The week went by like it usually did, with practice in the mornings and afternoons and work in the evenings. She hadn't seen Adrian since their run in at the coffee shop, she and Kamen continued their usual avoidance like they had before, and her dad didn't send another text. Granted, she hadn't bothered replying.

One thing that did stay consistent was Xavier. They talked everyday before class and he was always sure to give her a smile and wave when they passed each other in the halls.

Friday came and she found herself relieved that the week was over. Jayla had managed to convince Mira that Xavier had a thing for her and that their study session was probably Xavier's idea of a makeshift first date.

She wasn't exactly sure how accurate Jayla's assumption was, but part of her hoped she was right.

The place he'd picked out was quite cute, actually. It was a small, dainty cafe, with dim lights and a cozy atmosphere, reminding her a lot of the cafe she worked at.

Xavier had offered to drive them both, but she figured it probably wouldn't be the smartest idea to leave her car in the school parking lot.

They went ahead and ordered coffees before sitting down at a small table, spreading out their books in front of them.

"So, how are you adjusting to Hartsdale?" Mira asked, taking a sip from her caramel latte. It was good, but the one she made were better.

"It's been really good actually. There's a group of guys in my gym class that have kind of inducted me into their friend group so I've been hanging out with them a lot. Jared said I should try out for the lacrosse team but I'm still on the fence about it." He admitted.

"I'm glad you've made some friends, I'm sure it's hard being the new kid, especially second semester senior year." Mira exclaimed. He sighed, nodding his head.

"Yeah, as much as I hated a lot of my friends back at Catholic, I was still pretty hesitant to transfer just because everyone already knows each other and has their friend group, but I think it was the right decision." He smiled.

"Thats good," Mira agreed.

"So," he chirped, "shall we get started on your homework for the weekend?"

"Yes please," She replied, reaching towards her backpack to grab a pencil. They worked steadily through a hefty number of problems, Xavier once again baffling her with how good he was at math.

Nearly two hours had passed, the sun beginning to set outside by the time they finished.

"You don't cease to amaze me," Mira commented as she packed up her things, earning a low chuckle from Xavier.

"Yeah well I already took this class so the content is nothing new to me," he replied sheepishly. "Here I'll walk you to your car."

They made their way towards Mira's car near the edge of the lot, Xavier's hand slipping around her waist and pulling her away from the drivers side and against her passenger door, his spearmint breath hot against her face as he leaned in close.

Her heart hammered against her chest as she held her breath, face growing hot as the smell of his cologne filled the air around them. It was a distinct musty floral scent, one that was suddenly familiar to her. That's when she felt something cool pressed gently against her stomach.

"Why don't we go to your place?" He suggested, his dimpled smile sending chills down her spine. She let her eyes travel down to the black and brown pistol that pressed against her bare flesh. She froze, her breath catching.

"Xav-," she stuttered.

"Shhh, no talking, no screaming, you're going to do as I say or I'll plant this bullet where it hurts most," he hissed, his words venomous as the left his lips. Their eyes met, and any trace of the new kid she'd met just earlier this week was gone.

She opened her mouth to say something, but clamped it shut as he pressed the barrel harder against her stomach.

"Now give me the keys." He commanded, holding his free hand out expectantly. Her hand trembled as she reached into her pocket and handed the fob to him.

"Good girl. Now go get in the drivers seat, and remember, you're either coming with me like this, or with a bullet in your leg," he threatened.  Mira could only manage a weak nod as he slowly stepped back, eyes following her every movement as she wrapped around the car and got into the drivers seat. He got in next to her, reaching over and starting the car for her.

"Drive," he growled. Mira bit her cheek, putting the car into drive and pulling out.

"You we're in my apartment," she stated, struggling to keep her voice from trembling. He raised a brow at her.

"And what makes you think that?"

"Your cologne fucking reeks," she ground out, eyes glued to the road.

"Perceptive girl," he mused. "Should have put the pieces together sooner."

She shot him a glare.

"What do you want with me, Xavier?"

He grunted.

"I don't want anything to do with you my dear Amira, but there are a lot of people that do, my boss included." He said, his eyes locked on her, like he was waiting for her to make one wrong move.

Mira tensed. She never told him her full name, which meant he knew more about her than she thought.

"If it's money you're after, then you can have it," she glanced over at him, waiting to see his reaction.

He laughed, the sound vibrating through the car.

