A ride with the devil

"That will be all for today," Gilbert said, signaling the end of the session. By this point, Xavier had already left.

"Thank you," Kamsi replied with a polite smile.

"Sure thing," Gilbert responded, flashing his broad grin as she began packing her notes into her bag.

"I'll just go and return these," Kamsi added, picking up the books he had brought from the shelves. It only felt right to return them herself, considering the time Gilbert had spent gathering them.

"Thanks," Gilbert said, his eyes following her as she left with the books.

Kamsi made her way through the library, carefully searching for the right shelves to place the books. Just as she was about to slot one of them back into place, her gaze landed on an unexpected and ungodly sight—Xavier, passionately making out with a brunette. Her breath caught in her throat as their eyes met briefly before she spun away, her heart racing as she scurried off.

"Who does that in the library?" she mumbled under her breath, her face scrunching in disgust.

Apparently, Xavier Alastair, she thought, irritation flaring within her. She took a moment to compose herself, shaking off the unsettling image before heading back to join Gilbert.

"I'll get going," Kamsi said with a tight smile, already trying to figure out how to make a quick exit.

"Why don't you join us instead?" Gilbert suggested, his tone friendly and casual.

"Oh no, I'll be fine. I'll just take the bus," Kamsi refused, shaking her head. It was bad enough being tutored by Gilbert, but getting a ride home was crossing a line. She didn't need any more fuel for the gossip going around. More importantly, she wanted to stay as far away from Xavier as possible.

"I insist. It'll be no trouble at all. You and Xavier live in the same building, right?" Gilbert asked, though it was clear he already knew the answer. Kamsi gave a small nod.

"Then it's settled—you'll ride with us," Gilbert said with finality. Kamsi's shoulders slumped. There was no way out of this now.

Gilbert scanned the library, looking for Xavier. "Where's he disappeared to now?" he muttered.

Probably somewhere filling his taste, Kamsi thought wryly, inwardly rolling her eyes.

"There he is!" Gilbert suddenly exclaimed. Kamsi glanced up to see Xavier approaching them, his hands buried in his pockets, his expression bored as ever.

"Where were you?" Gilbert asked, though Xavier only shot him an irritated look.

"Kam's riding with us," Gilbert announced brightly.

Xavier's brow twitched. Kam? When had they started calling her by nicknames? He didn't like it, not one bit. "You cool with it?" he asked, his voice low and disinterested.

"Whatever," Xavier muttered, slinging his bag over one shoulder.

"Great!" Gilbert grinned. "Let's go!" He motioned toward the parking lot, and Kamsi trudged behind, her stomach doing anxious flips.

When they reached the lot, Kamsi's eyes went wide with shock. Parked right in front of them was a sleek, jet-black Tesla Model S. How is a student driving this ? she wondered. The car screamed wealth, its price tag easily in the millions.

Xavier opened the door and slid into the back seat, taking the middle spot without a second thought. Kamsi, used to sitting in the back of her mom's car, instinctively moved to do the same. But Xavier's icy glare caught her off guard, silently asking,where do you think you're going.

Embarrassed, she quickly shut the door and shuffled to the front passenger seat, her face burning. She could feel Xavier's smirk from behind her.

Across the lot, Tylee, fresh out of detention, caught the entire scene. She grabbed her phone and dialed Patricia, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Girl, you will not believe what I just saw," Tylee said, her lips curling. "The black bitch is on the loose—with Gilbert and Xavier."

In the back seat, Xavier leaned his head against the window, shutting his eyes. He tried to settle into the nap he'd missed back in the library, but instead, flashes of Kamsi's face flickered in his mind—the way she had stared at him after that kiss with a girl whose name he couldn't even remember. A wicked smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

He enjoyed watching her squirm.

And he wanted more.

As they rode in Gilbert's car, he decided to break the awkward silence. "So, Kamsi, you're from Nigeria, right?"

Kamsi nodded.

"How's it like there?" he asked.

"It's similar to here, but the system is a bit stricter," Kamsi replied.

"Hmm," Gilbert hummed, considering her answer.

"It must be hot, too, especially if you prefer roaming around in towels," Xavier remarked casually, glancing at her with a smirk. Kamsi's eyes widened in surprise, while Gilbert turned to her, momentarily confused.

"Eyes on the road, Xavier," Gilbert said, trying to keep the focus on the conversation. Kamsi felt heat rising in her cheeks. How could he be so shameless?

"Hm," Gilbert cleared his throat, attempting to steer the conversation. "Have you had time to explore the city? Do some sightseeing?"

"Only a few times," Kamsi answered quietly. "I haven't had much time."

Xavier opened one eye, a teasing glint in his gaze. "Makes me wonder what you do with all that time. You're not exactly acing your studies, are you?"

Kamsi's brow furrowed slightly. What was with him? Why did he insist on picking at her? She shot him a glance, trying to mask her irritation.

Gilbert looked taken aback by Xavier's comment, glancing between them. "Come on, Xavier. Everyone has their own pace."

"Sure, but it's not my fault if she's just too busy to keep up," he said, his tone light but the edge still present.

Kamsi felt a mix of annoyance and curiosity. She wasn't sure how to respond, but she wasn't about to let him get under her skin. "Maybe I'm just focused on the things that matter," she replied softly, looking out the window.

The remaining ride was quiet until they finally arrived at the apartment building, a tall structure comprising numerous units.

"Here we are!" Gilbert announced, pulling to a stop.

"Thank you!" Kamsi said, offering a grateful smile.

"Sure, what's a tutor for?" he joked, his tone lightening the atmosphere. "Don't forget to do the practice work I gave you."

Xavier murmured from the back seat, "I doubt she will, seeing she's too focused on other things." Kamsi chose to ignore his comments, hoping to avoid any further provocation.

"I will," she replied firmly, stepping out of the car.

"Bye," Gilbert waved as she closed the door.

"Bye," Kamsi waved back, watching as he pulled away. As soon as she was out of sight, Gilbert cast a glare at Xavier.

"What?" Xavier asked, feigning boredom as if his only source of entertainment had just vanished.

Gilbert shot him a suspicious look but chose to say nothing more before driving off.