Nicholas

You had been standing near the university for twenty minutes already, cursing the rain, your mom, and her new boyfriend, who had promised to pick you up after class.

But instead of the familiar car, a black motorcycle suddenly braked next to him.

The guy behind the wheel took off his helmet, running his fingers through his dark hair.

• How long will you stand there?

You frowned.

• Where is Mark?

— It works. He sent me.

"Seriously?" You looked him over incredulously. "Who are you anyway?"

• Nicholas. His son.

After these words, your stomach tightened uncomfortably. Mom's boyfriend had been talking about living together for a couple of months, but you didn't think meeting his son would happen like this.

• I won't go with you.

Nicholas rolled his eyes wearily.

• Oh God, don't start. I have enough to do as it is.

• Then go about your business.

He slowly got off the motorcycle and came closer, stopping almost right next to it.

"Listen, I don't care whether you like me or not. But Father asked me to bring you home safe. So either you get in yourself, or I'll throw you over my shoulder and take you away anyway."

— Are you always this crazy?

— Only when I get wet in the rain because of a capricious girl.

You snatched the second helmet from him in irritation.

• I hate you.

— Get in line.

When the motorcycle took off, you instinctively hugged him around the waist to keep from falling.

And Nicholas chuckled contentedly, as if this was exactly what he had been waiting for.