Read No One's Hero (Chadwell Hearts) for Free Online Page B

buildings visible through the veil of leafy trees. A white spire perches on top of the rectangular building tucked behind a majestic marble statue. Around its base, flowerbeds and circular benches offer a quaint place to study.  Everything is a bit too matchy-matchy for my tastes, but it’s obvious Lexi is enraptured. “Did you know Charleston Hall is one of the original structures? It was the estate house before they converted it to a college... It’s been renovated, but much of the structure was restored to its original design.”
    Of course. Because we’d never want something to look its age. “I see. Any idea where we’re supposed to park?” I’m kicking myself for not planning ahead, but I wasn’t really thinking we’d be unloading stuff here. I’ve got to know better. I should not only know when and where her orientation is, but every entry and exit.
    “We’ve got to check in on the quad first, there will be tables with people to direct us.” She glances at the dashboard clock and frowns. “Hopefully they are still there. Just pull into the visitor lot, it should be just ahead. We can move to C lot, closer to Bennett Hall, after we check in.”
    Bennett Hall sounds vaguely familiar, and I remember seeing it written on some of the papers Axel gave me yesterday—it’s the dorm she was supposed to be in. A co-ed dorm.
    Fantastic. I pinch the bridge of my nose and let out a sigh. I glance around, wondering if there is anywhere close we can grab dinner. I think I saw a little diner a few streets before we got here, and I could seriously go for a burger right about now. Something hearty to give me the energy to brave the night that lies ahead. I can’t believe we’re staying in the fucking dorms when we have another option. What type of sane, normal person wants to share their living space with strangers? Me personally, I hate being in a crowd, and not just because it will make my job harder. I just value my own space.
    Lexi bounds out of the truck before I’ve even cut the ignition, leaving me to curse and chase after her. “Don’t do that again.” I catch her by the elbow, but then let go when another student and his parents toss me a concerned look. The last thing I need is a bunch of do-gooders sticking their noses in her business.
    “Don’t do what?” She starts toward the quad.
    “Run off without me. You’ve got to give me time to check an area, or at the very least I need to be by your side.”
    She rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”
    On the quad, which is just a fancy name for the overly green lawn with flowerbed-lined sidewalks criss-crossing it that stretches out in front of Charleston Hall, resident advisers with fake smiles wait behind tables with letters taped to the front. Lexi and I approach the one marked D - F. Once she’s got her sheaf of papers clutched proudly in her hand and her student ID shoved in her pocket, we head back to the truck.
    “Hand me the parking pass.” I hold out one palm, while opening the passenger door for her with my other hand.
    She cocks her head at me, a strange smile on her face.
    “What?” I prompt.
    “Just you. I can’t figure out if you’re a caveman or a gentleman.”
    I tap my chest. “Me hungry. You woman. Get in Flintstone-mobile.”
    Her shoulders shake with laughter, but she hands over the pass and hops in. The campus is small, so the drive around to the back where the resident parking is only takes a few moments. She’s quiet during it, though her wide eyes still take in each new site with child-like wonder. I can’t help dwelling on the difference between how we see things. To her, everything is an untapped opportunity. To me, everything is a threat until it’s been assessed. While she gazes with wonder, I gaze with worry. Christ, she’s going to be nearly possible to contain. “Campus map.” I hold my open palm out again when she starts to unbuckle.
    She shuffles her papers, then holds it up victoriously. “Right here. Looks like