RACHEL 

I thought I could handle this. I really did.

But the truth? It was worse than I imagined. First, I had to imagine my everyday life in this big house that's as quiet as a graveyard. It was just so suffocating, like it was slowly swallowing me whole. 

And having to deal with him on top of it all? Thane? It was all too much.

I let out a sharp breath and adjusted my tie for the third time. I had already told Mum I wasn't changing schools. What was the point? I was graduating soon anyway. I just needed to survive a few more months.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed downstairs, already feeling my mum's presence waiting at the bottom of.the stairs before I even saw her.

The moment I hit the last step, her glare found me.

Great.

"Listen," she started, "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to stop all these acts. I thought we were fine. Didn't you say..."

"Please, Mum," I cut in sharply. "I don't want to be late for the bus. Whatever this lecture is, it can wait till I get back."

She scoffed, her hands sliding to her waist like she was holding back a scream.

She'd been like this ever since the whole mess with her company-snapping at every tiny mistake like the world owed her an explanation. I barely even cared anymore.

I turned for the door.

"Thane is going to drop you off and pick you up from school from now on."

I froze instantly. What?

Then I spun back around. "I don't need him to do that. I've been managing just fine."

"I only allowed it before because I was always busy," she said firmly. "That's not the case anymore."

You've got to be kidding me. The words burned at the back of my throat, but I swallowed them.

I grabbed the handle and slammed the door behind me. 

Outside, my so-called stepbrother was already waiting.

His sunglasses on. Two buttons of his shirt undone like he was heading to a fashion show instead of work.

I ignored the whole stupid display and walked straight toward the passenger door.

He stuck out his hand just before I grabbed the handle.

"Give me your phone."

I didn't answer him. I went for the handle.

He caught my wrist easily and yanked my phone from the side pocket of my bag.

"What the hell is your problem?" I snapped.

He powered it on like I was invisible, tapping through things I had no idea about.

"Thane!" I shouted.

He finally looked at me. "Wow. First time you've called my name. I thought you liked 'jerk' better."

That smug little smirk hit his lips.

What a jerk.

He shoved my phone back into my palm while I gave him a deadly glare.

"Pops says you get off by five," he said casually. "That won't work for me. So do me a favor, call me by four and I'll pick you up."

Then he winked and walked around the hood to the driver's seat.

I just stood there, stunned.

Did he seriously just say that?

I held a fist before opening the door. The moment I clicked the seat belt, he didn't wait before zooming off.

I hesitated before opening the door. The moment my seat belt clicked into place, he sped off as if he'd been waiting for it.

We hadn't gone far when his phone rang. He slipped an earbud into one ear and answered, his eyes steady on the road. At least he had that much sense.

"Hey, bro." His tone was relaxed, almost sounding bored.

"Slow down," he added after a second. "I can't hear you properly. I'll pull over."

That was when I turned to look at him. Pull over? You've got to be kidding me.

He pulled over the car to the side of the road, unbuckled his seat belt, and stepped out without saying a word. I stayed seated, watching the seconds pass, my irritation already building. When he finally returned, he didn't bother with an apology.

Instead, he glanced at me and said the one thing that snapped something inside me. 

"Erm, firecracker," his tone casual. "I've got an emergency."

I didn't respond.

"You've got two options," he continued evenly. "You either come with me, or you take a cab."

I stared at him, stunned. Like absolutely stunned he said that in the most natural way.

"You're joking." I said calmly even though I was about to explode.

His expression didn't change. "Look, I don't have time for this. A friend of mine's in trouble and needs me. I don't need a high schooler adding to my list of problems. So... are you in or out?"."

I scoffed. Great. Just perfect.

"So your solution is to abandon me halfway to school?" I asked, my voice still calm. I was trying as hell to keep it together.

He exhaled through his nose, impatiently. "You're seventeen, Rachel, not helpless. I'm giving you another chance to pick one."

I let out a short, humorless laugh.

"This guy's got to be kidding me." I glare at him. "Your father was very clear. You're supposed to drop me at the school gate, not wherever it's convenient for you."

He didn't argue. He simply buckled his seat belt back on and slammed his foot on the gas like I didn't even exist.

The car shot forward, faster than before.

"Thane!" I yelled.

But nothing.

"If I'm late because of this, I swear, I'm telling your father exactly what happened. Stop the damn car now!"

