“I didn’t think?—”
“You’re right, you didn’t.”
I grimaced, not trying to hide it. “I don’t know what I can say or do to make this better, but please know that I tried my best to stop what was happening between Justin and Kraven, and it’s the only reason I talked to Kraven first. If it wasn’t for them fighting, it would have been you.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”
“No… yes… maybe…”
“You’re protecting him, and I’m over it. I have no idea how I’m going to get him out of this one, and a huge part of me wants him to pay his own consequences. I’m exhausted from having to cover his ass and save him yet again. I’m suffering the repercussions of his bullshit, and I struggle with giving a shit.”
“Julius, you don’t mean that. You’re just upset, and you have every right to be.”
“Kraven has no idea the shitstorm he’s started. If we can’t find Joe, he’s stuck there until the judge changes the order, and you know how that goes… He could be stuck in there for months, regardless of him turning eighteen next month.”
“I know this doesn’t excuse anything because violence never does, but Kraven was just defending me. Justin wouldn’t let up. It’s almost like this was his plan all along.”
“Yeah, well, Justin and Kraven have a long history of getting to each other.”
“Yeah, Kraven told me why.”
He eyed me cautiously. “It’s just a rumor.”
“Not to Kraven or Justin, is it to you?”
He shook his head. “I don’t care either way.”
“Is that why you don’t even want to try to bring your mom into this? She could be your only hope.”
“If our mother, who abandoned us, is our only hope, then we’re fucked.”
“Yeah, but?—”
“But nothing. You don’t get a say in this, Isla.”
“I’m not trying to have a say. All I’m trying to do is make you aware that without her, Kraven might be stuck in there.”
“Again, I’m trying to find the will to give a shit.”
“I understand. Truly, I do.” I got closer to him. “But I’ve seen your memories, Julius. Your mother did love you. She wouldn’t have kept?—”
“I’m not going to stand here and waste any more time discussing her with you.”
“Julius, please…” I begged. “Just try to see reason.”
“What makes you think we’re going to find her? She’s been gonefor seven years. She could be dead for all I care. And judging by her lifestyle, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“I think you’re making a mistake,” I adamantly argued. “Kraven was just defending me. It’s not his fault.”
He took one last look at me, stating, “If Kraven’s going to allow other people’s choices to dictate who he fights, then the line forms after me.”
I knew he meant it.
Because, unfortunately, there was no saving Julius from himself.
CHAPTER
THIRTY-SIX
