In L.A., I would never be visiting a friend in prison. This was so far removed from my Beverly Hills’ lifestyle it was insane, and yet something about it felt fine. Ethan and I grew up in the hood, and unfortunately we didn’t have the same opportunities as the rich kids. We had to fight and claw and beg and steal our way through life. I’d probably have gone a completely different route had my mom not passed away and I not gone to that private school.
Once off the freeway, it was a short ten-minute drive into a small parking lot off of Camp Verde Prison.
Ethan stepped off the bike and rolled his shoulders. “Ever visited someone in prison?”
I laughed. “Nope. This will be my first time.”
“It’s not as scary as you think. I’ll protect you.” He winked.
Even though he was kidding, butterflies took flight in my stomach and I wasn’t sure if it was the sexy wink or the declaration that he’d protect me.
I stood to my full height then, which was nothing compared to him. “I can protect myself,” I declared jokingly, and puffed my chest for good measure.
Ethan’s eyes went stormy, his face serious. “Ever shot a gun?”
Jesus.
“No.” I played with the hem of my shirt.
He nodded. “I’ll take you to the shooting range sometime. Show you how.”
Again with those fucking butterflies. Ethan wanted to show me to shoot a gun because he was worried about Bryce. He’d never say it, but that’s why he brought it up. I knew it. Was I capable of shooting someone? I didn’t think so. Even my monster of an ex. But it was another excuse to spend time with Ethan, which I was enjoying.
“Okay.”
“Okay.” He held out his hand for me and I looked at it, a little confused.
“Best to make it look like we’re together so the other guys don’t think you’re single and make a pass,” he stated.
My eyes bugged out and I slipped my hand into his as his fingers laced through mine. Holy shit, the nervousness that rushed through my body was epic teenager level. I was holding a man’s hand for Christ sake, no big deal, and you’d think I was at a Jonas Brothers’ concert with the way my heart was hammering.
After signing into the front and waiting a few minutes, we were patted down. A female officer spent a lot of time around my breast area and I wanted to punch her in the face, but then remembered this was her job and people probably snuck in drugs and crap.
Once we were cleared, we entered a larger room with a bunch of picnic tables in it. A male inmate sat behind each one. Ethan held my hand closely, his other arm tucked behind my back. We made our way all the way to the back where a giant of a man sat looking out a window.
“Scotty!” Ethan shouted, and the man turned.
Wow. I thought Ethan was bad boy sexy. Scotty was a fucking hot silver fox. He looked only about thirty-five, but was already over fifty-percent gray-haired. I thought Ethan was tatted up? This dude had not an inch of bare skin except for his face. He looked menacing, and yet familiar with those ice blue eyes and wide smile as he looked at his brother, who held on to me.
“Ethan!” Scotty stood and they embraced quickly before we all sat. A handful of guards paced the aisles as we settled in.
“This is my friend Hailey. We both went to Sunnyside together.”
I waved, unsure if I would be able to shake his hand or not.
“It’s nice to meet you, Hailey from Sunnyside.” His brother’s eyes twinkled and I was shocked at how much their baritone voices were similar.
“You too.” My eyes flicked over to where a woman was crying while holding onto her son’s hand.
“How’s the shop?” Scotty leaned back and put his arms behind his head like we were at a Sunday brunch.
Ethan nodded. “Really good. Did you get my deposit into your commissary account?”
Scotty nodded. “Yes. Thank you, brother. Helps the days pass by smoother when you can have top ramen and Doritos.”
I chuckled and Scotty winked at me.
Ethan’s big brother leaned forward then, looking at bit more serious. “Mom said you haven’t returned her calls for over six months.”