His eyes stayed on the road. "If that's your plan," he said coolly, "he won't believe you. He knows I'm not reckless."

I turned toward him. "Only a crazy person would think this isn't reckless. Please, just stop the car."

For a moment, I thought he wouldn't. Then he finally pulled over and stopped.

I took a breath, steadying myself.

But he was already opening the door, then stepped out without looking back, walking away like I was a joke.

And the worse part? He didn't tell me where he was heading.

I just sat down, gripping my bag, realizing I won't last a week with Thane in it if this was ever to continue.

I checked my wristwatch again, and again. By the time I couldn't take it anymore, I swung the car door open.

I didn't get far before Thane appeared, his "dear friend" right behind him whom I didn't bother looking at.

I didn't hesitate. I stormed straight toward him.

"I'm really mad at you, Thane," I snapped. "And in case you don't know, I'm definitely reporting this..."

"Calm down, sis," he cut in casually. "If you wanted to tell on me, you would've done it already."

He tilted his head toward the car. "Now how about I drop you at school."

He checked his watch, then looked back at me. "We still got time, don't we?"

I scoffed, the kind that said you've got to be kidding me.

"Rachel?" someone suddenly called behind me.

I turned, still heated, and froze.

Noah? Tiara's boyfriend. What the hell was he doing here?

"Noah?" I frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"My God Rachel..." His voice cracked like he'd been yelling before. "Don't tell me you came here with Tiara?"

"You two know each other?" Thane cut in, clearly confused.

"Yes," I shot back. "He's my friend's boyfriend."

Then to Noah, my tone sharper, "I asked why you're here?"

"It's nothing you should worry about," he said quickly, already throwing an arm over Thane's shoulders.

"Why does that sound like it's exactly something I should worry about?"

He avoided my eyes. Before I could say more, two men came up behind us.

Both covered in tattoos. The kind of guys who looked like they'd just stepped out of a juvenile, except we were standing right in front of a police station.

One of them smirked at Noah.

"You got real lucky today, Chile." His face hardened. "That lawyer homie of yours ain't gon' save your ass next time. And don't get it twisted, this ain't me lettin' you off."

"How about you bounce, man," Thane said firmly. His tone was different now. Like a different person. "You're probably forgetting the Feds are still watching real close." He tilted his head when the guy hesitated.

I didn't need anyone to tell me Noah had gotten himself in big trouble again, something he'd sworn to Tiara he was done with.

The man's eyes flicked to me like he was just noticing I existed, then dragged to Thane again.

"A'ight, pimp." He faced me: "See you 'round, damsel."

And just like that, he walked off.

The second he disappeared around the corner, Thane's head snapped toward me.

"Looks like you're not going to school today, sis."

My brain short-circuited.RACHEL 

I thought I could handle this. I really did.

But the truth? It was worse than I imagined. First, I had to imagine my everyday life in this big house that's as quiet as a graveyard. It was just so suffocating, like it was slowly swallowing me whole. 

And having to deal with him on top of it all? Thane? It was all too much.

I let out a sharp breath and adjusted my tie for the third time. I had already told Mum I wasn't changing schools. What was the point? I was graduating soon anyway. I just needed to survive a few more months.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed downstairs, already feeling my mum's presence waiting at the bottom of.the stairs before I even saw her.

The moment I hit the last step, her glare found me.

Great.

"Listen," she started, "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to stop all these acts. I thought we were fine. Didn't you say..."

"Please, Mum," I cut in sharply. "I don't want to be late for the bus. Whatever this lecture is, it can wait till I get back."

She scoffed, her hands sliding to her waist like she was holding back a scream.

She'd been like this ever since the whole mess with her company-snapping at every tiny mistake like the world owed her an explanation. I barely even cared anymore.

I turned for the door.

"Thane is going to drop you off and pick you up from school from now on."

I froze instantly. What?

Then I spun back around. "I don't need him to do that. I've been managing just fine."

"I only allowed it before because I was always busy," she said firmly. "That's not the case anymore."

You've got to be kidding me. The words burned at the back of my throat, but I swallowed them.

I grabbed the handle and slammed the door behind me. 

Outside, my so-called stepbrother was already waiting.

His sunglasses on. Two buttons of his shirt undone like he was heading to a fashion show instead of work.

I ignored the whole stupid display and walked straight toward the passenger door.

He stuck out his hand just before I grabbed the handle.

"Give me your phone."

I didn't answer him. I went for the handle.

