by Ekeke, C. C.
Riva was Spencer's idol and spirit animal.
“So…” She steered her toward the bed, eyes alight with interest. “How are the Olins treating you?”
Spencer sat and gave a limp shrug. “I guess.” She scanned the spacious bedroom indifferently. “It’s not the penthouse, but I’ll survive.”
Riva seated herself beside Spencer, pushing stick-straight locks from her face. “Ask me anything.”
Spencer blurted out her primary concern. “What’s happening with my dad?” She hadn’t seen him since Paxton-Brandt’s rescue, didn’t want to. She hated her father. Then Spencer thought of her sister, Daddy’s favorite, and guilt trickled through. “I want him to suffer, but he’s still my dad.” She felt very exposed. “Losing him would destroy Rowan.”
“And you.” Riva watched her with affectionate eyes. “Your dad is still useful to Paxton-Brandt. And I’ve spent some of today making him more…agreeable.”
Spencer recoiled. Riva and her father’s business relationship had spanned two decades, starting before he’d retired from being a superhero. But these last couple years, Riva had made the lonely doctor her personal plaything. Spencer still didn’t know how she felt about that. But if that kept her dad alive, she could accept their situationship.
Situationship... Spencer silently cursed Hugo Malalou’s effect on her vocabulary.
Riva’s laughter at her reaction was angelic yet eerie. “Your dad won’t give us any more trouble.”
Spencer changed topics as fast as possible. “What was that dinner with Senator Huntley and Kai Bramble? And who was that Brazilian guy?”
Riva glanced away impishly. “It was a meeting to discuss America’s future,” she intoned cryptically. “And that Brazilian guy is Rufio Braga, Brazil’s vice president and its future.”
By the curtness in that answer, Spencer expected no further explanation. “Sure,” she remarked.
That touched on another side of Riva, this enigmatic mysteriousness wrapped in wisdom. The woman was barely north of forty years old yet dropped sage guidance like some ninety-year-old.
Riva brightened again and rubbed her hands eagerly. “Now I have questions. Steve said you’d make a great addition to Paxton-Brandt’s new superhuman strike force.” A questioning gaze crept into her face. “You used to scoff at your dad’s previous career. Is following his footsteps what you really want?”
Spencer scowled, not at the question but her own reasons. Rowan had said she was too much like their supervillain mother to be a hero. Dad had suppressed her powers for years. The gross violation enraged her again like it’d happened yesterday. “I want to prove my family wrong.”
“Is that why you’re staying in San Miguel?” Riva queried, her Mexican accent slipping through.
Spencer gritted her teeth. “Oh. That.” She’d figured that would come up, closing her laptop.
“Steve is as mystified as me,” Riva continued, leaning closer to further inspect Spencer. “You could be at a European boarding school. Or attending Steinholt with Rowan.”
Spencer made a disgusted noise. “I’m not going to school with those uppity super-twats.”
Riva laughed again. “Or be privately tutored. Yet you’re returning to Paso Robles High.”
Spencer took a sudden interest in her lap. All kinds of emotions bubbled up that she didn’t want to discuss. “I’ve got unfinished business.”
“With Hugo and Jennifer?” Riva asked.
“Yes,” Spencer hissed. She regretted telling Riva about them. “They betrayed me.”
“I hoped you’d get your payback in Seattle.”
Spencer gawked at Riva. “What?” She’d never mentioned Hugo being a super or J-Tom’s delusions of superhero grandeur. Spencer had been extra careful when she’d snuck off to blindside Hugo in downtown a few weeks ago, even using one of her dad’s silencer devices to blackout nearby street cameras. Had she been caught? “How…?”
Riva cocked her head sideways. “Who do you think assigned you to Paxton-Brandt’s earthquake recovery team on Mercer Island?”
Spencer couldn’t stop staring at her. “You know who they are?”
Riva looked insulted. “I knew about Hugo months ago when you introduced us at that fundraiser for your school’s new library. Your friend, Jen…call it a hunch.” She tapped the side of her head. “Blessed with foresight, cursed with knowledge?”
Spencer leaned away, the implications leaving her ice-cold. “I…I…”
Riva cut her off by placing a warm hand on her shoulder. “Their identities stay between us…for now.” Her reassuring smile morphed into a grim line. “So why are they still alive?”
