I nod, and one look at his face tells me he does not approve.

“Ever—” he starts, but I stop him right there. I know what he’s thinking—that I’m leaving because it hurts too much to see Damen with Stacia, having no idea of the deal Damen and I made.

“I just thought of something, something I need to take care of while I still have the chance,” I mumble, knowing I haven’t convinced him as I watch Haven parade around table A, laughing and flirting, clearly enjoying her new role as queen bee.

“Cryptic much?” Miles narrows his gaze.

But I just shrug, eager to get moving, not wanting Haven to see me leave and, gawd forbid, decide to follow me.

“Well, can I at least come?” He looks at me, spoon dangling in midair.

I shake my head, gaze still on Haven when I say, “No.” Not even pausing long enough to consider it, which doesn’t go over so well.

“And why not?” His voice rises as his face drops into a frown.

“Because you have class.” The sound of my own voice making me wince, I sounded way more like a teacher than a friend.

“And you don’t?”

I sigh, shaking my head as I look at him. That’s different.I’m different. And now that he’s aware of it, I shouldn’t have to explain it.

Still, he’s not about to give up, he just continues to gaze at me with those big brown eyes, holding the look for so long I finally give in and say, “Listen, I know you think you want to come, but trust me, youso don’t. You really, really don’t. And it’s not that I don’t want you with me, or that I’m trying to ditch you or anything like that, it’s just that, well, what I’m planning to do, it’s not exactly considered legal. So really, I’m only trying to protect you.”

He looks at me, spooning a glob of yogurt into his mouth, not the least bit swayed by the case I just pled. Covering his face with his hand as he looks at me and says, “Protect me from who—you?”

I sigh, fighting to keep a straight face, though it’s kind of hard when he looks at me like that. His brow rising in suspicion, the flat-edged tip of his spoon bobbing up and down in his mouth. “Protect you from the law ,” I finally say, cringing at how dramatic that sounds, even though it’s true.

“O—kay…” He drags out the word, eyes squinted as though seriously considering it. “And just what brand of illegal are we talking here?” He looks me over, clearly having no intention of letting it go ’til he’s uncovered every last detail. “Larceny, bribery, usury, or some other illegal act that ends with ay ?”

I sigh again, longer and louder this time, but still, in the end I just shrug and say, “Fine, if you must know, I’ve got a little harmless B and E I need to take care of, okay?”

“Breaking and entering?” He tries not to gape but doesn’t really succeed. “But of theharmless variety?”

I nod. And shrug. And make a big point of rolling my eyes. Clock’s ticking, lunch is shrinking, bell’s gonna ring, and if it wasn’t for this, I’d be long gone by now.

Seeing him lick his spoon clean, toss it into the trash, and rise from his seat as he says, “Well then, count me in.” I start to protest, but he’ll have none of it. He just flashes his palm and adds, “And don’t even try to stop me. I’m coming, whether you like it or not.”

I hesitate, hating the idea of involving him in this but also thinking it might be nice to have a little company for a change. I’m tired of playing the solo act.

I squint, looking him over as though I’m still weighing my options, even though I’ve already decided in favor of it. Shooting a quick glance at Haven, making sure she’s still occupied, still engrossed in her own little world on Planet Haven, before I say, “Fine. But just act normal, okay? Act like you’re just casually getting your stuff together because you know the bell’s gonna ring in exactly two and a half seconds and you want to get to class on time and then—”

The bell rings, interrupting my speech as Miles gapes at me and says, “How did you—?”

But I just shake my head and motion for him to follow, warning him not to look anywhere near Haven’s table, as I steal a quick glance at Damen’s.

“And just remember, whatever happens, you asked for it,” I add, as we make our way through the gate.

Aware of Damen’s heavy wondering, questioning gaze—having no idea that what I’m about to do, well, if I’m successful anyway, could change our lives forever.

For better.

And if not, if I don’t get what I’m looking for, well, maybe that alone will provide the answer I seek.

“Now,this is what I’m talkin’ ‘bout.” Miles grins, face practically glowing with excitement. “Thisis what senior year is supposed to be like. You know, ditching classes, playing hooky, having fun, indulging in a little illegal activity—”

I peer at him, making sure he’s all settled in before I punch the gas hard. There’s no need for pretense, he knows exactly what I am, what I’m capable of. And after a few moments of white-knuckle-gripping silence from him, we’re there.

Or at least,almost there, since I make a point to park halfway down the street, just like I did the last time I was here, figuring it’s safer, if not smarter, to walk the rest of the way. No need to park on the drive and announce my arrival.

“Last chance to back out.” I glance at my friend, white faced and panting beside me, struggling to get his equilibrium back.