Midnight Muse

I know this, of course, because I’ve been listening.

I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t doing it on purpose. My fingers haven’t itched for the button on my speaker nor the app on my phone for the songs I play on repeat because it’s the only thing that keeps me from spiraling.

It bothers me, I find, not seeing Quinn.

And it isn’t until late in the week one night that I do.

It’s pouring buckets outside when I finish my classes for the day. I curse because of course I hadn’t checked the weather this morning. It’s fucking California for fuck’s sake; it hardly ever rains here.

Slate and Ace are probably both at the apartment by now and I know that they’ll be reluctant to pick me up when lightning flashes brightly across the dark sky. There’s a hole in the floorboard of Slate’s rusted-as-fuck Bronco, and water will get in it if he drives it in the rain, so that’s not an option. Ace’s parents said he’s not allowed to have his car on campus until he’s either a senior or has all straight A’s, even though they’re rich as hell and his Beemer is collecting dust down in Colorado.

And, well, I’m also stubborn as fuck.

Thankfully, I don’t have any of my drawing materials with me, having stored them in the classroom for the night since I’m ahead on most of my projects.

With a sigh, I run to where I parked my motorcycle, two buildings away.

I’m drenched by the time I reach it, but probably not as wet as the girl I see with her head hung, trekking down the block like a drenched campus squirrel. Squinting hard against the rain, I can just make out Quinn’s face when she lifts her head, seemingly to curse the skies above.

Fuck. My heart thuds heavily in my chest. Her blonde hair is plastered to her head and she has her arms wrapped around herself as if she’s trying to keep warm. She’s not dressed for the rain either, in her jean shorts and soaked-through t-shirt.

I’m a prick, but I’m not that much of an asshole. My conscience won’t let me sleep for the rest of my measly days if I don’t offer her a ride, no matter how much I fear she’s going to say no.

“Princess,” I call, and want to bite my tongue off for the stupid pet name that rolls out of my mouth so easily. I started calling her that because she was acting like an entitled princess, parking her moving truck where she did and ordering me around right after. Plus, I know it gets on her nerves. But right now, I don’t want to fight her, I want to get her back to her place where I know she’ll be safe and warm. When those familiar hazel eyes lift to mine, I add, “Need a ride?”

I see the moment she wants to bite and I have to swallow my smirk. After all of this trying to be civil, here she is, continuing to go to bat with me. “No, thanks,” she says, although her teeth are chattering. “I’m all set.”

I can’t help the way my eyes trail down the length of her. Yeah, she looks all set alright, standing here soaked to the bone. “I see that,” I say, drily. “Come on, Princess, don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. It’s just a ride. Get on.”

Convincing, Knox.

Her mouth falls open as if I’ve just said something totally obscene, and I start to think about the way her lips are parted so perfectly. Before I can delve further into that thought, her voice pitches and she’s shrieking. “Just a ride? Are you kidding me? That thing is a death trap and it’s pouring out!”

Ah, so she’s scared. I can work with that.

“Is it really?” I mock, veins lighting up with the harsh glare she’s sending me now. It’s too much fun, teasing her like this, but I’d rather get her out of the rain. “I noticed. Now, come on. I’ll drive safe.”

She scoffs, rolling her eyes, wincing when rain sluices into them. I watch with a carefully straight face as she blinks rapidly, dispelling the water. “Yeah, knowing you, I doubt it.”

Something preens in my chest at her words, knowing that I have her attention. But she doesn’t know a thing about me, yet.

“Do you really think you know me, Princess?” I ask, amused. Quinn’s lips part again but nothing comes out.

I win.

“I know you well enough,” she huffs, but I can see that she’s slowly giving up the fight. Her gaze flicks between me and the motorcycle at my back.

I jerk my chin, gesturing for her to get on.

Her feet betray her, taking a single step in my direction, and that’s two points for me.

I do something that I’ve never done for another girl in my life. I shed my leather jacket, ignoring the chill of the rain that causes goosebumps to break out across my flesh. The rain soaks through my black shirt within seconds, but I don’t give a fuck when I catch Quinn’s eyes raking the length of my body. That’s the look that always makes me shiver.

Helping her with her bag, I hold the coat so she can slip her arms through the sleeves. It should keep her somewhat protected from the rain and wind while we’re driving.

It hangs long on her body, across her thighs. She looks good in it. A little too good.

I help Quinn slide her backpack across her shoulders and give her my helmet. My heart thunders in my chest like the storm raging around us, but my hands don’t tremble as I tighten the buckle beneath her chin. She looks pained, almost, avoiding my eyes the entire time. I swear I hear her sharp inhale of breath when my fingers brush her skin, but I’m not sure.