Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 61 - Arisa

I wasn't sure what was going through Khaleel's mind but I knew it couldn't be anything good. I didn't have to follow his example and skip class but here I was, doing just that. I barely got out of the dean's office with a warning but I was ready to risk it all for this rooftop loser. What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I say no to him? He was leading me to a path full of uphill battles and dangerous twists and turns. He could survive it but I wouldn't be able to.

We came to a bus stop sign down the street from the academy. "Khaleel," I drawled. "Why are we here?"

He stretched his hands up and shifted his body to loosen his muscles. He was such a tall and burly guy, it was hard to believe he was only in his second term at Jackheights. Without his school uniform, he could easily be mistaken for a senior or a freshman in college. "Waiting for our ride," he said.

"Is public transportation faster?" I asked.

"No, but it will save us money."

"I don't carry change," I pointed out. I didn't mean to sound as arrogant as I did. It was my truth. I didn't grow up taking the school bus. Mom always drove me. "I don't have one of those tap-and-go cards either."

"That's fine."

I sighed. Are you sure we can't call a cab?"

Khaleel forced a smile. "Just because my old man likes to throw cash around at drivers, doesn't mean I'm the same way."

"Ah, you're frugal," I nodded. "Got it."

Khaleel dug his hands into his back pocket, pulled out a handful of coins, and offered them to me.

I shook my head. "I really would feel more comfortable if we just ordered a ride."

"Too late," he said, looking past me. I turned to watch an impressive vehicle drive up to the stop and open its doors for us. Khaleel went in first, tapped his card, and then dumped some change into the coin receiver. He pointed me out to the bus driver and said the proof of transfer was for me. I pulled the small square sheet of paper that printed out and thanked the driver. Khaleel led me to the back of the bus and found a pair of empty seats on the left-hand side. It was small and a bit cramped but we managed.

"Do you do this often?" I asked him.

"Oh yeah, public transportation is where it's at!" Khaleel informed. "Once you get past the smell of urine, the herd of bodies grinding up against your back, and the alcoholics yammering to themselves, it can be a pretty relaxing time."

I wrinkled my nose. "Lovely," I commented. "Well, thank you for covering me. I'll pay you back with a refreshing drink."

Khaleel smiled at me. "You offering me a date, Hoffman? How could I refuse?"

"I never said date!" I clapped back. "Don't make things uncomfortable again. I was just starting to relax around you."

"Whatever," he sighed, leaning his head against the window. "You can keep pretending that my feelings aren't genuine but that's not going to change the facts."

The facts? What facts was he talking about? The fact that he was serious about going out with me or the fact that I had already turned him down? Khaleel was such a handful. There was no way I would ever consider him to be a potential boyfriend, not when I knew how Matilda felt about him. And in all honesty, as good looking as he was, Khaleel was not ready to be emotionally committed. He was too unpredictable and too wild for me to tame. Okay, yes. I could say the same thing about Loyal, considering he threatened to throw me off the rooftop—

"You're spacing out again," Khaleel's voice brought me back. "Is that a part of your charm?"

"I'm not telling you about my charms," I scoffed, looking away.

He laughed. "Okay, fine. It's more fun when it's a challenge anyway."

I rolled my eyes and decided to change the subject. "So, this person we're going to visit," I said. "Who exactly are they and what kind of help are we asking them for?"

"All great questions," he supported. "Kumar is family, although sometimes he acts like my second-dad. Point being, he's been there for me through the worst, and he's the only one who can set things right with Dobberman."

"How?"

Khaleel didn't beat around the bush. "Kumar can track him down and make sure he never bothers us again."

"Using what exactly?"

Khaleel shrugged. "Whatever means necessary."