Intercepting Authority

Chapter Nine

Sutton

I don't know what power Rhys' brother has but right now I am thankful for it. I haven't heard from Trevor in weeks, and even though I know that it probably won't last much longer, there is no way I can repay either of them.

Tonight is the night that we are supposed to have dinner with his brother and his fiancee. To say I'm nervous is an understatement.

Smoothing my dress down for the hundredth time, I take a deep breath as I make my way to my door. When I open it, I see Rhys standing there in a suit and tie. He looks breathtaking without even trying, but then again I already knew that. Gone is the college student look and in its place is the rich kid that I knew he was.

"Wow, you look stunning." He takes a step towards me, and I subconsciously run my hands over my dress again. I borrowed it from Lecia earlier because I didn't have anything remotely appropriate for this dinner. Plus, I kind of wanted them to not think less of me for not having as much as them.

I don't know why I don't answer his complement other than I'm not used to them. Trevor never gave them to me, and neither did my parents. So hearing someone compliment me is strange.

"Are you ready to go?" He reaches out and places his hand on my hip. My body tenses at the contact at first, then it relaxes because I know that Rhys Black will not hurt me. "I won't let him hurt you."

Closing my eyes, I try to push all thoughts of Trevor out of my head. I can't let him continue to run my life and have me terrified of everything. I deserve better. I need better.

"I know," I finally whisper.

Rhys and Ollie have been my bodyguards or personal pit bulls since Trevor camped outside of my dorm. They've refused to leave me alone for longer than a day and as sweet as it is, I'm tired of their over-protectiveness.

"Let's get going. I've already gotten a dozen messages from my sister-in-law asking when we are going to be there." A sexy grin spreads across his lips, and I'm drawn to him. Something about him has me wanting to get closer and push him away all at the same time.

I nod my head, not trusting the words that might come out of my mouth.

As he leads me to his SUV, I get this strange feeling that someone is watching us. Looking over my shoulder, I scan the area quickly but come up empty-handed. There isn't anyone out in the parking lot right now and no one walking towards the dorm which is kind of strange. Then again it's Saturday night, and most people are probably already out for the night at one of the frat parties that this school seems to be notorious for.

Getting seated in the passenger seat, Rhys makes sure I'm in before he shuts the door, making his way around the vehicle.

Trying to get all the crazy thoughts that are now starting to fill my head out, I think about the dinner we are headed to.

"Are they going to like me?" Part of me doesn't even know why I ask the question. I typically don't care if people like me but for some reason, I want to make a good impression.

"They will love you. You got this feisty side that reminds me of Cadence."

I look over at him and stare at the side of his face, taking in his features. I seem to do this every time we are in the car together.

"What?" He asks after I go quiet.

"Nothing, just trying to figure you out still."

He looks over at me and grins. "Figure me out?" I nod my head even though he's turned his attention back to the road.