Annika might tell us that her brother is an unbearable tyrant who plays the role of her warden, but the girl might as well revere him.
He’s protected her since she was born and maybe that’s part of the reason why I choose to think he has some humanity beneath all the freezing ice.
I trace the rim of my cup. “Just school stuff.”
“If everyone were as diligent as you when it comes to studying, the world would be a better place.” She grins. “Anyway, I was saying, have you heard about the group of TKU football players who were suspended because their drug tests came back positive? And that’s not even the worst of it. They got into an accident on their way to the airport and barely escaped death. Some are still in the hospital.”
“Wow. That sounds intense.”
“I know, right? Like it feels too convenient, doesn’t it? Apparently, Kill and Gaz think the same, because this morning, while we were having breakfast, they asked Jeremy if he had anything to do with it, because they saw Ilya roaming around those players.”
“Ilya?”
“Oh, right. You probably don’t know him. He’s the big blond guy, about your age, who’s shadowing Jeremy and acting as his senior guard.”
I know him.
I’ve caught a glimpse of him a few times in the past. I think he even attended some of my classes, but how could he when I’m sure he’s a TKU student?
“Anyway, Jer didn’t deny or confirm it, but we were all sure he actually plotted the whole thing. He can seriously be brutal whenever he puts someone in his sights, and I kind of feel sorry for those guys, but they probably did something to piss him off. You know, like the way they did you dirty.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. Ava told me the captain of TKU’s football team and some of his teammates bothered you, stole your books. and were a pain in the ass because you turned him down at a club once. This coincidence is kind of fitting, don’t you think?”
My limbs stiffen as I replay and mull over the information I just learned. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
“Anni?”
She slurps from her drink. “Yeah?”
“Have you ever mentioned those American football guys bothering me to Jeremy?”
“I think I did once. The fact that Jer had a beef with them, too, is such a cool coincidence.”
Is it really?
I want to believe that he wouldn’t hurt people for me since we’re not really in a relationship, but I’m not sure what to think about what he might have done.
I hope it’s just a coincidence like Anni said.
“Also!” She taps the table in front of me. “You guys don’t have to egg Creighton on when he comes around.”
I can’t help the smile that tilts my lips. “And why is that? You don’t like it when we tease him about his first relationship that somehow happens to be with you?”
“Aw, stop it.” She hits my shoulder playfully. “You know how grumpy and silent he is, so whenever you give him shit, he won’t say anything, and I’m obliged to speak on his behalf since I’m his number one lawyer and all. Point is, I don’t want conflict with you guys.”
“Don’t worry. We’re just messing with him. Truly, we’re all glad that he’s no longer the silent kid among us. Besides, he speaks just fine when he becomes all territorial over you.”
She blushes, her finger playing with her straw. “I know! He took me by surprise, I swear. I just like him so much, it feels like a dream sometimes.”
“It definitely isn’t. Who knew Creigh’s lack of interest was all a camouflage? Anyway, you deserve to be happy, Anni.”
“Aw, stop it. I’m blushing.”
After a moment of letting her pat her pink cheeks, I clear my throat. “Do you plan to tell your brother about Creigh?”
The fact that I know of Annika and Creighton’s relationship while Jeremy doesn’t is something I’ve been feeling slightly guilty about. Of course, I wasn’t planning to tell him, but I hope she will so I don’t feel horrible for hiding it from him. Not only do I know how much he cares for her, but I also dislike keeping secrets from him.
Maybe you should tell him about how you helped Lan burn down his property and endanger his life then.
I shudder at the dreadful sound of my internal voice and shove it back to where it belongs.
“Nooo,” Anni says with an awkward laugh, then it abruptly dies down. “I’ve been imagining telling him, and every time, I picture Creigh and Jer either getting into a fight or killing each other. I love my brother, but he’s hotheaded.”