The Dare (North Woods University 2)

Henry ignores his son’s attitude. Obviously he’s used to it. “There’s been some changes… I know I’ve told you both that you could live on campus after classes start, but Laura and I decided it would make more sense if you guys just lived here instead—”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Vance interrupts his father, his gaze turning murderous.

“It’s only a twenty-minute drive to campus, plus you can ride together. It will be good for you two to spend some time together. Catch up,” Henry adds.

Vance makes a snorting noise, his eyes rolling so far to the back of his head I’m afraid they might get stuck back there.

My mom smiles nervously, her gaze moving over each of us, as if she’s trying to avoid confrontation. How typical of her. Always avoiding the important stuff.

“We can talk about this more later, but I want to make it clear to you right now…” Henry’s staring at Vance and using what I would call his authoritative dad voice. “I want you to watch out for Ava. Show her around, treat her as a friend. Remember when you guys used to be friends? Maybe you can find your way back to that?” He pokes fun, but nothing about this scenario is fun. I’m stuck in a house with a man that hates me for no apparent reason and has a serious anger problem that apparently only I see.

Speaking of an angry man, his hard eyes cut to me. “She’s a big girl. She can take care of herself. Can’t you, Ava?” I don’t miss the dig he makes at me, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of responding either. The dude clearly has got some mental issues, and there’s no way in hell I’m tangling myself in that web of bullshit. I’ve got my own problems, no need to add his to my heaping pile.

Henry sighs impatiently. “Watch out for her, Vance. I mean it. If you don’t, there will be consequences.”

The warning is clear like a neon sign hanging in a bar window, fail to comply and his father will bury him. In what way, I don’t know, but I’m curious. Vance doesn’t take me as the kid that will just take his punishment and let it be, plus he’s an adult. What can his father do to hurt him? Take away his trust fund? I almost chuckle at my own joke. Silence settles over the four of us. It’s uncomfortable and makes me want to retreat back to my bedroom.

“Oh, I’ll watch out for her…” Vance finally says, his lip curling, a sinister smile forming on his sensuous lips. I can’t help but gulp at the intensity of hate in his eyes. My skin burns and my cheeks heat without permission. It sounds more like a threat than an obligation to actually protect me and I vow not to put myself in a situation that will require me to need him. I can’t rely on him, just like I can’t rely on my mother.

Before anyone can say anything else, he turns and walks out of the room. Tension clings to the air, like peanut butter stuck on the roof of my mouth and my lungs burn as I release the breath I wasn’t even aware I had been holding in, my chest sagging as I do.

I want to ask where he’s going, but it’s not really any of my business and I tell myself I don’t care, even though I kinda, sorta do. He can do whatever he wants. I mean, it’s better like this anyway. Maybe if I stay out of his way, he’ll stay out of mine. No conflict means no problems. Hopefully we can get along, at least until our parents get back.

“When I get back, we can have a spa day, and maybe do some shopping for your bedroom.” My mother’s singsong voice meets my ears and I skew my facial expression, giving her a megawatt smile instead of a disappointed frown.

“Of course, that sounds great.” And it does, but it would’ve sounded better three years ago. God, I need to let go of my disappointment in her, of the past. There isn’t shit that can be done to change what happened. Life is cruel sometimes, suck it up and move on, right?

“Good, good. Well, I love you, sweetie. I have a flight to catch. I’m sure everything will be fine with Vance. He’s a little moody sometimes, but don’t let him get you down. He’ll come around.” My mother gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek before walking away.

Henry gives me a soft smile a moment later before following behind my mom, a checklist of things rattling from her mouth. I stand there in the entryway, my feet cemented to the floor for a long moment.