isn’t the last we’ll hear from the police.”
Chapter thirty-five
Bexley
Unfortunately, Lark turned out to be correct.
There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that we’d be speaking to the police again soon—I just didn’t think it would be because of something likethis.
We made a quick detour on the way home to see Arch so I could let him know I was okay. Abs was there too, and naturally, the only reasonable thing to do was get dinner. I wasn’t going to ditch Lark after he drove all the way here to save my butt from police custody. At least let me feed the poor guy and give him a chance to catch up with Archie before sending him back on his way.
