9
Bear whispered to Raven in the canteen, their backs to the wall, their gaze on those around, while they ate their lunch. ‘I reckon I’ll be able to get my head through tonight.’
‘Ox has four months.’
‘Depending on what’s down there, we could make it in two. Maybe sooner. It’s becoming a lot easier.’
Only their eyes smiled at each other as Oxley brought his food over.
‘I think Kane’s fallen in love with me.’ Oxley shoved a ham chunk in his mouth, chewing and grinning at the same time. ‘He’s being tender. And he cornered me at the supply room earlier when I was putting the cleaning equipment away, longing for my touch.’ Oxley leaned back, raising his spoon with thought. ‘Can’t let him go, though. Privileges and that.’
‘You mean sex.’ Raven scoffed out a laugh.
‘And the little snacks he gives me.’ Oxley tapped his pocket and winked. ‘Chocolate.’
‘Buy it from you,’ said Bear. ‘Name your price.’
Oxley chewed his lip, clearly amused. ‘Hmm, you’ve never been much of a fan of the sweet stuff, so I’m thinking why wouldmy brother Bear be in need of such an item? A certain silver-haired girl comes to mind.’
Bear simply sipped his cup of water. ‘How much?’
‘Take it. As if I’m going to charge you.’ Oxley slipped the small bar of chocolate under the table, and Bear put it in his pocket. ‘So, you got feels, bro?’
‘No, I’ve not gotfeels. I want to tell her to keep it as currency. It could help her when we’re not around.’
Oxley received the message loud and clear. ‘So, soon then, eh?’
‘Hopefully, sooner than we thought.’ Bear rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced across the canteen to where Scarlen was sitting with his sister. He hoped she would be safe. There wasn’t any reason she shouldn’t be. Judd seemed to be ignoring her, and she had proved she could hold her own against Kylar. And as long as there were noBear and Scarlen, Varklee had no problem with her. No one knew her true identity, and he wasn’t going to tell her truth to the other inmates. He couldn’t stress over it. He had enough to worry about.
By the time he was gone, Scarlen would be well and truly settled into the system. He had another one or two months left with her, all being well, so it was plenty of time to make sure she was all right and well supplied for. He decided he would leave her any money he had as well.
He mentally shook his head as she met his gaze.I’ve got to stop thinking about her.Family time was next, so he’d spend that time educating her on what was good currency to have and who were the best screws to bribe. If she hadn’t already figured it out, he could offer that much, then he wouldn’t have to carry the weight of her with him when he went home.
She was already a burden. He didn’t want to feel attached. He owed her and her father nothing. It was just a deal to help Wynter. He didn’t need to go the extra mile.
He glanced once more at Scarlen and his sister. Both were so petite, but he knew Wynter had a bite. But Scarlen? There was something in her eyes that held a thousand stories, and curiosity got him each time he looked into them.
Can’t be easy being the general’s daughter, he would tell himself. He had no idea what her life was like on the outside, and he still didn’t know the truth behind her crime.
The mystery of her niggled at him as he finished his lunch.
The pips went, and Bear couldn’t get to the family area quick enough. Something felt different this time because he knew he was leaving soon. He hoped. And Scarlen would have no backup.
As soon as she entered the family room, he approached with his idea. ‘How about we use this time to spar, rather than play cards? Training will benefit you more.’
Scarlen was staring at him, barely having time to close the door. ‘You think I’m that bad?’
‘You’ve got some moves, but if you sharpen your tools, no one will fuck with you in here.’
She went to the bed and picked up the cards, slowly turning over the pack, considering. ‘At least we’ll look ruffled when we leave.’
He bit back a smile as she grinned his way. ‘There is that.’
‘Okay. I’m always up for improvement.’ She put the cards down and placed her hands on her hips. ‘I can’t see Kylar paying Goolan anymore for time with me on the mat, so who knows who I’ll spar with next. It’s worth getting in some practice, especially if any more of the Pirates want a piece of me. I’m surprised the Flames haven’t joined in yet.’
‘They’re under Varklee’s orders to leave you alone.’
‘Oh, why? He hates me.’