He caught my wrist easily and yanked my phone from the side pocket of my bag.

"What the hell is your problem?" I snapped.

He powered it on like I was invisible, tapping through things I had no idea about.

"Thane!" I shouted.

He finally looked at me. "Wow. First time you've called my name. I thought you liked 'jerk' better."

That smug little smirk hit his lips.

What a jerk.

He shoved my phone back into my palm while I gave him a deadly glare.

"Pops says you get off by five," he said casually. "That won't work for me. So do me a favor, call me by four and I'll pick you up."

Then he winked and walked around the hood to the driver's seat.

I just stood there, stunned.

Did he seriously just say that?

I held a fist before opening the door. The moment I clicked the seat belt, he didn't wait before zooming off.

I hesitated before opening the door. The moment my seat belt clicked into place, he sped off as if he'd been waiting for it.

We hadn't gone far when his phone rang. He slipped an earbud into one ear and answered, his eyes steady on the road. At least he had that much sense.

"Hey, bro." His tone was relaxed, almost sounding bored.

"Slow down," he added after a second. "I can't hear you properly. I'll pull over."

That was when I turned to look at him. Pull over? You've got to be kidding me.

He pulled over the car to the side of the road, unbuckled his seat belt, and stepped out without saying a word. I stayed seated, watching the seconds pass, my irritation already building. When he finally returned, he didn't bother with an apology.

Instead, he glanced at me and said the one thing that snapped something inside me. 

"Erm, firecracker," his tone casual. "I've got an emergency."

I didn't respond.

"You've got two options," he continued evenly. "You either come with me, or you take a cab."

I stared at him, stunned. Like absolutely stunned he said that in the most natural way.

"You're joking." I said calmly even though I was about to explode.

His expression didn't change. "Look, I don't have time for this. A friend of mine's in trouble and needs me. I don't need a high schooler adding to my list of problems. So... are you in or out?"."

I scoffed. Great. Just perfect.

"So your solution is to abandon me halfway to school?" I asked, my voice still calm. I was trying as hell to keep it together.

He exhaled through his nose, impatiently. "You're seventeen, Rachel, not helpless. I'm giving you another chance to pick one."

I let out a short, humorless laugh.

"This guy's got to be kidding me." I glare at him. "Your father was very clear. You're supposed to drop me at the school gate, not wherever it's convenient for you."

He didn't argue. He simply buckled his seat belt back on and slammed his foot on the gas like I didn't even exist.

The car shot forward, faster than before.

"Thane!" I yelled.

But nothing.

"If I'm late because of this, I swear, I'm telling your father exactly what happened. Stop the damn car now!"

His eyes stayed on the road. "If that's your plan," he said coolly, "he won't believe you. He knows I'm not reckless."

I turned toward him. "Only a crazy person would think this isn't reckless. Please, just stop the car."

For a moment, I thought he wouldn't. Then he finally pulled over and stopped.

I took a breath, steadying myself.

But he was already opening the door, then stepped out without looking back, walking away like I was a joke.

And the worse part? He didn't tell me where he was heading.

I just sat down, gripping my bag, realizing I won't last a week with Thane in it if this was ever to continue.

I checked my wristwatch again, and again. By the time I couldn't take it anymore, I swung the car door open.

I didn't get far before Thane appeared, his "dear friend" right behind him whom I didn't bother looking at.

I didn't hesitate. I stormed straight toward him.

"I'm really mad at you, Thane," I snapped. "And in case you don't know, I'm definitely reporting this..."

"Calm down, sis," he cut in casually. "If you wanted to tell on me, you would've done it already."

He tilted his head toward the car. "Now how about I drop you at school."

He checked his watch, then looked back at me. "We still got time, don't we?"

I scoffed, the kind that said you've got to be kidding me.

"Rachel?" someone suddenly called behind me.

I turned, still heated, and froze.

Noah? Tiara's boyfriend. What the hell was he doing here?

"Noah?" I frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"My God Rachel..." His voice cracked like he'd been yelling before. "Don't tell me you came here with Tiara?"

"You two know each other?" Thane cut in, clearly confused.

"Yes," I shot back. "He's my friend's boyfriend."

Then to Noah, my tone sharper, "I asked why you're here?"

"It's nothing you should worry about," he said quickly, already throwing an arm over Thane's shoulders.

"Why does that sound like it's exactly something I should worry about?"

