“CJ?” Skye called.
He backed out of the way and waited until she caught up to him.
“Hey,” she greeted, smiling. “That was totally awesome the way you knew all that stuff.”
“Thanks,” he told her. “I’ve been studying hard to catch up.”
“It shows. I’m with Jaleena. The subject of DNA isn’t my strong suit.”
“DNA as it relates to forensics is interesting to me,” CJ admitted. It played a very big part in club life and how not to get arrested. “I guess that’s why I don’t mind this.”
“I’ve heard you’re very smart, though.”
He shook his head. “Still listening to fucking rumors, Skye.”
“It isn’t a rumor if I saw your brain in action.”
“What’s up? I have to get to my next class.”
“Are you coming over to my house again tonight?”
“We have to get the project finished, so yeah.”
Her face lit up and she smiled. “Okay.”
“Anything else?”
“No. I-I’ll see you at lunch.”
“Bet.”
The cafeteria tables pushed together where he usually sat with his brothers, sister, and cousins weren’t as crowded today. Rebel, Harley, and Mattie were missing as were Axel and Rule. However, Ryan, Devon, and Rory were very much there.
Ryder and Ransom sat on the opposite end, normally reserved for the younger kids. Between the absences and the rearranged seating, that gave CJ the option of sitting alone in the gap of empty seats or sitting in his usual spot. He was making peace inside himself over Ryan, but those other two motherfuckers? Nope.
But then Harley walked in, which surprised CJ. He hadn’t known she was at school. However, Devon sat in her spot. That motherfucker wouldn’t move and Harley wouldn’t ask him to, so it was up to CJ.
He walked to where Harley stood in line, her gaze trained ahead as if she’d made it her mission not to look at anyone.
“Hey, bae,” he greeted.
She blinked and tipped her head up, a slow smile forming on her mouth. Without the makeup for the school play, her bruises werequite visible though fading. He didn’t want her to feel subconscious, however, so he grinned.
“Hey, CJ.”
They really didn’t need to say much more at the moment. It was lunchtime, a school meal they’d enjoyed together forever. Until recently.
She chose soup and salad over the hamburger and French fries, and bottled water over a sports drink. CJ paid for hers and his, then escorted her to the table.
Devon took one look at him and scrambled two sets over without CJ having to say a fucking word. Both him and Rory were still fucking bruised.
Once Harley sat down, CJ took his seat opposite her, which placed her next to Rory and him next to Ryan.
Rory glanced at his half-eaten burger then raised his gaze to CJ. “Can I say something, CJ?”
“You can say what the fuck you want.” CJ grabbed the mustard and ketchup packets, removed the top bun, and spread the condiments on his burger. “It doesn’t mean I’ll fucking listen.”
“I-I meant to Harley.”
