There were worse things than being stranded in the middle of nowhere during a rainstorm.
For example, I could be running from a rabid bear intent on mauling me into the next century. Or I could be tied to a chair in a dark basement and forced to listen to Aqua's "Barbie Girl" on repeat until I'd rather gnaw off my arm than hear the song's eponymous phrase again.
But just because things could be worse didn't mean they didn't suck.
Stop. Think positive thoughts.
"A car will show up…now." I stared at my phone, biting back my frustration when the app reassured me it was "finding my ride," the way it had been for the past half hour.
Normally, I'd be less stressed about the situation because hey, at least I had a working phone and a bus shelter to keep me mostly dry from the pounding rain. But Advik's farewell party was starting in an hour, I had yet to pick up his surprise cake from the bakery, and it would be dark soon.
I may be a glass-half-full kind of girl, but I wasn't an idiot. No one—especially not a college girl with zero fighting skills to speak of—wants to find herself alone in the middle of nowhere after dark.
I should've taken those self-defense classes with Jules like she wanted.
I mentally scrolled through my limited options. The bus that stopped at this location didn't run on weekends, and most of my friends didn't own a car. Bridget had car service, but she was at an embassy event until seven. My rideshare app wasn't working, and I hadn't seen a single car pass by since the rain started.
Not that I would hitchhike, anyway—I've watched horror movies, thank you very much.
I only had one option left—one I really didn't want to take—but beggars couldn't be choosers.
I pulled up the contact in my phone, said a silent prayer, and pressed the call button.
One ring. Two rings. Three.
Come on, pick up. Or not. I wasn't sure which would be worse—getting murdered or dealing with my brother.
"What's wrong?"
I scrunched my nose at his greeting. "Hello to you too, brother dearest. What makes you think something is wrong?"
"Uh, you called me. You never call unless you're in trouble."
True. We preferred texting, and we lived next door to each other—not my idea, by the way—so we rarely had to message at all.
"I wouldn't say I'm in trouble," I hedged. "More like… stranded. I'm not near public transport, and I can't find a rideshare."
"Christ, Aarika. Where are you?"
"I told him."
"What the hell are you doing there? That's an hour from campus!"
"Don't be dramatic. I had an engagement shoot, and it's a thirty-minute drive. Forty-five if there's traffic."
Thunder boomed, shaking the branches of nearby trees. I winced as I shrank farther back into the shelter. The rain slanted sideways, splattering me with droplets so heavy they stung my skin.
A rustling noise came from Advik's end, followed by a soft moan.
I paused, sure I'd heard wrong—but nope, there it was again.
Another moan.
My eyes widened in horror. "Are you having sex right now?" I whisper-shouted, even though no one else was around.
"Technically, no," Advik sounded unrepentant.
I had zero desire to find out what that "something" was.
"Advik," I snapped.
"Hey, you're the one who called me." He must've covered his phone because his next words came through muffled.
I heard a soft, feminine laugh followed by a squeal, and I wanted to bleach my ears, my eyes, my mind.
"One of the guys took my car to buy more ice," Advik said, his voice clear again. "But don't worry, I got you. Drop a pin on your exact location and keep your phone close. Do you still have the pepper spray I bought for your birthday last year?"
"Yes. Thanks for that, by the way." I'd wanted a new camera bag, but Advik bought me an eight-pack of pepper spray instead.
"I'm self-preserved," I protested.
Too late. He'd already hung up.
I wasn't sure how long I huddled in the tiny bus shelter when headlights slashed through the rain.
I squinted, my heart tripping in both anticipation and wariness.
When my eyes adjusted to the light, I slumped with relief.
A sleek, black car pulled up.
Good news? It belonged to one of Advik's friends.
Bad news? The person driving was the last person I expected—
Ekaksh.
"Get in."
He didn't raise his voice—but I still heard him loud and clear over the rain.
Ekaksh was a force of nature unto himself, and I imagined even the weather bowed to him.
"I hope you're not waiting for me to open the door for you," he added.
What a gentleman.
I pressed my lips together and ducked into the car. It smelled cool and expensive, like spicy cologne and fine leather.
"Thanks for picking me up," I said, trying to break the silence.
I failed. Miserably.
Ekaksh didn't respond or even look at me as he navigated the slick roads leading back to campus.
He was the exact opposite of Advik.
Where Advik was warm and loud, Ekaksh was quiet, controlled, and intimidating.
With an IQ of 160, Ekaksh was basically a genius. He'd already built a multimillion-dollar reputation before most people finished college.
Meanwhile, I was just trying to survive classes, extracurriculars, and my part-time jobs.
"Are you going to Advik's party?" I asked.
"Yes."