He avoided my eyes. Before I could say more, two men came up behind us.

Both covered in tattoos. The kind of guys who looked like they'd just stepped out of a juvenile, except we were standing right in front of a police station.

One of them smirked at Noah.

"You got real lucky today, Chile." His face hardened. "That lawyer homie of yours ain't gon' save your ass next time. And don't get it twisted, this ain't me lettin' you off."

"How about you bounce, man," Thane said firmly. His tone was different now. Like a different person. "You're probably forgetting the Feds are still watching real close." He tilted his head when the guy hesitated.

I didn't need anyone to tell me Noah had gotten himself in big trouble again, something he'd sworn to Tiara he was done with.

The man's eyes flicked to me like he was just noticing I existed, then dragged to Thane again.

"A'ight, pimp." He faced me: "See you 'round, damsel."

And just like that, he walked off.

The second he disappeared around the corner, Thane's head snapped toward me.

"Looks like you're not going to school today, sis."

My brain short-circuited.

THANE

Rachel is stubborn as hell. She'd been following my lead just fine... right up until I said she wasn't going to school today.

Okay, maybe I said it the wrong way, but still. What more does she want after I already explained? I don't trust Joe. Not for one second. My gut says he's already clocked Rachel, and I'm not about to let him start trailing us down to her school like some unhinged creep. It's better she's left out of whatever games he intends to play.

And don't even get me started on the idiot beside me who thought it was smart to bet his car in a game against a cheating psycho like Joe.

"Hello?" Rachel snapped from the back seat. "I'm not talking to myself here, am I?"

Right. She was still raking about school. 

At least Noah was in the passenger seat and not her. Small mercies I'm grateful for.

I pressed the gas a little harder, not that the pedal was actually responsible for my headache. "English isn't complicated, sis. I don't need to repeat myself ten times."

"You're seriously testing my patience, Thane," she shot back. "You drag me here without my consent, then I find my best friend's boyfriend in the middle of whatever this is, and he definitely owes Tiara a massive explanation when we see later..."

"Wait, wait-what?" Noah turned fast. "I've done nothing wrong to offend the angry god, so why am I catching strays here?"

"Oh, now you want to talk?" I snapped. If I wasn't driving the damn car, I'd have smacked some sense into him. Maybe knocked his brain back into place. "We agreed to stay away from Joe, but you didn't. Now he's got his eyes on someone who refuses to listen, and she's breathing down my neck because I just saved your ass."

I kept my eyes on the road but threw him a sharp glance. "Take some responsibility, man."

"Responsibility?" Noah scoffed. "Don't start with me, Thane. That loose dog is on me because of you. And now my girlfriend might dump me because you can't even control your step-sister. You don't know how to handle anything."

Oh, so that's how we're doing this now?

I'd just pulled him out of trouble, and suddenly I'm the villain? Yeah, maybe I played a part in Joe coming after him, but I didn't tell him to bet his damn car or cause a scene like an idiot. He never owns up to his mistakes, and he never even stops making new ones.

Like dating a high school girl, Tiara. Someone who's supposed to be under his swimming class training.

At least I have principles. I don't mess with high school kids like him.

And I was about to fire back at him when Rachel exploded.

"Will you both shut the hell up!"

The volume alone nearly cracked the side windows. Apart from being a head strong, she's got a speaker down that small throat of hers.

She leaned forward, her eyes already blazing.

"What are you? children?" she scoffed. "I'm starting to wonder who the adult is here, because the two people who are supposed to be responsible are acting like kids fighting over candy."

I swallowed. "I didn't do anything," I muttered.

"Stop talking until I'm done, Thane."

Wait. Did she really just say that to me?

And the worst part? I didn't even bother interrupting her.

"That's right, Thane. Listen to your new big sis."

I frowned. "What? Big sis?"

"She's the one calling the shots now. You better listen."

Rachel groaned behind me, but I didn't care. I was already done with this guy beside me. If I wasn't in the middle of traffic, I would've thrown Noah out of the car right there. And I won't even bat an eye.

One thing I hate is being talked down to and Noah knows that. Now he's pushing me into petty arguments in front of my step-sister, of all people. That was beyond embarrassing.

"Listen, man." I turned to him. "Forget the car you bet on that stupid game because you're not getting it back, got it?. And while you're at it, you better find yourself a new lawyer. I'm done with you."

"So now you're bailing on me?" he snapped angrily. "Who was just preaching about responsibility? Is this how you show yours?"

