Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Frank let out a dramatic wall. “Mr. Goodwin, you’re totally throwing me under the bus!”

Marvin snorted, unimpressed. “If I didn’t speak up early, I’d be the one getting chewed out later!”

Briar watched the two bicker in front of Ashton, their playful back–and–forth a clever distraction. She bit back a laugh and turned to Ashton,

her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Come on, Ashton, I’m fine. Let’s just drop it, okay?”

Catching the clear, teasing glint in her gaze, Ashton smiled, his expression softened, a faint warmth in his eyes. “Alright, fine.”

Frank whipped around instantly, relief flooding his face. “Thank you, Ashton! You’re the best!”

Briar couldn’t hold it in anymore and let out a short laugh.

Frank, still grinning, turned to her. “Thanks for sticking up for me, Briar! I owe you one–how about I treat you to something tasty later?”

waved him off

else, I’m heading out,” she said, glancing at Ashton.

the front gate

agreed to have dinner with

nod to

her, she caught Ashton’s voice,

he was backing her up, making sure

time for afternoon classes. Briar headed straight to the Traditional Medicine lab. Swiping her student ID to unlock the door, she hadn’t even stepped

“For

have no idea. I was gonna tag along with Frank, but when I saw Ashton standing next to Briar, I bolted faster than you

blink.”

laughed. “Ha! Bet Frank’s getting an earful

didn’t you go with Thomas to check on his sister?”

back–couldn’t really see. But Abbie said it’s all bruised up, so

and froze when he spotted Briar leaning against the frame, arms crossed.

why are you just standing

over, greeting