EMILY'S POV
I closed my eyes the moment I slammed into him. I was expecting a push or a hard slap but instead, I got a hug.
My brain processed the hug and the familiar cologne. I raised my head to Devin. He looked so worried and just held me tightly against himself.
That instant I felt safe. I didn't feel the need to keep running or hide. Devin was here and I knew he was going to protect my ass.
I held him right and he brushed my hair wet hair away. He raised my face and kissed me under the rain. Everything else stopped and the only thing I could think of was his lips ok mine. His kiss was hunger filled with fear. He tasted like a latte and I loved it.
He broke the kiss and kissed my forehead. "Xavier is waiting, let's go."
I gave a nod and turned behind me to see if the bad guys were in sight but I didn't see them.
He put his hands around my waist and we walked to the end of the road. When Xavier saw us, he hurriedly walked toward us.
"Emily," he worried called and wrapped his hands around my wet body. I exhaled and remained in his arms, regretting why I left.
"Where the fuck did you go to? You got us scared."
I remained quiet and watched him scold me. I kinda deserve it so I just squeezed my jaw.
He ignored Devin who brought me, but I couldn't say anything. The last thing I was to listen to them exchanging words.
When we got home, he gestured me inside and we walked to the door. The moment I stepped in my mom sprawled up and ran to me.
"Oh my god, Emily. Where did you all go to?" She turned back to me, "You got me worried, I thought I lost you."
She squeezed me tighter than Xavier did and I just closed my eyes for a moment.
"I'm sorry ma'am, we just thought of going on a joy race."
"And what the hell is that?"
"Uh, running under the rain. I'm sorry, we should have told you but we thought we'd make it back on time," Devin lied.
My brows furrowed at his lie. Was he trying to save us the explanations and trouble? He lied so perfectly, mom already believed him.
"I'm sure you know that wasn't a smart thing to do," Dad chirped. "Anything could have happened and it isn't safe. Don't try this next time."
"We're sorry Dad," Xavier pleaded.
Dad gave a nod and we all got inside. I was still shuddering and got all cold from the rain.
"Here," Dad said offering me a jacket. It was Xavier's denim jacket. I collected it and wore it. He didn't offer any to the boys, he just left them to freeze.
"What about me?" Xavier asked Dad. He was expecting Dad to offer him a jacket too.
"Be a man, Son. Your friend is shivering too."
Mom laughed and I joined her. It was funny seeing Dad ask him to remain cold to prove he was a man.
"I'll get you something."
Mom stood up and entered the room. She returned shortly with blankets and gave it to them.
Devin smiled in appreciation and thanked her. "Thanks."
He took off his wet jacket and wrapped the jacket around his shoulders. Xavier did the same and sat on the chair. Mom gave Xavier a cup of hot tea to keep him warm and handed the second cup to Devin.
Devin sipped the tea gently so it didn't burn him. I turned my head to the table and saw the box of pizza he brought earlier. I frowned, trying to understand what was happening.
Xavier made me lunch and shortly after, Devin pulled up with a box of pizza. Were they playing games with me? Was this a prank?
I couldn't help the thoughts that clouded my head. Why were they acting so calm? Xavier ignored Devin and Devin didn't say any word to Xavier. I sat on the chair wondering what they could be up to when Devin announced he was leaving.
"I think I should leave already, it's getting pretty late."
I turned my head to where he sat. I wasn't going to say anything, I just looked at him. Xavier did the same as if expecting him to leave already.
"No no, it's still raining outside and it's unsafe."
"Are you driving back?" Dad asked and he shook his head in disapproval.
"No, but I'll take a cab."
"I really can't let you go under the rain Devin, stay over for the night," Mom offered and he looked at me. I returned his surprised look and then turned to catch a glimpse of Xavier.
"She's right," Dad added.
"If you can't stay over then I'll let you leave only if your parents come to pick you up."
"They're never coming," Xavier blurted without minding if he sounded Insensitive.
He wore a blank expression but I could see beyond the expression. I knew he was feeling Jealous because mom asked Devin to stay over. He hated that Devin was going to stay in our house and possibly share our room with us.
Mom threw a glance at him and raised her brows in surprise. She didn't understand why Xavier would say such a thing.
"Uh, I don't know my parents," Devin casually stated. "Basically an orphan."
Devin broke the silence with an explanation of what Xavier meant by that. He gave a faded smile to cover up but I knew what Xavier said hurt him.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry," Mom empathized walking closer to him. "I didn't know about your parents."
"Me neither, It's fine," he replied brushing the sympathies off. He didn't want to be pitied and I understood it. I just kept looking at him hoping he saw how much I wanted to hug him.
My thoughts were fulfilled by mom giving him a warm hug. He wasn't expecting it and just stood without moving. He didn't know if he should return mom's hug or not.
I turned to look at Xavier and he looked like he was going to vanish. I wondered why Xavier couldn't even feel some form of Empathy. It was a natural feeling but he barely acted kike he cared.
"Sorry about your parents, Buddy."
Dad patted him on his shoulder and he gave an appreciative nod. I had no idea what to say. Was I supposed to tell him sorry too? This was harder than watching him stare at me.
His eyes turned to me and my lips twitched, remembering his kiss.