I changed lanes hard and shot him a look that could kill. One more word and he was walking.

"You think that's what responsibility is?" I said coldly. "I have a real job. You can't even coach a high school class without getting under a student's skirt."

"We're both guilty, Thane," Noah fired back, and said that one-thing that totally pissed me off. "You slept with your step-sister, and you've been thinking about it ever since..."

"Shut it, Noah!"

Boom! That happened next.

The impact came out of nowhere before the car jerked violently and slammed into something solid. Smoke flooded the front of the windshield.

"Thane!" Rachel leaned forward from the back quickly. "Are you alright?"

Did she just care about me? Something about it felt different but I can't be feeling butterflies now.

I didn't answer right away. I unbuckled my seat belt and pushed the door open.

"I'm fine," I muttered on my way out of the car.

When I stepped out, my stomach dropped. The hood was crushed. One headlight was completely gone. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration.

"Wow," Rachel said behind me. "That's bad."

Then, she went full strong mode, "Are you two happy now? We're stranded in the middle of the road."

I let out a dry laugh. "Can we not do this right now, sis? Another argument won't fix anything and I don't even want to deal with one right now."

"So what's the plan?" she asked. "Should I call my mum?"

My head snapped toward her. "Don't even think about it."

If her mum knew, my dad would know. And if my dad knew, I was dead. This car barely lasted a week. And he's gonna kill me before I form a lie to save myself.

"Just sit in the car," I said flatly. "I'll handle it."

"Don't tell me what to do, Thane."

"Relax," Noah cut in. "While you two were arguing, I already called us a savior."

If help was coming from Noah, it was never the kind that actually helped. Still, I forced myself to hope just a little in him.

"You called a tow truck already?" 

I asked thinking that was the highest his brain could think of but he shook his head, that crooked smirk on his lips already spelling trouble.

"The car will survive. But we need to get out of here first."

"For once, you actually thought straight," I said flatly.

Then it suddenly hit me. I didn't ask what mattered.

"...Noah. Who did you call?"

His smirk deepened. "Relax. I called Wendy. She'll be here any minute."

My stomach dropped instantly. No, no. He can't be serious.

"What?" I snapped. "Are you insane?"

"Who's this Wendy girl we're talking about?" Rachel's voice cut in from behind me.

I shot her a look. I thought I told her to stay in the car?

"That," Noah said with a grin, "is Thane's wild pet."

He dodged my glare. "The only ex that refused to let him go."

Rachel slowly turned her eyes on me. And the second she did, I knew I was completely screwed.

RACHEL

I hate Thane. I really do. Every inch of me hates him right now, especially that stupid handsome face that makes me question if any of those stupid advances he ever made were even real.

I don't even care. And don't get me started on that Wendy girl. Just hearing her name had made him glare at me like I'd committed a crime.

"So is this Wendy girl coming or not?" I snapped. "Because we can't be stuck here forever." I said, then I mumbled this part, "...especially not with Thane."

Thane scoffed. "Wendy's not coming. And I'm not reacting to that attitude of yours either. So if you're done, get back in the damn car."

I blinked. Seriously?

Does he really think he gets to talk to me like that just because our parents are engaged?

Okay, technically he is my stepbrother now. But standing here, staring at his smug face, I already knew one thing for sure, I wasn't built to survive under the same roof as a man who sleeps and wakes up wrapped in arrogance.

"Well, you don't tell me what to do, big bro," I shot back. "I'm calling my mum."

I spun toward the car, reaching for my bag, and suddenly he was there so fast.

His hand caught me mid-move. His eyes flashed like someone had just told him his house was on fire. He yanked the bag from me, slammed the car door shut, and before I could process anything, he dragged me to the hood and pinned me there.

My breath hitched the second he leaned close enough to see the tiny birthmark on his upper brow.

His scent was damn wild, plus warm, and definitely dangerous. It filled my lungs before I could stop myself from noticing it.

Our eyes stayed locked. And instead of being smart, my traitor brain slid straight to his lips. 

And then I was already imagining how soft they'd probably feel on mine.

God, you've gone crazy, Rachel. Just strip him instead. *in sarcasm*

"Do you understand?" he said firmly.

Wait-what?

"Answer me, Rachel. Do you understand me?"

I swallowed.

There was no way I was about to admit I hadn't heard a word he said because I'd been too busy thinking about his mouth. So I just nodded in a way that looked like my neck was controlling itself.

