The drive back was suffocating. Adam Leinster sat in the front of the SUV, his silence more terrifying than words. In the back, the three teenagers were draped in a heavy, unnatural quiet.
Lucas was curled into the seat, his eyes fixed on the glowing screen of Nathan's phone. He was still trembling, his knuckles white as he gripped the device.
His face was pale, and he repeatedly cursed softly, as if trying to dispel the shame that had replaced his fear.
He looked at Nathan before turning away. He hated looking weak, especially in front of Zane, the brat he always mocked.
Meanwhile, Zane watched him from the opposite side. Usually, seeing Lucas Salazar in a state of weakness would have been a victory for him. But now? He only felt a sickening sense of pity.
"Don't look at me like that," Lucas snapped, still maintaining his dignity as a "senior."
Zane clicked his tongue. "You can talk now?!"
Lucas snorted, still clutching his phone tightly.
