“This is not the reason why we’re here. We don’t have time for this shit,” Anneli yells. At least I have one person on my side.
“She’s right. Stop this,” I say.
Robbie takes ahold of Art’s right arm while Aiden grabs his left, dragging him over to the Mustang to hold him against the hood. Danny climbs to his feet and walks over to a struggling Art.
“Now you pay,” Danny says.
“No, me first. This fucker broke my nose twice.”
Zeke begins to rain punch after punch on Art’s upper body.
I turn my head to look Trevor in the eyes. “Please, stop this. Please, I’m begging you.”
After a few seconds he finally says, “Josh, it’s time to end this before somebody gets seriously hurt.”
I sigh in relief.
Josh walks over to Zeke and wraps his forearm around his neck to pull him away from Art. “Easy, man,” Josh says.
Art jerks his arms away from Robbie and Aiden.
“Stay the fuck out of this, Josh.” Danny jabs a finger in Josh’s direction.
“I don’t like this asshole any more than you do, but he’s my cousin,” he replies, letting go of Zeke.
“You’re related to this dipshit?” Danny exclaims.
“Yep, and I don’t want to have to explain to my father how he ended up in the hospital during his first week here.”
“Watch your back,” Danny threatens.
“Ditto, motherfucker,” Art replies.
Zeke spits a mouth full of blood at Art’s feet. Art smirks in response.
I walk over to Art. “Are you okay?”
Blood drips down the corner of his mouth, but other than a few scrapes and bruises, he seems fine. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t.”
“Then run along back to your boyfriend. He’s watching,” Art mocks.
“Fucking asshole,” I say, walking back over to a disgruntled Trevor.
“What did you say to him?” Trevor asks.
“I just wanted to see if he’s okay.”
“He’s trouble. I know it’s impossible for you to avoid him entirely since you live in the same house, but don’t seek him out.”
He kisses my forehead when I nod in understanding.
“I say Josh’s cousin won the fight.” Dex scratches his head.
“Shut the fuck up, Dex, before I break your glasses,” Zeke grumbles as he attempts to stop the flow of blood with the hem of his shirt.
“Dex, stop provoking them,” Trevor says.
