"Thank fuck," Maverick says, shuddering against me.
"He can't be that bad." I try to stand up for Dom.
The guys give me horrified looks.
Jace says blankly, "Yeah, he can."
We eventually get up, get dressed and have breakfast. The guys,minus Luc and Alec, have a heated conversation about a football game. I'm not that interested in football, so Luc, Alec and I get into a debate on our Psychology assignment.
Eventually a phone rings and Alec, Jace and Luc disappear.
The twins, Dominic and I get all our school stuff and sit at the table.
Occasionally, I hear raised voices from Luc's room where Alec and Jace are. When that happens, the twins and Dom are always watching for my reaction. I ignore it and go back to whatever subject I'm working on.
Honestly, it’s hard to focus. I get into a rhythm and then my mind wanders off. I’m mainly thinking about Jace. That he’s here. ThatI’mhere.
I still can’t believe this amazing group of guys I’ve stumbled across are my brother’s best friends. I always wondered what they were like. Dec had his reasons for us not meeting. I’m not sure what his intentions were—I’ll have to ask J.
I turn my attention back to brainstorming my art project. I’m still not sure what I want my painting to be. It needs to have some meaning behind it—I have to write an essay on it. Stuck in thought, I start planning. Which I mainly just end up doodling on the page.
Eventually, Luc comes out, a stormy look on his face when he slams his books down on the table.
I bite my lip and don't say anything when Alec flinches at the bang the noise makes. Dominic squeezes his shoulder and murmurs something in his ear. Alec nods and reaches a hand up to rest on Dom's still on his shoulder.
Guilt faintly flickers past Luc's face. He quietly apologises to Alec who accepts immediately.
I can see a storm warning in Luc's eyes. I want to offer him comfort or something but I don't know how to help.
It's about one in the afternoon when we take a break. Well, we'd been on a break for twenty minutes talking about how shitty our teachers are but we press pause on that to have lunch.
The guys argue over what to make before settling on grilled chicken burgers.
I'm flipping the chicken when Jace puts his hands on my shoulders. He lowers his mouth to my ear.
"Do you mind getting Alec? He'll be less grumpy if it's not us interrupting him."
"We can take some food in for him?" I suggest.
Jace shakes his head. "He'll work until he drops. He needs a break," Jace tells me and I nod.
I hand him the tongs and he boops my nose. I roll my eyes at his childishness, not being able to contain the smile that creeps on.
I feel his eyes on my legs when I turn and walk away. For once, the feeling isn't unsettling. I don't often wear shorts but it feels nice to not have people comment on my scars when I do.I've had a few dark looks from the guys but none of them ask me what they're from. They already know.
I knock softly on Alec's door. I don't hear anything so I knock again. When I don't hear anything for a second time, I slowly pull the door open.
A soft smile grows on my face when I see Alec, his head in his arms, asleep at his desk. His glasses are dangling from his fingers. I gently pry them away, putting them on the incredibly clean and organised desk.
His features look relaxed and comfortable as he sleeps. He's been running his hands through his hair based on its dishevelled state.
"Alec," I murmur, touching his arm. He stirs quite quickly.
"Hey." Alec says confused as he sits up. His voice is smooth like velvet but it's slightly deeper when he's just woken up. It does things to me I don't plan on admitting to him.
"You fell asleep," I tell him. "Lunch is ready."
"Thanks." He rubs his eyes before putting his glasses on. He blinks as his eyes readjust.
