Dynasty Boys

Chapter 31

Elle

I hadn't seen Carter or the guys the entire day. I tried calling him several times, but each time it went straight to voicemail. Madden was also nowhere to be seen, but at least he usually picked up his phone. The last time we spoke, he'd told me he'd caught a cold and needed to stay home. He'd also mentioned that Carter and the others were busy with something for Thomas Knight, their father, but he didn't elaborate on what exactly they were doing. From the first time I met Thomas, something about him just didn't sit right with me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever they were dealing with wasn't good news. It bothered me to see them skipping school for him, but I tried to push the worry aside.

After a long, exhausting day, I couldn't wait to get out of the school. I speed-walked toward my grandma's car, with Nicole and Lila trailing behind me like my shadows. We'd decided to swing by The Smiths for a little chill time. I was in serious need of a good muffin and a cappuccino. The comforting thought of it helped ease my anxiety a little. As I approached my car, I noticed someone walking toward us.

It was Maddie, holding a familiar book in her hands.

"You forgot your book in class!" she called out with a soft chuckle before handing me my heavy English book.

"Damn, Maddie! Thank you, you're a lifesaver." I cracked a smile at her, feeling both grateful and a little embarrassed for forgetting it.

Lila, who was already in the backseat of my car, leaned out of the window, her eyes bright with excitement. "We're going to The Smiths! Please, come with us!" she begged.

Maddie hesitated, biting her lip as she glanced down at her black shoes, then shifted on her feet, clearly debating.

"Yes, please come with us! You have to try their cappuccinos!" I added enthusiastically, reaching out to tug at her jacket playfully. The sound of Lila's laughter floated from the backseat, making Maddie crack a small smile.

"Elle and her cappuccinos... true love. I ship them," Lila teased, making me laugh softly.

I shot Maddie a pleading look, the "puppy dog eyes" I knew always worked. After a few seconds of thought, she exhaled and relented.

"Okay... fine! Let's go! I'll just follow you, I have my car," she said, giving me a playful wink before turning on her heels and heading back toward her own vehicle.

I was about to start the engine when my phone buzzed in my pocket. My heart skipped a beat as I pulled it out, praying it wasn't another cryptic message from the masked man. I exhaled in relief when I saw Carter's name on the screen.

"Where are you?"

I rolled my eyes and quickly typed my response, giving him the details of where we were headed. My fingers hesitated for a moment before I hit send. I couldn't help but feel that something was off, but I pushed that feeling down. Maybe it was just me overthinking things.

"Off to The Smiths," I sent back, trying to keep it casual.

___

"Huh, it's so delicious!" Maddie whispered-yelled, licking the mousse of cappuccino off her lips. I laughed softly, glancing at Nicole beside me. She was eating, laughing quietly to herself, and Lila sat across from us, with Maddie beside her.

I let my eyes wander over Maddie's face. She was so intriguing, so different from the shy girl she had seemed earlier. Now, she was full of jokes, open, and comfortable with us. We had only met today, but I had this feeling she was going to be important to me, just like Carla, Lila, and Nicole had become.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Maddie interrupted my thoughts, and I realized I'd been staring at her. I shook my head quickly, clearing my throat.