The mercilessness in Riva’s question paralyzed Spencer. “I couldn’t go through with it. Jen’s been my friend for years.” A smile stretched across her face uninvited. “I loved being around her, soaking in her positivity.” Her smile dropped with her mood. “Then Hugo turned her against me.” The cocktail of emotions over Hugo fucking Malalou churned within.
Riva straightened in understanding. “The Malalou boy, again.”
Spencer’s thoughts drifted back to ninth grade. “I used to find that kid repulsive. Letting Brie treat him like trash yet coming back for more.” She bristled. “Pathetic.”
Her feelings changed dramatically after Hugo’s growth spurt, which came with a spine. But last Halloween had changed everything when she’d learned that he was a super. “I tried seducing him to see if he might be useful to Paxton-Brandt.” Spencer hunched her shoulders to curb the dizzying rush inside. “But he got under my skin…and I couldn’t shake him.”
Riva’s gaze softened. “I remember,” she said.
Recalling their good times made Spencer feel weak and vulnerable. She swayed, still desperate to be wrapped in the warmth of his hugs. “I felt more myself around him than anyone. He challenged me to not feel shame over my sexuality. I’d planned on telling him that I knew about him, then have him join Paxton-Brandt.”
Riva frosted over. “On the Italy vacation that never happened?”
“Yep.” Spencer began walling off those troublesome emotions.
“This is what happens when we fall in love. The object of your affection sometimes betrays you,” Riva concluded. “But your plan for open hostilities won’t end well…for anyone.” Her gaze sharped. “Or Paxton-Brandt.”
Spencer almost cursed in frustration. She’d had such nasty schemes planned for Hugo and J-Tom. “What should I do?” she complained. “Let them parade around like heroes?”
Riva grazed a finger across Spencer’s cheek. “My plans to neutralize your friends was thwarted,” she admitted with a touch of bother. “But I know how we can bring them to heel.”
Spencer hadn’t expected Riva’s involvement. But the notion was encouraging. “I’d like that.”
“Which brings me to what I really want to discuss.” Riva stood, wringing her hands in unusual nervousness. “Paxton-Brandt’s current situation has placed me in San Miguel for the foreseeable future.”
Spencer perked up. “Great.” Any length of time spent with Riva was a bonus. “How long?”
Riva tossed her sleek locks back. “For now, indefinitely. Even though you’re staying with Steve Olin, I’ve known you since you were in diapers.”
Spencer scowled. “Thanks for the reminder.”
Riva grew serious. “How would you feel about staying with me? Either at my place in El Marquez or any of your father’s homes around town.”
For a long moment, Spencer couldn’t speak or think. Riva de León, one of the wealthiest women in the world, asked to be her guardian. For once, someone in her life had chosen her.
“I’d…” Spencer paused to make sure she didn’t get tongue-tied. “I’d love that.”
The joy on Riva’s face was like the sun parting through clouds. “I thought so.”
Spencer rose from the bed and threw her arms around Riva’s neck again. “Thank you.”
The older woman hugged her back. “
Of course, querida.”
Chapter 48
Hugo never thought that he’d miss the sound of school bells. But stepping into Paso High’s hallways today represented the normalcy he truly cherished.
He refused to become like Titan, whose life was a blur of battles, meetings, crisis aid, media events, public appearances, and one-night stands. Titan had no escape from being Titan.
In first period, Hugo’s teacher announced a “Welcome Back” pep rally. Juniors and seniors had their rally during first period. Clearly the thought was that a “Paso High is awesome” speech with rah-rah cheerleading would wash away the terror of a super terrorist attack. Hugo was willing to be optimistic.
On the way from first period to the basketball gym, he weaved through herds of students to fall in beside Simon and Grace. He exchanged high-fives with his BFF. But Grace remained distant.
“Hey, G-Mama,” Hugo greeted. “Been trying to reach you.”
“Hugo…” Grace’s tone was as unfriendly as her stare. “I’ll be cordial for Simon’s sake. But that’s it.”
That stung right in Hugo’s chest. He hadn’t expected outright rejection from her. A glance at Simon revealed matching surprise. “Grace. Can’t we start over?”