He stepped back just enough to give me space. "Now get in. And be quiet."

Did I agree to that too? Strangely... I didn't fight him. I just turned and walked toward the car.

Then he grabbed my arm again.

He suddenly pulled off his suit jacket and shoved it against my chest. "You should've said it if you were cold," he muttered, like saying nothing would've been so easy for him.

"I'm not cold," I said flatly.

He grabbed me again. "Don't make me force you."

I rolled my eyes before practically snatching the jacket from him, and climbed into the car without another word.

Thane and Noah stayed outside, arguing about something, then somehow becoming best friends again two minutes later. I swear, men's brains run on chaos. 

I haven't called Tiara yet. I didn't want this whole thing to get crazier than it already was.

Thirty minutes later, a red Porsche pulled in front of us.

And wow.

The engine roared like it had something to prove. The door swung open and smoke poured out like it was intentional which I believed was. The second the driver stepped down, the air filled with more smoke. 

I started choking so I had to rush out of the car.

"Dammit, Wendy!" Noah yelled, waving the smoke away. "Did you come here to murder us?!"

Wendy? She's Wendy?

I didn't want to care... but somehow I found myself moving closer just to get a better look at her.

She wasn't anything special. Except for the killer dress.

Honestly? A man could lose his mind over those long straight legs and those big boobs she carried with way too much confidence.

"I told you not to bother coming. Why are you here?" Thane said calmly, but for the first time since I'd met him, he actually looked like he meant it. Like he really hated his so-called wild pet.

Wendy stiffened, adjusting the flare of her dress. "Noah explained..."

"Just answer the damn question, Wendy. You know I hate repeating myself."

She scoffed. "Alright. So I guess this means you didn't want me here."

"Yes. I didn't want you here," Thane snapped. "And you still came. So don't make this about me."

"Relax, man," Noah cut in.

"Shut the hell up, Noah," Thane shot back. "You told me a second ago she wasn't coming anymore. Now she's here?" He shook his head, then faced Wendy again. "We're fine. Leave. Now."

Noah sighed. "Okay, okay, I didn't tell her not to come and I lied about calling someone else. I'm sorry... But we've got to get out of here. It's not safe. Think about Rachel. She's already freezing out here."

Thane's eyes flicked to me for half a second... then back to Noah.

"She's our only option. Unless you want your dad wondering why you're not at work yet."

Everyone fell silent for a full minute.

Then Thane finally nodded. "Fine. Let's go."

He opened the back door and slid in. I followed him. Wendy and Noah took the front.

I don't know why, but I'd imagined someone louder and maybe wilder with red hair, chaos, and attitude. Someone who looked like trouble.

Instead, Wendy drove calmly, right up until we hit the last corner that led to Thane's office.

"You're not forgetting I'm still in uniform, right?" I finally said.

Thane glanced at me, then sighed. "We already agreed you're staying with me at the office for today."

"When did I agree to that?" I blurted.

He didn't answer. He just stared. And then it hit me.

Shit.

That was what I nodded to earlier, when my brain had completely checked out.

I groaned and grabbed my head.

"Pops won't be coming in today," he added. "He's got plans with your mum."

"Wait. Let me get this straight," I said slowly. "You're telling me I'm spending a full day in the same office with you?"

Wendy pulled into the driveway and glanced at us in the rearview mirror.

"So... that's your stepsister?"

Thane didn't answer. He stepped out and grabbed my wrist. Before he could move me, Wendy spoke.

"She can stay with me. If that's fine."

My head snapped toward her. What?

"Thanks, but that's not happening," Thane said flatly.

"That's not your call," Wendy replied, turning to me. "She can speak for herself, right, Rachel?"

I stared at her. And for one very dumb reason, because I wanted to prove I could-I nodded.

"I think I can survive one day with your wild pet instead of you."

Thane's jaw tightened. "I'm not letting you go with her. You know that."

What was he gonna do? Carry me?

"You know what time to pick me up," I said, already stepping away. "Don't be late."

I walked toward Wendy's car.

"You know what," Thane snapped behind me. "Do whatever the hell you want. I don't give a damn about a stepsister."

Woah. That wasn't how this was supposed to end. Why did it sound like he was even angrier now?

He stormed toward the building.

"Thane!" Noah called after him.

But, he didn't stop.

Great. Do your thing, Thane and I'll do mine.