"No shit, you really have no fucking clue, do you princess?" He asked in partial disbelief. Mira's grip tightened on the steering wheel. If he wanted her dad's money, that made some sense, but she didn't have anything else to offer.

"Is your name even Xavier?" She asked finally.

"Nope." He replied. "Now stop getting distracted, I'm going to be pissed if you miss a turn."

Mira watched as she passed dozens of people, all of them going about their business, not even sparing a look in her direction. She could look at them all she wanted, they couldn't see the gun the guy next to her had, and the moment she tried getting help, she knew he'd find a way to shut her up. She had to get away from him, and although she was confident she could outrun him, she couldn't outrun a bullet.

Her mouth had gone dry as she drove, watching the light in front of her turn from yellow to red. Her heart pounded, and without thinking, she slammed the gas, speeding under the red light and into the intersection.

She barely heard him yell before a car collided with them, the sound of scraping metal drowning out even the sound of her own thoughts.

Her body had nearly gone numb as she blinked, her vision red and blurry, hot blood trickling into her right eye.

Her car door was open and she could make out numerous figures surrounding her, their voices muffled together.

She felt hands wrap around her as she was pulled from the car and placed gently on the ground. She looked up, her vision beginning to clear.

"Mira? Hey, can you hear me?" The voice sounded familiar.

"Adrian?" She croaked, coming back to her senses.

His face was clear now, worried eyes scanning over her.

"You can put me down, I'm ok," she reassured, pushing herself into a sitting position. Her head throbbed, body aching all over.

She looked over to see people pulling someone else from her car: Xavier. Her situation came rushing back to her.

She pushed herself to her feet, desperate to get as far away as possible.

"Hey, hey, slow down Mira, you're hurt," Adrian grabbed her arm, urging her to sit back down. She looked at him and shook her head.

"No Adrian, I have to get out of here, please let me go," she begged, watching his expression darken.

"What's going on? The police should be here any minute, you should just sit down for a second. Plus, your friend over there doesn't look to good. Everything will be ok." He gently held her arm.

"He's not my friend," Mira stated, her voice shaking with force. He pursed his lips, his expression contemplating.

"Fine, my cars just around the corner. Let's go." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her through the crowd of people that surrounded her wrecked car, keeping her eyes cast downward as she felt prying gazed watching as she and Adrian left the scene.

They walked in silence as they rounded a corner, Adrian leading her to a sleek black Audi. He opened the passenger door, for her and she slipped into the car, suddenly wondering if she could really trust him. Xavier had said there were a lot of people who wanted something from her, and at this rate, she wasn't sure if there was anyone she could trust.

Adrian slid into the drivers seat, starting the car, but not making any moves to drive.

"So, why did you need to get away from that guy?" He asked finally.

"He-" she began but stopped herself, taking a moment to get a good look at Adrian. Did he have a fun hiding somewhere too?

"Do you know him?" She asked, narrowing her eyes at him. She needed to be careful. Very careful.

His brows knit together, an annoyed expression crossing his features.

"What? Why the hell would I know some punk ass high school kid, Mira? Come on, if you can't give me an answer, I'm going to drive your ass to the hospital and notify the police."

As he said it Mira realized she didn't know where to go. He was having her drive back to her apartment, which meant if he was working with anyone, they would know exactly where to find her.

"He wanted me to take us back to my apartment. And if I didn't, he said he'd shoot me. I don't know what he wants from me, but he made it sound like whatever it is, a lot of people want it." Her voice cracked.

"Honestly I'm not sure what to do, maybe we should call the police." She added, letting out a helpless sigh. She had been held at gunpoint, of course she should call the police. She looked back over to Adrian to see him staring at her thoughtfully, his grey eyes clouded.

"What kind of gun was it?" He asked after a moment. Mira stared at him like he'd just asked the most ridiculous question.

"What? I don't know, I didn't get a good look at it while it was pressed up against my stomach," she bit, the words coming out a little more sour than she'd intended. Adrian rolled his eyes.

"Silver, black? " He questioned.

"It was some sort of black and brown pistol." She answered.

"And what hand did he hold it with?" Adrian continued his interrogation. Mira's brows knitted together as she thought

"His left, I think? Why does that matter?" She asked. His jaw clenched, lips pressed into a tight thin line.

"We can't go to the police." He stated after a moment, before turning to look at her. "Now what exactly did you do to have the Lucchese family hunting you down?"