“Not while you keep lying to my face.” Grace quickened her pace to march ahead.
Hugo stared after her. The wound in his chest ached.
Simon gripped his shoulder, remorse in his eyes. “I’m going to fix this.”
“No,” Hugo begged off. Maybe some space would save their friendship. “I’ll just back off.”
“I’m not giving up,” Simon persisted as they entered the gym. “By the way, I spoke with the newest member of our inner circle.”
“Jesus.” Hugo groaned. The last thing he needed was Simon and Brie feuding. “What did you say to her?”
Simon looked up innocently. “Just making sure that Brie knows her role,” he said. “And keeps quiet.”
“Just give Brie a chance,” Hugo requested, climbing with Simon onto the bleachers to find seats. After he and Briseis had spoken, any serious concerns had vanished.
Simon wasn’t swayed but said no more when they spotted Jordana and J-Tom near the upper rows.
“Hey, mami,” Hugo greeted Jordana after saying hello to J-Tom. Simon parked beside him.
Jodie welcomed his arrival with a wet, sloppy kiss. “Papi.” She caressed her finger along his warmed cheek. “You’ve been on a milk carton since the earthquake.”
J-Tom stared ahead, a strange and stiff look on her face.
“Well…” Hugo missed her smile, her lips, her everything. “Been helping at shelters. Is your fam okay?”
“Eh.” Jordana winced. “Big fight with the parentals about the SeaTac quake and who caused it.” She shook her head in exasperation, ponytail swinging. “My mom wants outta San Miguel pronto.”
Hugo’s mood soured. This shit again? “Let me talk to them,” Hugo decided, slipping his hands around Jodie. “I’m not letting you out of my sight yet.”
She looked ready to refuse the assist, only to melt onto him. “Sure. I’m having no luck.”
Just then, the crammed bleachers on both sides of the gym quieted. Principal Walker took the podium on the basketball court to give some speech about being “Paso Robles Strong,” which wasn’t a thing. Paso Robles had suffered minimal damage from the earthquake, much to Hugo’s relief.
Then the football team, led by that bald maggot TJ Kim, charged out in Bearcats jerseys. The players took the mic, running around the gym like hyenas to hype Friday’s game against Cayucos High, aka Cay-Useless, which Hugo would gladly skip. Afterward, the Songs cheerleaders performed an insanely sexy routine in their crimson-and-white uniforms. Every harmonized maneuver had Grace Misawa’s fingerprints all over them, set against mid-2000s hip-hop.
Taylor von Stratton was front and center as Songs danced, channeling her inner Bad Bitch with each naughty spin, sashay, and hip gyration.
Hugo couldn’t not stare, as did most boys in attendance. J-Tom was salivating. But Hugo’s admiration ended at Taylor’s dancing. Jordana was more than enough woman for him. If she’ll have me.
After the pep rally ended, the upperclassmen headed back to first period. Hugo crossed paths with Brent, who’d given an update on his dating situation.
“I ended up not picking Marin or Karin,” the basket ballplayer admitted dourly. “I didn’t want to drive a wedge between them.”
Hugo sighed, wishing he’d made the same choice. “You’ll find the right one, Lefty. I promise.”
While J-Tom and Simon were discussing riots in Shenandoah, Briseis skipped over to them. She wore minimal makeup with a tan leather jacket over a grey hoodie and jeans, big hoop earrings, hair up in a tight topknot.
“Hey, friends.” Brie’s gaze jumped from Hugo to Jordana. “Boy. Girl.”
Jordana jabbed Brie’s tummy, eyes alight. “Tell him about the thing.”
“Ugh.” Brie looked ready to stab Jodie. “Really?”
Hugo was lost. “What thing?”
Brie rolled her eyes ferociously. “I’m visiting Jodie at the Baywood Park store yesterday at the Five Cities Promenade. Some rep from their store was there.” Her voice trailed off. She was embarrassed.
Jordana excitedly finished for her. “He wants Brie to model for Baywood Park!”
Brie reddened and shushed Jodie, glancing at students passing by as they entered a building.
Hugo smiled. “Awesome. You sure he’s legit?”
Brie fished through her purse in frustration. “Here’s his business card.” She held up a typical stationery with the Baywood Park logo and contact info.
