From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 10

Laurinda listened to the man’s awkward excuse, a quiet, mocking smile slipping across her lips. She quickly hid it, her expression turning cool and distant. “Sure,” she said, her tone light and effortless. “Hop in.”

As soon as she spoke, the man stepped forward and opened the car door for her. He was polite and gentle, his face giving nothing away. If you didn’t know better, you’d think he really was just here for a ride. Laurinda only snapped out of her thoughts once he’d circled around and gotten in on the other side. She ducked into the car and settled herself in.

They drove into a quiet neighborhood, stopping at a side street near the entrance. Before getting out, the man turned to her and thanked her softly.

Laurinda watched him walk away, a nagging feeling tugging at her. She was sure they’d met before, but for the life of her, she couldn’t remember where.

“Laurinda, Fraser’s been waiting for you at home for ages. I told him we didn’t know when you’d be back, but he just wouldn’t leave. What do you want to do?”

“Let’s just go see him. He won’t give up otherwise.” Laurinda finally looked away, closing her eyes and falling silent. Leaving the Austin family meant she had to start over. At least the past few years in hiding had given her a chance to get ready.

***

On the other side of town, Adolphus slid into his car. Sam greeted him with a wide, eager grin. “So, did you get her number or what?”

Adolphus barely glanced at him, clearly unimpressed. “Who said I was after her number? I just needed a lift, that’s all.”

The three guys in the car couldn’t hold back their smirks. If they didn’t know him so well, maybe they’d buy it, but they’d grown up together. They could tell he was into her.

Sam looked like he wanted to argue but Foley cut him off.

“Sam, you should go. Irvin’s coming this afternoon. He’s starting school at Apex Academy too.”

The second Irvin’s name came up, Sam lost all interest in hanging around. Ever since his breakup with Cathleen, Irvin had been relentless, making his life miserable with every trick he could think of. Sam had had enough.

“Alright… I’ll leave you to it, Adolphus. And I’m not coming home for dinner tonight.”

Seeing Sam shrink back, no one in the car teased him any further. Adolphus didn’t even bother to look his way.