From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 20

York texted, “We’ve found her. Our people had just arrived when Aiken showed up, but I’ve already had her taken care of.”

Laurinda replied, “Good. Do you think Aiken’s going to panic when he realizes she’s gone?”

“I have no idea,” York answered, “but I do know The Austin Family is about to hit their first big financial crisis. Laurinda, just wait and see. Things are about to get interesting.”

“Thanks. Can you book a doctor’s appointment for me? I haven’t been sleeping, and my head is killing me.”

“Of course. Tomorrow’s Saturday, right? I’ll pick you up from school.”

Laurinda slid her phone back into her pocket. There was no way she’d be able to sleep now, so she just gave up on the idea. She tossed off her down jacket and sat up, only to lock eyes with Irvin, who’d been staring at her all along.

She remembered him from that day at The Adams Family’s house. Because of Adolphus, she’d never really wanted to get close to Irvin, but having him watch her like that was making her feel uneasy.

“Do you... need something?” she asked.

Irvin had been trying to figure out how to talk to her. When she broke the silence, he nodded, a little too quickly.

“Yeah, there’s something I need to talk to you about. Can we go somewhere private?”

Laurinda glanced at the time, then looked outside at the sun. A walk might actually help clear her head.

“Sure, let’s go.” She pulled her down jacket back on, tugged her hat into place, and walked out of the classroom.

“If you can’t say, that’s fine. You keep the powder. It’s freezing, and I want to go back inside.” Laurinda was already turning to leave. She’d heard enough to figure out that someone was targeting her. Honestly, she’d been hoping for a chance to deal with them. She’d put up with Fabian for way too long.

Irvin panicked when he saw her start to walk away. He reached out, grabbing the sleeve of her jacket, his voice urgent. “Don’t you get it? Someone’s out to get you. Someone like you, you wouldn’t stand a chance against those guys. Please, just take it.”

Before she could protest, Irvin pressed the bottle into her hand. When his skin brushed hers, he hesitated, surprised. “Your hand is freezing.”

“I get cold easily,” Laurinda said, rolling the bottle between her fingers. “But really, you don’t have to worry. I can deal with those people on my own. Still, I’m curious—where did you get this?”

Irvin avoided her gaze, looking embarrassed. “I can’t tell you. Just trust me, I’d never hurt you. It’s too cold out here. You should go back inside.”

He couldn’t bring himself to meet her eyes. They were just too beautiful. Every time he looked at her, his heart started racing in a way he didn’t quite understand.