A charged, possessive buzz rips through me at the last thought. I’ve got no clue how it happened, how the possibility of someone hurting Blue would fuck with me too, but it’s sure as shit there.
Whether I like it or not.
Forcing my jaw to relax, I nod toward the front of the class, where Mr. Lancer’s speaking. Then I say quietly, “If you keep staring at me, I’m gonna miss every word of this lecture.”
Blue’s entire expression lightens. She grins and bites her lip before facing forward, and a small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.
By the end of next period, fresh adrenaline spikes through me, angry and explosive, but I keep calm on the exterior as I pace down the hall, only one thing in mind. They’re leaning against the lockers when I spot them. Kimmie rolls her eyes at something, with Cory behind her, arms wrapped around her waist. Amber stands to their left, scrolling through her phone with one hand, while the other curls around her necklace. And finally, Tiffany, who drones on about who-the-hell-knows-what as she runs her fingers down Tommy’s jacket.
The five of them look up when I approach. I focus on Kimmie first.
She gapes at me, her mouth opening then closing again.
“What I do, and who I do it with, is none of your business.” My voice is low and steady, and I make sure she hears every word. “You got that?”
She juts out her chin but gives a small nod.
“Good. And Blue, she’s your family.” Kimmie scoffs, and I narrow my gaze. “She’s yourfamily. You look out for each other. You don’t get to spread shit about her.”
I swing my glare to Tiffany before Kimmie can respond.
The brunette chews on the inside of her cheek, and I inch closer, making sure she feels the full wrath behind my quiet warning.
“You got something to say, say it straight, or keep it to your damn self.”
She glances at Kimmie, then back at me. A flicker of uncertainty passes through her eyes, but she licks her lower lip and pulls her shoulders back. “So it’s true then? You’re into her? She’s a total freak—”
“Tiff ...” Kimmie warns, but I’m already seeing red.
“What’s that?” I move closer, and Tiffany shrinks back.
“I ... I said, she’s ... she’s weird. I just don’t get it—”
“Did I ask for your opinion?”
She swallows. Shakes her head.
“Are wefriends?”
This time, she glares but keeps her mouth shut.
“You don’t know a goddamn thing about me. If I hear anyone running their mouths, talking shit about Blue, they’re going to regret it.” Silence rings through the hall. I don’t know when the bell rang, but I’m too worked up to care right now. “We clear?”
She drops her gaze to the floor. “Whatever,” she mutters.
I’m about to walk away when I remember Tommy, and I catch his gaze. I don’t let it go until he gives me a slight nod, letting me know he understands. We both know what he wanted when he approached Blue the other day.
And now he knows she’s mine.
Blue
Ilift my head toward the sky when a raindrop lands on my cheek, cool and soft. I smile. Adjusting my grip on the bike handles, I pedal slowly.Texas. Crazy, unpredictable Texas. From sunshine to thunderstorms in the blink of an eye. I wish Mom were here to see it with me.
I’ve only made it a block from school by the time rain pours from the clouds, soaking my hair and dress. A honk sounds, making me start, then a familiar beat-up truck appears on my left.
Joshua rolls down the passenger window. A small smile hooks the corner of his lips, and he nods toward the empty seat.
“Ride with me?”
