But tonight, the breeze carried a rare chill, the cold clawing at my bare thighs.
My study group had run way longer than I’d have liked, but at least we had gotten somewhere. I hated wasting my time. The dry leaves rustled as the wind carried them across the pavement, the path somehow quieter than usual.
I threw a quick glance over my shoulder, relieved when I didn’t spot anything suspicious. Lengthening my strides, I found myself lost in thought again, my mind wandering to the issue that kept me up at night.
Training camp had briefly pushed the embezzlement into the background, but I never forgot about the betrayal, not for one second. With no opportunity to dig up more information and absolute exhaustion seizing my body every day, there wasn’t much I could do from afar.
But I’d returned, even more motivated, to take them down. Expose them for the frauds and horrible human beings they were. Only… I hadn’t gotten anywhere.
I wasn’t the slightest bit closer to exposing them, and my frustration was slowly mounting. There had to be something, somewhere.
Otherwise, I’d have to face the possibility of their winning. Besting me. Getting away with it. And that justwasn’tan option.
My footsteps echoed on the empty, tree-lined path as I shook my head decisively. If I hadn’t been so distracted, maybe I would’ve noticed it sooner.
My phone buzzed in my hand, and I glanced down, expecting another team update.
Instead, my blood ran cold.
Unknown: You’re not as clever as you think. We see you. Keep poking around and you won’t just lose your scholarship. You’ll lose everything.
I picked up my pace, fingers tightening around the strap of my bag.
My phone buzzed again. Another message, same number.
Unknown: Watch your back, Sierra. We’re done being nice.
The deep, increasingly familiar rumble of an engine approached rapidly. Headlights illuminated me briefly from behind and cast long shadows into the night.
The obnoxiously massive truck and its equally obnoxious owner pulled level with me. I groaned under my breath, slightly dropping my head back, as I pondered my choices. It was too late to hide behind a tree.
I was too lazy to run away.
Could I just ignore him? I almost wanted to try. But deep down, I already knew I wouldn’t.
Yeah, right. That had workedsowell in the past.
I heard the familiar sound of a window rolling down. With a huff, I turned my head and was met with a familiar face, his lazy grin already in place.
Dom leaned over the center console, his big arm draped over the steering wheel. Even from here, I could see his biceps bulging, threatening to tear those poor shirt sleeves.
Fuck.Bad Sierra.
“Fancy seeing you here,” he drawled, his intense gaze raking over my body, drinking in every detail.
“Dom,” I greeted curtly, deciding to just take off again. Maybe he’d get the message.
The truck slowly pulled forward, keeping pace with me.Or maybe he wouldn’t.
“Want a ride?”
“I’m good. Wouldn’t want you to go out of your way.”
He chuckled. “Who said I’d be doin’ any of that?”
Still walking, I threw a glance his way and was met with his quirked brow. “What are you doing here, Dom?”
“I was just in the area.” His tone was all nonchalant, but I stopped short, forcing him to pump the brakes.