“DO IT, Breezy!” Jordana encouraged.
Brie stuffed the card into her pocket with such shame. “My life’s getting on track,” she said. “I don’t wanna deal with the extra dumbfuckery around school.”
Hugo watched Briseis shrink back. Before, she would’ve been bragging about this opportunity. “Do you want to model for Baywood Park?” he asked quietly.
Brie wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Doesn’t matter what I—”
“Briseis.” Hugo searched her face, which always invited appreciation. “Do you want this?”
She stared down, nodding timidly.
Hugo let his smile broaden. “Then fuck what the haters think.”
Brie looked upward with a captivating smile. That was the Brie he knew.
“Exactly!” Jodie glanced left, and her mood plummeted. “Speaking of haters…”
Hugo followed her glare several feet away to an intersection between corridors.
Brie paled. J-Tom flinched back. Simon murmured obscenities.
Baz Martinez cut a tall and striking figure with disheveled hair beside Natalie Rodriguez. He was hugging girl and guy friends, openly sad.
“Today’s his last day,” Hugo said. Tomorrow, Baz would leave for military academy.
Brie watched Baz mutedly. Conflicting emotions warred on her face.
“Good riddance,” Simon grunted, earning smiles from Jordana.
J-Tom clutched Brie’s shoulders from behind. “It’s okay to miss him a little.”
Brie shrugged off the comfort, annoyed. “I don’t.” Her resolve faded. “Maybe…”
Baz watched her with brief longing, then gave Hugo a subtle nod.
Hugo didn’t respond. He was glad to close this chapter of his life.
Jordana’s hand on his back snapped Hugo out of it. “You okay?”
Natalie abruptly punched Baz’s arm to grab his attention.
He glared at her, annoyed. “What?” But Natalie’s gobsmacked face prompted him to look where she was pointing. He went paler than milk, immediately gaping at Hugo. So did Natalie. Now many of Baz’s congregation exclaimed a single name.
Hugo frowned. No fucking way. He strode closer for a better view, hearing the chitchat of a familiar voice cocooned by several girls laughing. His stomach roiled.
Simon called after him.
J-Tom and Brie jogged to catch up. Hugo stood facing an alarmed Baz, wishing his senses were wrong. Then he looked.
Farther down this hallway, Spencer Michelman was surrounded by a gaggle of admirers. Her plaid skirt and white button-down top clung to her pleasing figure like skin, a blood-red tie hanging loose around her neck. She was freshly bronzed, sleek black hair at long bob length and slicked back. Sinfully pretty and in great spirits, she told her minions of some false trip to visit family in Rio de Janeiro.
Hugo’s brain briefly turned to scrambled eggs. Spencer, back at Paso High. The prospect of his safe space becoming a warzone loomed above all else.
“Oh, good lord!” J-Tom exclaimed beside him. She and the others had caught up, now gawking.
“What the ever-loving fuck is she doing here?” Jordana demanded, hands on hips.
Brie looked terrified, given what she now knew. Simon’s eyes bulged.
Baz turned to Hugo with a bitter beer face. “The real queen bitch is back.”
At this point, Spencer noticed the commotion. She waved at Hugo and mouthed “Hello.” Her mouth pulled into a sneer, dark eyes twinkling with pure malevolence.
From the corner of his eye, J-Tom made furious moves toward Spencer.
Hugo caught her arm. “Stay. PUT,” he warned.
“Screw this!” Jodie beelined forward.
Hugo’s heart stuttered. “Jordana!” he called out. But she kept walking.
Hugo swore, then eyed Baz. “Watch them.” He powerwalked at normal speeds, hampered by crowds and the risk of exposure. He finally reached Jordana as she told Spencer off.
“You have some nerve showing your face here,” she barked, head bobbing side to side. “What? You thought all would be forgiven after the shit you pulled?” Her Bronx accent grew thicker with her anger.
Most of Spencer’s minions retreated from Jodie’s wrath. A few more zealous types like Chloe Mendes and Kendall Caruso closed in to defend her.
Spencer waved them away, visibly tickled by Jordana’s anger. “JoJo! Long time, no gossip.”
Hugo blocked Jordana before she could respond. “Stop.”
